Disclaimer: These characters are not mine, and are the sole property of Kim Harrison. All due credit should go to her.

Setting: After Pale Demon

Rating: M (for future chapters)

Paring: Rachel/Ivy

Summary: Rachel and Ivy are once again at a standstill in their relationship, following the events that happened on the west coast. Meanwhile, Ivy has fallen so deep into a case she's working on for the FIB, and might not be able to claw her way back out.

Enjoy

Chapter 1

The lightning was so bright that I saw the flash past my eyelids. That, followed by the harsh clapping of thunder had me two seconds from jumping out of bed and taping a line. I guess you could say that after everything I've been through in the last few years, I'm some what shell-shocked now. As a matter of fact, if you name a species, I can name you at least three people who've had me on their hit list. My eyes snapped open and I did a thorough scan of my room, and after seeing nothing but a dire need of cleaning, I decided there wasn't any baddies coming to drag my sorry butt out of hiding... let's just say it wouldn't be the first time somebody's tried to drag me out of bed at ungodly hours.

I groaned and rolled around in bed, just barely being able to snatch my cell phone from off the top of the nightstand. I brushed a few strands of red curls from my tired eyes and flipped it open. An aggravated sigh escaped my lips as a dreaded 5:47 p.m. glowered back at me, stinging my eyes before they had a chance to adjust to the neon light. I had at least another two hours to sleep before my alarm went off, and by the Turn I intended to use them! I shut the phone with ferocity, but before my head could even hit the pillow another flash of lightning lit up my room, making a disco floor out of my dresser containing all of the perfume Ivy had given me over the years. Another clap of thunder followed shortly, shaking the rest of my sleepiness from me.

"Well, so much for those two hours..." I grumbled, raking my fingers through my hair.

I tried turning on the lamp beside me but, after about three clicks and no light I figured something was up. I'm almost positive it was this lightning that had taken out the lights, but I'll just pray for something as simple as a breaker switch being flipped. It was my personal daily routine to use a hot shower to wake me up, but if the power was out, that meant no hot water. No hot water, meant for a very bad day for this witch. Placing my phone back on the nightstand, I stretched lower to rummage under my bed to find my flashlight. After going through countless scraps of clothes I forgot I even had, I finally came across the slim metal figure.

I twisted the top until the light flashed on. I wont lie, I was silently hoping it wouldn't come on at all. At least then I would've had a reason to stay in bed, but today just wasn't my lucky day. I laid the flashlight on my nightstand next to my phone so the light would cover a good portion of the room. My feet hit the soft carpet and I stretched and yawned as my body slowly adjusted to being awake, and a slow adjustment it was. I shivered when I stepped out of bed. We had been having a warm week in Cincinnati but the rain had brought the chill back.

There was a robe hanging on my closet door, so I walked over and threw it around me. It was a robe Ivy gave me last year for my birthday. It was soft and felt great against my skin. The robe had a deep crimson color to match my fiery hair and I absolutely loved it, but I never really got a chance to wear it. Not even I need the vampire dating guide to tell me it isn't wise to peruse around the house in a robe with a vampire for a roommate... ok so maybe I did but that was only the first few weeks we were living together. Give a girl a break.

The next thing I tried was the light switch located next to my door. Again, I didn't get any reaction from it after a few flips of the switch. The only thing left for me to do is try to see if the breakers flipped, so I grabbed my little flashlight and searched for the box. Finding the box was simple enough. It was located between my and Ivy's room, however on my journey there I managed to trip over Rex, Jenks's cat, earning a well deserved hiss before he scampered off.

"Yeah, right back at ya." I snapped open the door to the switches and to my dismay it wasn't a breaker problem. Like I had guessed, the storm blew out the electricity. I guess no hot shower for this witch today.

I made my way to the kitchen, paying extra caution to anything that looked like a cat tail, and began to pull out anything that could be used to light up the place from the storage closet. We only had two kerosene lamps, but tons of candles and even a lighter to boot! I scooped them all in my arms and dumped them on the nearest counter to begin lighting them.

"Rache!"

