Lex stayed curled against Faal, his face against his shoulder, just reveling in the warmth from his body. He was finally able to breath with out gasping and his lungs didn't hurt as much, but he still entirely warn out.

Faal somehow managed to get the car door opened and Lex seated without dropping him and hurried around to the other side. Lex was curled up against the door with the towels wrapped around his shoulders, still shivering, but with a touch of colour coming back to his face.

Faal started the car and backed up, the tires giving a squeal as he spun the wheel and headed for the exit, already hitting the door release button so he wouldn't have to wait as long.
He took the time for the door to clear the roof of the car to fuss over Lex. He brushed the wet string of red hair out of his face and wiped away the little runnels of water that flowed from them. "We'll get you warm and dry soon, sweetheart..."

Lex took a breath, sniffled and asked with chattering teeth, "W-w-who shoved me in?" He was still freezing, but he was contemplating revenges on who ever shoved him in. A different revenge, depending on the person who'd done it.

 

Faal had made the drive back to Lex's ... correction THEIR apartment in record time, and had bundled Lex back into his arms for the trek upstairs, where he didn't pause to bother with the key. He merely sent our a flash of power and the door swung open. He normally perferred not to use his fae abilities, but Lex was always the exception to every rule he had.

Aloyisious came towards the door, curious at the sudden comotion. "Out of the way, my friend, I don't want to step on you. Lex needs to get warm and dry as fast as we can get him."
the door swung shut and locked by itself as he carried Lex to the bathroom.

*Hmmmm and what have you done to him now? He looks like a drowned rat.* came the cats voice in his head sounding a tad irritaded and amused as he padded along beside them.

"I didn't do anything, S...someone pushed him into the pool as a joke and he damn near drowned.. no, he DID drown actually.. a friend saved his life.."

 

*Some one or a CERTIAN some one?* Aloysius inquired trotting along behind Faal toward the bath room. *wait, don't tell me, I can imagine who thought it'd be a lovely joke to drown Lex...* The cat rolled his cat green eyes.

As the door of the bathroom opened, Aloysius leapt on to the bathroom counter, tail twitching and he licked his paw, planly ignoring the fact that Faal was stripping Lex out of his cloths at the same time he got the bath running.

Lex managed to turn his head to look at Aloysius. He eyed the cat wearily and asked in a raspy voice. "Is he ranting again?"

Aloysuis chuckled. *Boy's catching on isn't he?* He watched Lex with amusement, letting out a mew for attention like a cat would and Lex reached over, scratching the keezal behind the ears.

Faal rolled his eyes. "Yes. He's ranting again, love, but not nearly as bad as you do." He ignored both Lex's look and the mental snort from the cat. He felt the water in the half full tub and lifted Lex into it. He felt him wince then relax as the heat from the water began to soak into him. Faal turned and shoved the wet towels and clothes aside. "It wasn't who might think, Aloysious.. although there was some definate goading involved... they both no doubt feel horrible over it, and will continue to do so for a very long time."

Aloysius flexed his claws. *Perhaps not guilty enough...*

Lex sank deeper into the water, leaning his arms on the edge of the tub, his chin on his arms, and closed his eyes. "It was Saffron wasn't it?" He muttered, his voice still raspy. He opened his eyes to look at Faal. The color was slowly returning to his face, his lips were no longer blue.

Faal sighed. "He didn't know, Lex... Aiyla put him up to it, no doubt. She looked just as guilty as he did. I think it was some mad attempt at brotherly revelry...I'm just very glad Xander was there."

*Xander Caine?!* Aloyisous asked in a shocked and unhappy tone. at the same time Lex asked "Xander? Why?"

Faal smiled softly as he pushed Lex back down into the tub so the water swirled around his shoulders. "Because when I hauled you out of the water, you'd swallowed a good deal and weren't breathing. Xander saved your life. He was the one who got you breathing again... "

"Xander?!" Lex stared at Faal slightly wide eyed. There came a snort from Aloysius. *Making up for past mistakes I imagine.* Aloysius said arrogantly. *Although if you ask me, nothing makes up for raping Lex...* Aloysius was aware Lex hadn't ever told anyone about that, but then Aloysius was under the firm opinion that it was his job to drop tid bits of information where Lex wouldn't.

Lex went back to leaning his head on his arms, and closing his eyes. He was rather tired now. "Well, that was a bust of a party. Hope everyone's having fun with out us..." He muttered a touch sullenly.

Faal sighed turning a frown on Lex, brushing hair off his forhead. "Is it true, Lex ? Why didn't you tell me? You know I wish you'd stop hiding things from me."

Lex gave him a quizzical look. "What? Is what true.. hiding what from you?.. "

Faal scowled and glared at Aloyious. "Brat... look what you did now.. it's your own fault."

Aloysius jumpped off the counter, his tone still arrogant and he trotted toward the door. *I didn't say anything that wasn't true...*

Lex was looking back and forth between Faal and Aloysius with wide eyes. "What did he tell you?!" He asked, his voice slightly higher pitched then normal.

Aloysius stopped in the door and looked over his shoulder. *He didn't want any one knowing because it WAS Xander...*

Faal sighed. "Xander. He told me why you hate Xander so much. He also said you didn't want me to know BECAUSE it was Xander..." Faal slouched down against the tub, one hand scooping water and pouring it over Lex'sshoulders, stroking the skin as he did so. "I had no idea, Lex. I wish you could've trusted me enough to tell me on your own."

Lex sank deeper in the tub, until only his eyes and up could be seen over the edge of the tub and muttered. "I do trust you...it's just...its just that I was 17...and...and Xander was...was supposed to be a friend...and...and Evie had died only a couple years before..." Lex trailed off realizing that must have made no sense what so ever. He closed his eyes, leaning his forehead against the tub.

Aloysius' voice came from outside the hall. *He was afraid and ashamed because as I said, it WAS Xander...not Abandon...Xander was after all, nearly ended up in Rowen's place first...if you get me..not the hate, the other emotion.*

 

"Thank you, Aloyious, now if you'd please stop blabbing and let Lex speak for himself?" Faal said and turned back to Lex. "So you loved him and he took advantage of that..? Thant's why things are so... hard between you two..?" he reached up and stroked the wet hair, the red locks curling around his fingers. "You know.. you look like a mermaid all wet and shy like that.."
Lex stared at the tile of the bathroom floor. "I don't know if I loved him...but he was the only...thing I had left after Evie died...I don't exactly remember how it happened that night...I know I got mad at him, and he got mad at me and then..." Lex trailed off, his finger tracing invisable patterns on the porcelin side of the tub. When Faal said he looked like a mermaid, he raised his eyes from the floor, looking at him, "A mermaid?" he asked softly, then scrunched up his nose, amused.

