Lexine wondered through the stacks, pausing every now and again, to right the order of the books in front of him, muttering about the disorder, though he was awed by the amount and what books there was, wondering about the man who owned them.

Daniel cleared his throat lightly as he watched the redhead rearranging the books, his eyes sparkling mischievously. "Ever hear the story about the dragon who can tell if someone is tampering with his treasure?" he asked lightly, fingering one of the books until it fell into his hands. "This is definitely a treasure, especially to Mr. Dominic... and I'm sure he can be quite a dragon if it were to be damaged....Although I highly doubt he'd even notice if they were tampered with." he snorted softly, raised an eyebrow and slipped the book back on the shelf. "I highly doubt he even knows where they all are. Shame... nice story. Of course... he's an elf, not a dragon..." he said, his eyes still sparkling.

Lexine blushed darkly, but kept his gaze on the books, hesitated, then reordered a few more correctly. "I'm sure elves can be as bad as dragons...over their treasures..." He replied very softly. "And I'm not tampering...I reordering...they have no order...they're all...hodge-podge...not even the simplest order...its unfair to a collection like this..." Lexine added, still not looking at Daniel but continued to right the books.

Daniel gave a slight shrug. "Don't know... haven't met a dragon to be able to tell you if elves are as bad... although this elf tends to be far too polite and nice most of the time... And yes, as prim and properly put together as he himself is... It seems he's a mess in everything else. At least, from what I've seen of his files, anyhow." Daniel said, his eyes sparkling even more as he struggled not to give anything away. The tall blond gentle man standing behind Lexine had crossed his arms and was regarding Daniel with a rather curious expression. "Hmm... maybe I was closer with my dragon treasure rant than I thought... I bet he felt that book hit the floor and had to check to make sure it was alright..."

Lexine snatched his hand back as he'd been reaching for another book, and took a step back, his eyes wide and fearful. "I didn't damage the book, honest! I made sure it was okay, before I put it back up! There was just a bit of dust...but I wiped it off!" He said in a fearful whisper. In fact his shirt showed a dirt stain, where he'd used it to clean the book.

Daniel grinned. "Don’t tell me... tell the dragon." he said with a soft laugh before turning to head back to his desk.

"Daniel... your sense of humor is atrocious." Faal said lightly, wincing as the red head gave a startled squeak at the voice right behind him. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to startle you... and I'm hardly a dragon. And I'm sure you didn't harm any of my books..." he added softly.

Lexine's hand went to the ring on the collar, tugging at it and he didn't dare look Faal in the eye, cowering away. Lexine was only eight months out of Hell, out of Abandon's realm. "I swear I didn't harm the book..." Lexine whispered, “And I won’t touch any more... I won’t...I'm sorry..." He added in the same whisper.

Faal's eyebrow shot up at Lexine's reaction. "Damn you, Daniel...” he muttered softly. "Lexine... it is Lexine, correct?" he asked softly, even though he knew it was... the name had been repeating in his mind since he'd first heard it. "Lexine... it's alright... please..." he said softly. "I'm not upset about the book. I'd love for you to enjoy them... Please. Go back to what you were doing... or chose one to read.... but whatever you do, little one... don’t ever stop touching them."

Lexine looked up at Faal, wide eyed. "You...you don't...mind?" He asked in a whisper. "I...I promise I wont...I won’t ruin any...I...I sort of...grew up...in a library like this...in Abandon's realm...I know how to take care of them..."

Faal made himself smile softly, despite the urge to scowl at the name of the Fallen Angel. "Of course I don't mind, Lexine. I know you'll take good care of them. Maxine told me how much you love books... I came to make sure you were finding everything alright and to let you know if you needed help finding anything to just let me know." he said, then reached out to gently caress Lex's cheek. "You're safe here, Lexine. I promise you  ... no one here will ever hurt you.... especially me." he added, the feeling he'd had upon first laying eyes on the redhead being realized with that simple touch; he was left wondering whether he should tell Lexine he was his guardian... or if he should tell Maxine first.

Lexine had started to pull away, fearful again, but there was something about the touch, that stopped him. And instead of pulling away, he did something completely unlike him, and actually stepped toward Faal, closer to him. He couldn't deny the overwhelming safe feeling that he felt from him. And he closed his eyes, turning his face more into Faal's touch. Before blushing deeply, opening his eyes and looking down, rather then at Faal, his hand going to his collar again. "I'm sorry...I shouldn't have done that..." He whispered, starting to step away.