Once again my heart was beating its way into my throat, and 'tulpa' was on the tip of my tongue.

"Turn it!" I shouted, dropping the candle I was lighting, "Jenks, what's your problem?"

"Geeze, Rache. You can handle vamps, weres, and demons but you're still scared of the dark?" Jenks gave a snort and landed on the counter where I already had a candle lit.

Jenks's hair looked like shimmering gold in the candlelight, and his wings were almost transparent. He was wearing a stitched green shirt and brown pants, no doubt sewn by Matilina before she passed, but looking no worse than his usual cocky self. I noticed his sword wasn't attached to his hip, which is always a good sign.

I picked up the fallen candle, completely ignoring his comment. " How long has it been storming? Are you're kids doing ok?" I couldn't help but worry about them. They're like family to me. All twenty six of them... or was it twenty nine?

"Oh they're fast asleep snoozing in the stump. It's like a solid fortress." There was another flash of lightning, making me give him a worried look. "Look, we smelled that storm coming for miles. I'm just in here grabbing some supplies." He said reassuringly.

I noticed that he was carrying one of those ninety eight cent candles under his left arm. He was also gripping a few matches in his right hand which wrapped in paper and bound with a thin rubber band; probably to keep them from getting wet. I couldn't help but imagine all his kids huddled around that one candle, cooped up in the stump. If his kids are like any other normal kids, they are most likely feeling restless in this rain. God knows twenty something bored pixie kids and fire is a horrible match made in hell.

"Jenks, why don't you and your kids just stay in here? You know I hardly ever use that desk anymore." I said, remembering a few winters ago how I opened a drawer and found a dozen pixies napping.

"Don't worry about it, Rache. We'll practically be in hibernation until this storm blows over. It's what pixies do when these storms come about. Besides, there wouldn't be a way for them to fly in here anyways." Jenks had to readjust the candle in his arm.

They wouldn't be able to fly in here? "Pixies can't fly in the rain?" Come to think about it, I haven't ever seen pixies out and about during a storm. I've only ever seen them flying during clear, sunny days.

Jenks scoffed, "Well how would you like it if giant blobs of water kept smacking you in the face? Tink's titties Rachel, we can fly in a drizzle but that," he pointed to the window, "is no drizzle. I was here before the storm started so I could grab a few things, but the damn rain was pouring before I even grabbed the matches."

I grinned at him, "You're losing it old man."

He he stuck his tongue out at me. I have no doubt he would have flipped me off if he had full use of his hands.

"I've been waiting for hours now for you to wake up so you could walk me to my stump." He whined, but added sweetly, "if you don't mind that is."

"No. That's not a problem at all!" I made sure the emphasize that I had no problem bringing him back to his stump. I had a feeling that Jenks always thought of himself as a burden because of his size. Little did he know, I felt a burden to him because of MY size. It sucks not being able to hug him when he's feeling down with having a fear of crushing him to death.

"You're too kind." He said sarcastically. I just rolled my eyes.

"Just let me grab some shoes and an umbrella from my closet." I laid down the last candle after I finished lighting it. "I'll be right back."

I twisted my flashlight back on and, again, paid special attention to anything that resembled a cat tail. I made it to my closet and boy, if I thought my nightstand was bad, my closet took the cake. I'm definitely going to have to spring clean by room as soon as this storm passes. I grabbed my little black umbrella and slipped on my running shoes. I didn't want to get my fuzzy house slippers wet in the downpour.

"Ready?" A little masculine voice said right next to my ear, scaring me half out of my senses.

"Can you please stop doing that!" This pixie was going to give me a heart attack.

Jenks laughed his little pixie butt off and landed on my shoulder. I carefully walked down the hallway and glanced at Ivy's door along the way. It was slightly ajar just as she left it this morning. She was in a hurry to get to the F.I.B station downtown. Her and Glenn were working on a case together. I wonder where she is staying during this storm? Another clash of thunder shook the church and I instantly regretted not checking my phone for any missed calls.

I popped open the umbrella and tried to keep it low to my head as I walked Jenks to his stump. It didn't do a lot of good keeping the rest of my body dry, seeing as how the wind kept gusting; but Jenks didn't get blown away. At least it was good for something. I felt Jenks move closer to my ear.

