Sorry about the late update everyone! I know I said Wednesday, but Something happend... The story pretty much bitch slapped me and said, "Don't give a damn, I'll be up when I'm f**king ready!" Kinda graphic no? I cleaned that up a lot. It was much worse... Anyway I finished half of it before that day, but the story wouldn't give me anything until today, which is when I typed the other half. Remember, I, the author, am just a humble catalyst for the story. If they story was a being, then it'd already would have plastered itself from start to finish on this site. But our relationship is mutual, we both benefit. It gets posted and I meet people and not get strangled.

Anyway, you know the usual, I don't own DC or anything like that. I also don't own any of the mentioned songs, those belong to the respected artist who will be mentioned after the chapter. Are we all set back there? Good. Get ready for a emotionally violent ride. Go onward dear reader!

The excitement was palpable. At least it was to the empath; she could feel waves of emotion emitting from the club Jinx led her to. She was glad that the pink minx accepted what she was, at least she didn't completely freak out like her friends did when they found out. In fact, Jinx was surprisingly open-minded about the whole half-demon thing. She even accepted, without question, the ways her powers worked and how she mastered them through her fathers death! Raven was starting to think that Jinx was scared, but not showing it on any of her features. But when Raven picked up emotions from her date all she sensed was honest curiosity, happiness, arousal... And that's when she stopped as she looked away from her date with a mild blush. Jinx didn't delve much into her past, but Raven respected that she would be told when Jinx was ready.

Raven snapped out of memory of the story when Jinx announced, "We're here!

Raven looked up at the neon sign, 'El Diablo Rosado' Raven didn't know much Spanish, seeing as most of the languages she learned on Azarath were long since dead on Earth, but she knew enough to get the pun, "Really?" she asked, "You dragged me all the way her for a play on words?"

Jinx grinned, " 'Course not!" she pointed to the entrance with large men standing by in suits, "We're going in!"

Raven looked down the street at the number of people, "It looks like a long wait... Maybe we should-"

She was cut off by an enthusiastic shout, "Jen!" they were both hugged by the brunet, since their arms were stilled twined together. The Aussie leaned back to gaze at the empath, "Oh." she nodded in approval, "I can see how it was an emergency. Great catch Jen."

Jinx rubbed the back of her neck nervously as Raven gave the new girl a once over, "Thanks Shelah."

Shelah waved it off, "Ah, but you have to teach me what kind of bait you used to get this pretty little thing."

Raven spoke up in her usual monotone, "Bait?"

She turned to her date who was grinning sheepishly, "Rae, this is Shelah; she helped me with the clothes." she turned to her friend, "Shelah, this is Ra-" a look from the empath made her go in another direction, "R-Rachel Roth."

Shelah didn't seem to catch on to the stutter, "Oh, well Ms. Roth you couldn't have picked a better gal."

Raven wanted to straighten things out, "First off, she picked me." she cast a soft glance in Jinxs' direction. "Not that I'm complaining." Jinxs' eyes spoke volumes of her happiness, "Secondly, it's nice to meet you." she was about to shake the other girls hand, but was pulled in for another hug. That seemed to be happening more frequently.

She was a bit to shocked to resist, "Nope, none of that." Shelah pulled away and turned to Jinx, "Should've warned her that I'm big on hugs." Raven took her spot by Jinx again, albeit a little more flustered, but not entirely flabbergasted.

Jinx was glad to see her friend, but a bit suspicious, "So... Why are you here?"

Shelah glanced at the club with a look of anticipation, "Oh, I was about to go in and meet my man, but I saw Jen here and I thought I might get to meet her mystery woman." She gave Raven a once over, "Gotta say, I'm a little jealous." this received a glare from the feline, "Don't worry! I'm not out to get someone who isn't mine." she patted Jinxs' shoulder and Jinx relaxed a bit, "You know me better than that."

Raven observed the slow moving line, "How long have you been in line?"

The response surprised both the girls, "I haven't."

Jinx was starting to put it together, "So that means-"

Shelah nodded, "Yep."

Raven tapped a finger against Jinxs' arm to gain her attention, "Someone, fill me in here; I'm lost."

Jinx shifted her feet nervously under the empaths gaze, "Um..."

Shelah answered instead, "He owns this little joint."

Raven raised a brow, "Well isn't that convenient."

Shelah defended, "It ain't like that! We met a week ago; didn't even know he owned a club till two days ago. Have to say, that man is one of a kind."

"I see."

Jinx eyes shifted to the line, then her friend, "Can you get us in?"

Shelah rummaged in her purse and brought out three red and black plastic cards attached to a lanyard she gave them each one and put the other around her neck. "Alright, as long as you have these on, you'll get in." the other two put the lanyards around their necks. "But take 'em off when you get inside! You don't wanna draw the wrong kind of attention."

They started to walk to the entrance and Raven had to ask: "What sort of attention would we draw with these?" she flipped the card and saw a shifting shadow image of something as the light from street lamps hit the card.

Jinx cuddled closer to Raven, "Some people get seriously jealous of VIPs." she shivered, "I went to this concert and... man, that was a crazy night!"

Shelah laughed ahead of the two, "Oh I remember that! You were disappointed 'cause we couldn't stick around for the encore."

"It was Rise Against! They were saving Savior for the encore." she pouted, "I love that song and I really wanted to hear it live..."

Raven stroked her hair in order to sooth the feline, "You can always go to other concerts."

