Author's Note- Okay- quick thank you to everyone who reviewed the last chapter- you guys are more inspiration than you'll ever know. Also, there are some changes in perspective throughout this chapter. They are all properly marked though, so let me know if it still too confusing. Thanks!

PS-I've been re-reading some of the past chapters, and I apologize for all of the grammatical errors that I have just now discovered….oops….

Disclaimer- Not me so much…..but Clamp and company is awesome….

Chapter 5

Only Death

Nestled in warmth, Fuu fought to stay in that magical place between sleep and consciousness. Burrowing deeper into the heat that surrounded her, Fuu felt a contentment that she hadn't experienced in years. Sighing lightly, she shifted her weight barely, and yawned, wondering how her bed had suddenly gotten so comfortable. Letting herself fall back into the wonderful realm of sleep, her mind unexpectedly registered a heartbeat beneath her head. Still tired, she raised herself up on elbows, trying to see what it was. Her sharp intake of breath resounded throughout the room, and she bit her lower lip, afraid that the noise had disturbed the angel next to her.

Ferio lay beneath her, his eyes closed and a look of peace on his face. His arm rested below her body, and his legs were tangled with hers. Asleep, his green hair fanned around his head, tangled and mussed up from a night of rest. An expression of innocence rested on his features, and Fuu grinned at the beautiful picture he made. Remembering the evening before, she smiled at the man who had quickly won her trust and respect. Content to just watch him sleep, she brushed a stray hair from his forehead, and let her eyes rake over his features. He really was too cute while he slept.

Examining the scars on his nose and cheek carefully, she frowned at the thought of anyone hurting him. Fuu wondered briefly who had done the damage to him, and when it had happened-the scars were at least a few years old. Not that the scars weren't cute. Tracing the one across his nose, she giggled softly when his nose scrunched up. Everything about him was cute when he slept- and sexy when he woke up. She sighed again. Not wanting to wake him and ruin the moment of absolute cuteness, she removed her finger from his face and laid back down. A sense of completeness overwhelmed her, and her eyes widened at how deeply he affected her.

He had been so kind to her, so amazingly sweet and understanding. The fact that she had met him only a few days earlier didn't seem to change the truth. Fuu couldn't imagine living without him in her life. And it shocked her. How had she-Fuu- who had been emotionally unattached for over 3 years, suddenly need someone to exist? Her grip on his shirt tightened slightly as she thought about trying to go back to how she used to be. Trapped in herself, unable to express herself, unable to feel. She couldn't go back to that self induced hell. Wouldn't go back. Taking a deep breath, she remembered Ferio's perseverance, and knew that as long as Ferio was with her, as long as he stood by her side, she wouldn't have to endure that pain ever again.

Smiling against his chest, she listened to his heart beat, and knew that this was the first day of her new life. One where she wouldn't be alone, one where there was someone else to help her make decisions, to be her other half. As quickly as she thought that, something inside of her clicked, and she realized the truth. Somehow, Ferio had taken a hold of her heart. And she never wanted him to let it go.

A soft ringing that quickly grew loud filled the room, and Fuu's eyes darted around trying to find the source of the noise. Coming from Ferio's pants, she slipped a hand into the pocket and pulled out the noisy offender. Not wanting to disturb Ferio she glanced at his sleeping figure for a second before hitting the 'answer' key on his cell phone.

"Hello?" her voice came out as a small whisper.

"What? Did I dial the wrong number? This is 646-287-1128 right?"

A girl's voice filtered in from the phone. Unsure of who it was, Fuu struggled to find the right non-incriminating words to say. She was sure that, 'he's sleeping right next to me right now, and I pulled the ringing phone out of his pants'- wasn't the best idea.

"This is Ferio's phone- sorry he's….busy right now- can I take a message?"

She cringed inside at her horrible cover- the girl probably thought that she had stolen the phone or something- at least, if she was lucky.

"Is this Fuu?" the girl's voice was full of question, but undoubtedly excited.

Shock filled Fuu. Who was this girl, and how did she know her name?

