Aiyla snickered at the St. Patrick's Day decorations, hung the last one on one of the planters in the roof top garden and stepped off the chair, looking around. All in all, it looked rather nice. And all the drinks had already been delivered. But it was a double party, and between herself and Nate, it was sure to be a most interesting party. Nothing like celebrating St. Patricks Day, with moving into a new building.

And the roof top garden was a superb place to have it.

Aiyla moved back to the table with the drinks, stuck a couple bottles of champagne on ice and looked back over the garden.

Chaos and Sylvie emerged form the stairway, platters of food in hand and looked around as they headed for the patio. "Everything looks fabulous!" Sylvie said with a smile as she set the platter down, leaving the cover on for now.

Chaos set hers down beside it, taking in the three large tubs of ice on the patio stuffed with beer bottles and cans. A second 'buffet' table had been set up with coolers and buckets of ice, containing various bottles of liquor and the mixes to go with them. Stacks of plastic cups and glasses sat nearby. The food table already had napkins and plates, which made her snort. She had a hard time picturing any of the boys actually USING a napkin or plate...

She took in the garden.. newly planted with tons of greenery and flowers.. the pool all lit up and waiting for swimmers..

She turned back to Aiyla. "You and Nate have done a wonderful job, Aiyla. I'm surprised the boys aren't up here yet...."

Aiyla smiled at Sylvie and Chaos. "Thank you...you can be safe to assume I did all the decorating...Nate seems to have disappeared a bit ago and I haven't seen hide nor hair of him..."

 Lex appeared from the stairwell with the things Aiyla had sent him after. "They weren't where you said they were, Aiyla...took me a little time to locate them."

"Oh goodie! You've found the lights..." Aiyla said with a grin, moving over to take the lights. "Hmm...I was so sure they were in that box..." Aiyla said absently as she began putting the lights up.

Lex looked around after she had, and had to agree it was a very lovely area, and he sort of already knew he'd probably hide up here quite often. He glanced at the pool and it occured to him that he didn't know how to swim. He had to snicker at that, and shook his head, before looking back at Aiyla. "The place really does look good...for a party...I see you put the over size shamrocks to use..." Aiyla beamed at him as she hung up a bunch of green christmas like lights. She was wearing a dark green, short dress. It didn't show anything, but was still quiet Aiyla's style. Her white blond hair had a dark green streak and was pulled up. And her shoes...matched the dress.  She finished with the lights and turned back to the others."Can I get you ladies anything to drink?" She asked with a grin. "While we wait for everyone else..."

Chaos chuckled. "I think we can all help ourselves, Aiyla." she said, and shook her head. If everyone else wore the traditional green, they were all going to blend into the scenery. Sylvie looked, stunning in a rich, dark green leaf patterned 'sundress', that flowed all the way to her ankles. A lightweight lacey cream shrug covered her shoulders, and she'd swept her hair up. She even managed to find little dangling shamrock earrings.

Lex was looking very nice in black pinstrip jeans and a black top, with fishnet sleeves. Green arm warmers covered the fishnet up to just above the elbows ... he turned slightly and she could read 'Pretty in Punk' in hot pink lettering across his chest.

Chaos herself had gone even more casual, choosing her faded low cut jeans, and a forest green blouse, which she had stubbornly tied in front. Thanks to loosing a bet with Charli, she had let Sienna do her hair. Two green be-ribboned braids hung over her shoulders. Actually, even though braids were NOT her thing.. let alone ribbons, the kid had done a good job, braiding the ribbons into the hair, and it didn't look half bad. Still, she was waiting for the jokes to start at any minute...

She turned and glanced over her shoulder, hearing voices echoing up the stairwell. "Here they come..." she said with a smirk. Lex flopped down in a near by chair, crossing his legs at the ankles. He noticed Chaos' braids and chuckled. "Nice braids. I like the ribbons." He said with a grin.

Aiyla passed him a rum and coke and settled in a chair next to him. "Shouldn't let any of them come.." She said behind her drink.

"Why?" Lex asked, taking a sip of his own. He listened to the others slowly arriving, but didn't glance that way just yet, looking out through the windows. "It's nice when it's not snowing, isn't it?" He asked Aiyla.

"Because, they skipped on helping." Aiyla said with a slight grin. She glanced at him. "Okay, okay, you did help, so..." She took in his comment about it not snowing and leaned back in her chair. "Oh yes, I quiet agree..." She said with a slight grin.

"And when it gets warmer, the pool can be used. Actually, I wont be surprised if the pool gets used tonight...You know what might happens when Eire gets drunk." Aiyla glanced at the stairs to see Eire and Nate coming up. Eire already looked like a kid in a candy store, making a bee line for the liqour.

“Actually, the pools heated.. and so’s the whole dome.. so the pool is ready for use any time..” Chaos said with a smirk, overhearing Aiyla’s comment as she headed for a group of chairs by the pool.

"Wha'd'ya say? Ten to one odds, Nate throws him in?" Lex asked softy from his spot.

Aiyla looked back at him, amused. "I'd say more eight to two...wha' ya say? Ten down on those odds?" She removed a little black book.

Lex chuckled, sat his drink on the table between the two chairs and leaned back, arms above his head gripping the back. He watched Eire already pouring a strong drink, while shoving a cookie in his mouth.

"If you can find anyone else to take those odds, i'll put ten down on Nate..." Lex said softly, still watching everyone else. He wasn't completely up for a party...especially if Saffron intended to be there...the two hadn't really spoken since the other day with the bet, and the skirt...

"So...how's the undercover job going?" Aiyla asked with a grin, turning back to look at him.

Lex looked over at her with a dry expression. "I just knew you were going to ask...its going fine...my feet are killing me though." He lifted one foot, to show he was now wearing a pair of thick soled flip flops.

Aiyla chuckled, and patted Lex's arm. "Well I'm sure you have much more patience for the job, then I would..." She got up, leaving Lex to his thoughts as he obviously wanted to be, and she headed back over to the table, where Eire was, just as he went to take a swig from a bottle of vodka.

Aiyla snatched the bottle from his hand and gave him a look. "The party hasn't even really started and already you're drinkin' like mad...wait, Eire...just WAIT..." She told him, putting the bottle back on the table.

