Chapter 3: Afternoon Festivities

That next morning I woke up alone in a large expanse of white.

I groaned and pulled the blankets up over my head to stop the weak sunlight from disturbing me. Slowly, I began to recall why my head hurt so much. This was shortly followed by a trip to the privy as my stomach rebelled against my poor life choices.

Van must have heard me moving around because as I opened the door to the bedroom he was waiting by the doorway. He made an attractive sight. The hunter was in loose sleepwear pants and had no shirt on as he scrubbed his hair back and forth trying to wake up. I briefly wondered where his shirt had got to and then I looked down at what I was wearing.

He yawned and looked at me with sleepy but alarmingly inquiring eyes. "Are you alright?"

I nodded sourly still not feeling well, but internally I was happy I was wearing his shirt. I looked around for my trunk in desperation."How about...no more wine…"

I held my head as Van made his way over to him and snuck his hand around my waist. The hunter placed a tender kiss on the back of my neck as I rummaged around in the steamer trunk he had packed for me. "I agree, it has quite an adverse effect on you."

I turned and nestled up against him. "I am sorry."

Van nuzzled me tenderly. "My dear, your affections last night were very prominent. It was….endearing."

I sensed an underlying concern in his voice. "...My behavior last night is admonishable…" I flushed a deep crimson as I remembered some of the things I said and done.

"You had the most genuine reactions to me. I found you very hard to resist, but I did not want to do something you might regret later." He growled this into my ear as I sorted through what I wanted to wear for the day. Van had packed a little of everything, and my eyes fell on a lace number. I shot a glance at him and found the soldier looking away from me as if not to see what I was looking at.

My head throbbed and I just added them to my attire for the day.

"...So much lace, so many ruffles…" I muttered as Van let me go. "You know it wasn't long ago you told me this stuff wasn't practical!" I vented and I heard him chuckle as he left for the other room.

"But you look stunning in it my dear."

I blushed heavily as he walked away, still feeling slightly cross but knowing what Van said to be genuinely what he felt. I wondered where the hunter was going, but a few seconds later there was a knock on the door. I poked my head around the corner inquisitively and saw room service standing at the door. Van seemed to be having a chat with the doorman and I shrugged before deciding to quickly duck into the shower.

While I showered I pondered over the last few months and how changes slowly seemed to be happening. Even if we had been together for a few months, we still did a lot of things separately. I think it was because Van was willing to take things slow. When I approached him on it, he had just smiled at me and said he wanted to take things slowly. We still did not share a room, and we rarely even slept together let alone anything else. We really operated independently of each other, but I cherished the time he did spend with me. That's not to say we did not do a lot of things together, but with his work schedule being so demanding and me having taken on my own responsibilities, outings like this were a totally new thing for the both of us.

I got out of the shower and dressed. Outside the black lace number I had pulled out of the trunk earlier, I pulled out a long sleeved white lace blouse and paired it with black pants. I wore my normal thigh high boots. I laced up a brown under-bust corset with shoulder straps and stepped into a short black bustle skirt that cascaded out to the side of me and stopped just short of the floor.

I stepped out into the room and couldn't find Van anywhere. It was just starting to get light. I checked my watch, and read it was a little past 6. It was a little late for me to just be getting up, but I felt bad that I hadn't been stealthy enough to let Van sleep. Still...even showered, I felt like hell. It had to be the alcohol, perhaps I had no tolerance for wine.

"Van? Van Helsing?" I called out for him inquisitively, but there was no response forthcoming.

I started to panic when I could not find him and I looked around the rooms more carefully. The hunter's shotguns were still here, so I assumed he had not went too far. I toweled my hair dry as I looked around for his jacket and his green military coat. Both articles of clothing were unaccounted for and I darted to the door.

"Van!?" I yanked it open only to be greeted by an empty hallway. I looked around but I found no sign of my hunter. I slowly closed the door to the room, trying to remain calm.

"Its alright, he'll be back. He left everything else here…" My rational was correct, I knew it, but I had an uneasy feeling in my chest.

It always happened when he left, the anxiety of him leaving still weighed heavily on me even a few months after the incidents. I took a few deep breaths and my eyes drifted to the bedroom. The balcony there overlooked the streets...if Van had stepped out I could see him returning from there.