"I…That is…I…"

"It is you!" her voice squealed, "It's me Hikaru! You know the police lady with the red hair!?"

Recognition dawned on Fuu as the marshmallow fluff voice became undoubtedly familiar. Picturing the small redhead in her mind, she grinned. Fuu had felt a special connection with Hikaru in the short amount of time they had spent together. Now she wasn't quite as embarrassed as she had been before about answering Ferio's phone.

"Yes, it's me. Ferio is sleeping right now." Saying the words aloud brought a huge blush to her face, "Like…in his clothes, not like with me…well sort of…but-"

Fuu's voice trailed off, too embarrassed to say anymore. She was sure Hikaru had already made the worst assumption that she could. Fuu clamped a hand over her forehead, not believing that she had just said that. A slight shaking underneath her caused her to start and look up from the crook of Ferio's arm.

Ferio had his hand clasped over his eyes, laughter shaking his body. Uncovering his face he watched her, eyes full of something that caused her heart to thump painfully in her chest. She smiled shyly up at him, afraid that this moment was too good to be true. Afraid that these feelings inside couldn't possibly be real. He swept a stray hair from her shoulder, and she held her breath, suddenly aware of how close the two of them were.

"Are you alright there Fuu?"

His voice was low and gravely from sleep, causing her head to swim as the noise ran through her. Just his voice could put bring her to the edge of insanity, and it scared Fuu that part of her longed to be lost in the moment. Fuu had always been a level headed person, and the loss of control ate at her already frayed nerves. She shivered, and he wrapped his other arm around her, enfolding her tightly in his embrace.

"Cold?"

The words tickled her ear, and knowing that it wasn't the cold at all that had caused her reaction, she shook her head 'no.' His smile changed slightly, and Ferio's eyes took on a strange light as he sorted out her actions. He leaned his head down to kiss her, and Fuu shimmied nearer to him. Ferio truly was the most compassionate person she had ever met.

"Fuu? Ferio? What's going on there?"

Hikaru's confused voice rang out loudly from the phone, stopping both Fuu and Ferio in their tracks. Only centimeters apart, Ferio looked at the phone menacingly, and Fuu shared his sentiments. Knowing that some alone time would have to wait, she bit her lip thoughtfully before deciding what to do. Putting a hand on his cheek, Fuu kissed him softly and quickly, trying her best to placate him, before pulling the cell back up to her ear.

"He just woke up."

Ferio's eyes had gotten wide and surprised when she kissed him, but now he grinned at her and took the phone gently from her hand.

"Hey Hikaru, how are you?"

Hikaru answered back, her voice muffled.

Fuu, afraid to intrude on their conversation, slid back down to her previous spot on his chest. Ferio stiffened slightly.

"Fuu, could you not do that."

His voice was strained and tight, soundly slightly cross, and Fuu tried to figure out what she had done wrong. Looking up at him, completely flabbergasted, Fuu waited for him to elaborate. After all, all she had done was give him some space so it didn't feel like she was listening in on them.

Ferio's eyes closed and he wrapped a hand over the mouthpiece.

"Fuu, you don't know what you do to me when your so close... And when you do that sort of thing…" His voice was soft and trailed off as a red hue tinted his cheeks.

Her eyes widened as she processed his words and the telltale blush. Sitting up as if she lay on hot coals, she untangled her legs from his and stepped off the bed.

"Sorry." Fuu didn't mean to do something like that. How could she be so stupid?

Ferio sat up after her, encasing her hand within his own before she could turn away.

"I don't mean it like that, believe me." His voice was apologetic with a slight lilt. Turning her hand over, he kissed the palm, his lips as light as a butterfly's touch, "In fact, if you want to- as soon as I'm off the phone, you can do it all you want."

He spoke suggestively, moving his eyebrows up and down. Fuu broke out into laughter, the sight too much to bear. Ferio smirked back.

"Ferio, you are such a tease."

She picked up a nearby pillow and threw it at him. Catching it easily, he tucked it behind his head and winked at her. Scooping up a clean towel, she glanced up at Ferio, who was already deep in conversation, and by the sound of it- apologizing profusely for ignoring Hikaru.