"I always had to keep Matti calm before the storm hit." He said suddenly. "She used to make me check every nook and cranny for any possible leaks." He chuckled and a smile crossed his features. These were the times that I wished I could just hug him and tell him it would get better.

"Jenks, I'm sorry I-"

But he interrupted me, "No, no it's nothing like that." he said quickly, "I like thinking about the old times, Rachel. I didn't mean to make YOU feel bad." He turned his head away and stared out into the rain. "What are memories good for if we can't make the best of them?"

I smiled. He was right. That was the only way I could cope with Kisten's death. Now I can look back at all our dates and smile, remembering how he picked out almost all of my outfits. I remembered how he had that stupid fake accent and the way he looked at me, giving me that grin which showed the tips of his fangs. Even though it still made me uncomfortable to think of him sometimes, memories were all I had. That and his pool table.

"Thanks again." Jenks said when we reached his stump.

"It's fine." Jenks made a bee line for his stump and turned to give me a wave. "Are you sure you don't want to wake your kids and have me walk them in? I don't mind."

Jenks gave a sigh and had, what I called, his worn out father look on, "Trust me, its best to let sleeping lions lie."

I smiled thinking about trying to walk all his pixie kids into the house. As wild as they are when they just wake up, I didn't see any of us surviving that trip. "Ok, I guess I'll see you after the storm."

I made my way back into the kitchen, wincing when I accidentally submerged my foot into a puddle of cold water. Finally the door came into view and I fought my umbrella through the it so I could close it without having any water being blown in. As soon as I had it shut, I tossed off my soggy shoes and stepped to my city of candles. That's exactly what they looked like, some tall some short; fat and skinny too. I smelled the aroma and thought it oddly smelled like citrus. I smiled thinking it must have been Ivy who had purchase them.

Slowly picking a few up, I began to disperse them around the kitchen. One big fat candle was placed on the island, one tiny one by Mr. Fish, two small ones on the fridge and I left one remaining on the counter. I thought about placing one next to Ivy's computer but decided not to. I was not going to be held responsible for accidentally burning her papers and having to answer to a scary, angry vampire.

I then lit both of the kerosene lamps and brought them into the living room, placing them on the coffee table. The lamps provided an ample amount of light for the living room, lighting all but the walls and corners of the room. On the side of the coffee table there was a demon text with a rugged blank leather binding. I was reading it before I went to bed that morning, it contained information on the black arts of witchcraft. Then again what demon text didn't... but this one had a particular focus around souls.

Remembering why I was reading it, I picked it up and began to page through it again. I was hoping that maybe it would give me something to chew on as to how I could save Ivy's soul when she experienced her first death. I was searching for something that would resemble what Trent did to me in the hospital after I trapped Ku'Sox in the Ever After. He sang my soul out of my body, placed it into a container until my body healed, and then managed to put me back together in one piece. Sounds exactly like what I need right?

But that was elven magic. Wild magic... and I didn't like it. But it may be the only way, and I was hoping there was a demon version of it. One I could twist. I thought about begging Trent to do this for me when Ivy had her first death but I had a feeling that Ivy wasn't going to trust the drug lord with her soul. I can't say I could blame her either...

Hours passed and still nothing helpful. I tossed the book onto the coffee table, declaring my defeat. The fire wavered when the book hit the table, making the orange flame dance across my silver bracelet. It was a beautify crafted bracelet. Simple yet elegant, and it kept the anyone in the Ever After knowing I still existed. According to Al and the rest of the demon community, I died in the hospital bed after banishing Ku'Sox. Al came in, saw me without a soul, and that's all she wrote folks. Trent placed this bracelet on me to keep anything from ever tracking me; from knowing I even exist. However, the trade off is no more demon or leyline magic. The 'no demon magic' rule I could handle, but I almost needed the lines.

Now how am I supposed to save Ivy without using either one? There's only so much an earth spell can do...

I let out an aggravated sigh and massaged my temples. I'll continue my search tomorrow.