Balancing on the terrace railings I watched the mostly empty streets. The uneasy feeling in my chest had not subsided, and neither had my headache.

"Ugghh….you would think I would have learned by now…" I mumbled as I rubbed my temples. The morning light warmed me, even as the cool autumn breeze nipped at my exposed skin. I shivered and swept my wings around me to fend off...what was I subconsciously fending off?

The cold didnt bother me.

I opened my eyes and looked around carefully.

A movement a few rooftops away had me standing up on the railings while attempting to get a better look. "What is…?"

I was going to fly over but a strong feeling of being watched overrode my curiosity. I looked towards the ground and found Van looking up at me from the street. The hunter held a small paper bag in his hand along with two cups. I waved down at him nervously and he just scowled back up at me as if to tell me to get back on solid ground.

I knew the reason for his scowl and I hopped back onto the more secure part of the terrace. The last time I had done something that risky I had thrown myself off a eight building. Still, I ruffled my wings and settled them back down. I was relieved to see him. I knew he would be returning to the room shortly so I stayed outside in order to soak up the sun's warming rays.

"Where you having fun?" Van asked me as he sat the cups down on the table next to the bag down.

I looked away from the hunter, who rather than being upset with my risky behavior just looked rather concerned. "...Ah...yes."

The hunter sighed and dug around in his coat pocket for the sole reason he had gone out so early. "Here." Van held out a small package to the angel who was nursing the hot black tea he had brought back.

She held out her hand and the hunter dropped the package into her outstretched hands.

"What's this?" I asked looking at the tiny folded brown package. It was only about as large as a set for earrings.

The hunter sipped his black coffee and looked out on the town as he replied. "Something for your headache."

I set down my tea and opened the small package. Two white pills dropped out and I caught them in my other hand as the realization hit me. Van had stepped out to get me medicine because he knew I wasn't feeling that great. The hunter had even managed to secure a small breakfast in the short time I had taken a shower. I felt the pricks of tears on the corner of my eyes as I took the medication.

An errant tear ran down the side of my face and I was startled as I felt the hunter wipe it away.

"I don't mean to make you cry." He whispered softly.

"It's nothing..." I dried my eyes as his hand drifted up to pat my head. I leaned into his touch feeling my headache dissipating at his slight touch.

Van was staring at Sierra's silvery white wings with a thought. He started to put his hand towards them and then stopped.

I was busy admiring the sunrise and eating one of the pastries Van had brought back. "Hmm, something the matter?"

Van didn't answer me, but I caught sight of a wayward feather. I frowned and brought the wing in to look at it closer. Yup, that feather would need to be pulled.

"Doesn't that hurt?" The hunter asked as I yanked on it.

"It's not pleasant if that's what your asking." Van frowned as I examined the feather. It wasn't a flight feather, so it was almost meaningless to me. I was going to toss it, but Van was watching me so intently that I offered it to him hesitantly. "...Umm would you like it?"

The hunter took the feather from me and examined it with evident interest.

"...You have offered me a feather before..." The hunter ran his finger down the edge of the white-silver plumage while I sipped my tea.

"That one is meaningless. Only flight feathers have any meaning in our culture. Those ones grow back, I only get so many flight ones..."

I got an idea of what the movement had been out of the corner of my eye. "Hey Van?"

The hunter looked up at me from twisting the feather around in his hands looking deep in thought. "Hmmm?"

"You can touch them. It's not like I will break because you touched them."

Van jerked his head up as I got up from my seat and closed the distance between us.

Van's world was enveloped in a cascade of white as Sierra leaned over him purring. "I won't break that easy, Sir Van Helsing." She smiled at him while she teased him with a coy smile.

The hunter reached out and touched the angel's face. "Your use of that title is intriguing."

Sierra grabbed his hand and promptly removed his glove. "The way your treating me, its like I am some sort of breakable princess." Silver hints flickered in her eyes as she kissed him and then forced his hand into her wing.

"Don't be afraid to touch me."

Van froze not wanting to ruin the moment. Sierra guided his hand down the expanse of her soft, silky, wing feathers. "See. I don't break."