Eire looked at it forlornly. "No, I said wait!" Aiyla put out, before shoving Eire playfully AWAY from the table. She turned and leaned against the table, with her own drink, acting as a sentry to keep Eire away for just a little bit, and looked back in Lex's direction.

The red head was still sitting in the chair, staring out the window, his chin resting on his hand. The poor kid looked exhausted and a touch forlorn. Aiyla shook her head with a sigh. Lex needed something in his life to go right for a change. He was such a vibrant person when he was happy. Aiyla really perfered that side of him, rather then the shy, submissive side that was seen more than anything.

Lex sat, staring out the nearest window. He moved his hand from under his chin and rubbed his eyes. He wasn't tired, but he just really didn't feel like being so active at this party.

He turned his head to look back at the party that was starting to get under way, smirked at Eire's attempts to grab a bottle from around Aiyla's side, and was quite content just to watch everyone for right now.

Nate smacked away Eire's hand as it tried for the bottle as he sidled in next to Aiyla. "E, Ye' heard th' lady.. back off fer now... grab somethin' lighter t' start.. 'ave a beer." He watched Eire roll his eyes and wander over to the beer tubs. He turned laughing eyes back to Aiyla who stood arms crossed with an annoyed look on her face. " Wha? Is no' like he's gonna get plastered on beer, Aiy!" he said, slipping his hands around her waist and giving her a pouty look that made her roll her eyes.

Reese and Bull came crashing up the stairs, full tilt, racing for the tables. Shauna appeared behind them, scowling at getting nearly bowled over. All three wore some article of green - Reese had a dark green T-Shirt bearing a bullet ridden smiley face. Bull looked rather like he raided Eire's closet, wearing a green plaid flannel shirt, unbuttoned over a t-shirt. Shauna had chosen to do a tad dressier, and was sporting a black and green patterned dress that swirled around mid thigh.

Chaos groaned as Eire rejoined Reese and Bull in their attempts to bribe liquor out of Aiyla and Nate... Sylvie dropped down beside her. "So, Kay... hmmm since Auron and Faal both call you Clarice... ?" she raised an eyebrow at her, mouth lifted in an amused half smirk as she sipped a glass of wine.

Chaos glanced at her, and snorted, smiling. "Yes, you may... YOU.. still withholding judgment on the others..."

Sylvie chuckled softly, then swung her feet up onto a footstool and relaxed, making Chaos chuckle in return. She looked so relaxed, stretched out on the deck chair, feet up, dress pooling beside her, wine glass in hand... " So, Clarice... how are things going with Auron?"

Chaos laughed out loud, drawing some curious looks from the drink table. "Thing's are going well, Sylvie, thank you. You've been dying to ask that for some time, haven't you?" Sylvie smirked into her glass as she took another sip. Chaos shook her head. "It's been rather odd, and I can't help thinking it should be uncomfortable and weird... but it's not. Once I jumped in, it's just all fell into place, sort of, and just feels.. natural. It only get's weird when I try and figure out 'us'... I mean... what do I call him? He's not exactly my 'ex-husband' , cause there was never a divorce... husband just... I mean it's been almost forty years since we were together, so husband doesn't seem right either.. plus there's nothing legal anymore... "

"The term is 'boyfriend'," Charli said, appearing behind them, two bottles of beer in hand, and handed one to Chaos. "and it seems to be a popular term around here lately... spring fever has hit a might early..." She jerked her head and the other two turned to see Faal emerge from the stairwell.

**

Lex watched Eire trying to steal a stronger drink, and Bull and Reese join him. He smirked slightly, glanced in the direction of Chaos, Sylvie and Charli, watching them a moment, then saw Charli nod toward the stairwell, and he glanced over the back of his chair to see Faal emerge. Lex inclined his head, to hide the slight blush and smirk. Only Faal could make him blush by just walking into a party.

Faal wasn't the only one to enter. Auron arrived, entering casually with one hand in a pocket of his blue jeans. He was wearing a dark silk dress shirt. He looked about casually, and noticed Lex sitting by himself. Auron shook his head slightly, resolved to talk to his youngest son later.

Spotting Chaos, Sylvie and Charli, Auron smirked ever so slightly and made his way toward them. "Good evening, ladies." He took in Chaos' braids and chuckled slightly, reached over and fingered the end of a ribbon in one. Then he said with a charming smile to all three of them. "You're all looking very lovely."

Chaos smiled up at him. "Before you ask... a word of advice. Never take a bet from the mother of a percocious child who is extremely eager for you to accept said bet." Auron chuckled, raising an eyebrow.

Charli smirked. "Translation.. she lost the bet and Sienna got to do her hair tonight." She sat back in her chair, crossing her legs and kicking her one foot slightly. "And no, you don't want to know what the bet was. Trust me."

Sylvie had a mischeivious look on her face, and suddenly Chaos was worried. "Sylvie..." she said, cautiously.. mischievious was not a good look coming from Sylvie. "What are you thinking...?"

"Auron, maybe you could help with something we were just discussing.."

"Shit, I knew it... Sylvie..!" Chaos made a lunge for the sweetly smiling blonde.

Sylvie leaned in her chair just enough to dodge Chaos as she finished her question. "How do you think of Clarice... we were discussing the awkward situation of placing a 'name' on things...."
Auron leaned on the back of Chaos' chair, with a raised eyebrow, but there was still a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Really, the braids are quiet fetching..." he said softly, eyes sparkling, as Chaos lunged for Sylvie

He raised an eyebrow, hide the growing smirk well and said calmly. "I wasn't aware that naming things was so awkward. Perhaps it depends on what you're attempting to name..."

Chaos was blushing fiercely, scowling at Sylvie who was cheerfully ignoring her. Charli was sitting back enjoying the show, but decided to add her two cents. " She means, Auron, how would you term your relationship... Kay was saying that when she thinks of it, she can't decide what she should call you... husband and ex husband aren't legal...."

**

Faal spotted a shock of red hair lounged in a chair by the glass wall and headed that way, stopping behind the chair and leaning over, "Hello, little flame."

Lex looked up and Faal leaned down, his hair spilling loose around Lex's shoulders as he kissed Lex on the forehead.