Faal chuckled and leaned in to kiss him. "I love it when you scrunch your nose like that.." he said kissed said nose. "You look so adorable. And yes.. don';t you remember that cartoon form a while back... litle red haired mermaid...?"


"No, I can't say that I do...sheltered remember." Lex muttered, but he smiled slightly, looking up at Faal. He was rather glad, Faal didn't push the subject of Xander, because now that Xander had saved his life, he wasn't quiet sure what to think about the ice elemental.

Faal chuckled."No? Well.. perhaps we should rent it. What do you say, Aloyious? Care to watch a movie with a singing crab?"

"Singing crab??" Lex asked, one eyebrow raised and a those finger's on his botom lips again.

* Hmmph* came Aloyious's reply as he snapped his tail in the air.

Faal just chuckled.

"No, actually, I have no desire to see a singing crab." Lex muttered, leaning back in the tub and laying one foot end of the tub near the faucet. Doing so caused him to slip further down in the water, which felt nice, because at least the warmth was returning to his body.

How ever, he kept dwelling on the fact that Xander had saved him...

He heard something clatter to the floor in the hall, knocked over no doubt by Aloysius, and Faal would have heard the keezal say,

*Crabs are for eating, not singing!*

"I can't believe he talks to you..." Lex muttered, glancing at the bathroom door, seeing Aloysius bat something across the door way. "I mean I always suspected he was more then just a cat, but..."

Aloysius paused in the middle of the doorway, still bating at the little plush bug looking cat toy. *You haven't even BEGUN to suspect what I am, Lexine.* Although only Faal would have heard that. Then the cat cocked his head to he side. *Where's his bracelett?*

"Safe." Faal said looking at Aloyious,"And I'll have you know, that for a Disney Cartoon it was quite a charming movie..." He turned back to Lex. "He's a Keezal... they're fae creatures. You saved him and he's grown rather fond of you. I don't know why he hasn't spoken to you.. maybe he can't, I've never thought to ask. I have heard of some people being immune to telepaths..." Faal reached out and flipped a stray strand of red hair back out of Lex's face. " He noted the glum mood returning. "Have you seen ANY movies? Maybe we should take in at least one a week at the theatre and then rent a couple to watch here... catch you up on the classics... You saw Star Wars, right? EVERYONE has seen Star Wars..."

Aloyious gave another uncatlike snort from somewhere in the hall.

"I never saw Star Wars..." Came a very very soft reply before Lex sank lower in the water. "I haven't seen a lot of movies actually...a few...Tizzy's made me endure some truely awful ones...well okat Monty Python and The Holy Grail wasn't awful...just weird..." He sank even lower, until all that could be seen above water was from his eyes up and he was looking at Faal with rather wide eyes.

*The only thing the boy knows is music and books* Came Aloysius' reply as he pounced on something and smacked it clear across the bathroom floor behind Faal's feet and made a lung for it.

Faal smiled brightly. "Really? Never seen Star Wars... none of them? Well... Maybe I should keep an eye out for a theatre having a run on them... they really are best on the big screen. All movies are. And Star Wars is best watched with the reactions of the audience around you... when I saw hmm... which one was it.. well anyhow, people cheer and yell and everything.. some even dress up in costume to see it! It's quite fun. But we could always watch them at home too. Not the same experience, but.."He shrugged, grinning.

He moved his foot slightly as Aloysious pounced, thus avoiding being clawed, and suddenly realized he was soaking wet himself. "I guess I should go dry off.. I can't very well help wamr you up while wearing cold wet clothing.."

 

"People in costumes at a movie...no thank you...I was traumatized with Rocky Horror Picture Show...Tizzy and....Rowen's idea..." Lex muttered, having sit up a bit. "I didn't know you liked to go to the theater." He said, watching Aloysius a moment, who'd knocked the toy up behind the toliet and was trying to retrieve it.

He looked back at Faal. "And yus, maybe you should change..."

*No...make him stand around a bit longer in those wet things...we all know you're looking, Lexine...* Came Aloysius' snide remark for on Faal to hear.

Faal chuckled at both Lex's comment and Aloysious's, then bent down and rescued the toy, tossing it back to Aloysious who batted it out of the air and chased after it. "You've just been to the wrong movies, Lex... some are meant NOT to be seen in the theatre.. at least not for the uninitiated.."He chuckled agin and spotted the robe on the back of the door, and with a sly smile stood of and began peeling off his wet clothes.

Lex eyed him from the tub, sinking a bit lower again.

"I've seen a few movies in the theatre. I saw....Pirates of the Caribbean...Johnny Depp was kinda cute..." Lex muttered, still watching Faal. "Only kinda..."

Aloysius snorted, batting his toy around in the door way. *Well I suppose that's better then finding the other one attractive...*

Lex rubbed his right shoudler, over the chakrum tattoo. "I can't believe Xander saved me..." He muttered, biting his lip.

Faal peeled off the last of the wet clothing, leaving them on the floor with Lex's for now, and pulled his robe off the back of the door. "I've noticed lately that he's.. been very different towards you, Lex. He hasn't been as verbally abusive, he's almost stopped the pet names completely.. and when you're in trouble.. well he's seemed rather protective of you lately... "

Faal kneeled back down beside the tub. "I think he genuinely cares about you, Lex.. I jusr don't think he's very comfortable with showing it, so he.. well, so he's an ass instead."

"Yus, well...he tends to act that what happened...was my fault..." Lex muttered, resting his head on the side of the tub. "Maybe it was...I don't know...I don't think about ti often..I don't like to think about it."

Aloysuis had lept up on to the counter and was sitting there staring at them both.

"I don't think it was your fault, Lex. " Faal said softly, stroking his cheek. I wasn't there and don't know the full story so I can't say for sure whether it was his intention or just happened that way. but I do think he regrets it and blames himself a great deal for it... I think perhaps he's just.. lashing out.. like a certain red head I know tends to do at times..."

Lex sighed. "I don't lash out...not on purpose..." He muttered, looking at Faal.

Aloysius snorted. *Oh no, just sevre mood swings* He was still sitting on the counter, watching.

" I don't think he did it intentionally...but we got so mad at each other..." Lex muttered, actually thinking about that night, which caused him to sink lower in the tub, not looking at Faal now.

Faal smiled sadly. "Well, at least you can at least consider that much.. are you ready to come out yet? One would think you'd had enough water for a while..?" he asked, a mischievious smirk tugging at his mouth.

Lex sighed, and sat up striaghter in the tub. "To much water for a while." He mused slightly, shoving the wet hair out of his face. "I suppose I'll let Saffron get away with it...this time.." He muttered.