"I'm going to take a shower."

She headed out of the room, toward the bathroom. Bringing her hand up to her chest, Fuu shut her eyes and recalled his romantic gesture. Her whole body felt on fire, and she loved it. Humming under her breath, she couldn't help the silly grin that covered her face. She had a feeling that today was going to be a great day.

()()()()()()()()()()

Ferio watched Fuu leave the room, ignoring Hikaru at the moment. He had almost lost it a moment ago. If he hadn't gotten himself under control and turned the whole situation into a joke, he would've hung up the phone on Hikaru and kissed Fuu senseless. He touched his lips tentatively and remembered the soft skin of her hand. He wondered if she was that soft everywhere. Groaning at his train of thought, he did his best to banish the unwanted images. The last thing that he needed to do at the moment was scare Fuu away by being a little too zealous. He was sure that she would run far far away if she came to realize what effect she had on him.

He adored every part of Fuu- from her shy smile, long slender legs, sweet personality, emerald green eyes, curvaceous body, to her ability to turn him on without even trying. Shutting his eyes, he took a deep breath.

"Ferio- have you been listening to me?"

Hikaru's voice was surprisingly calm, snapping Ferio out of his thoughts. Now he was in for it.

"I'm sorry Hikaru."

Ferio concentrated on her voice, trying his best to shut out the noise of the shower running, and the mental images that came with it. Running a hand through his hair, he attempted to brush it with his fingers.

"Well, I'm glad that you found her."

He could tell by her tone that she genuinely was.

"Thanks. I'm too."

In fact, he was practically bursting with joy.

"How is she….I take it you guys…hung out last night."

Ferio could tell she was trying to get information from him. Sneaky Hikaru. Although she respected his privacy, she couldn't help but try to figure out what was going on. Never had a girl answered his phone in such an incriminating manner, and he was sure that Hikaru was just brimming with questions.

"Hikaru…" his voice was scolding.

"What?! I can ask some questions!"

Her voice had gotten high pitched.

"Alright, then does that mean I can ask about Lantis?"

Ferio laughed when he heard her take a deep breath. If she got to ask questions, so did he-and boy, would he ever.

"Let's move on." Hikaru's voice was a squeak.

Ferio laughed, picturing her tomato-red face perfectly.

"Actually I'm calling because last night during the storm, there was a problem at the station."

His curiosity peaked, he sat up and put his feet over the side of the bed. Hikaru rarely if ever sounded serious, instead taking everything in stride. The unusualness of her demeanor piqued his attention like a red flag.

The storm he was sure had been problematic for most of New York City. He knew that over the next few weeks the station would be getting calls about trapped cars, missing people, and unfortunately bodies of the homeless and others who had been trapped in the storm. But that was to be expected of any large storm in a metropolis, and Hikaru wouldn't be calling just because of that.

"We had an escape."

The news brought Ferio to his feet. His stomach flipped, and he felt uneasy- the news making the hair on the back of his hair stand. Although he wasn't superstitious, he had a bad feeling.

"An escape?"

"Yeah. And your never gonna guess who. The second robber that survived the recent bank robbery."

Her voice cut through him like a chainsaw. Replaying that night he pictured the man that he had knocked unconscious initially. Obviously the smarts of the group, it didn't change the fact that he was scum. The criminal gave off an uncomfortable ness. The robber could only be described in one way. Glib. Like a salesman you knew was trying to sell you crap. Even then though, a breakout shouldn't scare him so much. Looking down at his hand, he was surprised to find it shaking.

"But that isn't what is freaking me out Ferio. I watched the interrogation tape. He was conscious. No one in the station believes of course. But he knows about Fuu. The creep knows."

Hikaru's voice held a note of desperation, and Ferio could feel it reflected in himself. Pacing back and forth he tried to gather his now rampant thoughts. That bastard knew about Fuu. A creep who almost killed her knew about her gift. It disgusted him. He didn't even deserve to look at Fuu, be in the same room as her- let alone know about her gift. Stilling his body, he spoke in a hard voice.