Shelah barked out another laugh, "Yeah! What song is worth pushing through a riot? You could've died there! Hell, I almost died there! After they spray painted the jumbo-tron."

"And besides," the empath continued, giving Jinx a quick peck on her check, "I prefer you alive."

Jinx relaxed into her arm, "Yeah, I guess..." she muttered, "Still a great song though."

Shelah quieted the pair before they made way towards the guards. They each held up their card and were allowed to pass. The walk was a spiral hallway going deep underground. Raven could her the bass of music already. "So, what is this place exactly?"

Shelah glanced over her shoulder before answering, "It used to be an underground storage area or something like that."

She was intrigued, "Really? Then how did your man ever make it into a club?"

Jinx answered that, "He purchased it from some public development office after having it lying there collecting dust. They thought it was a good trade; half a mil for a bunch of empty space."

Raven wanted to probe her thoughts, but held back; she'd get answers the honest way. Besides, Jinx wouldn't be involved with anything dangerous... would she? "So... Where did he get the money to do it? Is he a genius billionaire playboy philanthropist?"

The other two giggled like mad at the quote, "No." Jinx manged to breath, "H- He... Ha ha ha!"

Shelah shook her head, "You hit the nail right on the head there."

Jinx perked up, a little serious, "Wait... seriously?! I thought he was only looking out for number one!" she muttered to Raven, "Keep out of contact for a year and this is what happens."

Raven quirked a brow, "So you know the owner?"

Jinx shifted, a bit frightened at how the empath might react to the news, "Well... I don't know him, but... We-" she coughed, "Um... He scratched my back and I scratched his... I can trust him." she glanced nervously at the empath, "We're friends I guess." she shrugged, "But I haven't seen him in a while. I kinda missed him."

Raven noticed her nervous behavior and slight twitches, "Well it seems like you're afraid of what I will do once I see him."

"That obvious huh?"

"Yes." she rubbed the felines shoulder in a soothing motion, "Don't worry, consider me off duty. As far as I'm concerned, we're only meeting an old friend of yours."

Jinx almost became jelly in her arms, "Ohh..." she moaned, "Don't stop."

Raven smiled her own small, beautiful smile, "That good huh?"

"Mmmmmph." there was no way of getting an intelligible answer from her like this so Raven stopped the massage.

"Hey!" the two of them looked ahead to see Shelah by a pair of red and black double doors. She looked at them mischievously, "Hope you two aren't getting a little to frisky." she turned and opened the doors letting in cheers and music.

Raven went wide eyed as she stood on the large catwalk; she could definitely cope with this club! It was dark, but it just enough lite for regular visual acuity. There were private dark areas and rooms connected to the main area. Jinx and Shelah watched with amusement as Raven took in the scene. She watched as people drank various concoctions from the bar and as some bodies meshed together on the dance floor. She expected a lot of bass tones making the walls vibrate, but a band was playing instead.

Raven turned her head in surprise as she heard Jinx sing along with the band:

When I can feel my skin crawl,

when I'm about to crack.

The hunger for revenge,

gives me strength to stand!

I will be your Deadman!

With nothing but this blood on my hands,

stuck in your "Wonderland"

I just want to make you bleed like me...

She didn't know what song Jinx sang, but her voice was so beautiful, "What... I didn't know you could sing."

Jinx smirked at her blushing date, "Well, there's a lot you may not know about me."

This piqued the empaths' interest, "Really, such as?"

She broke out into song again:

When I was in Harvard

I smoked weed every day.

Shelah joined in:

you cheated every test

and snorted all the yay.

They stopped singing and giggled madly. Raven didn't get the joke, "Really? That doesn't sound like you- umph!" They both had taken one of the empaths arms and started to drag her towards an end of the walk; it led away from the dance floor and into another part of the building.

A pair of doors slid open automatically for them and back, drowning out the noise. Shelah grinned at Raven, "Looks like you're a little tense!" she turned to Jinx, "Hey, does she know how to lighten up?"

Raven caught the double meaning, "No. I'm not drinking tonight. Plus I'm not twenty-one yet." she smirked at the pair, "Neither are you two."

Shelah snorted, "Ha! Never stopped me before!"

"I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that."

They let go of her arms, but one was quickly occupied by the feline, "I don't like the stuff, I like my drinks sweet!" she whispered in the empaths' ear, "Among other things..." she gave the other girls' ear a nibble before giggling at her red hue. "Relax." Her soothing tone made Raven do just that. "Good."

Shelah stopped in front of a large set of thick double doors, also the same color as the rest of the place, red and black. Raven was starting to see a small pattern, "So who is this club owner? What makes him such an enigma?"

Shelah turned and sighed, "Jen, you got you're work cut out for you!"

Jinx smiled and traced lines on the arm she was holding, "I don't know... she's a lot more... well just more."

She turned with a wave, "If you say so." she looked at a panel by the doors, "Here we go... gimme you're cards." they did and she scanned all three cards on the clear panel. It beeped and the doors slid into the walls, the next room was very large and dark, almost like an office space in a castle throne room. They entered and the doors closed behind the trio, "Honey, I'm home!"

"I seriously doubt she lives here." the empath muttered.

"Shh." chided the feline, "You'll want to meet him."

She didn't have to wait long, a voice called out from the end of the room, "Make yourselves at home. I'm just finishing a few tax forms." They made their way to a couch not far from a desk in the back and seated themselves. Raven saw a silhouette of the figure hunched papers; even with her vision Raven couldn't make out the figure. She watched as the shadowed figure observed them before finishing his forms. He set the papers aside and leaned on his hands, "Well well, it's been a long time Ms..." he left the sentence open.