"I see." Van leaned forward with his other arm and set it on her waist in order to guild her in closer to him. "You are fascinating my dear."

The hunter leaned in and kissed me and I felt the last of my headache disappear. Van ran his hand softly over my wing once more and I trembled slightly.

The hunter's eyebrows raised as he noticed a heavily blush start to keep onto the woman's face. She seemed to be trying to say something to him, but it came out in a nervous sputter. "A-a bit more...more forcefully p-please."

Van stopped entirely and the angel pouted. "Please don't stop. It felt nice...just…"

"Just what?"

Sierra muttered under her breath and he almost didn't catch what she said.

"It tickles?" Van's eyes widened in surprise and he stroked the wing ever so lightly. "You can feel that?"

Sierra's other wing buffed him lightly over the top of the head as she stood up right sputtering. "Of...Of course I can!"

The hunter adjusted his glasses as the wings shimmered and disappeared in a burst of light. He coughed as Sierra took a few steps over and proceeded to take a drink of her tea. He coughed to clear this throat. "So, what do flight feathers represent?"

I felt myself start to choke as I swallowed the last of my tea, frantically regretting opening my mouth. The hunter looked up at me expectantly and waited to hear the answer to his question. I sighed and realized I wasn't going to get away without answering him. I sighed dejectedly and cobbled together an answer.

"...If an angel pulls out too many flight feathers, they are rendered flightless. It's a fairly severe punishment because it takes years for them to grow back if they ever grow back at all. So, to offer someone a flight feather is a token of sincerity...among other things."

"I see." The explanation was making Van deeply regret not accepting the feathers Sierra had offered him priory. The hunter couldn't stand his past insensitive actions. The thought of Finis had kept one while he, himself, had rejected several...the realization ate at Van, and he found himself asking in a low voice..."...Were those yours?"

I went silent for a moment, careful to consider my answers. This conversation has taken another hard turn, and I sensed we were both hurting inside. I was slow to answer the hunter's question. "...Err, not exactly..."

Van sensed that Sierra wasn't telling him the whole story. The hunter stared at the feather in his hands. It felt like it weighed a ton, just like his heart. "...I am sorry."

I knelt down in front of him. "Van Helsing…"

I put my hand on his heart and leaned up to kiss him. The hunters eyes narrowed as I stopped a few meters away from his lips. My other hand ended up resting on his upper thigh. "Van…"

The hunter leaned forward as I pulled away slightly. "I would rip every last feather out of my wings if it would make you happy."

Van's eyes flashed and he recoiled from my dead-set sincere confession. I forced him back into the chair and passionately started pleading with him. "Let me finish before you start glaring at me like that! Van Helsing, you have granted me something I didn't ever think would be possible. My wings regrew for you, Van. So, I need to be truthful about what this means to me!"

I leaned onto him and started to straddle the reluctant hunter who was starting to look slightly uncomfortable. Van looked somewhere between mortified that I would propose self mutilation for his sake and realization of the depths of my love for him.

I continued on as I settled into his lap and wrapped my arms loosely behind his neck. "It's customary for lovers to exchange flight feathers as a token of their devotion for one another."

I pressed my lips softly against his and the hunter gradually began to thaw out of his frozen expression to protest. "Don't! Don't you dare…"

I kissed him again just to force the hunter to be silent for a few more seconds. "...I thought you might say that. Otherwise you would have already had one. You are always so kind hearted…but, I didn't think you would appreciate the gesture regardless of custom."

Van was struggling to think, but it was difficult with the women on his lap doing her utmost best to distract him. The news of what the flight feathers meant in angel culture was new, but it was beginning to sound familiar. "...So essentially they are wedding bands?"

The mischievous angel smirked and kissed him again. The hunter wasn't sure if he should be upset or delighted but he reciprocate the gesture. She tasted like sweetened black tea to his bitter coffee. Even more delicious was the bits of sugar that clung to the angel's lips in a tantalizing tease. The hunter slowly licked the crystals off the angel's sugared lips as the she straddled him firmly in place.

The hunter felt his blood start to rush as her hands danced over his chest and into his hair. All too soon she pulled away and Van found himself lost in her blue eyes. "I wouldn't quite say it's akin to wedding bands, it's more of a confession. A confession that says "I love you more the the air beneath my wings, I would rather be grounded then lose you.""