Aloysuis lept off the counter, rubbing up against Faal for the moment, before trotting toward the door.

Faal chuckled and wrapped a twoel around LEx as he stood up. "Good. I really don't think it was his fault anyhow... blame Aiyla. I'm sure you can think of a suitable revenge."

Lex smirked slightly. "Yus, well...it depends on how devious I want to get..." He muttered, stepping out of the tub. He headed for the bedroom, aware Faal was following moved over to the dresser, digging around for a night shirt and knickers. "I told you, those parties got intense." He said, changing and using the towel to dry his hair.

Aloysius lept up on to the bed, sitting on the edge. *As apposed to pulling your own phone out because yuo were drunk and Eire couldn't use the phone in the front room, after pulling THAT phone out...*

Faal chuckled and sat next to Aloyious, scratching the keezals chin as he watched Lex. "You'll have to tell me more about that particular party another time, Aloyious." He reached his foot out and rubbed Lex's leg with his toes. "Haven't I mentioned how cute and sexy you look in knickers....?"

Lex had slid into a pair of black black boylegs and looked over his shoulder at Faal. "Once or twice, yus." He said with a slight smirk. He grabbed his favorite sleep shirt, a large, over sized, light blue long sleeved soft cotton shirt and pulled it on. It slid off his right shoulder and hung below the knees. "And what is Aloysius talking about now?"

Aloysius, despite his better judgement began purring contentedly as Faal scratched his chin, making himself comfortable and kneeding and flexing his claws on the bedcover. Lex raised an amused eyebrow watching the cat as he retrieved his brush from the dresser and began brushing out his hair.

They hadn't been sharing the apartment long, and it was still taking some time for Lex to get used to living with some one again, knowing Faal liked to watch his every move. Still he blushed, as he knocked a book off the dresser and bent to retrieving, well aware that the night shirt rode up rather nice in the rear when doing so.

Faal chuckled as he watched Lex. " Oh just something about a couple phones being pulled out of the walls...? I'm not sure why he finds that humourous, but i'm sure one of you two will fill me in eventually...." He stood up and walked over to Lex, wrapping his arms around his waist and leaning down to nuzzle his neck and shoulder. "Do you think you're suitably warmed up, now? Or do you think you need a bit more..." he asked mischieviously as he slid his hands up under the night shirt.

"I'm getting warmer..." Lex answered Faal's question coyly. "But not quiet there yet..." he glanced at the bedroom fire place, which started on it's own accord. He was getting better at he was geting better at using his abilities by thought, rather then touch, but still needed some practice as the fire in the fire place was currently rather weak.

Lex shivered despite himself, at the contact of skin on skin. "Okay, for one, that was my first party with everyone, two I was incredibly drunk by the time I yanked my phone out of the wall, three, Eire did the one in the living room FIRST! Not to mention, Aiyla tried to drown me in the shower, Saffron tried to tickle me to death, Eire tried to drown me in tequilla and demanded I kiss him, but he doesn't remember that, so we don't tell him. " Lex said with a giggle.

"Then there's the fact that Reese and Bull set my kitchen table on fire..." Lex trailed off, leaning back against Faal. "Lord its no wonder I avoid their parties as much as possible...they can be scary..."

Aloysius snorted from his spot, still contentedly kneeding the bed clothes.

Faal chuckled, sliding his hands up over Lex's chest them back down, feeling him tremble against him at the touch. "Hmm yes.. I remember the first party I attended with this crew... it was a few years ago and they were on the road for some big mission, so it was at a motel... needless to say they are never allowed back at that motel.. as a matter of fact, I don't think they're allowed in that town..."

Lex laid his head back on Faal's shoulder and smirked slightly. "Some how, I wouldn't be surprised. If they got thrown out of a state, I wouldn't be surprised." He reached one arm up behind him, caressing Faal's neck. "And I'm afraid the parties are only going to get worse from here on out with the new additions to the team...Aiyla...Xander...Saffron...Those three alone could be a force on their own...give him alcohol and throw 'em in a room with Eire and the others....if there's any glass left in that greenhouse, I'll be surprised..."

Faal chuckled and kissed Lex's earlobe, pausing to nibble slightly. "Well, I did make sure they used a bullet proof glass... not useful in a real green house, but since ours is more of a sunroom, it works fine.. still, you are right ..."

He suddenly scooped Lex up and carried him to the bed where he let him drop onto the mattress, as he undid his robe and slipped onto the mattress beside him.

"You see the problem with that. is some one is still bound to figure out how to break it..." Lex said, laying on his elbow at the moment. "And don't think they wont figure out a way...After all, Eire got bored enough to try and play baseball in the front room of THIS apartment, shattering the window..."

Aloysius seemed slightly perturbed at the turn of locations for Lex and Faal and decided to take matters in to his own hands...or paws as it were, and pounced, attacking Faal's feet playfully.

Faal chuckled and pulled his feet up out of the way, deciding that as long as the keezal was in such a playful mood, perhaps the robe should remain closed. "Actually, i fear more for the plants and deck... pools can be cleaned and no doubt it's going to need it... Good thing I decided against ordering the barbeque yet..."