"Roth." she answered, "Call me Rachel Roth." wondering why he asked if he knew her when they already seemed to have met once, his voice tickled at her memory.

The figure turned to Jinx, "Picked her up? I did know you swing that way, but even so..."

Jinx was defensive and crossed her arms, "I'm not looking for your approval!"

The figure raised his hands, "Easy little kitty! I just meant-"

"I don't care!" she hugged the empath closer to her, "I'm happy and-"

He interrupted her with a nod, "that's all that matters." he finished for her. He glanced at Raven and then directed his attention back to the ex-thief, "Sorry, but I wasn't prepared for this... I'll try to wrap my mind around it."

Shelah couldn't take it and rushed to the shaded figure, "Hey! Just tell her already." they hugged, but Raven still couldn't see him. "I'm sure she'll be alright with it."

He nodded to her and stepped around the desk the light slowly revealing him, "Guess if the cat trusts her then I should."

Raven was sure that she broke the meter for the number of surprises for today, but was again proven wrong. The figure before her defied any explanation that she could conceive. "He's supposed to be dead!" her mind screamed as his dark clothing came into view. His mask was all it took for her to recognize him. "R-Red X?!"

Jinx sighed, "This might take a while..."

It took some time to calm Raven down, since no one wanted to touch the tendrils of darkness, but fortunately thanks to the lighting, Shelah didn't even notice that anyone was in danger. Raven had to use a few breathing exercises she was taught as a child to calm down. When she opened her eyes she donned her usual stoic mannerisms out of habit. "Okay... I apologize for any alarming behavior from me." she looked to Shelah and then at X, "And It will not happen again tonight."

Jinx hugged her, "S'all right. I should've told you."

Raven patted her head and smiled, "I probably would have leveled the building from the outside if you did that." something occurred to her. "Wait! Why didn't I-"

Jinx silenced her with a quick sweet kiss, "Let's stay on topic. Kay?" she searched the empaths' eyes for anything that would cause the earlier outburst. Raven looked into her slit like eyes for a while until she nodded her assent. Jinx smiled, small by her own standards, "Good." they both turned to face X, who was wrapped up in his lover.

Shelah let go, rather reluctantly, but walked to the doors waving, "I see that you have some stuff to talk about." She turned to grin at the owner of the club, "Call me when you're done." she walked out the doors, leaving a very uncomfortable trio within the chamber.

Red X had his masked eyes narrowed, "So I guess you want answers."

Raven answered with her usual sarcasm, "Well if it's not to much trouble..."

"Right. I forgot who I'm dealing with." He picked up a paper on the desk, "Which reminds me..." he knelt by the couch and handed the paper to Jinx, "Here, I think your manager will be quite appreciative with the next shipment."

She quickly read over the list, "Sweet! I've been waiting for some of these for freaking ever!" Raven tried to look at the list, but Jinx folded it and stuffed the paper into the depths of her purse. "No peeking."

Raven raised both eyebrows in mock surprise and gestured to herself, "Me? I would never! How could you think-"

"Because you're just naturally curious about stuff!" she countered, "Not as much as me," she pointed an accusatory finger, "but when you want something you don't forget." she shifted and muttered, "That's another reason why you're so- epp!"

Raven sensed where the thought was going and pounced, she had Jinx pinned to the couch and was reaching into her purse, "Let's see what we got here."

Jinx growled playfully, "Oh no you don't!" she leaned up and kissed the empath. Forcefully, passionately, tenderly, carefully, and so many other sensations coursed through the two. Raven, in her shock dropped the prize back into the container as she enjoyed the new one she had received. She started to bite the felines' lower lip, which made said woman mewl in pleasure. And that sound was promptly devoured by the half-demon. They parted, again breathless from the lack of oxygen, but also emotional overload; at least on Ravens part.

They both heard a slight cough and looked to their host. He was sitting in a chair and enjoying the show! "Are we gonna talk? Or do you want to continue?"

Jinx grinned and Raven bashfully untangled her body from the feline, "When did we embrace?" she thought wondrously, "It must be when she traced my upper lip... Azar, that little pink feline... what is she doing to me?" They seated themselves and sorted out invisible wrinkles, to the amusement of their host. Once Raven found her voice she asked, "So how did you survive? You dissolved in a pool of acid after you saved the mayor from Plasmas. Why did you do it anyway?"

Red X began, "First off, I used to look out for number one, but that didn't pan out the way I wanted it to."

"Oh?"

He shifted in his chair, "Yeah... I got bored real fast."

She snorted, "Because robbery, property destruction, and the number of other crimes got so old."

He held up a hand in defense, "Hey! I'm serious! I wanted to go straight, you know, get a job with a government group or something... someone who could use my talents anyway."

This time she didn't interrupt; his emotions were all the proof she needed, "He's telling the truth... but how did he survive?" that thought stayed planted and would until his answer satisfied her.

"I didn't pull any shady stuff for a while." Raven chuckled. Red X looked to her, "Something I said?"

She shook her head in the negative, "No. It's just... Robin was going insane; he'd thought you we're still pulling heists, even after the Brotherhood of Evil scare. When did you decide to go straight?"

"About three years ago."

She nodded her approval, "Good. And just to make it easier on you... I think you should know that the moment you 'died' your warrants for arrest expired." she raised a finger, "But, if someone discovered you, you'd already be in jail. However, all warrants of your type usually expire after three years... At least I think that's the general policy."