I laid on the couch staring at the ceiling. Boredom took over quickly now that I didn't have anything occupying my time. I picked up one of the kerosene lamp and started to walk to the bookshelves that decorated the walls. The church had Ivy's style written all over it. Simple and yet stylish was painted all over the shelves with books she accumulated over the years. Plants were placed here and there around the room, probably more for Jenks's benefit than decoration. Off against the wall was her baby grande piano. I shuffled over to it, seeing the glossy black furnish reflecting the red and orange flames dancing from the lamp because of my movement. The baby grande was probably the one thing in the church that completely defined her. Ivy.

I wonder where she is right now? Should I get my phone? What if she called? I probably would have heard it ringing if she called... I sighed and calmed my racing thoughts. No, she's probably with Glenn. That's the safest place she could be in this storm, other than here at home.

They've been seeing each other for a little while now, from what Jenks has told me. He says Glenn is good for her, but seeing as how Glenn is always exhausted when we see him, he doesn't know if Ivy is good for Glenn. Normally I would have smiled at Jenks's jibe but the intimate image of those two being together just made me sick. I know Glenn is great for Ivy. He's a good guy, patient, and can probably give her exactly what she needs.

But is it what she wants?

"You're not leaving me. I'm leaving you."

I stabbed my fingers against the keys, erasing the memory from my mind. We still haven't talked about that 'goodbye' kiss she gave me in the hotel a few months ago. The kiss she gave me right before I had to go on trial to see if the coven was going to condemn me for being a black witch and if I was going to get hauled to the Ever After for good. She said I was leaving them behind, her and Jenks. I balled up my hands into fists staring at the charmed silver bracelet that hung loosely from my wrist. Well I'm not going anywhere now and I'm certainly not leaving anyone behind. I'll make damn sure of it.

I stormed out of the living room, leaving the kerosene lamp behind on Ivy's baby grande piano. The kitchen was lit up enough with all the candles I had scattered around in it. Wrenching open the cabinet I grabbed a box of crackers. I didn't want to open up the fridge waisting the cold air it was holding. Ivy and I had just gone grocery shopping and I didn't want all that food to spoil. It was already bad enough I was two rents and three grocery bills behind. Ivy said just give it some time for the news of my de-shunning to spread and business would start pouring in. Ha...

The only thing I found in the cabinet was a box of crackers. I pulled them out and perched myself on the counter where I left the one candle. Right as I began to open the box I heard to front door slam.

"Ivy?" I called out.

Soon after, Ivy came into the kitchen. She was soaking wet from the rain and used her vampire quickness to stand in front of the sink. Once there she began ringing out her hair. It seemed like a waterfall was falling from her hair as she gripped the black silk.

"So the lights are out here too huh?" She said, noticing all the candles I had lit for the kitchen.

I couldn't help but stare at her. Today she was to just question people for information. No stake outs or hard labor, so she hung up her leathers and sported a white button up with black pin striped pants. Her usual form fitting clothes were clinging to her like a second skin thanks to the rain...

I swallowed my lump of cracker. "I guess the storm knocked the electricity out of the church." Genius standing right here folks.

She squeezed all the water she could out of her fine silky black hair. It had finally grown past her shoulders I noticed. "Not just the church. It looked pitch black on this whole side of town when I was driving back."

She walked to the fridge, grabbed a carton of orange juice and drank it straight from the carton. It was understood that any orange juice belonged to Ivy, and though she may allow others to have some, they should drink at their own risk. I usually just stuck with milk.

I swallowed another clump of cracker. My gulp almost echoing in the awkward silence between us. We haven't spoken much since we've returned from the west coast. Too many things were left unsaid and probably safer that way between us. Most of our days consisted of small talk and a simple 'hi' or 'bye' on our coming and goings. Neither one of us were going to cave and face the giant elephant sitting in the room.

"So, how did your interviews go?" I said, taking another bite of cracker. I never knew I was a muncher when I got nervous. And why was I so nervous to begin with?