"Hikaru we have to catch him. Someone like him can only hurt Fuu, and more than likely will try. And I wont let that happen" The shower stopped, and Ferio watched the doorway carefully. What was he going to do? "He doesn't know where she lives, does he?"

He couldn't keep the fear from his voice. Not only did Fuu live at this address, but his sister did as well. Ferio didn't want that criminal anywhere near either of them.

"The file room wasn't broken into, so I don't see how he could."

Relief washed over him, and some of the tenseness was broken.

"Alright, I'll be at the office in an hour or so."

Glancing at the clock out of the corner of his eye, he read 9:30 on its' face.

"Ferio, you should warn Fuu."

Her voice was quiet and persuasive.

Fuu stepped back into the room, a towel around her. Looking away quickly, Ferio couldn't help but notice how supple her skin looked. His fingers itched to touch her, and he slammed them into his pocket. She pointed to the dresser, and he nodded in understanding. Stepping out of the room so she could change, he leaned against a wall in the hall.

Light barely filtered into the dark hallway, and Ferio eyed the designs that the sun created on the floor, walls, and ceilings.

"Fuu can't know. It'll just upset her. She… she is going through a lot right now. If the situation gets any more dangerous I'll warn her, but I'm sure we'll catch the sicko in a day or two."

"I don't know if that's a good idea." Hikaru's voiced, "You should tell her. Look, I know that-"

"I guess we'll meet up at the station."

Ferio interrupted Hikaru, more determined than ever. He couldn't make Fuu worry like that, wouldn't. He would protect her. There was no way he would make Fuu lose sleep over something that he was going to fix.

Ending the phone call, Ferio cringed at the device. Knowing that he would have to face a disappointed Hikaru in an hour or so, Ferio stuck the phone back into his pocket with a groan. Hikaru just didn't understand the situation. She didn't know how fragile Fuu truly was. How much she needed to be shielded from the violence and horror of the real world that cops like Hikaru and him had to face everyday. Walking back down the hallway he knocked on Fuu's door just as it opened. Dressed in black pants and a tight fitting mint green hoodie, she was beautiful. His eyes followed her hand as she brushed through her hair, pulling it back into a ponytail-tendrils coming loose almost immediately. Pulling her glasses off her face, she cleaned them on her shirt before putting them back on. Taking in her appearance, his heart clenched at the thought of anyone hurting her. She was his everything. He couldn't let that happen.

Not able to control himself, he shut the door behind him and pushed her up against it. His love for her ran like molten lava through his veins, and where he touched her his skin burned. She gasped softly, and opened her mouth to speak. Not giving her the chance, he kissed her deeply and let his hands move over her body. Embracing her, he pulled her body close, and let his hands wander over her face in an effort to memorize her features. Pressing her harder into the door, his skin which had been burning turned white hot. His ears perked as she groaned into his mouth and he intensified his ministrations, eager to make her happy. She kissed him back fervently, her hands winding their way around his neck. Sliding his hand under her sweater and up her ribcage, Ferio's hands continued to explore as he lost himself in the touch and taste of Fuu.

Minutes passed before Ferio realized what he had done. Breathless and shaking, he grasped at the remaining threads of control he had. He treasured Fuu more than anything, and his sudden need to reaffirm her existence was no excuse for the attack she had just endured. Pulling away from her, he brought his hands to his sides, fighting the urge to touch her. He needed a cold shower. Ashamed, he looked away from her, glad that he had been able to stop himself before things really got out of hand. Self loathing consumed him, and he didn't know how he could look Fuu in the eyes again.

Her hand cupped the side of his face, and brought his eyes to hers. Surprised by her gesture, he met her eyes with trepidation. Filled with love, they stopped Ferio's heart altogether. She was ethereal, more remarkable than he could have ever imagined. Fuu stepped back into his arms, and stepping up on her tiptoes, placed a sweet kiss on his forehead. He let out a shaky breath.

Pulling back slightly, he smiled at her, unsure of her actions. She grasped his hands and wound them back around her body. She leaned into his shoulder, and spoke in a sincere, if shy voice.