Lex smiled shyly, but slid a hand up and around Faal's neck, carassing gently. "Hello yourself...I didn't think you'd be here...after all, I'm sure Kay has told you how these parties can turn out." He said with a bit of a smirk.

From some where near the liqour table they heard Eire getting in trouble for trying to snatch at a bottle.

"And it seems at least a couple of them are starting out early..." Lex added with a smirk.

Faal chuckled and kissed Lex again before moving around and pulling up a chair beside him. "All the more reason not to leave you alone to their tender mercies... besides, I missed you."

He sat and down, holding Lex's hand stretched between them as they looked out the windows. "I've been thinking... perhaps it's best you warn me when you're going to be wearing more feminie outfits and i'll avoid you. You have much to.. strong an effect on me. You're just so much more... relaxed and comfortable... more exuberant... then as you are when you're dressed like you are now. No less gorgeous... just something.. a sort of vibe you give off.. it's much too distracting. I don't stand a chance against you."


Lex looked over at Faal with a raised eyebrow. After a moment he had to laugh softly and shake his head. "You do realize, of course, luv, that unless it's like the bet between Aiyla and I, or the job I'm currently doing for her...I don't exactly know when I plan on wearing something feminine...It's not like I actually get up in the morning with the plan to wear a skirt...unless of course, cept for now...I mean, the next couple of days...thanks to Aiyla and weasling out of this job...leaving me with it..." He scrunched up his nose, trailing off. "Besides..." He added softly. "It'd get very lonely if you avoided me..."

***
Auron chuckled, leaning on both arms on the chair. "I see...well...that does take a bit of pondering. I suppose, in the end, its what ever Clarice feels like calling me...I'll answer to it either way." Auron said with a wink.

Chaos, blushing fiercely shot Charli a look. "Forget it girls.. that's as clear an answer as either of you will get out of him.. trust me. Auron is a master at 'ansering with out actually answering'..." She titled her head back and looked up at him. "I think we settled on boyfriend.. even if it does sound rather... 'teenagerish'... Are you going to sit down or make us all get sore necks from looking up at you all night?"

Auron chuckled. "As long as you WANT to look at me." He grabbed a near by chair, pulled it over and sat down. "To be perfectly honest, if boyfriend is the term you're most comfortable with, Clarice, then by all means..." He said with a gesture.

Chaos sighed, groaning a little at Auron's comment. "Well, I'm not exactly compfortable with it, but it's the least insane sounding term... do you think of me as your girlfriend, or do you still think wife..?"

Auron smirked slightly, watching Chaos. "The only thing I think of you as, is the most beautiful woman I've ever known, with or with out blue skin...Not to mention the outgoing you, has become some what of an intoxication for me, there for, it's hard to think of ANYTHING when around you..." He said casually.

**
Faal chuckled softly. "I'm serious, Lexine.. when you wore that skirt for the bet... you were like a different person. You had an air of confidence and assurance... you seemed.. comfortable with yourself. That air about you makes you even more irresistable... and i'm very disappointed in myself for my lack of 'gentlemanly control'.. or any form of control, around you lately..." He sighed, giving Lex a soft smile as he stroked the back of a couple finger across his cheek. " I want to treat you better then that, because you mean so much more to me... and yet I don't want to avoid you... I can't breath when I'm not with you.."

"I can't believe you would be serious on this..." Lex said with a look. "And I was comfortable...admittedly I did do it for everyone's reaction, but it was still fun..." He paused a moment, then added. "I wish you wouldn't be so much of a gentleman ALL The time. Lords, Faal you've treated me better then almost anyone else, you should know that by now!" Lex moved in the chair, facing him better. "Besides, if it's that much a problem, I could go back to being so submissve again." He said with a look.

"No! NO, lords, don't do that... this Lex is much more vibrant and.. wonderful..." Faal stuttered to a halt, suddenly embarrased and wondered if he was blushing... he couldn't remember the last time he'd blushed... He looked over at Lex then smiled sheepishly. "I'm wildly in love with you and you drive me mad with wanting you... and I am not used to that feeling." he chuckled softly, squeezing Lex's hand. "But don't stop finding yourself... I'm loving watching your journey..."

Lex leaned forward, closer to Faal. "Well then, you should understand how I feel about it...you make me feel ways...not even Rowen could and you should perfectly well know that. If it hadn't been for you, I probably would have never taken Aiyla's bet in the first place. And that's a fact. Ask anyone who knew me well before you came along..." He ran a finger along Faal's jaw. "So then this journey of mine wouldn't be nearly as fun if you weren't around to watch...so I suggest you not try to avoid me...because who’s to say how long I'd be so outgoing if you weren't around..."

Faal chuckled, kissing Lex's finger as it trailed over his lips. "Very well, I won't avoid you if you won't hold my self control.. or lack there of... against me." He said with a wink. "See?" he said spreading his arms and showing off his attire - new jeans and a long sleeve lightweight sweater in a medium green with black bands with thin stripes of tan bordering the colours... and his hair hung loose to almost his waist. Lex looked down and saw the white hightop sneakers and smirked. "You dared me to dress 'casual'... AND i left my hair loose! I rather like my hair down.. not so sure about the jeans though..."

**

Chaos rolled her eyes, chuckling. "See what I mean?"

Sylvie smirked into her drink. "Cheekier then Prince Estehl..."

Charli raised an eyebrow at Auron. "DO you avoid answering directly because it amuses you.. or because it embarrasses you, Auron.. or because you just don't know the answer?"

Auron smirked a bit more, with a chuckle, regarding Charli. "I wasn't aware that I did avoid answering directly. After all, it keeps me alive and other people on their toes… Besides, it all really depends on the type of question, and who's asking it." \

Sylvie gave Charli a look. "Translation... it embarrasses him that he doesn't quite know the answer... so he dances around it hoping to distract us..."

Chaos chuckled, and turned at the sound of shouting to discover someone, Eire most likely, had dropped some ice cubes down Shauna's back...
She also noticed that just about everyone had arrived... and that Reese had snuck off to the stereo...

Auron chuckled, looking amused. "Eloquently put..." He said bemused. He glanced toward the source of the shouting and shook his head. "Retaliation for not being allowed to have anything more then beer..."