X nodded his thanks, "Good to know. And about the mayor thing... Sorry."

Raven didn't know where the apology came from, "Why? He lived."

He took a sharp breath, "Yeah, but most people wouldn't take well to someone chopping of the leg of an elected official."

Now she understood, "Look, you did what you thought was right. And you saved his life, the acid was eating away at his body! How could anyone ask for anything else?"

He nodded, "True... You got anything to add Jinx?"

She shifted, as if the couch were uncomfortable, "Yeah..." she turned to Raven, "I found him in the sewer and took him back to my place."

"That explains why we didn't find a body... other than the acid- Hold on! He was hit! It still does not seem logical..." "You were hit... so how did you live?"

She imagined he smirked proudly under the mask, "I have Robin to thank for that... It seems that he took a few possibilities into account and supped up that thing a lot. The material on the suit resists corrosive attacks, but not indefinitely, just enough for me to ditch the suit and black out in the sewer."

"Like a boss." Jinx muttered.

He turned to her, "Your turn little kitty."

"Stop calling me that!" She took a quick breath and launched into the story, "I found him and patched him up. He told me the whole deal of wanting to go straight, so I gave him a room in the apartment until he could get back on his feet... Boy, that didn't take long!"

X continued the tale, "After a few months I began to discover shady dealings; a lot of them. I eventually become an information broker and let me tell you, people will give up their right arm for some of the secrets I find." Raven raised a brow, but let him continue, "I frequently tip the authorities where to find the right places and I even skive off a little of the remaining profit from the deals."

At this piece of news Raven had to stop him, "You're still stealing?"

X didn't break a sweat, "Only from the bad people sweet heart... Where was I?"

"The club?" Jinx offered.

"Right. I eventually made enough side profit from those tipped off deals and bought this place." he gestured to the grand storage facility, "It used to be an old weapons depot, hell I even found a few of the remaining ones! Gotta say that it's impressive... Anyway, I sold the weapons I found back into government hands and they allowed the use of this space without any questions. All they ask is that I notify them of any other weapons I find."

Jinx stopped him, "Whoa, you're still finding weapons? You've had this place for a year!"

He shrugged, "It's a big storage facility, mostly located underground... I'd say there are about twenty-four levels to this complex, and we're sitting at level three." He clicked a button on his suit and a dark glass panel slid up from the wall, revealing the party downstairs, "That's about a quarter of level four." The glass slid back into place, "I don't think the city council knows how big this place is... And I want to keep it that way."

Raven was a little annoyed, "So you're lying to them?"

He laughed, "Oh. I know you do it to! It's called selective truth."

Realization dawned on her, "You mean-"

He nodded, "Yeah, they have no idea it was a weapons storage facility; only a few big wigs know that." he leaned back, "Besides, everything I find I record and ship info to the League... I figured they could use the info to make sure the country doesn't make rash decisions."

Raven smirked, "What would you do with the Justice League? They can't really pay you well-"

"That one isn't for being paid." the statement shocked her, "I just want to make sure they know what's going on."

Raven was baffled; the Red X she knew was selfish and wouldn't do half the things this character did. "How do I know if you're the real X?"

"Fair enough." he got up and rummaged in his desk and brought back a golden metal staff to the empath.

"What?" Jinx could no longer keep silent, "Just to prove you're the original you pull out some hunk of-"

"Shh." the empath cut her off. She examined the object and found the runes she was looking for along with many dent marks. "The staff of Akasha." she barley managed to form words past her amazement

Jinx was confused, "The who and the what now?"

Raven starred at the object and caressed it almost lovingly, "This staff is unbelievably old, but was stolen after X used it to fight Robin against his bo staff." she gazed to the guilty looking figure, "He only took it from the museum because Robin had him cornered and he had to fight... Why didn't you return this?"

He sighed, "Because it's to dangerous, you know what it can do... I'm entrusting it to you. I know you'll be able to see it's rightfully used or stored or whatever."

She didn't know what to say, except, "T-thank you, but-"

He held up his hand, "I thought you'd find me eventually by tracking it down... I've been planning on giving it to someone, but couldn't find a great practitioner in the arts."

Jinx quirked up, "Hey! What am I chopped liver?"

They could almost hear the grin in his voice, "Sorry Lucky, but I needed someone like Zantanna or Dr. Fate... but I got a little something for you too." he picked up a pouch from his pocket, "Is that gem around your neck real?"

She rolled her eyes, "Duh. I've been a thief for years, I know my gems, jewels, and other valuables." she glanced nervously at the glaring empath, "Not that I ah, take advantage of that often now." X slipped the necklace off and stuck it in the pouch, "Hey!" he raised a hand for quiet. The bag glowed red and disintegrated, The necklace was still the same, but it seemed like the glowing ruby was pulsating. "Um... Is that safe?"

X snorted, "If it weren't safe then why am I holding it?"

"Good point." she took the necklace and had it back in place. The glow and pulsating stopped, "Okay... So what is it?"

"A Philosopher Stone."

Both girls shouted, "WHAT?!"

X was bemused, "I just needed the right gem imbued with magical energy, which you provided."

Jinx thought otherwise, "B- but the gem had no energy imbued in it!"

Raven thought critically, "Jinx, your hex energy sort of... bleeds off you at certain periods right?"

"Yeah..."

"At one point, were you wearing that when casting a hex?"