"Ferio, that was nice."

She was practically purring against him. His body already strung tight, he bite his lip in an effort to control himself. Down boy.

"I didn't mean to attack you like that."

He barely recognized his own voice.

"Don't worry about it. I wasn't exactly fighting."

She kissed his chin, then pulled away. His hands shaking, he shoved them deep into his pockets.

"Listen, I have to go into the station." he tried to make his voice nonchalant, "Why don't you and Emeraude stay out of this weather and order pizza in? Catch up on things?"

Ferio wanted Fuu inside and safe as he tried to strategize on how to capture the escaped man. The city was big and scary- and he wasn't going to give any one the chance to hurt her while he was away. She scrunched her nose up cutely, and he reached around and pulled her hair loose.

"Your hair is so pretty."

The action spontaneous and simple, he was surprised at the color that was quick to spread over Fuu's face. Her hair fell with a soft natural curve, framing her face and the now wide eyes behind her glasses. She stepped away from him, and brushed her fingers through it. Ferio watched the simple action with fascination. He could watch her peel potatoes, and it would still be enthralling.

"But you'll be back, right?"

He smiled at the uncertainty in her voice, ready to bring the world to its' knees if it would make her happy.

"I wont be gone long."

And he wouldn't. Just having to leave Fuu after finding her less than 24 hours ago would be like ripping out his own spleen. And he was rather fond of it.

Knowing that he would have to take a cold shower in the station's locker room, due to him and Fuu's little 'make-out session,' and to dispose of the grimy feeling that always seemed to cling to him in the morning, he glanced at his watch and sighed. Hikaru would beat his head in if he were any later. He looked at Fuu repentantly, hoping that she would follow his 'advice' and stay in. Her hand moved over her hair, but made no move to put it back up. It warmed his heart.

"I'll walk you to the door."

He raised an eyebrow at her words, comparing them in his head to those of a high school date, but didn't say anything. Walking next to her, they strolled down the hallway, Ferio watching her out of the corner of his eye. Examining her profile, he wondered if being in the presence of an angel would feel as euphoric as this. He was the luckiest person in the world. Her hand slipped through his, and he didn't stop the wide smile on his face.

Reluctantly letting go of her hand, he tied his shoe laces slowly in an effort to stop time. Shrugging on his coat he turned to Fuu, not quite sure how to say goodbye. His hand brushed over the cool doorknob, a harsh reminder of the world outside. Part of him longed to stay there all day, longed to stay there all week- but he needed to do this for her. She rested her ear on his chest, over his heart- and it jumped.

"I like listening to your heart beat. It reminds me that you're here, that this is real." Her voice was barely audible, "That I'm not alone."

Ferio wrapped his arms around her tightly.

"I will never leave you. Not even if you try to chase me away."

She smiled at his joke, unaware of how true the statement was.

Fuu let him go, but not before making him promise that he would be back early.

He left, walking down the hall halfheartedly. Glancing at his watch, he counted the hours until he would be back. Too many. He wondered if he would ever feel comfortable without Fuu by his side. Laughing to himself, he knew that he didn't even have to think about it to know the answer. Without her smiling face, he was nothing. And he would do anything to keep her smiling.

()()()()()()()()()()()()

Fuu got off the subway, trudging up the stairs and through snow drifts. Pulling her coat closer she looked up at the closest street sign. Two more blocks to go. Although she had promised Ferio that she would be a good little girl and stay inside all day, the prospect of surprising him was too much to pass up. Plus, if she got to walk home with him, maybe they could go out to dinner, or see a movie. She was excited to start a real relationship with someone, and giddy over the fact that it was Ferio.

Ferio. He was amazing. Burying her head deeper into her coat, she remembered the passionate embrace they had shared only hours ago. He had left her dizzy and wanting, and she couldn't wait to feel that way again. Ferio made her feel like the sexiest woman in the world, the most desirable woman. Every second without him felt like an eternity, and she briefly wondered if this was what love felt like. Mind consuming, body numbing- a feeling of elation that left her giddy and oddly drained. Sighing heavily, she adjusted her gloves and walked around a snow drift.