Chaos turned to Auron with a sigh, shaking her head smiling. "Not retailiation, no.. just a preview of the night ahead..."

She watched as Lex and Faal gingerly picked their way over to the bar and winced as Reese started blasting music way too loudly. Sylvie glared at him and he grinned and lowered the volume.

***

 

"Why would I hold your lack of self control against you?" Lex asked, tilting his head to the side. "I don't hold it against you. Quiet the opposite really." He smiled warmly, at Faal's attire. "But I've always liked your hair down...And you still look unbelievably handsome, you know." Lex leaned closer still. "And I like the jeans." He added, while looking at Faal through his lashes.

Faal chuckled. "Well then... would you like a drink? I suppose we should avail ourselves now before the boys get past Aiyla's guard.. I see she's limiting them to beer at the moment, but that won't last much longer, I'm sure..."

Lex glanced toward the tables to see Aiyla whacking Eire repeatedly for something, then he looked back at Faal. "Are you sure you wanna brave going over there?" He watched Eire trip, while trying to avoid Aiyla's wrath and knock over an ice chest, sending ice and bottles everywhere.

"Thank god, this party's not at my apartment again..." Lex muttered, before getting up, and taking Faal's hand.

**

Aiyla had seized a newspaper, rolled it up and was whacking the shit out of Eire who was trying to get away from her. "You just can't BEHAVE, can you?! Not for more then five minutes. Honest to Gods, Eire, some times your behavior is so ridiculous..." She whacked him hard one more time over the head and tossed the news paper back on the table, crossing her arms and giving him a look.

Eire had his hands over his head and peeking around his arms at her. "Lord almighty!" He gasped. "Did my...did Ruby possesse you tonight?! You don't have any wooden spoons on ye, do ya?!"

"No, but if you keep it up, I'll get one!" Aiyla retorted. And then seemed to realize several of the others were laughing.

She scowled at Eire and turned, heading in the direction of Nate, only to slip on the ice that Eire had over turned. Landing on her rump, she grabbed a hand full and threw it at Eire.

**

Kay bit her lip to hold in the instinctual laugh as Aiyla landed on her rump, and saw Nate hurrying to her aid. She had the urge to yell at him to stay away... too late.. Aiyla accepted his hand and yanked, hauling him down into the ice with her.

Auron's chuckle beside her turned her attention back around. She looked into his eyes, loving the mischievious sparkle. "So.. Sylvie's right isn't she.. you don't know any more then I do and it embarrasses you .. at least * I * admit it."

Auron leaned toward her. "Perhaps I don't know, any more then you do, but it doesn't embarrass me, Clarice. Nothing to do with you, embarrasses me..." He reached over, gently tugging on a braid with affection and smiling at her. "Who knows...maybe one day, you can refer to me as your husband again and not be embarrassed." His eyes still sparkled, just so she knew he was teasing affectionately. "I've missed you, Clarice...I'm rather glad I got business in Paris taken care of..."

Chaos reached over and brushed a finger against Auron's lips. "I'm not embarrassed to think about the wife husband connection.. or any connection, really... just trying to sort it out gives me a headache. I mean, legally there's no record of us even being married to begin with, let alone divorced.. but in the eyes of God... are we still married ?"she smiled softly shaking her head ruefully. "It's better to not think about it and just live. "She leaned in and kissed him. "And I am very glad you're back."

*
Lex had made the mistake of allowing Aiyla to see him snicker at her fall, and had just managed to step over Aiyla and Nate, with a snicker, but Aiyla made a swipe for his leg, seeing him laughing at her. "Oh no you don't laugh at me, you little brat!" Aiyla growled, got a good hold on Lex's pants leg and was going to pull his pants down if she couldn't drag him into the ice with her.

"Shit!" Lex yelped, slipping on the ice and ended up falling down beside Aiyla, who began scooping massive amounts of ice, shoving it down the back of his shirt. Lex yelped again and began trying to get away from her, or fight her off, but she wasn't going to give up.

 

Faal was chuckling and trying to free Lex from Aiyla's attentions.. Eire was laughing hard enough that he was having trouble standing. With a burst of inspiration, Faal gave Eire a push, sending him sprawling beside Aiyla. "I'll trade you, my dear. " He said and rescued Lex. He was laughing softly as he pulled Lex to his feet and helped removed the quickly melting ice form the fire elemental's clothing.

*
Rue appeared on the stairs...Aiyla had invited her, when she’d found out the half vamp was back from England. Rue had changed. Her hair was shorter, shoulder length now, she'd had it done. She was dressed casually in a pair of blue jeans and a green long sleeved blouse.

She paused, looking about the crowd with a warm smile. One of her reasons for being here, was to make amends. She felt entirely bad for having hurt Lex's feelings before leaving. And she rather wanted to apologize to Faal as well.

A hand touched the small of her back and she looked over her shoulder at her companion. Sands smirked slightly, and nodded to the party, silently saying, 'go on'. Rue smiled back at him and nodded, before taking a deep breath and moving forward.

First she'd approach Chaos. Coming up beside her best friend's chair, she cleared her throat gently, as not to intrude on Chaos and Auron's conversation.

"Hello Kay...I hope you don't mind, Aiyla invited us..." Rue said with a slight smile.

Chaos looked up to find Rue and Sands, a smile on her face as she quickly stood and hugged Rue. "Of course I don't mind! If I'd known you were home I'd have invited you myself! " Chaos raised a finger warningly. " But no more bitch, alright? Or i'll turn you over to Eire and Xander..."

Rue smiled, hugging Chaos back. She chuckled at Chaos's last words. "No, no more bitch...she stayed in London." Rue said while smiling, but was absolutely serious. "I told you I just needed to clear some things up..."

Auron stood, facing Rue and Sands. "And did you get them cleared?" He asked casually.

"Oh yes...most of them." Rue replied. "It's good to see you again, Auron. You're looking well." Rue smiled.

"As are you...you've obviously changed...for the better I hope." Auron replied with a slight smile.

"For the better." Rue agreed. "Excuse me, for just a moment, Kay, Auron. I have to do this now, before I...chicken out..." She nodded toward Lex, before moving off toward him and Faal.

