God above my Muses had ADHD so bad while working on the last third of this, and not during the AO3 only sex scene part either. I meant to get this up closer to the beginning of July not the end but what can you do sometimes? All in all I am pretty happy with this chapter, I hope the masses will agree. Any suggestions, requests, ect are always welcomed.
WarNinGs: Minor language, non-English used at parts, little else.
"I find myself in her room
Feel the fever of my doom
Falling, falling
Through the floor
I'm knocking on the devil's door yeah!"
From Tito & Trantula's 'After Dark' which many might know from the snake dance from From Dusk Till Dawn. A Spanish version is in the TV series and it is also very good, what can I say I love this damn song.
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight8
Lord Winner frowned as he watched the security log for the tower his son had helped to breach. Leogan's forces had started on his son almost imminently after separating him from Barton, a move that had harden his son towards them. The viciousness in which Quatre had dispatched the first trio had been shocking, truly. When defending a friend, or an innocent, his gentle son could be uncharacteristically vindictive but this was so much colder and deliberate. Watching glowing twin crescent blades rend limb and flesh with grim determination he began to wonder when his son had changed so much, and how he had failed to notice such a drastic reversal in character. Aroree had been acting out before going astray but Quatre had not acted up since getting over his rebellious stage, not even after befriending Duo who was a Midnighter. When his son went down he glanced at the side screen in which Duo was fighting, his nastiness not at all surprising. Midnighters by their very natures were darker souls, though by no means evil.
Frowning the Wiccian Lord leaned back as both Squires were secured while their Knight counterparts were tortured. The Three Suns throwing their members away in order to weaken the Knights, magic theory classes had hinted at the difficulty of draining a Vampire while not triggering their need for blood. Seeing it in action made him sick, as monstrous as Barton may be in stories he could still feel pain, and those screams would haunt his dreams for decades to come. Waving a hand to fast forward the images he paused when his son stirred before Leogan, thankfully unaware of what had been happening not that far from him. The verbal exchange was more of what he expected from his son, the sardonic tone something picked up from Duo. Frowning as he heard what was being said he jumped when his son was kicked into the pit, chair breaking apart, chains sliding from his pale frame as he got to his feet. A pale hand reach out as he spoke to a pair of glowing eyes, voice edged with concern rather then fear.
Dark brown eyes narrowed when the Made laid a hand over his son's before tightening his grip, his son finally reacting with fear. The Made sniffed at the blond's pale throat but made no move to strike, a move that seemed to confuse Quatre as much as his father. When claws lashed he almost missed it, so he had been right it had been the Made who had marked him. The small welling of blood was lifted with the tip of a tongue, still no fangs were used. When the Made went for his son's throat he growled, frowning when he saw no blood flowing. The over protective father in him bristled as his son fought back, blunt human nails eventually digging in so hard they drew blood. If Leogan was not already a cold corpse he would be thinking of the proper way to make him one just then. The Made however was still very much alive, and very lucky Lord Winner was aware of how little control weaken monsters had over their instinctual responses. As it was he wanted to blast the young man through a few walls for attacking his son, even if fangs were not in play.
When fangs finally attacked he glared, white knuckles ignored as was the sound of cracking wood. Quatre had not had a wound at his throat when he had appeared with the others, though that could have easily been remedied. Quatre slumped in shock and pain, Leogan gloating, the Made standing there dripping his son's blood to the cold stone floor still. Hands moved to attack the Made once more only to go unused when their owner was attacked instead. Leogan gaped up at the Made, who was holding a length of chain as if it were nothing more then a dog's leash. Winner shivered at the Made's laugh, it was as chilling as his screams had been, he was a monster after all. Listening as the Made mockingly chide Leogan he frowned, had the fool really tried a binding spell without knowing what the demon's name was? The name Barton took when he joined the Bloom house was symbolic really, the reference and reminder to a trilogy was not missed. Leogan's spat retort drew another frown, the lair was not lying then. When Quatre got to his feet Winner watched the blond wipe the blood from his unmarred neck explaining the stain on his sleeve. Walking up to the Made the blond countered the elder spell caster before turning his attention back to the more honest monster in the room. The Made wasted no time in dispatching Leogan, his comment about Empaths catching Winner's attention. Dropping the now useless male the Made held out his hand, smiling a genuine if not still amused smile when Quatre willing came to him.