Grinning beneath her scarf, she waited for the crosswalk sign. Her breath danced in front of her, seeming to be just as excited as her. Only one more block and then she would be there. Looking around, she noticed how strangely empty the streets were. Most people were more than likely still holed up somewhere until the streets had been properly cleared. Scratching her head, she still felt awful about sneaking out on Emeraude. But she'd been napping, and the pull to see him had been too great. She was sure that Emeraude wouldn't be angry with her, after all, she only left to see Ferio. And who could blame her for that?

Seeing the police station, she quickened her pace. She glanced at her watch- Ferio had said he should be done around 6, so she would be just on time.

Someone tapped her shoulder, and she turned around startled. Did Ferio get done early? Dark eyes pierced her from beneath a hood and she froze in fear. It couldn't be. Fuu's mind tried desperately to register the person in front of her. He couldn't be there, it must be some cruel joke. Her mouth gaped open, even as a scream fought its' way up her throat. A hand snaked away from the person and clenched around her arm, dragging her into a nearby alley. Fuu followed, still in shock, unable to pull out of his grasp.

The alleyway stunk of garbage and feces, dumpsters lining part of the small space. Sunlight barely showed in the small crack between buildings, and the sounds of the city dimmed as they went deeper and deeper. Snapping out of her stupor, she fought against him with her free hand. A fist smashed into the side of Fuu's face, pain exploding. Black spots clouded her vision, and her mind went fuzzy. Closing and opening her eyes, Fuu watched him through now fractured glasses, the cracks creating thick distorted lines in her vision. His hands gripped her shoulders, throwing her hard against the brick wall of one of the buildings. He smelled like cheap booze and B.O. Out of view from the rest of the city, she tried once again to cry out for help. Before she could make a sound however, she was jabbed hard in the throat.

Opening her mouth, she tried desperately to draw breath. Her windpipe still recovering, she found herself unable. The man shook the hood off of his head, his hands busy holding her still. The crook who had tried to rob the bank stared at her through half closed eyes. He reached into his pocket, and pulled a wicked looking knife out. Covered with rust spots and with a worn handle, the blade still gleamed dimly in the light. He held it to her damaged neck, and through her struggled breaths and hazy eyes she tried to concentrate. Was this the end for her?

She thought of her early ideas of a movie and a romantic dinner. Thought of the future she had just started, a future full of understanding and love. Thought of Ferio, who had become her world in only a few short days. To have it end so quickly, to have the curtain draw close when she was still so young. Fuu still had so much she wanted to do, so much she wanted to experience. She was only 23.

"Listen here," his voice was oddly calm, even though the bags under his eyes and the strain in his face told another story, "I don't know exactly what you did, but if you don't-"

He stopped talking and his head swiveled abruptly to the side. Pressed hard against the wall, she watched him, unsure of his movements. Fuu's labored breaths echoed loudly in her ears, and she fought against the stench of the alley, a feeling of nausea slowly growing within her. The disgusting man pivoted toward her, a look of desperation contorting his face into a mask of fear. He grabbed her hair roughly, ripping her from the wall and in front of him. Tears fell from her eyes, her body not moving quick enough to avoid the pain. Turning her around, his arm wrapped itself around her body, holding her tight, the other arm putting the knife to her throat. Not sure why she was pressed up to him like a shield, she blinked the wetness away rapidly, desperate to see what was going on.

Ferio stood at the mouth of the alleyway, his gun drawn. Anger was written on his face and Fuu knew that her chance of survival had just come. She believed in him. She could do anything with his support, they could defeat anything, overcome everything. She knew that he would never leave her.

And Fuu knew without a doubt, that only death would force her from him.

()()()()()()()()()()()()

AN-Okay, so I when I was planning this story out, this chapter originally had another huge chunk to it. But I really wanted to get it out, so it will be included in the next chapter….Thanks!

Also, I am not the most thrilled with how this chapter turned out…but…hey, whatcha gonna do…