Lex watched Aloysius trying to continue to attack Faal's feet, and said softly. "I don't fancy being the one to clean up after tonight...really...if you keep it up with making everything in the building perfect, you're going to spoil the lot of them." Aloysius snorted, and changed tactics, stalking up the bed toward Lex. *Only one spoiled round here is you, Lexine* He mused, before pouncing at Lex. Lex yelped and caught the keezal before he could reach his face. He rolled over slightly putting Aloysius back on the bed with a giggle. "Well, some one's in a good mood..." Aloysius just purred, mewing softly, and attempting to paw at anything dangling with in reach, which meant either Faal's hair or the tie on his robe.     "Please watch the claws, my friend.. you are disconcertingly close to a.. senstive area." Faal said. "I take it thing are going well with the young lady, Aloyious?" *Hmm, hmm, what's that? I don't think I quiet heard you...* Aloysius remarked evasively, digging a cat nip toy from under Lex's pillow. Lex raised an eyebrow. "What young lady? Aloysius do you have a girlfriend?" *NO!* Aloysius remarked, attempting to bury his head under said pillow now, after batting the toy straight at Faal. 'I think you've embarassed him..." Lex remarked with a smirk, looking at Faal.   Faal chuckled. "Well, she is quite fetching, and is obviously smitten with a certain keezal..." He ducked his head to the side as a tail smacked him in the face.   Aloysius rounded about, and glared at Faal with narrowed eyes. *Watch it, friend...I could use a new scratching post.* Brandished the claws on one hand paw threateningly, and might have actually flipped Faal off. Lex giggled watching this. "Well, I never thought I'd see it, but I rather get the feeling Aloysius is in love." He giggled. Aloysius turned on him and made a half hearted swipe at Lex's nose. "Really Aloysius why do you never talk to me?" Lex mock pouted. *You're not ready for me to talk to you...beside I rather like making Faal play translator* Aloysius said with an arrogant sniff, before looking for the cat nip toy and smacking Faal in the face again with his tail. Admittedly, he liked Faal, but he did have such fun annoying him. Next he planned on putting a hair ball in Faal's slipper.   Faal knocked the tail away with a chuckle. "He says he likes being a brat and making me translate. "the tail smacked him again and he grabbed it. "Aloyious, if you don't want this tail hanging from my rearview mirror I suggest you watch where your swinging it." *You'd have a hard time getting it, friend.* Aloysius replied, making a swipe at Faal's nose with out the claws. "You know if I didn't know any better, I'd say you're jealous, Aloysius...in fact I do know better, so you MUST be..." Lex said, laying there watching. Aloysius snorted. *Me, jealous of HIM?! I'm much better looing, and certianly a degree more cuddly*   Faal chuckled and batted the tail aside and scratched the keezal behind the ears. He suddenly realized that he still had Lex's charm bracelett in the pocket of his jeans to get rid of... assuming it hadn't fallen out in the pool, that is... He sat up and leaned over Aloyisous to give Lex a kiss. "I had better go ring out those clothes and hang them up before we flood the bathroom. " he chuckled. "Snuggle under the covers and cuddle with the keezal for a bit, I'll be back in a minute to take over." he said with a smirk and another kiss.   Lex watched him go, while petting Aloysius. "You know, you could throw them in the dryer..." He called after him. Aloysius snorted and dove under the blankets at the foot of the bed. Lex watched the keezal as well for a moment, before sitting up in the bed and reaching into the bedside table. He was lucky he had a couple of cigarettes in a half spent pack in the drawer. Although no lighter, not a problem. He lit one with a small conjured flame, and found the ashtray. Aloysius poked his head from under the covers, to regaurd Lex who was sitting on the edge of the bed. Lex was looking at the new charm bracelett on his wrist, he smiled slightly. It didn't weigh nearly as much as the locket bracelet did. And he liked the cherries. Aloysius came padding over, pawing halfheartedly at the cherry charms. Lex took a drag, set the cigarette in the ash tray and scratched Aloysius under the chin as the keezal kept pawing at the charms. "Faal got it for me..." Lex told him with a smile. Aloysius snorted, then lept off the bed, padding from the room. Now he had a good idea of what happened to the locket bracelet and he went in search of Faal to confirm this.   Faal scooped his sodden jeans off the floor and retrieved the bracelett from the pocket, slipping it into the pocket of his robe, then proceeded to squeeze as much water out of the clothes into the tub as he could. He had finished with Lex's and had started on his when Aloyious appeared in the doorway.   *However did you get him to agree to giving it up?* Aloysius inquired curiously, before proceeding to jump up on the counter and settle down to watch. *I didn't think he'd give that bracelet up for anyone...*Aloysius snorted, *But then I suppose you're not just anyone to him....*   Faal gave Aloyious that soft almost sad smile of his. "I asked, Aloyious... but I don't want it anywhere near him. I told him I'd arrange for a display case or something if he wished to keep it, but that I'd rather he not wear it. I'm going to have a copy made of this one though and substitute it. I know Ravenscourt is still using this one somehow. Perhaps I can have it examined and have the spells removed or countered, but still..." He finished ringing out the clothes and gathered up the soggy bundle, heading for the laundry.   Aloysius lept off the counter and followed Faal. *Of course Ravenscourt is still using it. He specifically used that bracelet to get the curse on Lex and track him, because he KNEW Lexine would wear the bloody thing...Lex should have met you, before he met Ravenscourt in my opinion.* He padded along a head of Faal, toward the laundry room off the guest room. *If love can be pervse, and backwards, that exactly what Lex has ended up with...until now...*   Faal sighed as he entered the laundry room and popped the dryer open. "If he'd met me first, who knows what would've happened? Things happen in their own time for a reason..." he tossed everything in and set the timer. He pulled the soggy mess of things he'd rescued from their pockets out of his robe and set it on the washing machine, pulling the bracelett from the pile. "I need someplace to stash this for now. Any ideas?"   *In the house, or out of the house?*Aloysius asked, batting at Lex's small silver cased lighter. *He'll be a tad upset about that being ruined...it was a birthday gift* There was a soggy mess of cigarettes, which Aloysius knocked into the trashcan between the washer and dryer. Then he chuckled over the small jar of cherry lip gloss. *hence his nickname...*   Faal picked up the lighter. "Well perhaps it will be alright when it dries out.. or perhaps it can be repaired... Since I'm wearing nothing but a robe at the moment, I think in the house will do for now." he tossed the lighter back onto the washer then turned a curious eye to Aloyious. "Nickname?"

Aloysius was thoughtful on a place to hide the locket. But he answered Faal's question. *Surely you know Tizabella, Ruewina and a few of the others from the Raven christianed him with the nickname Cherry, do to his...obsession with the dispicable tasting fruit* Aloysius made a face. *Started after he got the tattoo on his hip...that's what he gets for getting drunk and getting a tattoo*

Aloysius lept off the washer. *There isn't much of anywhere in the house that Lex might not come across it accidently, accept for my cubbyhole in the closet. He knows better then to mess with things in there.* Aloysius said, starting toward the far closet in the hall. He had a little nest like area in the far back, where he kept certian things, there was a silver mirror that was connected to another, owned by a 'friend', an elegant ruby and diamond necklace that had been in Aloysius' possession for some time, and other little odd things that he'd aqcuired either from lending help, or asked to protect. A Keezal's work was never done.

Faal followed the Keezal and knelt by the closet, handing the bracelett over to him. "I'll see who I can find that can copy it tomorrow and then ask you for it back." he said as he watched Aloyious take it inside the closet. A moment later he returned, tail twitching.

 

*There's a jewelry maker down town, who owes me a favor for keeping something for him. He's very talented in making copies...you could talk to him. Just simply tell him that Mr. Pendergast sent you down, he'll know who you're refering to and believe you.* Aloysius replied, twitching his tail, and looking grimly thoughtful.

"Pendergast?" Faal asked quizzically. "Alright, I will. Thank you, Aloyious. I'll retrieve the bracelett from you after I take Lex into the office tomorrow."

He gave the Keezal a scratch on the chin before making his way back to the bedroom.

*Don't ask, you don't need to know.* Aloysius replied in a smug tone to the name, before going back into his closet and his little nest. He eyed the bracelet a moment, before laying it next to the necklace and padded out of the closet, the door closing behind him with a soft click. His name sake would probably find it humorous that the keezal was using his surname to see to debts. He'd just pay the man a visit later.