Leaping out of the hole the pale creature glanced around, head tilting at something the crystals had not detected drawing his son's attention. Answering the blond the Made began to apologize only to be cut off, Quatre assuring him he had done nothing wrong. Winner frowned but if Quatre forgave the Made he could hardly do less, he had saved them both from Leogan. A mental comment was missed but his son's teasing was not. There was no weariness so Quatre had truly forgiven the Made for his deception, an act Lord Winner would need a bit bit more time for. When his son asked about armor the elder arcane user relaxed a bit, the Made had not come in his armored human form. When the blond began to offer the Made more blood, Lord Winner assumed, he smiled a little in relief when the Made quickly said no. Speaking of monsters it did not take a Seer to see how the Knights had ended up in their 'higher' demonic forms. When his son assured the Made he was not simply a monster before kissing him Lord Winner closed his eyes, his son really was hopeless sometimes. The teasing and the Made's expression where priceless, how old was the young man again? Lord Winner frowned slightly at the kiss, not at all savage or hungry, the Made's words getting a blink. Watching the Made step back he blinked once more when it was not his 'higher' form he took at all. The large demon that resembled a mummified cat with spikes attached straightened, blue white flames erupting like a mane around it's skull like head, down its spine, and flared at the tip of its tail armed with a scythe like blade. Empty eye sockets flared with a wispy ember flame, head titling at his son. Quatre stared at the Hellcat standing before him for a moment before reaching out, muzzle lowering to meet his flesh covered hand. Giggling at the otherworldly purr the blond reminded the Made they should get going, stepping onto the blade when the tail moved to give him a lift. Settled between flaming shoulders Quatre nodded and the pair were off, Winner losing sight of them once they were clear of the building, but did not miss the few followers the Made chomped as he ran. "Orders?"
Lord Winner sighed, "It seems Barton has done nothing worthy of retribution. Thoughts?"
"Do you still think it is wise to allow him near your son?" Rashid asked frowning slightly, Quatre did have a way of charming those around him.
"I still believe the young man is not out to harm my son, and I would prefer he remain a protector as he is now. I will not make the same mistake with him as I did with Aroree." Lord Winner answered watching the carnage he had missed while being chained.
"He will be relived to hear that," Rashid commented not clarifying which he the tall man meant.
Lord Winner nodded as he stood, "See Quatre rests today I have business to attend to."
Rashid bowed, "Of course, no doubt his friend will all be licking their wounds today."
"I have no doubt," Lord Winner agreed before walking out of the room.
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight8
"Need sleep, hey Hilde," Duo greeted as he walked up to the commons area where Hilde had been sitting.
Quatre hid a yawn behind his hand as he nod, "Hilde, you did not have to wait."
Hilde smiled at her two best male friends, "I did leave to get news on the others while you two were busy. Also pastries and coffee." She nodded towards the boxes and cups on the table
Duo grinned hugging Hilde, "Love ya girl."
"I know," Hilde assured her friend before nodding, sitting she handed each male a large coffee when they sat on either side of her on the couch. "So how did it go?"
"Long, boring, but those assholes are on all the wanted lists...well what is left of them," Duo answered before slowly sipping the coffee.
Quatre sighed just holding his own as he leaned back, "I am just glad my father didn't blast Trowa the second he saw me."
Duo lowered his cup frowning, "In his defense he did save your ass so pops couldn't do him right there right? I though the guy kinda liked your new friend?"
"He does, not sure why, but if he knew what Trowa did he..," Quatre trailed off with a sigh, hanging his head.