Faal reluctantly let his hand fall away. "Don't apologize Lexine." he said softly. "I shouldn't have touched you but... I need to know something for sure." he said simply. "Why don’t you enjoy my collection some more? I need to speak with Maxine about something... perhaps I'll see you this evening...?"

Lexine blinked, and then blushed, lowering his gaze a moment. He chewed on his bottom lip, long enough to make it bleed, before he answered Faal. "I....I think...that...would be...alright..." He replied in a whisper. "If...you wanted to...you don't have to..."

Faal reached out to brush a drop of blood form Lex's lip. "I want to.” he said softly. "I very much want to." he added. "I'd like us to get to know each other, Lexine. I think it's important that we do... but I want you to let me know if I ever make you uncomfortable... or if I ever made you afraid..." he said softly. He watched another drop of red appear on Lex's lip and couldn’t help but give in to the temptation to lean down to kiss it away gently. "Enjoy my books, little one." he whispered softly.

Lexine had gasped softly at Faal's actions, but he didn't pull away. He'd never experienced anything like it, the sudden pleasurable thrill that rippled through him, and a faint whimper escaped him. "Thank you..." He said about the books. "And.... and... if you want...to...get to know me...I think that's okay..."

Faal smiled softly. "I'll see you this evening then. Perhaps you’ll consider joining me for dinner if you feel comfortable enough around em..." he suggested before making himself move away. A move that went against every instinct he had. "Call me if you need anything, Lexine... just pick up the phone and ask the desk to forward you."

Lexine's fingers had gone from the ring on his collar, to his bottom lip, almost absently, as he looked at Faal. He blushed slightly, but nodded. "I will...if I need anything..." He replied softly. "Thank you..." He said again.

Faal smiled softly and made himself leave Lexine to his books and head for the door. He needed to speak with Maxine... he's suspected form the start, even as he'd offered his help... he just wasn’t sure how she'd take it. Whether she'd be happy to have found one of the guardians... or not so happy that it was him.


~ ~

"We all look younger then our age...mother's genetics, I suppose, daughter of the Seal and all..." Saffron replied, before wincing and hurrying into the car. "And even if I was younger...it wouldn't be a good idea to hook me up with your own kid...I wont stay this way, and considering I've only been...free a year and half..." He sunk down in the seat, out of Shane's view. He'd begun to realize it was how Shane had gotten to him so much, finding a way for Saffron to submit, with out it being as bad as his past...

Matt just snorted softly and started the car. "Lock your door incase he's stupid enough to try something." He said simply, already backing out of his spot. "I think you'd be too much for Rick to handle, actually... if he was into guys." he said, flipping Shane off as he pulled past him. "Fuck... I'm starting to wish I was into guys... you are just too fucking cute. You're also too fucking young..."

Saffron blinked, looking up at Matt. He eyed him a moment, before the death elemental snuck in a reply. "They always say you should try new things at least once..." He said in a soft tone, before looking away. "Or you could just wait two years...and the Seal will have its way and I wont be a boy any more..."

Matt glanced over at him curiously as he pulled out onto the street and headed for down town. "As far as ' trying new things' ... I have. I grew up on the streets... I tried the whole sex for money. When I was older it was alright... not many men were interested in me then... but as a kid... " he gave a slight shrug. "I didn't do it much as a kid... stealing was better." he admitted softly, his face feeling hot from a blush. "As for you not being a boy anymore... Not sure I want to know what that means..."

Saffron glanced at him again. "How strange," He replied softly, "that our childhoods should be so similar...I didn't grow up on the streets...but I am..." He winced, " I WAS a slave to Master LiVed...the Black King. And my punishment, for being so...willful, was being used like the girl I was supposed to be. I escaped the Black Court, about a year and a half ago, and ended up on the streets. I only survived by prostituting myself out... until I almost ended up dead...which landed me on Maxine's doorstep..." He added, looking out the window. He still slipped, saying he was still LiVed's slave, and he'd yet to stop referring to him as master...