"Annoying." She said after she finished drinking her orange juice. "It's a human case so I have to change my sleeping hours to get all my interviews accomplished during daylight hours." She took another sip of juice and gave a sly grin, inadvertently showing just the tips of her pearl white fangs. My heart began to beat slightly faster. "Humans aren't that friendly when a vampire come knocking on their door at 3 a.m."

"I bet." A few more moments of silence went on, me munching crackers and her slowly sipping her orange juice. My eyes never leaving her. "So how is Glenn?" I blurted, anxious to rid the room of silence.

"He's fine." Was her curt reply. Another sip of juice.

I was getting aggravated at these two word conversations. "Is he now..."

Ivy raised her perfectly arched eyebrow at me. Yellow flames were reflecting off of her wet hair. "Well, I've only seen him for maybe ten minutes today to just see how he's progressing on the case. I didn't really sit down and have a friend to friend chat, but yes Rachel, to my knowledge Glenn is doing fine." Ivy turned to place her carton back into the fridge and her gaze returned to me. "Rachel, are you ok? You've been acting really strange since we've been back."

And you're not? "Yeah," I smiled. "I'm fine. The thundering woke me really early and I'm still groggy. I just wanted to know how you two were doing is all."

Truth be told, it wasn't that I started acting 'strange' when we got back. Sure I was annoyed that we never talked about what happened in Trent's hotel room or that 'goodbye kiss'. I didn't start acting strange at all until Glenn and Ivy started dating actually. I keep trying to tell myself that its like when both of your best friends start seeing each other but I knew it was a little deeper that that. I was just too afraid to see how deep the rabbit hole really went.

Ivy had cocked her hand on her hip, showing just how snug those pants fit her. She looked like a panther staring at her prey. I took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to weird you out or anything."

She stared at me for a few seconds longer, but my answer must have satisfied her because all she did was shrug. My breath caught in my throat when she began to walk towards me with a deliberate slowness, just because she knew how much her vampire quickness freaked me out. Once she reached the counter I was perched on, she reacher her arm around me and brought the candle between us.

"Do you mind if I borrow this? I'm going to run and change."

"N-no." I paused to calm my rapid heartbeat. I was actually surprised it was still beating. "Go ahead."

Ivy left the room and suddenly I wasn't hungry anymore. Closing the box, I placed it back into the pantry and made my way to the living room again. The demon text was still laying on the coffee table so I scooped it up and placed it on the bookshelf hoping Ivy didn't notice it. I think it creeps her out to see my random demon texts laying about. Hell it creeped me out sometimes too...

I plopped down on the couch, breathing slowly and gazing into the small flame that the kerosene lamp held. Why couldn't things go back to normal between us? At least we were talking before. We were going grocery shopping and watching movies. Now when we shop it's in silence. We don't even watch movies together anymore. She's never home; always out with Glenn...

"Are you sure you're ok?" Ivy's voice startled me out of my thoughts.

She was wearing her silk black robe that ended at her mid thigh, and was tousling her hair with a white fluffy towel. I hated Skimmer even more for convincing her to cut her hair.

"Yeah," I gave her the best smile I could, running my fingers through my own curly red mane,"I'm fully awake now, just bored. There isn't much to do without any power. Not even the bad guys go play in the rain."

She searched me for a bit, looking for any sign that said different, but I left no room for question.

"Alright. Well I'm going to bed, I've got another long day tomorrow." She turned and walked into the darkness.

I returned my gaze to the dancing light in front of me.

"You're not leaving me. I'm leaving you."

"Night" I whispered

END CHAPTER 1

A/N: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I was really worried about boring you guys and staying true to character. This is my first fanfic after all. Please let me know if I did an ok job or if I should just scrap it. Remember, constructive criticism is always welcome!

Again, hope you all enjoyed!

Preview of chapter 2: Rachel is still trying to come to terms with her own feelings, meanwhile Ivy get's deeper involved with this very strange human case she is working on.

Edit: Sorry guys, I have no beta reader. I read over the chapter and just fixed a few things. I'm sure I didn't fix all my mistakes, but hopefully it's a bit more enjoyable to read. Thanks to all who reviewed! I'm looking to have chapter 2 out by the end of this week!