"So getting the details latter on that but for now nope," Duo took a jelly filled iced something or other and took a bite. "My clothes have a date with really sharp teeth later, but my family isn't fangaphobic."
Quatre blinked before arching a brow at Duo, "You seriously made a date during all that fighting?"
Duo smirked, "Hell yeah I did. Hiro's arm didn't need twisted or anything, though the guy needs a good nap first because yeah."
Hilde shook her head, chuckling as she handed Quatre a pastry, "Classic Duo."
"I just helped prevent a civil war so damn straight I am getting rewarded for it," Duo took another bite, wondering if his blood was sweet or not absently.
Quatre couldn't help but smile at his best friend, thankful he had found someone who made him happy, someone who seemed to need someone too. "He has a point."
Duo tilted his head, "Did Kitten just encourage me there? Shit, I do rub off."
Quatre chuckled leaning forward, "Well I do like Hiro so yes I did. I want to go see Trowa today, but he had two long days in a row, and does not need any drama from my father."
"Like your old man would chew anyone out if you went to check on the guy, he did take a Hell of a beating for you. He is like my new favorite person right now, well tied with Hiro but bias there," Duo knew Winner was not that unreasonable, just protective.
"Duo's right," Hilde agreed chiming back in, "Trowa has defended you since that meeting, your father knows he is not a threat to you even if he is dangerous. If he is dead to the world his sister will still welcome you so there is nothing to worry about.
"Kathy and yours did seem pretty tight, and she even seems to like Trowa," Duo had noted the two sisters had shown up together, looking as different as could be really.
"They have an understanding, she is the only member of my family I am not worried about reacting badly to Trowa." Quatre was thankful for that at least, Aroree at least had some reasons to hiss at Trowa.
"As long as they get along I'm good, drama bad right now," Duo grabbed another sweet, nibbling it absently.
"Well news around town is all good, you two working with those bad asses has earned you both some street cred. Our little click is all the rage right now," Hilde smiled as she took a pastry and bit into it.
"I am just relived Leogan is dead and his followers are either being hunted or dead as well," Quatre muttered before finishing his pastry.
"I still can't believe they thought they could turn all the Vampires blood mad and that would end well for them." Hilde could see a few small random attacks working to bolster anti-Lamia feelings but an island wide blood bath on an island they were on was utter madness.
"Hiro called them every word for idiot I think he knows under his breath inside my head, it was hard to concentrate with his tongue in my mouth but he sounded none too happy." Duo was pretty good at telling if a word was meant to be insulting even if he didn't speak the language, idiot was usually pretty clear.
Hilde shook her head with a smile, Duo was rarely dull, "Charming."
"Cat's job, not enough sugar and caffeine in my brain," Duo sighed, he wished the Vamps were with them but the pair needed a nap at least.
"Is this normal?" Wufei asked as he folded his arms on the back of the couch eyeing the trio curiously.
"Becoming a tradition," Duo answered titling his head up at Wufei, he looked different without his armor on. Every time he had seen Lord Chang he had been in his mage armor or formal wear, seeing as he was a lord and all, seeing him dressed more casually was different, in a good way.
Hilde smiled holding up a pastry for the Chinese youth dressed in white with black accents, "Please join us?"
Wufei leaned forward taking the pastry before nibbling on it, white clad sleeves contrasting with the off white fabric of the cushions. "Thank you. So what were you all talking about?"
"Leogan's plan to turn a bunch of Vamps blood mad to start a civil war mostly," Duo answered shifting slightly before stilling. Work was a nice safe topic, and he wanted the other's opinion on a few things.
Wufei nodded, "Did he really try to bind Barton without knowing his demon's name?"
"Yes, Barton mocked him for it before killing him," Quatre answered noting Wufei's curious tone, he did not know the other personally. By reputation he was a warrior scholar, and since Trowa and Hiro had not minded working with him he had to be good at fighting if nothing else.