Matt kept his eyes on the road, not sure where he was going or why he even thought he'd be able to find the kids like this. "Saffron..." he said softly. "Life can suck. Sounds like we both had more then our share of shitty times.... but it doesn't have to continue that way. You're out of that kind of life now... don't let assholes like your 'non boyfriend' back there fuck with you." he said simply.

Saffron shook his head. "I don't know how I let him...or maybe I do. My whole life I've been a slave... and out here, no one owns me; no one's claimed me..." His voice got softer as he spoke, and he blushed darkly. He was admitting things to a perfect stranger, yet he felt comfortable with him... even... safe. "I'm scared. People scare me. I don't know how to handle them... and no one… there's no one who understands me. I honestly think I need some one to own me. I think that's why I give in to Shane..." He sighed deeply. "That's probably the most pathetic thing you've heard..." He shook his head and fell silent a moment, before frowning. "You have a name... other then Graves?" HE asked softly, looking at him.

Matt was quiet a moment, trying to decide how hearing all of that made him feel. "Yeah... Matt. Matt Hogan." he said softly. "It's not pathetic, Saffron... Sad maybe, but not pathetic. I'd love to help you... but I don’t know how. I mean... you're ten years younger than me... a bit more actually. You're only a few years older then my kid... I'm not sure I could... I mean... I'd like too...."

Saffron smiled sadly, looking out the window. "It’s nice to meet you, Matt..." He hesitated a moment. "And thank you...for saying you'd like to. You're the first to say that. I'm sorry I'm so young..." He fell silent again, before adding softly. "It's strange, but... you're the first… man I've felt safe around..."

Matt smiled a touch sadly himself. "You're the first person I've felt so comfortable with... so I guess we're even." he said softly. "Saffron... if you do feel safe around me, then... I mean..." he sighed softly. "You can stay with me. I'll keep you safe from assholes and... Maybe I’ll be able to help you more....."

Saffron blushed again, and glanced at him, but shook his head. He'd willingly say yes...but for more reason than just being safe..."I'm not entirely sure that's a good idea, though I would, if I could, but...I...I don't think it's a good idea.  I find you...very attractive... and that gets me into trouble..." He replied softly, before adding in a whisper, shocked at himself for admitting it. "And I'd only end up wanting you to claim me..." He should have stayed at the office! He had the sudden desire to hide.

Matt felt his face burning even more, but smiled softly at that. "You think I'm attractive, huh?" he asked, glancing over at him and noticing again how good he looked... only the protective feelings he felt towards him were shifting more into something he wasn't sure he should want. "You're right... it's probably not a good idea. You're too cute, too young... too sexy... and make me feel way too comfortable and easy and... good." he said softly. "Probably a really bad idea to be around someone that makes me feel that way... I might even end up being happy... Can’t have that..."

"I do find you attractive...I suppose to be honest...more then attractive...You'll probably think me very silly...but I think you're handsome..." Saffron replied softly, blushing darkly. Then blinked, and actually looked at him. "Why is ending up happy a bad thing...?" He asked softly, looking confused. "I thought being happy...was supposed to be a good thing...not that I've ever been..."

Matt smirked softly. "I was being a bit sarcastic... hard to do when you're smiling like an idiot and feeling so good." he admitted with a soft laugh, glancing at Saffron. "I like being around you, kid... you make me feel good. I don’t want that to stop." he admitted simply, finding himself wanting pull over and kiss him, just to see if it would feel as good as he was imagining it would. "You know... were supposed to be looking for the kids..."

Saffron blushed again, but a soft honest smile came to him. "I know. I suppose I'm a terrible distraction.” He replied softly, about supposed to be looking for the kids. "But...if..." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "If you like being around me, and don't want it to stop... then you can keep me around... as long as you like..." He added softly.

"Even if you end up wanting me to claim you?" Matt asked softly, pulling into the parking lot of the mall and finding a spot. He turned to face Saffron as he shut off the car. "Even if I end up wanting to claim you...?" he added even softer.

Saffron bit his lip a moment, before he turned his head, looking at Matt, meeting his eyes. He took a soft breath, "Even if..." He answered softly. Though he had this feeling, it wasn't an ‘even if’ for himself anymore.

Matt swallowed hard, trying to remember his earlier resolve. Instead he leaned over and kissed him softly, telling himself he just wanted to know how good it would feel... and it felt very good.

