Facilier headed back to Samantha's shop, hoping that he wouldn't run into Lester. Fortunately, he didn't. He reached the building and stepped inside. Samantha was sitting at the table, having changed into her pajamas and robe once Facilier had left. Facilier smiled slightly and walked over to Samantha, leaning down and giving her a light kiss.

"How y'all doin'?" He asked. Samantha looked up at him and smiled slightly.

"I'm good," she said. Facilier frowned, noticing the tremor in her voice.

"Y'all ain't alright," he said. Samantha smiled nervously.

"I'm just a little shaken," she admitted. She stood up and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head against his chest. "They won't come back, will they?" Facilier shook his head.

"No," he said. "Not with me protectin' you. I have quite the reputation in this here town." Samantha chuckled.

"Oh, I'm aware," she said, pulling away. "I knew who you were the moment you stepped into my shop. Can't say you made the best impression." Facilier frowned.

"Sorry 'bout that," he said. "I was havin' a rough week. No hard feelin', right chere?" Samantha crossed her arms and gave him a twisted smiled.

"I don't know," she said. "I'm not too angry with you, though I'm not too sure what my family would think if they knew you threatened me. And my brother is comin' in a week." Facilier paled almost instantly, and for a moment Samantha thought he would faint. He swallowed thickly as a chill ran down his spine. Finally, he found his voice.

"Sammy?" He said, his voice going up about half an octave. "We're friends." Samantha frowned and hugged him again. He tensed, another tremor shaking through him.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I was just jokin'." Facilier moved away from her, his eyes narrowing into a glare.

"Well," he snapped. "It wasn't funny." Samantha frowned.

"Once again," she said. "I'm sorry. I wouldn't let that happen. Not to you." Facilier shuddered again, knowing perfectly well what she was talking about. Samantha yawned and stretched, the stress of the day catching up to her.

"Tired?" Facilier asked, some of his confidence returning. Samantha nodded, turning around to go to her room. Facilier was about to follow her when she stopped. Facilier frowned again. "What's wrong?"

"I-I'd rather we not," she said as she started to tremble. She tried to choke down a sob but failed. "Not right now. Not after I was nearly r..." Facilier cut her off with a hug. Samantha closed her eyes, sobbing into his chest. "I'm so sorry," she choked out.

"No," Facilier said gently, running his hand through her hair. "Don't be. You've done nothin' wrong. It was them. It was all them." Samantha nodded, choking out another sob. "I won't come near y'all if you don't want me too." Samantha nodded.

"Don't leave," she begged. "What if they come back?" Facilier held her close to him, whispering something she didn't understand into her ear.

"I won't," he said. "And they won't. You're safe with me." He placed his hand under her chin and lifted her head up. He leaned down and kissed her. Gently, he wiped the tears from her eyes. "Come on," he said. "Let's get y'all to bed." Gently, Facilier lifted her up and carried her into her bedroom. He laid her down on the bed and straightened up. "If you need me I'll be out in the shop." Samantha frowned.

"Aren't you goin' to sleep?" She asked. Facilier shook his head.

"I ain't tired," he said. "To be honest, I don't sleep very well." He bent down and kissed her. "Night chere."

"Night," Samantha said. She laid down and closed her eyes. At that moment, she felt something cold brush up against her. She glanced down and saw Facilier's shadow curled up next to her like a dog. Samantha smiled and pet her little protector. Smiling, she closed her eyes and drifted back to sleep.

Break

The night was peaceful and had passed by without incedent. Eventually, Samantha stirred. She got up out of bed, laughing at the still sleeping shade wrapped in the blankets. She walked out into the shop. Sitting in a chair facing the door was Facilier. Samantha frowned and walked over to him.

"Did you sleep?" She asked. Facilier shook his head.

"I wasn't tired," he said. Samantha frowned, earning a laugh form him. "I told y'all I didn't sleep." Facilier took a deep breath before turning to her. "What does Joe look like? I'd like to know what to avoid when he gets here." Samantha sighed.

"Well," she said. "He's tall, though not as tall as you. He has brown hair and green eyes. And if you happen to meet him you'll know immediately because there's a good chance he'll try to..." she stopped short and swallowed. "Just avoid him. Please?" Facilier chuckled nervously as he got up.

"Relax Sammy," he said. "I ain't exactly the kind of person to seek out the Klan." Samantha smiled and hugged him.

"Are you stayin'?" She asked. Facilier shook his head.

"Sorry chere," he said. "I've got to work, and so do you." Samantha frowned.

"Are you sure they won't come back?" She asked fearfully. Facilier hugged her tightly.

"They won't," he said. "You have my word. if they come anywhere near y'all, I'll kill 'em." Samantha nodded, breaking away from him.

"Come back tonight," she said. "I'll have a little surprise for you." Facilier smiled devilishly and kissed her.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," he said.

Break

Facilier finished up with swindling people and made his way to Samantha's shop. He smiled to himself and walked inside. All the lights were off and he couldn't see.

"Sammy?" He asked. Just then, the lights flicked on and the door shut behind him. Facilier turned around and saw Samantha standing behind him, wearing nothing more than her robe. He smiled and walked over to her. Samantha smiled back at him.

"I saw you flinch," she said. "I startled you." This got a chuckle out of Facilier.

"I wouldn't know what y'all are talkin' 'bout," he said. With a laugh, Samantha walked over to him, grabbing hold of his necklace and pulling it taunt. Facilier choked slightly but quickly leaned down to kiss her. Samantha pushed away from him.

"Bedroom," she said, pulling him there by his necklace. Once they got there she pushed him onto the bed and laid down ontop of him. She pressed her lips against his throat, feeling his pulse under the skin. Facilier swallowed and pushed her off of him.

"I kinda need to take my clothes off," he said. Samantha smiled.

"Of course," she said.

Break

Samantha rested her head against Facilier's chest, listening to him breath. He looked down at her and smiled.

"Well," he said. "That was nice." Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine. He glanced up and saw a shadow glide out of the room. By the time Samantha looked it was gone.

"What's wrong?" She asked. Facilier shook his head.

"Nothin'," he said. "I'm just tired." Samantha nodded and laid her head back on his chest. Facilier relaxed and closed his eyes. Soon, they were both asleep.