"Even humans know you need a demon's name to bind, trap, or banish it," Wufei muttered shaking his head.
"Yeah horror movies galore teach them that, also duh right? Well I hate to eat and run but I would rather not fall asleep at work." Duo got to his feet stretching, he would have to make sure they all got together sometime tomorrow.
"By all means Maxwell, you had a busy day," Wufei nodded to his fellow flame user. It was foolish to hold a Squire to the same standards as a Knight, and Duo had fought long and hard for their victory.
Duo turned and grinned, Wufei could be sweet when he wanted to be, "We'll have to hook up later when we've all had a nice nap."
Wufei bowed his head with an amused smile, "Sounds enjoyable, rest well."
"You too Dragon, guys," Duo waved as he walked away yawning.
Quatre glanced up at Wufei, the Asian Warlock absently nibbling on his pastry as Duo walked away, "You do not mind spending your free time with us?"
Dark eyes glanced downward, "Why would you ask that? Maxwell and I are on good terms as are Yui and I."
"Kitty seems to like you too, Quatre just hates to impose on people," Hilde explained with a knowing smile.
"Ah, I would enjoy getting to know you all better, the chemistry you all have is intriguing," Wufei confessed as he crossed his arms loosely on the back of the couch.
Hilde smiled, "As bad as Trowa, making friends with us only because we intrigue you."
"You would prefer it was simply because I found you to be of use to me?" Wufei asked tone light, half smirk on his face.
"Not particularity no," Hilde answered turning to smile up at her fellow mage, "Can you stay long?"
Wufei sighed softly, "A little longer, my trainees should be wrapping up their debriefings or being released by the Healers within the hour."
"Did you lose any?" Quatre asked gently, he had heard of Chang's trainees combat mages all them.
"No," Wufei answered with a slight shake of his head, "A few were wounded or pushed themselves too hard. Your allies did most of the heavy lifting we were mostly there for the clean up."
"I am glad you made it here Chang, Duo and I could not have done what you did alone," Quatre and Duo had been wounded and weaken limiting their power.
Wufei bowed his head, "I was happy to help Winner, needless and petty fighting benefits no one. If you ever wish to improve your swordsmanship you are welcomed in my class. It is foolish for our kind to relay solely on our powers to protect us."
"I agree, thank you I will be sure to take you up on that offer once I make Knight." Quatre planed to learn how to fight to the best of his abilities, Trowa could not fight for him every moment of the day.
"Wise," Wufei praised with an approving smile. "You are also welcomed my dear. What is your favored weapon?"
"Well I am good with guns, not really something we do more then enchant, and short swords or daggers." Hilde answered, she liked fast and precise over anything.
"I know a few instructors that would be a good fit, even if you are not a Knight." Wufei was fine with seeing those with the heart and will were given the opportunity to acquire the skills to match. Knights had civilian allies, always had and always would.
Hilde smiled and nodded, looking forward to learning from different instructors then she had been, "I look forward to it."
"Wufei? I'm sorry am I interrupting?"
Wufei looked up and smiled at the sound of his name, "Not at all Sally. These are two of the others who helped stop Leogan's insanity."
Sally smiled, Quatre she recognized, the girl was new, "Unity, Sally Po."
"Unity, Hilde please, Quatre I'm sure you know," Hilde greeted back with a smile.
Sally nodded, twin loops swaying slightly, "The last of your men are healed and ready for release, they wished to report in before heading to the debriefing."
Wufei nodded, he expected nothing less, "Wonderful timing as usual I have finished all of mine. I will see you both once our less mortal allies have recovered. Duo knows how to get a hold of me, he is welcomed to share it with you both." Bowing his head the Knight followed the Healer back towards his recovered followers.
Hilde smiled after the pair knowingly, turning to Quatre she frowned slightly, "You going to go see Trowa?"