**
Lex shook out the rest of the ice with Faal's help and was just about to turn to say something to Aiyla about it, when he saw, of all people, Rue coming their way. He whimpered slightly, sliding on the ice, regained his balance, and came around, face to face with Rue, who put out her hand, steadying him.

"Hello Lex." Rue said softly, with a sheepish smile.

"Oh...Rue...I d-didn't know you...were back..." Lex answered, his voice suddenly very soft and he wasn't looking at her. Upon seeing her, and knowing she was coming his way, Lex had slipped right back into the submissiveness he'd not been since Rue had been gone.

Rue sighed, and reached up to take his chin, but Lex openly winced and drew back away from her hand as if she'd hit him.

She took the step closer, closing the distance and took his chin in a forceful, but gentle manner and raised his face to look him in the eyes. "Lex, darling, don't...don't shy away. There isn't any need for you, none of what happened between you and I is your fault...I want to apologize for the things I said. I'm rather sorry for taking my frustrations out, and I never really meant what I said at the Raven, Lex...the last thing I want is for you to get your heart broken."

Lex stared at her for a moment, then lowered his eyes, and shrugged silently.

Rue sighed deeply, and turned her emerald eyes toward Faal. "May I speak to you in private a moment?"

Faal had wrapped one arm around Lex's waist when Rue had approached, uncertain whether he should interfere or not. He didn't want to see Lex hurt again and this woman had a bad track record of doing that... but...

He raised an eyebrow as she asked to speak with him and nodded slowly. He scooped Lex up and moved him out of Aiyla's reach, setting him down with a grin and a kiss. "I'll be right back... don't vanish without me." he said softly in Lex's ear before stealing another kiss.

He reluctantly left Lex and went with Rue.

**

Chaos and Auron watched her exchange with Lex and they both sighed as they saw the change come over him. "He's come so far.. I wonder if he will ever be free..."

Auron shook his head slightly and shrugged. "Who knows...I suspect the collar will come off some day, but...you can't really forget about 20 years of...what he went through..." He said softly.

**

Rue lead the way to a secluded place away from the rest of the party, but where they could still observe what was going on. For a moment, she watched Lex, who was now standing by himself, hugging himself and looking entirely lost. She sighed and turned her eyes back to Faal.

"I have my apologies to make to you as well, Faal. I was rather cold when we met at the Raven, and it was entirely my fault. To be honest..." She paused, then sighed. "I didn't expect Lex to rebound so quickly, so to say. Perhaps that's not the right term because what Lex and I had wasn't really a relationship." She shifted her position.

"I don't want you to think of me as a bitch. I've never, ever had any intention of hurting Lex and I know I did...and I know he's not going to let me back in as friend either...not for a long time...Lex doesn't trust well...and who can blame him..." she glanced back in Lex's direction, he'd moved to lean against the glass wall, but he still looked lost.

"I'm very fond of Lex...he's dear to me...I know that underneath all that...submissiveness is a brilliant, intelligent person..." She smiled faintly, before turning her eyes back to Faal. "And I also know...he loves you...very much...he's done the one thing with you, he could never do with either I or Rowen...he gave you his heart, completely. Please Faal, be careful with him...he's fragile...and Rowen intends on making it increasingly more difficult for him soon...the bastard's already told me that in London...I can't stand the idea of Rowen even getting near Lex...he wont attack him physically, Faal, he's going for an emotional attack and I don't think Lex could handle that..."

Faal reached out and rested his hands on Rue's shoulders. "Don't worry.. I've already had a little run in with Rowen, and took out one of his buddies. "I have a little tag on him so I can tell when he gets close... I have no intention of letting him have any further go at Lex. Lex has expressed a need to take Rowen down personally... but I have the strongest urge to just pop off and take care of him myself as soon as I sense him back in town.."

He turned and felt his heart squeeze painfully at the sight of Lex so forlorn. "I need to get back to him... he needs me. I'll put in a good word for you, Rue.. but like you said.. he's not one to trust easily and you, as unintentional as it may have been, hurt him deeply. He needs a great deal of time and peace to recover from his oh so many wounds.. and I'm afraid he won't get any where near enough of either..."

Rue glanced in Lex's direction. "Yes...he does need you..." She said softly in reply to Faal, but caught Faal's arm before he could leave. "You don't have to put in a good word for me, Faal... I'll keep my distance for now...and I know hurt him...But I just want him to be happy. And safe. And if he's both with you, then so be it...I know you probably don't need or want my blessing...but I give it, just as long as you love him...The way Rowen couldn't..."

She paused, then added, letting go of Faal. "Rowen wont set foot in the city, he knows, so to say...but that doesn't mean he's not having Lex watched...and he's managed to learn how to scry, just so you have a heads up. And above all, get that damned bracelet away from Lex...Rowen knows exactly where he's at as long as he's wearing the bloody thing." She said, catching sight of the silver charm bracelet with the locket around Lex's right wrist as he went to push a lock of hair out of his face.

Faal followed her gaze and gave her  a small smirk. “I’m already working on that..”

She let Faal go with that, stepping back as he left. As she did, Sands appeared at her side, with a drink, handing it to her.

"I take it Lex didn't take it so well?" Sands asked softly, his head inclined toward her.

Rue took a drink of what he'd brought her and turned her eyes up to his face. "No...but this is Lexine we're talking about..."

"And Faal?" Sands asked.

Rue smiled slightly. "As I just told Faal, I only want Lex to be happy...and safe, and he's both, with Faal, so who am I to say anything..."

 

**

Faal considered Rue's words as he walked back across to Lex, and slid his arms around the red head's waist, pulling him against him. "Everyhing's alright, love..she merely wanted to appologize for her behavior the last time we met at the Raven... and to give us her blessing." He kissed the top of Lex's head until he looked up and turned around in Faal's arms.

Lex then wrapped his arms around Faal's neck and pulled him down into a deep hungry kiss, as if starved by the short absence.

Lex rested his forehead against Faal's shoulder after the kiss, closing his eyes. Only a few people could really throw Lex for a loop like that, and Rue was one of them. He wasn't sure if he was shocked, or suspecious over her apology and rather or not to accept it. Lex sighed, just clinging to Faal for the time being.