The hunter lost all his willpower as Sierra kissed him again more forcefully. Van gave in and the hunter used his ridiculous physically prowess to lift her into the air with ease as he stood up. How he could have ever rejected a love so pure and faithful? Van smirked as he kissed her again.

"Your making this very difficult for me." The hunter growled into the kiss.

"Hmm...thats the idea." The angel pulled away from him with a grin. "I thought this get-a-way was to make up for all the time you were away with work."

"The point was to get you out of London, away all to myself was just an additional bonus." The hunter made for the bedroom.

"Feeling a bit possessive?" She quipped to him as he pulled her into the bedroom.

"Very."

A much closer to noon…

I was being escorted around town by a much more mellowed hunter, who appeared to be willing to do just about whatever suited my fancy.

A crowd of kids in costumes ran by us roaring and having fun and I caught Van looking at them with interest.

"This whole town is in costume, could we maybe dress up to fit in better?" I asked him as the kids ran up to a local vendor as yelled in unison.

"Trick or treat!"

We watched as a merry shopkeeper handed out small penny candies to each of the children and they ran along in glee. A few of them turned back around and even managed to shout out a hurried 'thank you' before dashing off to follow their friends.

I chuckled as Van blinked down at me. "There is a renowned costume shop on the next block if your interested."

I flashed him a knowing smile. "You studied the map, hmm?" It was completely like him to have done this kind of preparation, and it made me both very happy and very sad at the same time.

Van struggled and altered our course to fit my request into our trip. "I wanted to be prepared just in case something caught your fancy. I don't want another repeat of last night."

I laughed at him. 'So…if I dress up in a costume...will you?"

The hunter responded slowly, thinking the request over. "...If you want."

A peal of light laughter from his side informed Van that he would probably be changing clothes shortly. If it made his angel happy, a small request like that was something he was willing to grant with ease.

"What would you like to dress up as?" The hunter asked as he looked down as her expectantly. He caught her staring into a local shop. "Did something catch your interest?"

I shook my head. "Not really…"

Van stopped and looked at the displays in the shop. It was a tailor's shop. "Ah, let's go in. I have been meaning to have your coat looked at, though I wouldn't be opposed to you getting a new one either." The hunter lead the way into the shop, regardless of my protests that I didn't need a new one.

A jolly looking man wearing a hat with a birds nest on top greeted us at the sound of the bell. "Ah Mr, Mrs, what can I do for you today?"

"My lady is looking to get sleeves for her jacket." Van wasted no time getting down to business.

The shopkeeper looked at me in surprise. "Are you not cold my dear? The weather has be a bit nippy as of late."

Van pulled away from me as the man started to examine the jacket with an appraising eye and a slowly growing frown. My eyes pleaded desperately with Van, and I hoped shopping with the hunter wasn't as chaotic as shopping with Saint.

It was a shorter assessment then I realized as the shopkeeper shook his head and stood up. "I can do it, but this is master-craft leather work. I am sorry to say, but I don't think a shop such as mine could do it justice."

Van frowned as Sierra let out a relieved sigh next to him. "Then perhaps you have other jackets that might be suitable?"

The hunter felt a tug on his jacket very faintly and he caught sight of Sierra's wayward expression.

Around lunch time we exited the shop.

I was feeling extremely cross as the hunter next to me struggled not to chuckle. It had been worse then shopping with Saint.

Between the shopkeeper and Van himself, I had been made to dress in all matter of outfits, and there were none that Van didn't praise in some way. We did end up purchasing a dress, and a new jacket for me, but in reality I had just been a dress-up doll.

"You looked magnificent in everything you tried, how can I be forced to pick between a select few?"

I realized Van was talking to me and I stuck my nose up at him, still currently irate with his behavior at the shop. "I can't believe you did that!"

The hunter realized he had done something to upset the angel, but he wasn't sure exactly what. Van's eyebrows scrunched together as he tried to read the woman next to him."I apologize if I was out of line, I only wanted you to be prepared for tonight."

I rolled my eyes as he lead the way towards the costume shop next.

"What is on the agenda tonight?" I asked him warily as we walked.