"I am going to let him get some sleep for now, he had a long few days and needs it badly." Quatre would have liked to go to the Made but he was right. Trowa would be just fine after some sleep, perks of demonic healing factors.
Hilde nodded with a slight frown, "You think they will both be all right by tonight?"
"Well enough to hang out for a little while," Quatre answered frowning slightly. "Most of the fighting is on crystals so there is little they will need to cover in their debriefing. I am just glad things can get back to normal now, whatever normal is."
"We'll figure that out tonight silly thing, after all we are all friends now and that is what friends do." Hilde was more then happy to add Wufei to their little makeshift family, gods knew the more the merrier worked for them.
Quatre smiled in gratitude, between all of them they would figure it out in time, "Pieces solving the puzzle is how it should be. I think I will go get some sleep now as well, it will be a long night only in a good way tonight."
Hilde smirked, that was the plan, "Duo and I will see to the details you just rest up, no need to stress out your father over nothing."
"That is true, see you later Hilde," Quatre could only hope his father would warm to Trowa, at least he did not hate any of his new friends.
"Sweat dreams Kitten," Hilde responded as she tidied up the boxes and now empty cups.
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight8
Lord Winner frowned as he studied the layout of the foyer, looking up when he sensed a presence that was not a guard or servant. Trowa Barton stood at the top of the twin set of stairs, head tilted slightly at him in confusion, attire casual black jeans and a tighter matching long sleeved shirt. Turning to face the Made the Mage Lord nodded slightly in greeting, "I see you are recovering nicely from your ordeals Lord Barton. May I have a moment of your time?"
Trowa frowned as he pushed his sleeves to halfway up his lower arms as he walked down the stairs. He could guess why the elder male was there, though he did not smell rage in the air. Coming to a halt on the last stair he nodded slightly as he crossed his arms. "You may speak Winner, you did not come for small talk."
"No," Lord Winner agreed as he considered where to start, there was so much he wished to say. "I want to thank you for protecting my son, it was not solely because of your sworn oaths as a Knight of the Blood."
"It was not," Trowa agreed evenly, frowning slightly at the darker male. "You did not come simply to thank me either."
Lord Winner sighed, unsure if the Made was simply tried or if it was something more. Barton had given him the oddest look and he still could not fathom what the Made thought of him. He cared about his son, that he was sure of, "My son..."
"What about Quatre? He was fine what has happened?" Trowa tensed, claws extending as he clenched his fists, if something had come after Quatre it was dead.
"He was still at the debriefings when I left, he was fine if not a bit tried still," Assurances relaxed tensed muscles and the Mage frowned slightly. "I have watched the crystal recordings, well most of them." The Made frowned as he nodded slightly not saying a word, not surprising really. "I am sorry for what Leogan did to you."
"He is dead I am not, there is no reason for you to feel responsible for his doings," Trowa reminded the Lord unconcerned with his sense of misplaced quilt.
Lord Winner nodded, "The fact you would dismiss my son so easily if he said the same thing is comforting." Noting the blink he smiled slightly at the Made, "I know what you did, and why. My son is quite taken with you, at first I assumed he was drawn to you because you were broken. That may have been true but it is more than that now, and that leaves me with a decision to make."
Green eyes narrowed, crimson leaching into them, "Touch my sister and I shall tear you apart screaming."
Lord Winner blinked taken aback by the viciousness in that quite tone, "I wish your sire no harm. After what I did to Lana I realized I had allowed fear to win...if I did the same now I would lose my son, not to you but because of my own foolish actions." Sighing softly he looked down, "I know you are dangerous and cold, but seeing you with my son I know just as surly you can be so much more. Quatre wants to be with you, it may not be my first choice but will not interfere this time. Protect my son as well as you can please? He is all I have left of his mother, everything she ever wanted in a son."
Trowa closed his eyes, red fading away with his anger, Winner was not here to fight him for his son. Opening his eyes he uncrossed his arms, bowing his head, "If I fail to save your son I shall die avenging him."