**

Chaos sighed, watching the two lovers embrace and gave Auron's hand a gentle squeeze. She knew Faal was good for Lex, she'd seen the dramatic change come over the young man whenever Faal was with him. The playfullness, the confidence... the life. A totaly different person from the shy, sullen, withdrawn submissive boy that had joined them a few months ago.

But she also knew that Lex was just as good for Faal.. she wondered whether she should tell Lex how miserable Faal had been before he came into his life? Faal had long ago begun to loose the joy of living and begun to merely exist. He existed just for good causes and the good fight... his collections and obsessions fleeting goals to get him through another day or year. But he had begun to drift towards the terrible fate that afflicted some immortals and 'long-lived'. She was sure that in a few more years, or perhaps even sooner, Faal would have started the manic attempts to end his existence.. she'd been through it before with a friend, and had heard of a few other cases. They all started the same.. and ended the same..

She felt tears start to build in her eyes as she thought of Faal following Callum's path and blinked them away, smiling at Lex and Faal instead. But that wouldn't happen now, she knew.. Lex had stepped in and given Faal new life and energy and meaning. She couldn't remember ever seeing the fae so alive and vibrant as he was with Lex.

"This is going to be a good year..." she said, startling herself by saying it out loud. The others looked to her quizzically, and she smiled sheepishly. "How can it not be?" she asked. "Auron has his sons back, I have him and the boys, plus Devin... Nate has found Aiyla, Lex has Faal.. Rue seems to have made peace with herself... we have a wonderful new building, new homes.. almost..." she chuckled, picturing the as yet mostly unfinished apartments, and was again thankful that the guest rooms were done so they'd been able to move out of the hotel.

" I know there's a lot of crap that still has to be dealt with... Lex's new problem not withstanding... but.. I can't help but feel that.. it'll all be okay..." she raised an eyebrow and tilted her head to share a look with Sylvie. "Which is completely unlike me... I think the pessimest in me is having fits at hearing me sound so.. positive. "

" Maybe, but it's rather refreshing.. you're normally so dark and menacing.. it's good to see you happy and relaxed and positive." Sylvie said with a smug smile as she stood up. "Excuse me, I need a refill and some munchies."

**

Nate stood shaking the last of the ice from him, grimacing at the wet clingy feel of the back of his jeans. Cold, wet denim clung to the backs of his legs and buttocks where'd he'd landed in the melting ice.. and where Aiyla had kept him pinned long enough for a great deal of it to soak through... He had wondered if she'd somehow used her powers to make it melt, but wasn't sure if she could do that.. and no doubt most of the meltage was due to Lex. A fire elemental was easier to blame for ice melting than a water elemental. As he started to look up from brushing off his jeans, his eyes caught on the icy trickle of water running down a well formed leg, and he raised his gaze higher to see the green dress plastered to Ailya's skin in rather enticing places... a grin spread across his face as he reached out and pulled her against him. "Did I mention how gorgeous y'are today?"

Aiyla eyed Nate, able to hide the smirk that was fighting to creep into her lips and gave him a rather narrowed expression. "Flattery will get ya know where, my dear." She said with a slight tone, before wrapping a hand around the collar of his shirt and dragging him closer to kiss him, her other hand, reaching around his back side and pinching him smartly on the ass.

Nate jumped at the pinch, chuckling and was tempted to return the favor. With a sad sigh he decided he was safer to wait. He freed one arm to pour himself a drink. "Wha' would 'ya like, sweet? I'm thinkin' we should mingle..."

 

 

 

 

Rue had retreated into a corner for the moment, with Sands. She watched Lex and Faal a moment, then shook her head, took a drink and glanced at Sands.

Who was watching her with an amused look. "What?" She hissed.

Now Sands shook his head. "Nothin' Red..."

Rue eyed him. "You know, some times you can be rather baffling..."

"Yes, I know." Sands replied with a smirk, taking a drink from his own glass.

 

**

 

Lex turned his head slightly, watching the rest of the party. For the first time in a long time, he felt seperate from everyone else. Rue appearing had brought back everything he'd been trying to ignore for the last couple of weeks. And as if to make matter worse, he spotted his brother ascending the steps with Alandra.

Lex sighed deeply, glanced at the door the lead to the basketball court outside and looked up at Faal. "Can we step out side...I...need to get away from everyone for a moment..." He said softly and admittedly he could have used a cigarette.

 

Faal looked down into Lex's eyes, then kissed him, one arm wrapped around his waist the other sweeping out in a grand gesture. " Of course." He lead them across the room and out the door, trying to sheild Lex from that first blast of cold March air.

Lex shivered, half from the cold, half from everything else. He glanced up at the night sky, which was more cloudy then anything, and sighed. Pushing a lock of hair out of his face, he looked at the bracelet on his wrist a moment. He'd completely forgot about putting it on again...Admittedly he wasn't wearing it as much. He really didn't know why he was still wearing it...

It still held all the images Rowen had put in it. Including the portriats of Rowen and Rue... He sighed again, dropping that hand, to dig in his jean pocket for his pack of cigarettes, pulled one out, realized he didnt' have a lighter and conjured a tiny flame instead.

Taking a drag, he said softly, while looking at the ground. "She's changed...Rue...in a short time too..."

 

Faal watched Lex then took his hand and pulled him gently. leading him farther away form the greenhouse patio. He stopped, leaning on the four foot retaining wall that edged the rooftop, and looked at Lex. Finally he answered. "Yes... perhaps only a bit quicker then you yourself have... " he smiled, then took Lex's other hand, letting the sleeve sip back and fingered the bracelet. "Why do you still hurt yourself with this, little flame? It holds nothing but bad memories and bad intentions..."

Lex tapped the ashes off his cigarette, and looked toward the greenhouse absently, before saying softly. "I don't know...not all of it's bad...I mean, Odette never..." He trailed off. Why was he still wearing it... He did take it off from time to time...but at other times, like now, he felt compelled to wear it. He didn't quite know it was the magic from the curse that caused him to keep wearing it, so that Rowen knew where he was when wearing it.

"Its just since...Aiyla gave it to me..." He trailed off again, not quiet sure how to explain how or why he kept the locket.