Saffron gasped softly, his eyes fluttering closed. He couldn't ever remember being kissed so softly, or so wonderfully. And the death elemental in him reacted and he found himself kissing Matt back; a kiss that grew deeper, one hand coming up to touch Matt's cheek.

Matt closed his eyes, enjoying the kiss for a moment before pulling away. "Oh... fuck yeah... " he said softly, blushing through his smirk. "You're definitely staying with me. To hell with how young you are... you’re legal, that’s all that matters..." he added before drawing another breath. "Damn... kids... We’re looking for the kids.... aren't we? Or are we just out here to keep my mind off of them and you away from the ass back at the offices?"

"Maybe both..." Saffron replied softly, blushing. "But we should look for the kids. It would be better..." He added. He bit his lip a moment, not looking at Matt and considered a moment, before a weary smile came to him. "If you want me to stay with you, I will..." He added softly.


~  ~

Maxine was in the door way of the spare office, where Jay and Lain were working on some files concerning the case. Shane had apparently disappeared for the time being which aggravated Maxine, though she was more lost in thought about the triplets and Vaan.

Faal paused in the doorway watching them a moment before knocking softly. "Excuse me... I need to speak with you, Maxine... about Lexine." he said simply. "I believe you’ve found one Guardian for sure...."

Maxine turned, looking at Faal with a raised eyebrow. Jay and Lain had actually paused, hearing Faal and Lain gave a low whistle. "Fuck me..."

Maxine smacked him upside the head and pointed to the work he was doing with out a word to him and he turned his attention back to it with a snicker. "I'm assuming you mean Lexine's guardian..." Maxine said, eyeing Faal.

"Yes... I mean Lexine's Guardian. I know for a fact he's right here." Faal said softly, hoping his glamour was covering his blush. "I'm not positive, but... I suspect Saffron's Guardian is here as well... at least... that was the feeling I got..."

Maxine was silent a moment, before taking Faal's arm and pulling him into the hall, pulling the door shut behind her. She wasn't surprised in the least. Her only annoyance was Faal's connection to the ever irritating Estehl. "You should know that Lexine has only been out of Abandon's reach of eight months. And that he was Abandon's favorite slave. As in 'summoned to his bedroom every night from the age of 10, until he was taken out of Hell', kind of favorite slave." Maxine said softly. "As I said in the conference room, all four grew up as slaves. Some worse then others. Lexine and Saffron were the most abused, though Larkin and Vaan certainly didn't have it easy."

Faal paled at her words. "Maxine... Laurelie... " he said softly. "Telling me the horrors he's endured, won’t change the fact I am his Guardian... all it does it make me feel responsible for everything he's been through." he said softly. "I'm sure Mattias will feel the same if he knew..."

Maxine shook her head. "I wasn't expecting it to change the fact. I was telling you, so you know how fragile and submissive he is. And why. He hasn't adjusted well to being free. He still sees himself as a slave. You have to be careful with him Faal, or he'll come to think of himself as your slave." She said, shaking her head. "The same can be said about Saffron, depending on the personality of the man he's with at the time." She added. "Larkin is the more... open and independent of the triplets, though he was brought up as a prostitute in Paris. Vaanayla... was used as a concubine and a bargaining chip for his royal family. A practice I can gladly say most of the fae courts have grown out of it..."

~~

Nate shifted his hold on the bouquet of flowers in his hands. He'd been about to get roses when he'd seen some of the gorgeous 'wildflower' bouquets the shop had; bright vibrant mixes of iris's and lilies along with black-eyed-susans and flowers whose names he couldn’t even remember. He'd chosen one that was a mix of deep gold tones and purples and pinks, feeling only slightly embarrassed at buying them for a young man. He straightened his hat for the third time and knocked on the door to the suit, glancing towards the elevator door as it pinged and his brother appeared.

Mike looked up and saw him and smirked slightly; his own hands bearing a bouquet of flowers... most pastel colored lilies from what Nate could see. With a soft snort, Mike joined him at the door, waiting for it to be answered. "An' which one caught yer heart?" Mike asked softly.

"Larkin..." Nate answered just as softly. "An' yerself?"

Mike smirked softly. "Vaanayla..."