Lord Winner bowed his head not doubting the other's words, "I know you will." Smiling slightly he frowned when the Made winced suddenly. Reaching out he caught the younger male unsure what was wrong exactly, he had seemed just fine if not weary. "Barton?"
A savage banshee like cry filled the air, "GET AWAY FROM HIM!" Claws raked at the Warlock as the Lamia's right arm snaked around the Made's waist, the Warlock flying threw the wall. Looking down Rachelle stroked long bangs as she held her son one armed, "I have you."
"Rachelle," Lord Winner groaned as he leaned against the hole temple bleeding, "I did not harm the boy."
"Darius," Rachelle hissed looking up, crimson eyes narrowed. "I may be half mad but I know all about Lana. You will not take my son from me, I'll kill you before you can finish the curse."
-He didn't hurt me Mother.- Trowa assured the enraged Lamia mentally, shifting slightly towards her.
"He didn't?" Rachelle blinked down at her adopted son, he would not lie to spare Quatre's father her wrath. Trowa sighed opening his eyes, focusing on her for a moment before closing them again. "Poor thing you should have remained in bed."
Lord Winner walked slowly up to the pair, "Is he all right?"
Rachelle ignored the question as she swept the Made into her arms and walked into a nearby sitting room. Sitting down she laid his head in her lap, dark red nails combing his hair, "There's my good boy."
"Rachelle is your son all right?" Lord Winner demanded as he stopped before the pair, if there was something wrong with him there could be something wrong with Yui as well.
"Of course not your kind have been trying to kill him for the last two days," Rachelle answered looking up from her son. "At least your son and his friends have been kind. Being willing to die for someone who is unworthy stings like few other things can."
"Rachelle," Lord Winner said softly as he knelt down, "I know I have made many mistakes in my life, but I am trying to make what amends I can. My son loves yours with all his heart and I believe that love is returned in full. I did not come here to harm your son, I came to assure him I would not."
Rachelle frowned as she studied the other's face, "You know your son would forsake you as your daughter did. It is fear not approval."
"I am working on approval," He assured her softly, it would take time.
Trowa sighed softly half opening his eyes, focusing on Winner. -Leave it Mother, he is no threat to us that is enough.-
"You should sleep child, your body is taxed still," Rachelle reminded her son gently, he was such a stubborn boy.
Lord Winner frowned at the weaken Made, "Did you do this to him?"
"Strange you are more concerned with a weaken Made then a mad Lamia. I have already tossed you about so why do you think I will not tear you apart?" Rachelle sneered as she stroked her son's hair, crimson eyes narrowed.
"I am concerned because my son means as much to me as yours does to you, and if he is hurt mine will want to know." Lord Winner reminded the Lamia as he looked up, "And it seems you are not as mad as they say...his blood is helping you than?"
"You Witches know the power of willing and blood sacrifices, combined it is extremely potent." Rachelle tilted her head, "Your son needs not to worry he is healing as we speak, blood and sleep work wonders for our kind."
"After the last two days is that wise?" For all he knew the amount of damage Barton had taken was all in a normal day's work, he did not know much about Barton really.
"He refused to rest unless I fed, and he is a stubborn kitten," Smiling the red head leaned back. "How is your sweet boy doing hm?"
"Quatre is well, his minor injuries were nothing compared to what he would have suffered without Barton's protection." Lord Winner would forever be grateful to the Made for his actions to safeguard his only son, whether they would ever become close was another matter.
Rachelle nodded clearly pleased, "Good, he smells delicate like a flower it intrigues me."
"What are you talking about?" He had never heard his son described quiet like that, he was not sure how he felt about it.
Rachelle took Trowa's hand, "I could smell him the first time I fed, he is Katrina's son sure enough."
Winner frowned, when had his son and Barton met again? "You are not going anywhere near my son until I am sure you are safe to be around."
The Vampiress giggled, "You truly believe you have a say in any of this? Silly man, too long playing with your magics you have forgotten how my kind work."