She snorted, "Duh. I've probably used my hex bolts while wearing all my fine-" she stopped, the answer obvious.

"Some of you're energy may have been absorbed into the gem. That would make sense... But how did you make it into a Stone?"

X shrugged again, "Don't know. I found a lot of magical items and... did a little experimenting; not much!" he added when Raven glared at him dangerously. "But I managed to gather most of the components for a Stone... Thought it would make a great gift for her..." he walked to his desk and started to shuffle some papers. "Anyway, I'm busy... Go enjoy yourselves. Oh, and tell Shelah to come up in twenty minutes."

"Wait." X turned to look at the empath clutching the staff, "I grateful for the staff... But why? Why give me a gift? Why give out a Philosopher Stone?"

X answered her in a serious tone, she could tell even without seeing his face, "I'm trying to turn over a new leaf... That's why I named this place what it is."

She turned to the feline, "Hey! Don't look at me, it was his idea."

She looked back at X, who was leaning on his desk, "I want to make you a deal."

He cocked a masked brow, "I'm listening."

"I'll keep quiet about this," she raised a finger, "But, you have to be an informant of mine from now on."

He laughed, "You drive a hard bargain... I accept." he raised a hand, "I'm not doing it because I owe you anything, I'm doing it because I think it's right."

She nodded, "Fine by me."

He dismissed them with a wave as the doors opened behind them, "Go. Enjoy yourselves... and stop by anytime."

Raven wrapped her soul self around it and sent the Staff to her room back at the tower. Both walked out in a daze, amazed at what they've seen tonight. They were halfway down the hallway when Raven decided to break the silence, "So... he named this place because you helped him?"

Jinx shrugged, "I guess... he kinda thinks he owes a life debt to me or something." she sighed, "It's true, but I didn't want him to have to beat himself up over it!"

"Oh? How so?"

"This place," she gestured to the passing walls, "It constantly reminds him of what I did... Must be how he came up with the name."

The empath wrapped her arm around the ex-thief, "Well, not all devils are bad then."

Jinx muttered, "You're chipper." she looked to the woman, "Is it cause of the Staff thingy? What is it anyway?"

Raven had a gleam in her eye, "It's a powerful artifact that transcends the age of the pyramids. It has been rumored to do... unusual things for the user."

Jinx grinned, "Well I'm happy you got a little something!" The automatic doors swung before them as they made their way into the club, "Now c'mon! I'm gonna make sure you don't forget tonight!"

The bass was on all over the place now. Raven cringed and asked, "Can't they pick different music? One that doesn't make my ears bleed."

Jinx looked at her sympathetically, "Sorry... but the slow music should be coming on soon."

Raven nodded, but was still looking a bit pained, "Alright, but could we find someplace dark to sit? A bit away from the noise?"

Jinx led her to a table shadowed by the bar; they sat down and it wasn't long before Shelah spotted the pair and joined them, "Hey! You two doin' alright?"

Raven set her head on the table, trying to block out her pain, while Jinx rubbed her back. Jinx smiled to her friend, "Sorry, she's not used to loud music. Oh, right! He said you can go up in twenty minutes."

Shelah grinned and shrugged, "Thanks. Well anyway, I hope she likes Frank."

Jinxs' eyes sparkled with something Raven couldn't identify, "Really? They're gonna play classical here?" she looked to the stage in longing, "Do yo think they'll let me-"

Shelah gave her shoulder a pat, "Sure! They love it when you perform!"

Ravens' eye poked out from the resting place on her arms, "You sing? I heard you earlier and you were very good."

Jinx blushed, "Well, uh... thanks." she bashfully looked in another direction from the empath.

Raven noticed this and grinned, "I'd like to see you performance. Something tells me that I'll enjoy it more than most." Jinxed grinned and Raven decided to address a pressing issue. "So, does this place have a restroom?"

Shelah pointed past the throng of dancing bodies, "On the other side of the dance floor... you okay?"

Raven paled and buried her face in the crook of Jinxs' arm; she mumbled into it. Jinx leaned to the slightly smaller girl, "Sorry, didn't catch that."

Raven leaned up so Jinx could hear, "Never mind."

Shelah raised a bemused brow, "So what? You need to go or not?"

Jinx defend the little bird, "She doesn't do well in crowds."

Shelah huffed, with a hand on her hip, "Can't have that now." She grabbed the smaller girls' wrist, "C'mon."

"Hey!"

Raven looked to Jinx in support; she only shrugged while calling after her, "Sorry! Chick Code Article 2! I'll be here!"

Shelah drove them through a path of the bodies, they reached their destination faster than expected. Shelah opened the door and Raven headed to one of the stalls. She relieved herself while Shelah spoke, "So how'd you meet Jen?"

Raven walked out to the sink while she answered, "We meet at my favorite tea shop, there was only one booth available because the chairs were broken."

Shelah smiled, "Oh? Well I didn't expect it to be so random." Raven gritted her teeth as the bass volume was turned up. She splashed some water on her face, hoping to distract herself from the impending of her bleeding eardrums. Shelah noticed the grimace on the others face, "You sure you're good?"

She manged to get out, "No. J-just distract me."

"How?"

She held back her usual sarcasm, "I have no idea... What's Article 2?"

Shelah smirked, "Chick Code Article 2: No one goes alone, anywhere... Ever."

Raven coughed and managed a small chuckle, "That's... odd."

"Oh?"

She managed a small smile while dry off, "Ji-" she caught herself, "Jen should know me better. I don't think that article applies to me."