@@

Faal glanced over at the sound of the knock then glanced back at the triplets. He'd arrived only a short time ago with the intention of introducing himself to the four of them as Lexine's Guardian. Lex had been so entranced with the book he'd given him he wasn't sure the young man would even hear him if he spoke.. and the other three looked too distracted.

Lexine had finally tore his attention away from the book, and sat it aside carefully, almost reverently, before looking at Faal, though he blushed. "Thank you...very much..." He said softly. He wanted to toy with the ring on his collar, but did his best not to. Then remember he still had to find his shoes. "Oh...excuse me a moment..."  he added, blushing even darker, but getting up, hurrying into the other room.

Vaan glanced toward the door, just about the time he managed to find the second shoe and slipped it on. "Would you please get that, Vaan." Larkin said just out of sight in the bedroom, just finishing up. Saffron was watching him slipping on the low heeled sandal with a rather contemptuous look, before he finally snorted, shaking his head and heading toward the balcony, opening the door, leaving the redheads to finish getting ready for their dates… Lexine began searching for his shoes in earnest.

Vaan snorted softly at hearing Larkin. "Of course." He got up from the chair, wearing a dark blue halter top and black satin jeans; the shoes he'd chosen just satin ballerina flats. He reached the door, but hesitated a moment, his wings fluttering slightly nervous, before opening the door. He blinked in surprise at finding both Nate and Mike, but smiled softly. "Why don't you step inside? I believe Larkin is going to be another moment."

Both MacDonnell brothers eyed Faal in obvious amusement, while Faal watched them in return. From their first meeting, he'd felt an odd kinship with both brothers as well as Mattias; a kinship he hadn't known what to make of really until the triplets arrived. From the moment he saw Mattias and Saffron seated together in the conference room he'd suspected that was the bond- the two of them were Guardians. He hadn't known what to make of the brothers, however, since that only left one triplet needing a Guardian... but two men that had the Guardian 'feel' to them. Watching the way Michael's eyes lit up and followed Vaanayla however, he'd be willing to bet the triplets weren't the only ones needing Guardians... he just wasn't sure how to bring up the subject in a room full of obviously distracted people.

Vaan had hesitated after shutting the door behind the men, his gaze slipping over Mike’s back; but before he said anything further, he went to the other room to tell Larkin Nate was there. "Calm down, Vaan...it's only dinner." Larkin told him softly.

Vaan snorted and gave him a look. "Thanks, but I've never been on a date before, remember?" Vaan replied.

"Neither has Lexi." Larkin answered with a bit more of a smirk, glancing at the other red head as Saffron finally helped him locate the shoes. They paused to see if Lexine was okay, before Vaan and Larkin headed back into the other room with the guys.

They both noticed the flowers. Vaan blushed, but Larkin smiled softly as he approached Nate. "You always bring such beautiful flowers just for going out to dinner?" Larkin asked.

Nate blushed slightly as he handed over the flowers. "Sorry... I was raised tha' ye never visit or date empty handed. I... I'm sorry ifn ye don' like 'em... wasnae sure what t' get ye, ye bein' a lad an' all..." he said and Mike snorted softly.

"He never said anythin' about not likin' them, ye dumb ass." he said softly, offering Vaan his own bouquet. "Stop bein' so weird. Lad, Lass...  doesnae matter.” Mike said, switching his attention from his brother to Vaan effortlessly.  “Ye look lovely, Vaanayla… I was goin' t' make reservations somewhere, but... wasnae sure what ye'd like t' eat... so I figured we could just see what catches our fancy...”

Larkin smirked a bit, watching Nate. "I think they're beautiful." Larkin said softly accepting the flowers, "I like them very much, thank you." He added.

Vaan accepted the bouquet from Mike, still blushing. "Thank you," he replied to Mike for the compliment. "And thank you for the flowers; I don't think I've seen any quiet so lovely."

Nate smiled softly, his hands going to his pockets as he felt increasingly awkward with his brother and Faal both right there. "I'm glad ye like them... was going t' get roses but... these caught my eye..."   Mike smirked softly. “Ther just flowers, Vaanayla; pretty flowers, but still flowers just th' same. Why don’t ye lads go find them some water an' we can all get out of here...?"
"They're more then just flowers, when you've never been given flowers before," Vaan replied softly, blushing more, but glancing up at Mike as he held the flowers up to smell them. "Thank you." He added again.