Winner rubbed the side of his neck with a glare, "I have not forgotten you tend to take what you want. Did Barton offer or did you compel him to?"
"You DARE!" Rachelle hissed pale skin cracking around her eyes as she began to change only to frown. "I will waste no more time trying to convince you of anything, Katrina would never have said such a thing."
"How well do you even remember her?" Winner demanded frowning, feeling guilty but not about to apologize. "You may sound coherent enough but you are still Mad."
A blood red eye glanced at him, "To heal completely that quickly I would have to kill my son, I refuse to take his life to heal my mind. Slowly will spare his life and my heart, I may be mad but I am not a monster."
"Perhaps not, but you are still unsteady where your son is only brutal," Winner had seen his work, vicious and cold but in control of himself, thankfully.
"You should not worry so much about my son darkening yours, your son may not be able to fully tame demons but he is good at putting them on a leash." Sneering she stroked soft hair, Quatre could bring her son to heel if need be, weak of body as he was.
Winner glanced down at the still form of Barton and frowned, the young Made was a weapon to be unleashed not a pet. "Does my son know his demon's name?"
Rachelle tilted her head with a thoughtful hum, "I am unsure, he does not need it regardless."
"Love is not enough to bind a demon's nature Rachelle, you know how the Dark whispers better then I." Winner knew demons and their natures, Lamia and Mades had demon blood coursing through their veins.
"How little you understand us still," Rachelle chided with a sad little shake of her head. "Your son is wiser by far."
"Because he does not fear your son?" Quatre did not fear many, his gifts gave him insight most could never have.
"Because he has seen the worst in him and never shied away, rare." Rachelle answered looking up at Winner, "He is a special boy born out of love, a savior of the lost and broken."
Winner smiled a little at that, Quatre meant the world to him, "He will do great things."
"He already has, a Squire helping to stop a coup with full fledged Knights." Rachelle smiled, turning when a servant entered, "Just set that there and leave us."
Winner eyed the food and whine for a moment, "How long will this last?"
"Each hour the power wanes, and each feeding helps a bit more, but by night fall I will be more mad the sane once more." Stroking her son's cheek she smiled fondly, "This island is full of his allies right now so he safe."
Winner nodded pouring himself a glass, "For the moment perhaps."
"You are starting to worry about the boy Darius, careful now or I might think you are warming to him." Chuckling she raised her wrist and struck.
Blinking Winner frowned at the action, "He cares for my son and is not as cold as I had come to believe."
Rachelle nodded as she opened her son's mouth before resting her bleeding wrist to his lips. "Mades are often forced to fight for their rights so they have to appear stronger and colder then most. My son is a gentle soul with a vicious protective nature, like a big kitten."
Winner sipped his wine, "Isn't that contradictory to him helping you?"
"Not at all, his life force has already been absorbed into my own, and my blood as Katherine's mother is as powerful as hers. Once the power has healed blood is simply liquid warm in the belly of the beasts." How little outsiders truly understood her race sometimes, a pity really."
Winner frowned, "And when you are fully restored what are your plans?"
"To keep our world from tearing itself apart, just because we are no longer close does not mean I will sic my son on you." Rachelle titled her head at the dark skinned male, "Unless you have harmed my children, then only Quatre and Aroree will be spared my wrath."
"As long as your son reminds an ally to my own I have no plans to harm him," Winner reminded the protective Lamia evenly. Lifting her wrist she began to clean it, pointy ignoring him like a feline would. "Do you no longer trust my words?"
"Winners are honest, even to we who go bump in the dark." Rachelle answered leaning back with a tried sigh, crimson eyes shifting slowly back to silver.
Winner watched her eyes shift before a sigh drew his attention, Barton blinked his crimson eyes, fangs glinting in a yawn, "Fascinating."
Trowa turned his head slightly, frowning at Winner as he sat up, "Still here."