The streets were getting more crowded, but I was still irate enough that I was still refusing to accept Van arm. "Actually, what is on our agenda for this entire trip Van Helsing? You bought me all the way out here, but I have yet to figure out what your plan actually is."

The hunter opened the door to the costume shop. "I told you. My plan was to get you away from London and out of the mansion. Whatever else happens, that is my primary objective."

I scowled at him as we entered the shop. This time around, I was determined to get the upper hand.

The ladies in the shop turned to greet us. "Oh, welcome! Such a lovely couple! Are you newly weds?"

My current irritable mood evaporated as Van didn't quite deny the fact right away. "We are here looking for…"

The one lady waved her hand knowingly. "Costumes! Everyone is here for them! We are the busiest shop in town and the most creative! Do you have any ideas on what you're looking for?"

My eyes widened as the shop ladies showed us racks upon racks of different customs. I looked at Van who seemed to be eyeing several outfits as once. I had been looking as well and there were too entirely many options for me to choose quickly. I froze as I looked over a red lace dress for a vampire noble.

Van low voice muttered into my ear. "Not that one."

I set it back on the rack cringing as I eyes the low cut outfit in agreement with Van. I hesitantly looked back at him. "Hey Van, I have an idea?" Van folded his arms and seemed to be waiting for me to explain my thought. "Can we pick out each other's costumes?"

Van's blue-violet eyes flashed at the suggestion and I guess he liked it. One of the shop girls overheard my suggestion and squealed with joy. "Oh that would be soo cute! We have couple's costumes, but letting you pick each others is even more adorable!"

"...That would be acceptable." His quiet voice didn't quite seem to match the enthusiasm I was seeing in his eyes, but it seemed like the hunter was willing to accept my proposal.

As soon as he agreed the shop ladies split us up.

"Hold on!" I protested, not wanting to be separated from my hunter just yet. Van looked over at me as I was carried away and only waved. He was busy listening to the shop lady in front of him. "Van!"

"Don't worry about him mistress.! Linda will help him pick a super cute outfit for you!"

I bit my lip as I was ushered into another part of the store, completely out of site of my hunter.

"Sooo! What were you thinking?" The two ladies in front of me started pulling things off the rack almost at their own whimsy. A prince's costume was the first one to get my approval and they nodded to each other before putting it on a separate rack for me.

"Let's keep looking!"

They were clearly having fun and I started to loosened up around them as their enthusiasm turned infectious. A werewolf's costume also got my approval, while I quickly declined a vampire noble's attire with a wayward uneasy gaze.

"Let's stay away from vampires…" I muttered and they quickly nodded to each other before making the outfit disappear out of sight.

"This one! This one my lady!" The youngest's loudly enthusiastic voice filled the rooms. I looked around from declining a police officer uniform and saw what was causing the commotion.

It was a corsair's outfit in royal blue.

My eyes lit up and I nodded, smitten at first sight. "I think our search is done!"

The rest of the ladies around me, went scurrying for accessories. I noticed I had collected all of the shop ladies, save but the one I had seen talking to Van earlier. I stopped one with a nod to the hat they were carrying. "Tell me, did Van come to a decision yet?"

There were some shaking of heads and one peeked around the corner. "No, it looks like Linda has it narrowed down to two. Which is probably good, I think I seen 7 or 8 up there at once."

Another one laughed at the other's statement. "Only 8? I counted no less the 15."

I paled and I suddenly wanted to ask what the two finally choices were. "Honestly, the lady would look good in both. She has the figure for either."

There was some light twittering and then a sudden gasp that slowly made its way across all of the attendants. "He picked one! He picked one!"

I was quickly ushered into the dressing room and divested of my clothes by the youngest attendant who had found the corsair costume I had been so taken by. I wasn't allowed to look at what I was going to wear either, but I heard the stall next to me close and then Van's low chuckle as he must have discovered the outfit I had chosen.

My attendant gushed about us while she worked. "This is fantastic! I like seeing the couples in matching attire, but this is going to be such a surprise! Oh, I am so happy to have worked today!"

She handed me a blindfold and I looked at her with a lost expression.

"Is this necessary?" I said as I tied it around my head.

"No, but I am feeling extra mischievous today."