Lex was laying on his stomach on the bed, his feet in the air, all three ankle bracelets he wore on his left ankle having slid down his leg. He was tying his hair up with his ribbon and glanced up when Faal came back in. "Why is it everytime Aloysius follows you from a room, I get this feeling you two are up to something?" He asked softly, eyeing him.

Faal gave an evil laugh and landed on the bed with a plop beside Lex, making him bounce. "Because we are." he said and kissed his shoulder as he propped himself up on his elbow and watched him.

 

"So my love... it seems that we are alone at last... at least until Aloyious finds his way back in... " he said with his eyes twinkling. "What shall we do with the rest of our evening? Would you like to go out somewhere? Or shall we stay in... we could go rent a movie.. how about Casablanca? It's been a while since I've seen that one and it IS a classic... originated one of THE best lines ever... ' Here's lookin' at you kid.' "

Lex stared at him with wide eyes a moment, before burying his head in his arms with a fit of giggles, and blushing crimson. It didn't matter who said that line to him, he almost ALWAYS blushed. "Yus, I know it's a classic..." He said between the giggles, his head still buried in his arms. "And there wouldn't be any reason to rent it...I own a copy of it...do I get the feeling some one has informed you what my favorite movie is?" He finally looked up but was still blushing deeply.

Faal raised an eyeborw. "Favorite movie? Lexine, my love... I don't believe we've spoken of movies before tonight... ah.. you mean Aloyious? No... so I take it you've scene Casablanca? Well.. I suppose there must be something else we can watch..."

He trailed off and smiled. "You look so cute and sexy when you blush... shame i didn't mean for you to do it... what did I say that brought it about? All I said was... ahh..." he got that mischievious twinkle in his eyes. "I could have fun with that..."

"Oh no..." Lex moaned at the very idea, he hadn't realized it was possbile to blush any further, but he did. "You WOULD have fun with it, wouldn't you?" He muttered, having grabbed a pillow and buried his face in it, so the words were quite muffled. He was induced to giggle more at the idea, and used the pillow to stifle them.

Faal chuckled, enjoying himself. He loved seeing Lex in this comfortable at ease playful mood. Somedays it seems so rare...
He grinned wickedly and began to tickle him mercilessly.

Lex squeaked and attempted to hit Faal with the pillow to get him to stop him from tickling, but in rolling over, he rolled dangerous close to the edge and nearly off the bed. Before he could tumble off the bed though, he found himself clinging to Faal who'd caught him and pulled him back from the edge. He clung to Faal, for the moment marveling in the simplicity of the moment, and the fact of being loved so much. Moments like this was what meant everything to Lex. Some times they seemed far to rare and between days.

Aloysius sat in the door of the bedroom, watching them for a moment. He mused silently, before moving into the room and jumping up on the dresser, still watching them. Now was just as good as any time. He'd been thinking about it for the past week or so, since the the Bet.

Aloysius took a deep breath, *You know something Lexine* He was now speaking to where Lex could finally hear him as well as Faal.

Lex's head snapped up with a squeak, his eyes wide and he stared at the keezal on the dresser. *Yes, Lexine, I'm capable of talking to you as well, I was just holding off...* Aloysius said, his tone slightly sad.

Lex blinked. "But why?"

*Why was I holding off talking to you? Because I knew it would change things between us.* Aloysius leapt off the dresser and jumped up on to the bed. *I suppose it's just as well, considering things are going to change between us any how* Aloysius went on, before rubbing up against Lex, purring, although it was faint, and Aloysius was obviously sad.

Lex pet him, knowing something was wrong. "Aloysius..."

Aloysius planted himself, right between Faal and Lex and looked at Lex. *Well it's a good thing, you have Faal as a guardian, Lexine*

"Why..." Lex asked softly, still petting Aloysius.

*Because...the time is coming close were I may have to leave you...for good* Aloysius said sadly.

"Leave....why?" Lex actually felt tears prickling, it was the oddest thing. But he'd come to care about Aloysius so much, he couldn't really imagine not having him around, cat or friend, it wouldn't be the same with out him.

*I have...responsibilites, Lexine...Faal isn't the only guardian in this house that has been guarding more then one...thing of importantance. No, don't cry Lexine...it makes this even more difficult...* Aloysius rose, rubbing up against Lex, who buried his face in the thick fur, it was impossible not cry. *Besides, I'm not leaving TONIGHT...just in the near future...* Aloysius added, but he himself was getting emotional...

Faal reached one arm out and encircled Lex's waist, pulling him a bit closer, and reached down and gently stroked Aloyious's head with his free hand. "Does it truely need to be for good, my friend? This is your home and I hope you see Lex, if not myself as well, as family.. I believe I speak for both of us when I say we think of you that way. Even if you must leave, surely you can at least .. visit?"

*It depends on where my duties take me* Aloysius answered. *Anything could be asked of me...*

Lex burried his face in Aloysius' fur, crying silently, the keezal purring softly. "I don't want you to leave Aloysius..." He cryed softly. "You're family to me..."

Aloysius snorted, but continued purring. *A keezal doesn't have family, Lexine, we're a solitare creature by nature.*

"But you're not like other keezals..." Lex muttered, finally looked up, silent tears on his cheeks.

*No, no indeed I'm not...I've grown far to fond of you. And Faal* He added with a snort. *But I am duty bound to see to the other obligations I've made...and...my leaving would also be for your protection*

Lex snorted, looking even more upset. "I hate that term! Why does everyone have to use that term!" He started to get up from the bed, clearly upset.

 

"Because we love you, Lex. And we need you in our lives far too much to allow anything to happen to you. You protect those you love. Now come sit back down." Faal said softly, smiling and patted the mattress beside Aloyious. "Little one, "He said, scratching Aloyious's ears. "If you can't visit, could you at least find a few moments every now and then to call or write to Lex?"

*Keezals don't write and they don't call...but I suppose Lexine would be the exception to that...* Aloysius replied, watching Lex. Lex wiped his cheeks off before flopping back down on the matress with a sigh. "I don't WANT you leaving..." He muttered sullenly. *Yes, you've said that, Lexine* "Well it's true! I don't mind that you never talked to me..but it wouldn't be the same with out you..You're very important to me..." *You make this very hard, Lexine* Aloysius said with a sigh.

"It Is hard, Aloyious. Leaving your friends should never be easy." Faal said softly as he pulled Lex into his arms. "Do you have to leave right away, or is this just to let us know that you will be at some point ..."

Faal couldn't help but wonder where this had come from. The Keezal had said nothing about leaving earlier when they'd spoke about the bracelett.. surely if there was trouble of some kind, he would have said something...