She hunched over the sink again. Noise. To much noise! The music pounded away outside and vibrated in her bones; the bathroom did little to shielding her from the bass. She gritted her teeth over the sink. The other woman tried to speak, but Raven couldn't hear her, "What?"

Raven took a deep breath, the music was barely registering to her ears now; they must have made the switch. "I asked if ya had to many." the Aussie said with a smirk.

She frowned, "I haven't had anything..."

The Aussie snorted, "That's bull and you know it!"

Raven shook her head in exasperation, "We just got down here Shelah." her eyes then carried a hint of suspicion, "Don't you have to go meet back up with your 'man'?"

She walked over to the empath, well more like sashayed. Raven became nervous when she detected the lusty overtones of the Aussies' thoughts. "Don't worry," she had Raven pinned, with her back to the wall. "what he doesn't know, won't hurt him." she laughed, "Same goes for her."

She got closer to the half-demon, "W-Wa- Shelah!"

The outburst made Shelahs' smile and her eyes reflected her amusement. "Oh, c'mon! Just give in." She ran her hand slowly up the empaths arm, making Raven shiver, "I know you want some." she leaned in and suggestively whispered, "I can almost taste it." She pulled back with a confident smirk on her lips.

Ravens' mind was in overload as she tried to comprehend the situation, "I-I-"

Shelah interrupted with a finger to her lips, "Shh." She gave Raven a predatory smile that made her knees go weak, "Don't think. Let your body do the talking."

She leaned in slowly, ever so slowly as she closed in the distance between her lips and the empaths' trembling form. Raven did not take her earlier advice and was thinking rapidly as the Aussie advanced, closing the shrinking gap, "What do I do? What do I want?" The distance was shrinking, and with a flash of realization she knew what she wanted. Right then, right now. "Jinx... what have you done to me?" She held Shelah back, "No."

The definite and resolved tone caught the her attention and she stopped. She plopped against the wall by Raven, "Finally!"

The empath blinked, confused. "What?"

Shelah glanced at her with a smile, "I knew you were a bit indecisive." Ravens' cheeks took on a rosy hue as she suddenly found her shoe laces very interesting. "I just didn't want Jen to get her hopes up... Just wanted to see if you were serious about her."

Raven glared at her, "You had no right to-"

Shelah exploded, "I had every right!" she composed herself, "Sorry... It's just-" her breath shuddered with hidden emotion, "I want her to be happy. You know, with that 'One True Love' and all." she turned a serious look at the empath, "That's why I did it. I'll see that my friends are well taken care of."

Raven was reluctant to admit it, but she did something similar a few hours ago, "I guess we have that in common." Shelah looked surprised by the statement. "Yeah... Before we came to the club I was rather... insistent to a friend of mine to get off his ass and go for someone." She sighed, "I just hope it works out for him."

Shelah was shaking and Raven was about to address her concern, but the Aussie burst out into laughter instead. She calmed down and slung an arm over Ravens' shoulder, leading her from the bathroom and to their table, "Oh... wow. I guess Jen picked a good one after all." Raven caught a glint of approval in her eyes, "You really do care."

"What's that supposed to mean?" the empath snapped.

Shelah defended herself with a smile, "Hey! I'm just sayin' that you're a good pick."

They sat down at the table and Raven looked around for her feline companion. "Any idea where Jenny is?"

The Aussie looked around as well, "Don't know." She turned and summoned the bartender, "Hey Kevin!"

A lanky, black haired man walked over, "Jeez Shelah, let me work here!" he started to pour some scotch for a shirtless bald guy at the bar.

Shelah kept his attention, "I just wanna know where Jen went."

He pointed, "Up there, she's about to sing some Frank."

Shelah nudged the sitting Raven, "Well, looks like you get a treat tonight."

Raven turned to the stage to see Jinx up by the mike stand. She gave Raven a mischievous smile as the band behind her cued up the classical music. She began to sway to the the beat and started to sing; her eyes never leaving the empath:

Those fingers in my hair,
That sly come hither stare.
That strips my conscience bare,
Its witchcraft...

And I've got no defense for it,
The heat is too intense for it.
What good would common sense for it do.

Cause it's witchcraft, wicked witchcraft.
And although, I know, it's strictly taboo!

When you arouse the need in me
My heart says yes indeed in me!
Proceed with what your leading me to...

Its such an ancient pitch,
But one I wouldn't switch.
Cause there's no nicer witch than you!

Raven was staring at the feline in amazement and adoration as she continued to sway to the beat, starting to prowl the stage. Jinx didn't sound like herself; her voice would make any professional woman with years of experience gawk in wonder. The band picked up the beat again and Raven could tell she was about to begin again."Azar! She's amazing..." she could no longer think coherently as Jinx began anew:

Those fingers in my hair,
That sly come hither stare.
That strips my conscience bare,
Its witchcraft...

And I've got no defense for it,
The heat is too intense for it.
What good would common sense for it do.

Cause it's witchcraft, wicked witchcraft.
And although, I know, it's strictly taboo!

When you arouse the need in me,
My heart says yes indeed in me!
Proceed with what your leading me to...

Its such an ancient pitch,
But one I wouldn't switch.
Cause there's no nicer witch than you!

She ended the song and turned away from the empath to give a bow to her new fans. They were going nuts; wolf whistles, cheers, and a lot of clapping. Raven smiled as she gazed at the petite artist, "She's... Extremely talented. Gods, what else can that woman do?" She caught Jinxs' predatory grin as she walked down from the stage; she shivered with a previously unknown sensation. "Jinx... I really don't know what to do..."