There was the rustling of cloth all around me as I followed her directions. I distinctly heard the stall next to me click open and close, while my attendant took some deep inhales of breath. "I figured those old busys would do that, shame, I wanted you to be the first to see him…"

"Clara! What's taking you so long?" The protests started and I heard my attendant sigh softly.

"So many pieces to buckle in place…Hold on! I'm almost done!"

"Here is her hat!"

"Ack!" Clara sputtered and I head her moving around behind me. My attendant gave me a short brisk order as she pulled the strings of my corset tight. "Here, hold this for a second."

I felt something large being thrust into my hand and I started to guide my hands over it with interest. It was large and floppy, and after a short analysis, pointed. "Am I in a witch's outfit?"

There was some clucking as Clara finished pulling the corset laces tight. "Hold still now! Almost done!"

Clara set my hat at a jaunty angle and then she removed my blindfold with chipper smile. "See? Isn't it worth the wait?"

A black-deep purple outfit with multiple cut skirts that slit up to my thigh were reminiscent of my jacket. The stockings and short ankle high heeled boots were different, and for all Van's fuss about getting me a new jacket, this outfit also had no sleeves. However, long three quarters gloves covered my arms and were secured in place by a series of straps and buckles. A faint overlaying material sparkled and shimmered on my gloves, stockings, a few of the skirts, and some of the lacing on my bust.

I wasn't given any time to admire my outfit as my attendant grinned and shoved open the door.

"Hey wait….!" I was forced out of the chambers and was shocked into standing still as the rest of the attendants started screaming. Van, however had his back to me. The hunter seemed engrossed in another conversation with his only attendant.

"Oh such a delightful choice!"

"She looks stunning!"

"That color really makes her glow!"

The comments continued like that for a while and then they went silent as we all waited for Van to turn around.

I waited patiently for him to finish his conversation. I greatly admired the way the roguish hat, adorned with an assortment of feathers sat on top of his golden locks. The cut of the white cape swished as he made a few token hand gestures as Linda nodded with agreement, captivated me. However, what most caught my overall attention was just how well it fit him. I was so used to the military poshness of his outfit, that the roguish style of this costume was absolutely mesmerizing to me.

Clara coughed behind me and Van finally held up his hand to stem the conversation he had been having in order to turn to face me. Both of our eyes widened in surprise and I suddenly felt very, very, self conscious. Van cut a such dashing figure that I thought I could never come close to being a fitting match for him...

The hunter's cape fluttered as he turned toward me. "You look absolutely bewitching my dear."

My cheeks heated up at his slight complement and I struggled to find my voice as I brought my hands up to my face in embarrassment. "Ah...!"

"Awwwee, look at her blush!"

"He is embarrassing her, its so cute!"

Van motioned me forward but it seemed like I had forgotten how to walk. Clara gave me a encouraging push and I took a tiny step forward. "Uhh…"

Van started to smirk as he chuckled to me. "Have I rendered you speechless?"

I looked away from him blushing furiously still unable to close the distance between us. Van stepped forward instead. The hunter sought to fill the gap between him and his lover with a hungering need.

"This has been worth it." I heard a slightly breathless whisper as I felt a hand under my chin. My gaze was gently forced up to meet his.

My world was enveloped in a whirl of blond and violet-blues as my hunter pressed his lips to mine. "As I said, my dear you are absolutely bewitching."

Our hats cut off the view from the peanut gallery standing around us, but that didn't stop them from going into a tizzy anyway. High pitched cheers went up around us and Van pulled away from me a just fraction. The hunter had huge grin on his face as he roguishly informed me of his pleasure. "I wouldn't mind dressing you more often."

I wasn't sure how to respond to him as I stood there still to nervous to say anything. "...I...I like your outfit too…"

Van laughed and offered me his arm. "Come on, Linda was just giving me directions to our next destination."

My stomach growled in response to Van's comment and the hunter shook his head in acknowledgement to my hunger. Van turned towards the door and proceeded to lead the way out back onto the town amidst a crowd of cheers from the shop ladies.

"Umm…" I was still speechless, but Van seemed to understand what I was trying to say.

"Mhmm, yes there will be food there. One of your favorites actually."

I tried to think about where he might be taking me next as we exited the store.