*In the near future. Its hard to say exactly when.* Aloysius answered softly. Lex snuggled against Faal, still crying, and reached over with one hand to scratch Aloysius who rubbed against the hand. *I wasn't lying, when I said it was for your protection, Lexine. And I don't know how long I'll be away.*

"It wont be the same with out you." Lex muttered with a sniffle, his head against Faal's shoulder.

Aloysius snorted softly, replying. *But you'll no doubt survive*

Faal stroked Lex's back. "Of course he will, but that's not the point. You've been his best friend and confidant, someone who's always here for him... and now you won't be. He'll survive, but he will still miss you terribly, Aloyious. I will do my best to fill in for you, but I’m afraid I know I can never replace you."

Aloysius snorted and replied. *You couldn't replace me, I'm unique.* He said that more for the benifit of Lex and at least go a weak gggle out of the red head. *its not like I'll be gone forever, just awhile* Aloysius added.

"A while can feel like forever..." Lex muttered, his head still on Faal's shoulder. Aloysius rubbed up against him.

*This is why I didn't want to tell you.* Aloysius said softly. *I do hate to see you so upset.* He sighed deeply, then said. *I have things to do for tonight, I'll leave Faal to cheer you up* He lept off the bed, heading for the window in the corner, which opened a bit.

Faal slide his hands down Lex's side and wrapped it around his waist, turning his face into Lex's neck. "What do you say, Lex? Do I get to 'cheer you up' ? " he asked kissing his neck as his free hand crept up to play with the cherry belly charm.

Lex sighed, watching Aloysius leave, the window closing behind him. "Well you'd better cheer me up..." He muttered. He hated the idea of Aloysius leaving. He was going to miss him terribly. He cuddled against Faal, nuzzling his neck, trying not to think of Aloysius leaving, determined to at least enjoy the rest of the night.

A wicked smile suddenly lept across Faal's face and he pushed Lex back agaisnt the bed and straddled his waist, tickling him again.

Lex choked on a fit of giggles, trying to wiggle and squirm from under Faal, eyes shut as he giggled. "Oh gods." He gasped, between fits, pushing at Faal, it was useless being trapped under him.

Faal suddenly stopped tickling and leaned forward to capture Lex's mouth in a kiss, letting the fingers of one hand lightly tickle along his ribs. "Any cheerier?" he breathed into Lex's ear as he moved his kiss to Lex's earlobe, then suddenly gave another short burst of tickling

Lex arched under him, caught in another fit of giggles and managed to answer, "Getting there." He said breathlessly, tangling an arm around Faal's neck, the other hand playing with Faal's hair. "You're so bloody incorigable, you know that?" He said between giggles.

Faal smirked. "Yus, you've said that before. I believe you told me that I was... perfectly wicked. "he said with a smile and let himself collapse half on top of Lex and stole his breath away with another kiss.

Lex gasped, trying to catch his breath, both from the tickling and the kiss, the kiss he had to admit was much more worth losing his breath then the tickling. He moved against Faal, wrapping the other arm around his neck too, and nuzzled his neck again. "You are wicked, but I wouldn't have you any other way." He whispered, kissing Faal's ear and neck.

Faal grinned between kisses. "Good to know... hmm.. I never did get to finish warming you up after that bath..." he said, sliding his hands under Lex's shorts to stroke bare skin, pulling him closer.
His free hand tangled itself in Lex's hair, holding him so that he couldn't escape his kisses should he even want to try.

"Well you're doing a rather good job of it now..." Lex muttered breathless still between kisses and pressing against Faal. It was moments like this that made Lex's current life perfect as far as he was concerned. He couldn't ever remember being so happy or at peace with anyone, let alone the only other lover he'd ever had. Even in the bed room, Rowen had been controlling and at least once or twice used Lex's fear of being tied up. Lex had vague memories of the handcuffs still being under the bed, he'd forgotten to throw them out with all the other stuff.

Faal chuckled softly as he continued his tortuous kisses while stroking Lex's hip and backside. "What ever am I going to do with you here all alone? " he asked, moving his kisses down to the hollow of Lex's throat.

"You, out of ideas?" Lex asked with mock surprise, fingers of one hand tangling in Faal's hair. "You're NEVER out of ideas of what to do with me alone. I am after all, at your mercy." He added in a husky tone, pressing against him more. "After all I do have a few ideas..."

faal chuckled and leaned back on his hip, looking down at Lex. " Really? Well, then.. by all means... let's have your ideas. Your wish is my command. " he said, and gave Lex's rump a hard squeeze.

Lex giggled, before pushing Faal back on the matress, leaning over him. "You don't want my ideas...you'd think I'm wicked...well much more wicked then I can be." He said with a purr, running his lips over Faal's.

Faal chuckled and folded his arms beneath his head, letting Lex kiss him. "No no.. I want to know your ideas. Please.." he said, leaning forward and catching Lex in a kiss. "Feel free." he lay back with a smirk on his face and waited to see what Lex would do.

Lex slowly undid the sash of the robe, kissing Faal's. "You just want to blame any wickedness on me.." He said with a mock pout, pushing the robe off his shoulders and kissing the fairy tattoo. He ran his nails down Faal's chest teasingly, kissing his collar bone and throat.

Faal chuckled. "Not at all. I take equal responsibility for all wickedness.." he said and untucked one hand, sliding it down Lex's back, rubbing his thumb along his spine. " I just love it when you indulge in your own wickedness... you don't do it often enough.."

"Don't I? Hmm, maybe thats because I perfer it when you're wicked...although I did say you were incorragible." Lex said with a smirk, running his nails back up Faal's chest and kissing the other shoulder.

Faal chuckled and wiggled his arms out from the sleeves of the robe. "hmm, Lexine.. it seems that once again, you're lagging behind.." he said and waved a hand to indicate his nakedness. "You're way too overdressed." he said and made a lunge, tackling Lex to the bed and tickled him as he tugged off what little clothing he had on.

Lex did his best to keep from giggling to much and replied, "As if I was wearing that much to begin with...night shirt and knickers don't exactly count as over dressed in my book." He said, puffing a lock of hair out of his face. "I could have stayed UNdressed, but I'm sure ALoysius would have been scandlized."

"A night shirt and nickers is extremely over dressed when the other person is buck naked. And Aloyious isn't here to be scandalized at the moment" he said and sat back, pulling Lex onto his lap, running his hands over his bare skin. "You feel so good." he said huskily. "Now .. where were we?"he said.

Lex kissed his neck, surpressing a giggle, and blushing at Faal's words. "We were discusing who's intentions were more wicked." He replied, leaning against Faal, one arm wrapped around his neck, the other hand resting on his chest.