Jinx walked up to the table with a triumphant grin, "I think that went well. What do you think?"

Shelah teased her, "I don't know Jen... Not your best work." Kevin snorted disapprovingly behind her across the bar. She glared at him, "What?"

Kevin cleared his throat, "To use one of your favored line: 'that's bull and you know it'." he nudged her, "C,mon! Everyone that can appreciate the classics knows that Frank is cheering her on from the grave on that one." He gestured to Raven, "Hey, what's your ten cents on it?"

Raven blushed, "Well, um..." she didn't answer, but chose to save herself embarrassment and opted to hug the feline.

Kevin pumped an arm in victory, "Score one for the bartender!"

Shelah wasn't done, "She didn't even answer."

He smirked, "What are you talking about? She's so amazed that she's speechless!"

She threw her arms up and conceded the argument, "Ugh! Fine, you win." she walked off muttering, "Gonna go see if he can make time for me."

Kevin whistled away as he left the other two alone and he attended the ever growing amount of customers. Jinx and Raven sat back down and Raven set her head on the table again. Jinx put a concerned hand on her shoulder, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," she replied with a contended sigh, "Just enjoying the music." Jinx smiled and let her date enjoy what she desired, holding her hand as Raven hummed a classic song being played. Abruptly Raven stood, so did Jinx, "What is it?"

Raven replied with a sad smile, "Look at the time." she did: 1:22. Ravens' head jerked to the exit, "Let's go."

Jinx was a bit disappointed that time didn't cooperate with her, "Okay." they held each other as they made the trek out of the club. For once Jinx wasn't annoyed with the long sloping hallways, but grateful. It gave her more time to spend with the half-demon. They made their way past the guards , long line, and proceeded to Geiss park. The walk took around fifteen short minutes. But every minute they spent with one another felt like a second. They both wanted it to last longer. Jinx stopped in the middle of the park with the empath, "You never told me what you thought of my performance."

Raven turned with a hint of amusement in her features, "I'm not sure how I'd put it."

They continued their walk to her apartment, "Try," She brought out her secret weapon: a silky smooth voice, as she whispered in the half-demons ear, "please? For me?"

Raven tried to compose herself from the assault on her emotions, "I- Fine. I'll try. Just give me a moment."

The feline nodded, "Okay."

They were in front of the path to the apartment when they stopped; Raven took a few breaths before baring her soul, "There are no amount of words in any language, known or unknown, that can express the... elation I felt." Her eyes went teary as she hugged the ex-thief closer, "Thank you. For everything." she pulled back suddenly, "I don't know why, but I can feel freely when I'm around you... And you've made it glorious." she wiped the tears away muttering, "Dammit Jinx, what are you doing to me?"

Jinx pulled herself closer to the smaller girl, resting her chin on a shoulder, "I'm doing what I want, with who I want." she stated as if it were the best thing in the world. "And I wouldn't trade it away for anything."

Raven shuddered as she surrendered to the previously suppressed feelings, "I'm afraid."

Jinx pulled back with a whimsical laugh, "Don't be." she leaned forward, "You've spent so long caged my little bird. And I will be glad to be the one to set you free."

Raven sighed, "I'm sorry Jinx." she looked away in shame, "I've been unfair to you... This whole night I've tried to decide what I want, but I can't-" she stopped and choked back a tear, "I don't-"

"Raven." Jinx interrupted, "Do you know now?"

Ravens' eyes looked at anywhere, but the woman in front of her, "I-"

"Look at me Raven." the determination in the voice of ex-thief drew her stare. Raven saw turmoil in those slitted eyes, but of what?

She swallowed a lump in her throat, "I know what I want. Now." Jinx was waiting, but when Raven didn't reply she started to back away. She was stopped when an arm snaked around her waist, pinning her close to the empath. "No you don't." she growled. "Not when I've decided what and who I want."

Jinx looked doubtful, "Then why-"

She stopped, feeling the others heated breath against her, "I've chosen Jinx. I've chosen happiness." she grinned as the rapture threatened to make her heart explode, "And you."

With that she closed the gap and their lips met. It was like their first kiss all over again, but better, more. Jinx wrapped her arms around the half-demon, pulling her closer, trying to see if her heart was beating faster than the others. Both of them experienced passion so ecstatic and blissful, that they weren't sure if the gates of heaven have closed behind them. They didn't care, they had each other and that was all that mattered. Like always they parted, but not with gasps. No, they each held smiles of ardor as they rested their foreheads on the others shoulder, rocking back and forth. Holding on and not planning on letting go anytime soon.

Jinx let out a contended moan, "God, it's like that time in the shop all over. Except-"

"better." Raven finished for her. She leaned back to merely look at her new lease on life. But she would not longer be able to bask in the felines' presence without being absolutely astonished. She had someone now. "I guess Love was right..."

Jinx looked to the empath in warmth, "I- I hoped this would go well." her eyes shifted, "But I never thought that I'd-" she stopped to try and form the words in her mind and heart, "I just don't want this to end..."

Raven understood and brushed away her concerns with a look that spoke of deep affection; she may have not known Jinx as a person for very long, but she wouldn't let whatever they have felt be tarnished. "Jinx listen to me." said girl looked to the half-demon, her eyes looked lost. "I have never dated. Ever. And When I decide on something I stick with whatever or whoever I choose." Her eyes looked sparkled with rekindled hope. "I don't make decisions lightly... And I always consider every option. I've made my choice and I won't feel any different in the future."