It was a further walk then I expected, but we were not in any rush.

Street shows and vendors lined the streets and made for an interesting show regardless of how fast or slow we walked. My hunter seemed to be enjoying my reactions to the events and people crowding around town. I was mesmerized by all the action taking place and the fun filled atmosphere.

"Van! Look at that! Oh, and over there!" I gushed to him as he escorted me through the growing crowds.

The street magicians, works of art, food stuff, acrobats, musicians and other general show performers seemed to be reveling in the festivities.

I had caught a few women eyeing Van as I had strayed to far from his side in order to admire a neglected looking older musician playing his violin on a slightly darkened alley. The musician's instrument had seen better days, and it had been is desperate need of tuning. However, he was still a decent musician despite his flaws, and the sound of his heartfelt music has rose above the din to pull me to him. Thus I willfully separated myself from Van trusting that my hunter wouldn't be far behind me.

The old timer I was helping gladly told me his story while I tuned the instrument and struck a slight ditty. The grandfather had complained that he just couldn't hear like he used to and he would rather not be playing at all, but he was in need of funds for his sick wife. I listened to his story and prayed that the grandfather did not see the slight tear that slipped down of the side of my cheek as I continued playing. When my short ditty was finished I turned to him with my eyes full of raw, emotional, tears and gladly handed over my entire purse into him. The grandfather's hands shook as he accepted my gift and we both burst into tears.

I left the old man smiling and bowing, and still trying to dry his tears. I tried to dry my tears as I returned to the last spot I had been with Van. I was feeling very worried that the hunter had not meet back up with me yet.

Which was about the time, I noticed several scantily clad females em massing in a centralized area. I caught a glance of a feathered hat and then swish of a white cape from within the center of the group.

The women were dressed in even lewder than normal call girl attire. Their mystical outfits were very befitting for the work they were doing. Many different types of fairies, nymphs, and succubi danced around the group trying to get the attention of the one man in the middle.

I froze as one of them boldly reached out and hung onto Van's arm with a seductive smile. I watched as the hunter glared down at the emboldened enchantress with a look that would have given a battle hardened man frostbite in the middle of summer. The woman's smiled wilted as her offer was not reciprocated by the man she hung onto and she quickly released Van's arm. The enchantress scampered off without another word. The rest of the women seemed to realize that Van was not in their district looking for pleasure and they went scurrying for cover.

I slowly came out of my shock as Van's hardened gaze managed to spotted me from within the crowd.

"I was wondering where you had disappeared off too…" The hunter admonished me as he strode over to me. I stared at the ground starting to feel the threat of tears once more. "Sierra, what's the matter?"

Van was quick to guess something was wrong, and the soldier quickly went on guard.

"..Its nothing..."

"Hmm? " Van held out a candied apple to me. "I went to go grab these and when I turned around you were gone. I was worried you had got lost so I have been searching for you."

The sweet notes of music from the old man's violin drifted over to us and I mumbled. "...I was over there helping him."

The hunter sighed as I did not accept the treat he held out to me. "...It is very like you."

Van continued to hold out his treat to me and I slowly accepted it, feeling upset.

The hunter knew something was wrong as the angel was slow to accept her favorite fruit. He watched silently as she slowly bit into the candied apple and started chewing. However, it was what he had did wrong that was a complete mystery to him. The silence between them was bothering him greatly, especially since she had seemed happy and content not all that long ago.

In truth, he had been away from her a bit longer then he had intended, but that didn't seem to be what was wrong. The hunter assessed the angel with care and he noticed her coin purse was missing and that she had been crying.

"Sierra, did something happen?" Van's low growl filled the space between them as he lead the way towards their next destination.

I continued to eat my apple in silence, trying to come to terms with my emotions. Van's cape fluttered in the winds and his hat was set at a jaunty angle as he looked at me expectantly. As he stared at me, I came to the uncomfortable realization of what was wrong.

I was jealous.

However, if I just continued acting the way I was, Van was just going to continue fretting that it was something deeper. I sighed with remorse as I polished off my snack.

"...I think I know what my issue is..."

Van's blue-violet eyes stared into mine as we stopped over a small bridge overlooking over the river.