Larkin snagged Vaan's arm with a soft smirk and pulled him over to the kitchenette in the corner, where with a little searching, they found two pitchers and filled them with water.


~~

Faal tuned the brothers out as they talked, then his gaze focused on Lexine as he emerged again. He stood and smiled softly. "Are you alright, Lexine?" he asked softly at seeing how nervous the redhead was. "We don’t have to go out... we can stay right here and order from room service... Or just go down to the dining room..."

Lexine blushed but reached Faal's side. "I don't think staying here would be a good idea; I rather think Saffron wants to be alone for a while. He's been grounded to the suite... but... the dining room down stairs is okay..." Lexine replied softly. "And really... I'm fine... just... never been out before..." He added even softer, fingering the scarf a moment, before wrapping it around the collar to hide it.

Faal sighed softly, smiling. "Lexine... you don’t have to hide it; it doesn't bother me. And we can go out to any restaurant you wish... I just thought perhaps you'd be more comfortable staying close to... well... 'home' so to speak...”

Lexine shook his head, but didn’t remove the scarf. "I'd feel more comfortable with it..." He replied softly. "And I really don't care where we have dinner; where ever you think would be best..." He added, glancing up at Faal. He wondered how Larkin had dared get away with a skirt; he'd gone for pants like Vaan's.

Faal smiled softly and offered his arm, deciding to wait a bit longer before telling Lexine who he was. "As long as your comfortable, little one." he said softly. "Shall we then? I think I'm making the MacDonnell's a bit uncomfortable..." he added with a playful smirk in their direction.

Mike just raised an eyebrow at him, his arms crossing over his chest. "Yer not makin' me uncomfortable. Why would ye think... oh." he said, catching a glimpse of Nate avoiding both of them and watching Larkin; his younger brother’s ears were completely red and his cheeks bore a decidedly dark tone to them as well. "Right..." Mike said simply. "Come on, Vaan, luv... let's get goin'." he said. "I think everyone here would prefer some privacy fer ther date..."

Vaan set his flowers on a side table for now, deciding he'd put them in the room later. "I'll see you two later then..." Vaan told Lexine and Larkin as he reached Mike's side.

Mike reached out and slipped his arm around Vaanayla's waist. "Ye really do look wonderful Vaanayla... I miss th' wings though... maybe we should get take out and find some nice quiet place to have a picnic so ye can let them out...?' he  suggested as he opened the door, leading them both into the hall.






Saffron stepped out onto the balcony, leaving the door open, just to get away from the others and their 'dates'. They were only three floors up and the night air was cool. He was just about to relax when he heard a soft panicked cry from Lexine and sighed. As much as he was annoyed at them for going out, he really couldn't be annoyed at Lexine. He shook his head and went back into help the youngest triplet find his shoes before Lexine locked himself in the bathroom and refused to go.

He had watched Lexine finish getting dressed and even calmed him down again before sending him back out to Faal; then snorted softly and closed the bedroom door slightly. The suite had another bedroom, but this was the one Saffron and Lex were sharing. He was confined to the suite, unable to leave by spell; the furthest he could go was the balcony, and since he'd left the door open, he headed back over to stand in the balcony door way, leaning against the door. He liked the cool air, and he was rather tempted to leave the door open while taking a bath... just leave the bathroom door open as well...

Giving in to temptation, Saffron left the balcony door open, turning off the overhead light and leaving a small lamp on the table on. His mind was lost in thought, as he grabbed a change of clothes and opened the bathroom's double doors, leaving them open to the air and the lights on a soft setting, before starting the tub on filing up. He pinned up his hair, though a few strands fell in his face despite the attempt at keeping them out of his way. He quickly stripped out of his clothes, pulling on a robe for the moment to go back into the  bedroom to get his pjs.


~~

Matt sat on the hood of his hearse and stared up at the hotel. He'd tried calling and been informed that Saffron couldn't take his calls. He'd tried going up to their room only to be stopped by Maxine and told that Saffron wasn't going anywhere nor receiving visitors...
He sighed softly, growing more irritated and anxious as the minutes ticked by. There'd been no word of the kids and no sign of them anywhere so far, and now the one person who'd served as a distraction from his worrying over them, had been locked up in a room and denied him. He caught a brief glimpse of Saffron on a balcony before he vanished again and sat up, his determination to see the death elemental again making him start eying the building for the possibility of climbing up to the balcony... despite a dislike of heights.