Finally he looked back at Faal, he expression quiet lost.

 

**

Auron was watching Chaos, as much as he was keeping an eye on Lex. He turned his attention fully to Chaos when she'd spoke. "It never hurts to try and be possitive in the light of certian things." He said softly. "As much for one's self as those around them."

 

Chaos fought the sudden blush that tried to surface, and rolled her eyes at Auron. "Well yes, but the point being is that I'm not usually so... so..."

"Nice?" a voice added behind them, and she rolled her eyes to glare at Eire. "Calm... relaxed...?"

"Cheerfully optomistic." Charli supplied with a smirk at Eire.

 

Saffron, with Alandra on his arm glanced around, saw his father, and couldn't help but zero in on him. Auron looked up as his eldest son approached. Auron sat back in his chair. "Well, I didn't quite think we'd be seeing you tonight, Saffron..."

Saffron smirked. "I didn't think we'd be seeing you for a while, dad." He replied.

Auron chuckled. "I wrapped up my business quickly." He replied. "Good evening, Alandra."

Alandra smiled. "It's good to see you, again, Auron." She turned to Chaos. "I should warn you...da may make an appearance..." She said with a certian expression, speaking of her father, Estehl.

Chaos rolled her eyes at the thought of Estehl crashing the party, then grinned at the same thought. "Estehl crashing aSt. Patty's party... could be interesting.." She said quietly with a smirk.  Auron chuckled softly.

*

Rue and Sands made their was back over to Chaos, Auron, Saffron, Alandra and the others. Sands was eyeing Saffron and his sister with a slightly distasteful look and Rue watched him with a slight smirk, as she sat down in a vacant chair with her drink.

"So!" She said cheerfully. "I see the building turned out quiet wonderfully." She said.

 

Chaos smiled warmly at Rue's comment. "Yes the building is fabulous.I love it. And the guest rooms promise to be more then comfortable enough to ditch the hotel for now. As long as certain people don't hog the bathrooms..." She actually turned the look on Auron, just to see his reaction.. she was hoping for one of his sexy laughs.. god she loved those.

 

 

**

 

Xander ran up the stairs, with Fairlen right behind him. But when he came out, the first person he saw was Sylvie and he turned around and started running BACK down the stairs, except Fairlen grabbed his arm and dragged him back up to the party.

"Relax!" Fairlen said with a look. She pushed her brown hair behind her ear and glanced about. Dressed in a green casual dress, that sat off her pale skin and a pair of short heels, she admittedly caught the sight of Eire.

Xander peeked over her shoulder and muttered. "How did I let Jasmine talk me into this...?"

Fairlen laughed softly and cast a look at the ice elemental. She and Jasmine had taken it upon themselves to clean him up. He was dressed in a pair of blue jeans and a dark green cotton dress shirt and looked really nice.

"You look good Xander..."She told him as she grabbed his arm and led him toward Chaos, Auron, Rue and the others.

"No one's gonna notice..." He muttered.

"They will if you don't act like an idiot..." Fairlen replied. "Hi!" She said cheerfully as they reached the group. Eire was watching her from the corner of his eye, Fairlen didn't fail to notice.

**

Auron watched Fairlen and Xander approach and noticed Xander was not only acting different but dressed in something OTHER then black and Auron couldn't help but chuckle again. He didn't miss Xander's glances in Sylvie's direction, and was no fool as to why.

 

Xander saw Rue and grinned at her. "Hey Red, when'd you get back?"

 

Rue smiled and stood, hugging Xander. "I got back this morning, as a matter of fact." Letting Xander go, she looked him over. "I see Jasmine's having a good effect on you...Sassy..." She said teasingly, and watched Xander wince slightly.

Sands was snickering from his chair and Xander shot him a dark look, to which Sands just shrugged innocently.

Chaos closed her eyes with a soft groan as she heard Xander’s voice, then turned to say hi. The word seemed to get stuck in her throat, and it took a moment for her to realize her mouth was open. She finally cleared her throat. "Hello Fairlen, Hello Xander.. you both look.. very nice. I like the new look Xander..."

Xander shuffled his feet nervously, and managed a lopsided grin. "Er...thanks..." He said softly.

Fairlen laughed out right at him, shoving him into a chair. "I told you to relax, Xander..."

"I'm relaxing, I'm relaxing!" Xander replied in protest. He was trying not to, but it was hard not to glanced around, just to see Sylvie again...especially in the dress she was wearing. She looked really good... "Er...maybe I should get us a drink..." He muttered to Fairlen.

"Go ahead." Fairlen said, and snatched his vacant chair once he'd gotten up.

"'Cuse me..." Xander muttered to everyone, before heading for the drinks.

Fairlen watched him go with a smirk, caught Eire's raised eyebrow and beamed at Eire. "He's attempting to be GOOD." She told Eire, before looking Eire up and down. "So what happened the other night Eire... you never called like you said you were going to..."

.
Rue watched Xander head for the bar with a smirk and shook her head. "Oh he's got it bad..." She commented.

Chaos looked at Rue's comment and turned to glance over her shoulder to see Xander standing nervously by Sylvie at the bar. She turned back to see the knowing smirk on Rue's face. "You don't mean ... Xander and Sylvie?!? " She turned another glance at the bar then shook her head, smiling. "Nah.. I can't see it.. I mean... she certainly is young and beautiful and I can't fault the boy for falling for her. I'm surprised she hasn't had a dozen or more guys after her over the years, but... nah."
"Of course Jasmine knew right off..." Fairlen said from her spot with a chuckle. "So she's been all over him to...change his wardrobe. Which I think is working out nicely...and he really is cleaning up his act..."

Chaos kept finding herself looking towards Xander and watching how he looked at Sylvie. Rue was right.. he did look like he had it bad...

Rue snickered, but then said quiet sincerly. "Come on, Kay...I knew he had a change in him, for the better, when he and I had that little fling...He can be quite endearing when he wants to be...and well behaved...if a little boy-ish." She smirked.

 

 

**

Sylvie had noticed Fairlen arrive with someone while she had stopped to chat with Shauna on her way to the bar, but hadn't really paid attention, intending to say hello to the girl later on. Now she had her glass refilled and a napkin balanced with a few goodies in her other hand as she turned to head back to her seat and almost dropped everything. "Xander? "She asked in surprise, looking him over. She gave him a small smile as she passed him. "I was right.. you do look very nice in colours other then black.."