Jinx looked at the other woman in astonished wonder, "Really?" she gasped, "You're really... that serious? About us?"

She nodded, "Yes... the only concern I have is weather you will stay with me." she turned to look away and gave the other a foot of distance, "If you don't feel the same in a few years, then I'll understand and let you go."

Jinx growled, "Oh no you don't!" she pressed Raven back closer to her own body, "You're not getting away that easily!"

"B-but-" she stuttered then regained her composure somewhat, searching the feline like eyes for answers, "Are you sure? Have you thought about the years to come?"

Jinx scoffed at the question, "I don't think about that stuff." Raven was slightly downcast by that, but was pulled back into those eyes when she felt a tug on her waist, "Hey! Not done yet!"
She gave Jinx her undivided attention, "I know what I feel and nothing, not even years, will change that. I always know what or who I want." She shifted her eyes somewhat, "It just sometimes takes a while..."

Raven grinned, "Oh? Did you lie to me?"

The felines widened eyes provided much amusement, as well as her defense, "NO! It's-" she muttered, "that was the deciding factor..."

Raven cocked her head in inquiry, "What was?" Jinx mumbled under her breath and the empath leaned closer, "I'm sorry, but could you speak up please?" she had to suppress her chuckle as she watched the downcast face of the ex-thief blush.

She looked up at Raven, "It your decision and the... moment. That's when I knew for sure."

Raven smiled down at the one of her new affection, "Really? Well I'm glad."

Jinx pouted, in a rather cute manner to Raven as she observed her biting her bottom lip, "Why? I've been trying to make you figure it out while I've-"

She was silenced as and index finger held her lips, "Shh... We've both been a bit unfair." She pulled the finger down and they both shared sheepish grins. "And now that we know," at this she leaned forward as passion began to overtake her, "we can enjoy."

"Kay." was the murmured response as their lips tenderly met again. Lust was far from their thoughts it was... different as they embraced. Not slight affection, not sadness at their earlier indecision, nor was it guilt for it. It was warmth. It was a tinge of ecstasy. It was marvelous. It was nearly overwhelming on their already speeding hearts. They both couldn't identify the feeling, nor did they care to at the moment. Not while the others lips felt so good it was beyond right or wrong. It just was. As they teased moans from the other with frenzied action. They held tighter and parted again.

Raven stroked Jinxs' hair down her back. She groaned in desperate need, but knew she had to ignore it. "Jinx... I need to go."

Jinx grazed the empaths cheek, "Mmm... I- I want more time."

Raven gave the hair a flip as she broke away, "So do I but-"

Jinx hugged her closer, "We just found out. Don't go." her pleas fell on sympathetic ears as she shuddered her head buried in the empaths shoulder as she clutched her closer. Her tears soaked the clothed area, "I- I'm sorry." she pulled away and wiped the drops, "I guess I'm selfish after all."

Raven gave her arm a slight squeeze, "I feel the same Jinx... but-"

"I know." she nodded, "Go. We can meet up again... You still have my number?"

Raven pulled her cell out from a back pocket hidden in her shirt, "Yeah, it's on the list."

"Good." they hugged again before they parted, Jinx walking slowly down the path to the door. She arrived and turned her key in the lock, she opened the door and muttered, "Goodnight... my pretty." She closed the door, uncertain if Raven heard her.

But luckily Raven did hear her. "Sleep well little cat." she said under her breath. She departed down the alleyway near the building, letting the shadow swallow her. They led her to the middle of her room, it was still messy from all the preparation she made for tonight. She looked at the portal into her mindscape as she sat on the edge of her bed. "I'm never going to hear the end of it from them when I go back." she sighed as she tried to figure a way out of the conundrum. She still pondered as she dressed in her sleep garments: her underclothes and a baggy white shirt. "How do I-" she stopped and grinned mischievously as slipped under the covers, "They said they'd leave me alone for two weeks... I can manage." She closed her eyes, "I know what I what and who now, but that doesn't mean it's not entirely figured out..." she smiled as she slipped into dreams of the pink haired minx. Her mind still reflected a constantly asked question, "God Jinx, what are you doing to me?" She was more content than ever.

There we go. I hope your satisfied. I will no longer predict when I'll post; I'm just going as far to say once or twice a week, but I can't promise exactly when anymore! Don't worry though, there is still more to come. Look forward to the next chapter; It will be about the all nighter with the boys and BB's talk with 'Sarah'. I hope you all like the OCs I've added so far, If not then say something! I won't promise to change them, but I will take any comment, as long as it's constructive, into consideration. I'll still review other comments as well cause they give me a warm fuzzy feeling.

Before I forget, here are the songs and the artists. They list in order of appearance or mention in the chapter.

Savior- By Rise Against

One Reason- By Jon Rui/Fade

Portman Rap- By The Lonely Island (feat. Natalie Portman)

Witchcraft- By Frank Sinatra

The songs I favor are Savior, One Reason and Witchcraft. But Witchcraft is my all time favorite! Listen to it if you have taste for classical, but I warn you, this is old classical. Like before Elvis classical. I like all these songs, but the those make my top ten. Anyway I'll get to work on the next chapter, it's going to be a bit short, but will have some awesome new developments! Look to the horizon as you await the next bit. As promised it will come next week and might, hopefully, be followed by another chapter within the same week. Zaan is out!

Zaan- Crow Claw all the way!