Before he could talk himself out of it, Matt  had managed to get himself onto one of the second floor  balconies, but wasn’t sure how he could get up to the one he'd seen Saffron on without risking a fall... not that it would kill him, but broken bones fucking hurt and needed time to heal.  He started making his way from one balcony to another, closing the gap while keeping an eye out for a way up to the next floor... and hoping no one spotted him and freaked out.

He suddenly slipped and found himself hanging by his fingertips and trying to pull himself back up. He'd been edging his way along a narrow ledge between the balcony he'd just left and the one he was pretty sure he'd seen Saffron on, and had slipped, barely catching himself. "Oh fuck... of all the stupid fucking..." he muttered softly as he managed to hook his elbows over the edge and get a better hold as he rested a moment. "Next time, just beat up a fucking guard or two and use the damned door..... Jack ass...." He hung there a moment listening to the soft sounds of water running and the sense of Saffron nearby. With a smirk he pulled himself up onto the balcony, refusing to look back down to the parking lot below, even if it was just three stories.

~~

Saffron had laid the change of clothes on the counter and shut off the taps on the tub. He had his back to the door, and had just started to drop the robe, when he felt that cool chill and turned slightly with a gasp to see Matt on the balcony. He'd managed to keep the robe held shut, but it hung low on his back and certainly gave a view of the tattoo and his  scars.

Matt couldn’t stop staring at the slim figure before him; the pale skin criss-crossed with scars; the black of the wing tattoo standing out in stark relief against his skin. "Hey..." he finally said softly. "Sorry... I tried calling and visiting but... I was politely told to fuck off... I don’t handle rejection well..." he added with a light smirk.

Saffron bit his lip, and he knew he should pull the robe back up; he did that slowly. "Do you always climb balconies then?" He asked softly with a smirk of his own. "Not that I mind..." He added quickly, blushing.

Matt snorted softly as he stepped into the room, his eyes never leaving Saffron."Never... not fussy about heights. Not afraid of them or anything, just ... prefer to avoid shit like that... " he admitted simply. "But when I saw you... this was the only thing I could think of... I just had to be with you...."

Saffron blushed more as he retied the belt on the robe, and looked back up at Matt. "I didn't see you out there... I'm sorry, my mind's been wandering. Since I've been...confined to the suite... but I don't have a problem with you coming to see me." He replied softly, hesitating a moment, before starting toward him. "Have you found the kids?" He asked softly.

Matt's smirk vanished and he sighed heavily. "No. No sign of them anywhere...and no word. Awen was ready to come here and help look, but I think I convinced her to stay put incase they double back... or never headed this way to begin with..." He closed his eyes and tipped his head back. "It's driving me nuts, Saffron... it's not like them... and with this psycho out there...."

Saffron bit his lip hard enough to make it bleed, and hesitated a moment before finally getting up the courage and moved close to Matt. He hesitated a moment more before placing a hand on Matt's arm, leaning against him slightly. "I'm sorry. I was hoping you'd have found them by now..."

Matt looked down at Saffron and was overcome with the need for him. Without a word, he slipped his arms around him and leaned down to kiss him hungrily.

Saffron sighed softly, but slipped his arms around Matt's neck, kissing him back and leaning against him. He remembered the bath, and fact that he was only in a robe, and with another sigh started to pull away. "I should probably let the water out of the tub, and get dressed..." He said softly.

"No..." Matt said. "It's alright... I shouldn't be here anyhow. I should be trying to find the kids. I just... I just needed to see you." he said softly, stroking Saffron’s cheek tenderly. "I'm tempted to tell you to go have your bath and I'll wait out here, but... I'd be more likely to join you in that tub. So maybe it’s better that I leave..."

Saffron stayed leaning against him, his arms still around Matt's neck and he bit his lip a moment. "You can stay if you want, Matt... I don't mind..." He was worried about the kids, but, he didn't really want Matt to leave him alone. "Besides, how would you leave? Lexi's still in the front room with his date and...The front door has a spell on it to know whose coming and going... and to keep me in. So unless you intend to go back down the balcony..." Although Saffron supposed that presented a problem for Matt leaving all around...

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