Xander caught a cookie that had fallen off Sylvie's napkin and tried not to smile too brightly, but really, the outfit had been worth it just to hear Sylvie approved. "Er.. thank you." He said again, in a soft tone, holding out the cookie toward her.

Sylvie turned and accepted the cookie from Xander, still smiling softly. When she did she noticed how nervous he seemed, and he appeared to be blushing slightly. She was surprised to find herself thinking he looked rather handsome when he smiled like that... And he looked nice in green, but she suddenly had the urge to see him wearing blue.. just to see how well it would set off his eyes... he had rather nice eyes, she noticed..

 

Sylvie lost a couple cookies to the ground and spilled her wine as someone bumped into her from behind, sending her stumbling forward. Xander reached out to catch her, thankfully. She didn't really hear whoever it was appologize, but she did hear Xander ask if she was alright. She suddenly found herself with a sudden overwhelming urge to both stay where she was with his arms holding her up... and to run very far away very fast...

**

 

Faal let Lex's wrist slip through his hand until he was holding Lex's fingers in his, then dug his free hand into his jeans pocket, pulling out a little blue velveteen bag. He placed it in Lex's hand. "Consider this a bribe if you'd like... I'd rather you didn't wear that one anymore.. if it has more meaning to you then just the bad stuff, we can have it mounted in a display or something..."

Lex had already chunked the half spent cigarette over the side, and raised both eyebrows. "A bribe?" He opened the little bag, and took the silver bracelet with the little jeweled cherry charms out, and sighed, although it was a rather bemused sigh if anything.

He smiled slightly, before looking up from the bracelet to Faal. "Thank you..." He said softly. He hesitated however, in taking the locket bracelet off, and for some reason, couldn't work the claps on that, his hand actually trembling.

Faal covered Lex's hand with his own, then undid the clasp and slipped it off, dumping it into the velveteen bag, before slipping the new bracelet onto Lex's wrist in it's place. " Clarice mentioned you liked cherries, but.. to be truthful..." he said, a mischievious smirk on his face as one hand slipped under Lex's shirt to play with the cherry belly charm. "I had already figured that one out..."

Lex actually giggled softly, laying his other arm on Faal's shoulder, leaning against him a bit and looked at the new bracelet. "They're good luck..." He said softly, still giggling. "And kinda sexy..." He blushed slightly. "Thank you..." He said in a whisper. "I do like it..."

Faal slipped the pouch with the old bracelet into his pocket, hoping Lex wouldn't object. He really didn't want it any where near Lex, and he intended to have Aloyious keep an eye out around it until he could get a duplicate of it made for Lex... there was no way he was allowing this thing to remain with Lex, and he knew Lex was too sentimentaly attached to it.

Lex was staring back at the green house, hadn't really noticed that Faal had pocketed the bracelet. He was lost in his thoughts for a moment. He caught a brief glimpse of Rue with Sands, and looked thoughtful over that a moment. "I guess Jack was right..." He muttered, leaning against Faal.

Faal wrapped his arms around Lex, pulling him back against his chest so they could either look in at the party or out over the city. "What was Jack right about?" he asked.

Lex leaned against Faal, quiet for a moment, before saying softly. "He predicted Rue and Sands would be...seeing a lot more of each other... I think he was right..." Lex glanced at Faal, a tiny hint of a smile on his lips.

Faal smiled softly as he leaned down and kissed Lex's forehead. "Can you be happy for her? " He asked, sliding his hands up and down Lex's arms. "I can't tell if you sound happy because she's found someone... or because of who she's found... " He gave a soft chuckle. "You can be so wicked at times, it's hard to tell.."

"Oh, it's just...odd, I suppose. I mean, she's happy with Sands...fine... I just didn't think she'd be interested in him considering he has an infant daughter..." Lex said softly, leaning in more against Faal. "And Sands is a good guy... One of the few people I've been able to talk to...really talk to... At least he's not like his father...much." Lex had to giggle at that. Sands could be cheeky if he was inclined and Lex found it hard to imagine Rue putting up with that...
**
Chaos caught Auron's eye on one of her bar-ward glances and saw the smirk on his face. "What?"

Auron smirked a bit more mischeivously, even Saffron was eyeing him. But all Auron said was, "I rather like spring..."

Rue suddenly laughed, and said. "I'm very inclined to agree with you, Auron." She heard Fairlen giggling softly.

Chaos rolled her eyes, chuckling softly at Auron's comment, then smiled. "Yeah.. I rather like spring too. "She said, suddenly reaching back and grabbing a handful of shirt and pulling him down for a kiss. " Stop being so damned... cheeky." she said against his lips, then kissed again and let him go. "You're starting to sound like Estehl..."

"Me? Cheeky? Never." Auron replied with a mischeivous grin, but he heard Rue snort from her spot as she rolled her eyes.

Then a voice from behind them, said. "I don't think any one could be as cheeky as I am." Estehl said, a wicked grin of his own.

"What an entrance..." Rue muttered to Fairlen. She heard Sands snicker from beside her.

"Hello Estehl, we were warned you might decide to crash our little party. " Chaos said before she turned and leaned back against Auron to see him. " You have no clue what you're exposing yourself to in being here... our parties tend to get... out of hand."

Estehl chuckled, leaning against Alandra's chair and replied. "I've been to enough parties, which have gotten out of hand, not to worry. As lively as...this bunch is, I'm not entirely sure they can out do a bunch of drunk irish lephercans...King Brian's parties tend to...become quiet a spectical."

Rue had to laugh out right. "So I've heard Justice tell stories of...Puk as well."

'Oh, well, through in a few phoukas and it really gets wild..." Estehl replied with a mischievious grin.

"Then it's a good thing we don't have any phoukas here." Rue said in reply with a smirk. "Unless of course Puk is still following you around?"

"Oh no, he has tonight off." Estehl said with a smirk of his own. "I don't work the boy to death all the time."

"Should hope not." Rue said, and glanced about. She didn't see Lex or Faal and frowned slightly, hoping everything was okay.