"Hmm . no. No I believe you were about to tell me your intentions towards me... you had some wicked ideas, remember?" he said, stroking his hands over Lex's ribs before pulling Lex's legs around so he was sitting on his lap with a leg stretched out on either side of him. " Now... tell me, little flame.." he said, drawing out another kiss. " What wicked ideas did you have for me?"

 

Lex sighed against the kiss, leaning against Faal, draping his arms over his shoulders. "I can't remember..." He lied coyly, eyes half closed. His fingers stroked the phoenix tattoo on Faal's back, tracing the upper portion of the pattern by memory.

Faal narrowed his eyes. "Oh really? Hmm.. what a shame..." he said, his fingers trailing their way back down Lex's ribs. " I guess that means' that I shall have to go back to being wicked...." he said and resumed his tickling, enjoying Lex's bouncing and wiggling on his lap immensely.

Lex attempted to pull away, in another fit of giggles, both hands on Faal's chest. "One of these days you're going to kill me with all this tickling." He breathed through the fit of giggles, eyes closed, flushed.

Faal grinned wickedly. "And someday you will stop teasing me incessantly with those coy looks of yours... now. " he said wrapping his arms around him again." It's your turn."

Just for that, Lex gave him another coy and mock innocent look. "My turn to do what?" He asked in mock innocence. "I don't think you want me tickling you back..." For good measure he ran the nails of one hand over Faal's side lightly tickling.

Faal chuckled and caught his hand, bringing it up to his mouth for a kiss. "Tease. " he said and began to kiss each finger in turn. "You are a wicked wicked tease..." he murmured between kisses, his eyes sparkling. "And I wouldn't have you any other way..."

He ran his thumb over Faal's lips, smiling slightly and replied. "If I'm a wicked tease, it's your fault, so it's a good thing you wouldn't have me any other way." His other hand caressed his chest, moving slightly, to get more comfortable and leaned against him more, resting his chin on Faal's shoulder.

Faal leaned forward and dumped Lex out of his lap and onto the mattress beneath him. " Hmmm.. you know, I just remembered. We'd discussed watching a movie and I discovered something interesting that promises to be a lot of fun... I don't recall seeing you blush while completely naked before... let's see just how far the red goes, shall we?" he asked grinning wickedly.

" Lex, sweet heart..." Faal’s eye's sparkled intensely and the corners of his mouth twitched with the urge to smile. "Here's looking at you kid."

Lex let go of Faal, covering his face with his hands, giggling madly, a deep blush creeping over his skin from head to toe. "Wicked! Wicked, wicked, wicked!" He breathed through the giggles, peaking at Faal through his fingers. "And no fair!" He added with a pout.

Faal's chuckle gave way to a full out belly cramping laugh that had him doubled over on the bed gasping for breath. He had tears in his eyes form the pain of laughing so hard and he couldn't get enough air. Every time he thought he'd be able to get it under control, he'd see Lex blush again or turn that indignant look on him telling him 'no fair', and he'd be off again...

Lex finally lowered his hands, but was still blushing. "Well, I'm certianly glad YOU find it funny." He said still pouting but quiet unable to keep the smirk from creeping in.

Faal finally managed to get the laughter under control and sat back up, wiping the tears from his face as he caught his breath. For a moment he thought the pouty look on Lex's face would send him over the top again and he grabbed a hold of him, letting them both fall back onto the bed, Lex landing in top. He looked up into those sexy green eyes and smiled. "Damn I love you."

Lex couldn't stop the smile, even through the pouty look and he leaned down, kissing Faal lightly. "I love you too...even if you can be a complete and wicked ass at times." He added with a smirk.

"Oh a complete and total wicked ass, assuredly. "He agreed with a grin. "As long as I'm YOUR complete and total wicked ass... then again, your own ass is pretty damned fine if I do say so myself.." Faal said, his hands slipping around behind Lex to give his rump a playful squeeze.

Lex clicked his tongue. "You just can't stop, can you. You have to CONSTANTLY be a wicked ass...but that's okay, because you're right...you’re my completely total and wicked ass." He squirmed slightly. "And I didn't say you could do that..."

Faal chuckled and gave another squeeze. "But I'm a WICKED ass.. wicked doesn't ask.. wicked just DOES. " he chuckled and removed one hand to pull Lex's head down for a kiss.
He couldn't resist slipping the other hand around to the front and resting it on his waist, letting his thumb play with the belly charm. " You know.. I vote we go buy you some more of these things... nice dangling ones.. maybe some that chime..."

"i'm not wearing a bell, like a cat." Lex replied with a pout. "Of is that how you think of me, better off belled, so you know where I'm at, at all times?" He brushed his lips against Faal's. "I don't come running when called you know..."

Faal chuckled. "Not at all..I merely think they'd be more fun to play with.." he caught Lex's lips in a kiss that ended with a couple nibbles as he spoke. ".. and I bet I could make you giggle a lot more..." He moved and kissed his way down to the cherry tattoo.

Lex did his best not to giggle as Faal kisses his way to the tattoo, but Faal hit a couple of rather ticklish spots and it was impossible for Lex NOT to giggle. "What's the use in taking that bet, when you KNOW you can..." He muttered, stifling another giggle, and caressing Faal's shoulders and back.

 

Faal chuckled and moved back up to flop down beside him, ginning as he brushed his fingers along Lex's cheek. "Hmm.. so, angel eyes.. are we going to continue this to its... extrememly enjoyable conclusion... or would you rather save the conclusion for later and do something else. I believe you can see my choice quite readily," he said, wiggling his eyebrows, " but I won't mind waiting overly much.. anticipation makes the heart grow fonder and all that..." he said with a smirk.

 

Lex giggled softly and replied. "That's absence makes the heart grow fonder, silly. And not that absinthe...which I've been told my eyes look like...don't know if THAT'S true..." He muttered, before kissing Faal softly. "Well Aloysius DID take off for the night, chances are, he won’t be back until morning, so the apartment is quite ours for the night..." He added in a purr.

Faal chuckled, kissing Lex's neck, just below his jaw. "Hmmm right.. absense.. well we don't want any of that .. what is it anticipation is suppose to do?" he asked, letting his hand wander down the length of Lex, pausing briefly at the belly charm before moving lower. "Let me know if there's anything specific that comes to mind that you'd like to do... I'm all ears... " he said softly as he kissed his way down to follow his hand...

 

"Antictipation...I'm not sure it does anything, but drive you crazy." Lex muttered before gasping suddenly. "Of course, then again, you're driving me crazy too..." He managed to say in a breathless whisper.

Faal chuckled and continued his kisses. Every now and then he'd glance up to look at him and give another soft chuckle. By the time he kissed his way back up Lex's chest and reached his lips again, Lex was having a great deal of trouble staying still.