"She was really pretty, and….honestly, I was really jealous of her grabbing you like that. It made me very angry."

The hunter leaned on the railings and listened to me express my feelings. Van didn't laugh off my concern, instead his eyes told me he was remorseful and upset. "I shouldn't have let them get that close. I was a bit too preoccupied with trying to find you that I didn't notice them. When I spotted you walking down the street..."

I shook my head to delay his apology. "No, I shouldn't have wandered off like that…"

The hunter sighed still unsure of what he could have done differently.

The angel leaned over the railing next to him. "...and the reason I was crying is because I was happy. That old man you could hear playing? He was raising funds for his bedridden wife. He plays a good tune, its just he can't hear as well as he used too…"

I dropped my apple core dropped into the lake. The water ripples jutted out from the center in a clear cause and effect. The ripples raced down the length of the bridge until the more powerful waves ate them up.

"..."

The hunter was silent as he listened to Sierra speak.

So, she had been crying over something like that...he wasn't happy about her shedding tears...but at least she hadn't been robbed or kidnapped. So the hunter was a bit unsure of how he should handle her confession. Van reached out his hand and touched her cheek.

"I would rather not see you cry, but I suppose happy tears are acceptable."

The woman leaned into his gentle touch with a sigh as she closed her eyes.

Van took the opportunity to lean over and press his lips to hers before whispering softly. "You are much too trusting. If I don't keep an eye on you, someone is bound to steal you away from me."

Blue and silver tinged eyes opened to meet his. "...The scenario with Jack the Ripper wasn't all that great, I think I want to stay right here with you. If you don't mind."

Van growled remembering those harrowing days that Sierra had gone missing. How she had seemingly died in his arms shortly after he had found her down in the sewers... The hunter felt his heart began hammer in his chest. Fervently Van pulled the angel closer and hugging the her possessively. "I don't like thinking about that."

Sierra snuggled into his embrace. "Me either. It was terrifying, but I was so happy when you found me…I had been praying you would come save me."

Van pulled out of his hug just enough to look her in the eyes and promise. "I will always come for you, remember that. I won't let you go ever again."

The angel in his arms beamed up at him. Sierra's earlier sullenness apparently was a thing of the past. The angel's smile reflected all the trust and love she felt for him in a way words could scarcely begin to describe.

"I know."

Author's Note:

I said weekly to bi-weekly, so here we are week two. In truth I have a lot of little things I want to pack into this little adventure.

Tell me what you think? I totally had a hard time picking costumes for them, I just knew I could not let Van be a pumpkin. (Really Otomate? Van makes a creepy looking pumpkin...)

I think this date is totally cute/adorable and I am supper happy to have a chance to write them. However, we are seeing that they are clearly still working through things and trying to learn more about each other.

Information:

You also found out about the significance of angel wings and feathers but here's a bit more.

To clarify: Finis could have just plucked Sierra's flight feathers, but they do grow back. It takes a while, but Aliester and Finis were looking to ground her permanently. Several years later, some meddling from Saint, and a bunch of affection for and from Van basically restored her wings.

Among other things: flight feathers are also a token of affection/love/devotion/commitment but the clan's feathers can also bring about different 'blessings/luck';

I have already said there is a caste system in place. However, I think I failed to mention the different factions. The Sun vs Night factions, there isn't any particular social issues here is more of a standing indicator to the clan you belong to. Golden feathers and warmer hair colors denote Sun-based clans, while Night-based angels are cooler in colors.

Clan parentage: Sierra's father is a direct line of Azrael while her mother used to be part of the Raphael's clan. Thus the reason Sierra's healing powers are so strong for the Azrael household is from her mother's linage. However, Lucus didn't inherent the healing powers and leaned more towards Azrael's main blessings, which is why he was working with Michael as an adviser.

For example:

Sierra offered Van towards the end of "Silver Lady", Michael's golden feather which is the blessing of 'protection'.

Raphael is also part of the sun-based clans, so he also has golden feathers. Raphael specializes in physical 'healing'.

Azrael is a moon-based angel and her silver feathers would offer 'guidance'.

Anyway, that's enough deep lore for now! Thank you for stopping in and reading! I hope you enjoyed and that you stop back in to see how this ends!