He wrapped his arms around the young redhead, pressing his body tight against his as he continued to kiss him. He pulled back slowly from the kiss and looked down at Lex's flushed face, waiting for those eyes of green fire to open. "You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, Lexine Mordant."

Lex opened his eyes, feeling flushed and tingly all over, and the sensation only increased by Faal's words. "I wish you wouldn't keep saying that..." Or maybe he just wasn't used to hearing those kinds of things, it wasn't as if Rowen had said them much at all. Or if he had, he hadn't meant them.

Faal smiled down at him. "I'm sorry, little flame.. but that's one wish I will never grant." he said softly and lowered himself back down, wrapped Lex back in his arms and returned to his slow kisses, enjoying both the feel of Lex beneath him and the way that just being like this made his heart feel full to bursting... he couldn't understand how in just under two thousand years he had never before come across anyone who could even come close to the way he felt towards Lex.. or could make him feel like Lex made him feel..

Lex flushed even more. "Yus, well, everytime you say something like that..." He trailed off, inclining his head slightly. He just wasn't used to hearing things like that, especially the sort of sheltered life he'd led. No one had ever said anything remotely close. And when Rowen had said them it was usually his last resorts to get control over Lex when physical dominance wasn't working.

Faal could almost feel as Lex's mood shifted slightly and he gave a soft sigh, kissing his neck below the ear. "Lexine, love... most people love being told how special they are , how beautiful and how very much they're loved. I know you've been hurt by the only people to say those things to you before, but I'm not them... I mean what I say and I'm not going to hurt you with them. " he leaned back enough to look down into those beautiful eyes. "You're everything to me, Lex. My entire world. "

"I don't like hearing it, I'd tell you it's not true, but you wouldn't listen, would you..." Lex muttered, inclining his head away from Faal, averting his eyes. "I know you have no real intention of hurting me...it's just...I'm not used to being loved. It's just hard to get used to."

Faal wanted to chuckle but at the same time he almost felt like crying at Lex's words. He turned Lex's face to look at him, frowning slightly. "Lex... How can you not like being loved and being told your loved? How can you expect me to love you.. and never express it in words?"

"I don't know..." Lex answered in very soft voice. "I'm not used to it...I told you that...No one's ever said anything like that too me, except Rowen and his words were all lies, how can you expect me to be used to or even want to hear those kind of things..."

 

Faal was quiet for a moment, his eyes closed above Lex, then he lay down and cuddled him close, his arms wrapped around Lex from behind. He buried his face in Lex's hair and let the tears flow at the thought of what Lex's had said. He couldn't imagine not liking hearing the words 'I love you'... the thought of Lex being sad or hurt by him saying it ..

Lex shut his eyes, just letting Faal hold him, but he could feel the tears on the the back of his neck and shoulders, which only made him cry, silent tears sliding down his cheeks. He curled up against Faal, despite most of him saying to pull away. He was still fighting the submissiveness, but he didn't want to make matters any worse then they they already were. "Faal...I didn't mean it like that..." He said in a whisper, with a sniffle.

"It alright, love. You can't help the way things make you feel." He whispered pulling Lex tighter against him. " I just think that's the saddest thing I have ever heard. I would have done just about anything to be told how much I was loved through out my life... to hear someone so wonderful, say they don't like hearing it..." he gave his head a short shake and buried his face deeper into his neck.

 

Lex stayed silent, half from trying to fend off the submissiveness again, half from the silent argument raging in his head. Part of him did dislike hearing it, the part of him, he hated. The other part kept calling him a silly little brat and reminded him that if he let that other half win, he was was going to push Faal away, and be very sorry for it later on. He sighed deeply, silently told the two voices to shut the fuck up, pulled slightly away from Faal, and turned over to face him. "No, you're right, I've spent my whole life, just...wanting to trust some one...to love and be loved. I have to be insane not to like it, now that it's happened, not to want it...because I do..." He trailed off, rather then ramble on.

 

Faal brushed his fingers softly across Lex's cheek and gave a soft, sad smile. "As long as you love me, Lex... as long as you love me I can survive anything... even not telling you how i feel, if that's what you wish. It would be very very hard, though.. and where you are concerned, I have very little will power, so I can't say I'd be very successful. But I don't want to hurt you or make you uncomfortable... please don't say it's okay if it's not, just to spare my feelings. As long as you know I love you..." he said, his fingers slipping back and tangling in Lex's hair.

 

Lex shook his head slightly, and sighed. "That's not really the case...I'm just...scared." His voice was barely louder then a soft whisper. "It's not that it hurts me...or makes me uncomfortable, not wholly. Most of me wants this more then anything else, I want it so much I'd be willing to do just about anything. But the other part of me is so afraid. Everything has just been moving so fast lately, everything that's coming out, about who or what I am...I don't know who to be...I've never been on my own, with out some one telling me what to do, who to be. Everything's so overwhelming right now, I'm afraid anything good I have, this...you...I'll lose from doing something wrong." He shut his eyes, a few tears slipping past his lashes to slid down ward.

 

"Oh, Lexi... you won't lose me. Just because I let my temper run away from me once, doesn't mean anything you could ever do will make me leave you. I will NEVER give up on you, angel eyes." Faal said, wrapping his arms tighter around Lex, holding him as tight as he dared. "I may be an ass at times, Lex... but I'm not a STUPID ass, which I would definately be if I were to ever let you push me away... You mean far too much to me. I don't think I could live with out you to brighten my life."

 

"I love you Faal, I really do." Lex said softly with a soft smile. "And I'm yours as long as you want me." He leaned forward, kissing him softly, before snuggling against him. "I just remember, you're supposed to be cheering me up, I think we slipped there for a moment." He added, still smiling softly, raising a hand to caress Faal's cheek.

 

Faal smiled into the kiss and got that mischievious sparkle back into his eyes at Lex's comment. "Yes, so I was.. and I was doing a magnificent job of it, as I recall. you darn moody brat you.." he said and caught him in a deep kiss and began to tickle him all over again...

 

Lex nearly choked on the giggles, from behind the kiss and squirmed against Faal. One of these days he was going to tickle him back just as merciless. "Oh...not the tickling..." He giggled, still squirming and attempting to pull away from Faal.

 

Faal stopped and kissed him again, wrapping his arms around him. "Shall we go snuggle on the couch and watch a movie? As much as I'd enjoy making use of this bed, we seem to be in one of those 'talk our selves out' moods tonight.."

 

Lex stretched against him, stretching one arm over his head. "Might as well, I guess." He answered softly, before moving his arm, to wrap around Faal's neck and kissed him back. "No use in wasting the rest of the night..."