Rachelle chuckled at her son, "Be nice Kitten, he has not had the best history with our kind."
Trowa frowned at the Lord for a moment before shrugging, skin darkening as his eyes phased back to dark green. "You did not have to do that Mother."
"shh," Rachelle soothed wrapping her arms around her son, chin resting on his shoulder. "Your friends will worry if you went to them weaken as you were, besides we are family."
Trowa smiled as he closed his eyes, hand resting over naturally paler ones, "Anois agus go deo."
Rachelle smiled as she closed her eyes, kissing his cheek, "Anois agus so deo."
Winner titled his head slightly but said nothing, he hated to ruin sweet family moments. When Barton turned his sharp gaze to him he frowned slightly at the Made, being able to read him even a little would come in handy. "If you want to know something simply ask, we both know you are not one to stand on protocol."
"You are not going to ask me to talk to your daughter for you than?" Trowa asked frowning slightly at the elder male, he knew she liked him far more than she liked her own father now.
"No, I will not drag anyone else into family matters," Winner answered shaking his head, "besides you are not exactly a fan of mine either."
Trowa nodded, "I am a cold blooded killer among other things I understand your misgivings about me, but no, I am not." Getting to his feet he sniffed the air, "Are you sure you have no further need of me?"
"Silly boy," Rachelle chided playfully, "go see your friends it will do you all some good."
Trowa smiled as he leaned down and kissed his mother's forehead, "Beidh me a thabhairt do le go luath."
Rachelle giggled as she nodded, "I know."
Winner frowned as the Made turned and walked out unsure what he had said, beyond learning how to pronounce Gaelic writes spells he was a novice. "I am sure he will be careful, well as careful as he is able."
Rachelle turned her attention to her old friend and grinned, "I am sure even drunk Duo will not try and get them all into too much mischief." True as that was she was not about to simply tell the mortal what her son had said, she was looking forward to it.
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight8
Quatre sighed softly as he glanced through the paperwork required for taking the test to become a full Knight of the Arcane, he hated paperwork most of the time. Standard wavers and the like to protect the Knights from angry houses were all well and good but Quatre did not care to have to read them all. Reaching to open the door to his favored sitting room he blinked when his fingers closed over another's hand, recognizing the warmth almost instantly, "Trowa?" Looking up he blinked at the Made, "Why? How? What are you doing here?"
Trowa chuckled softly at the flustered blond, he was adorable like that, "I came to see you, your Father came by to assure my Mother he will not cruse me anytime soon so there is little to worry about."
Quatre blinked, the fact Trowa would just enter the Witch's third of the island just to see him was touching. As a Knight he could go almost anywhere he choose, but this was still not where he would be the most welcomed. Smiling he took Trowa's hand from the knob, reaching for the other as it rose to meet his other free hand. "You're all right than?"
"A little weak still but nothing to worry about, it has been a long few days." Trowa assured the blond as he squeezed pale hands gently, even human he would have been able to seriously hurt them. Leaning close he rested his forehead against the sorter heir's with a soft sigh, "Mother is doing better as well."
Quatre closed his eyes just enjoying the fact the Made was near and not in pain, after yesterday he missed the feeling. When Trowa mentioned his mother he bit his lip slightly, "I am glad, but perhaps the hallway is not the best place to talk."
Trowa nodded, glancing at the door it opened with a flash of red eyes, smirking at the blond as he lead him into the room. Looking around he gestured behind them and the door closed, being part demon had more perks than a healing factor and inhuman strength. "This room smells like you, nice view."
"I like working here when we are on this island, and with my father I am here often." This island was often used for peaceful meetings so Winners were no strangers to it. Setting the papers on the glass coffee table he watched Trowa walk up to the bay windows, eyes closed as he stood in the afternoon sun. Walking up to the Vampire Quatre wrapped his arms loosely around his waist, "Thank you for coming."
Trowa turned to look down at the blond standing behind him, smiling he shook his head. "There is no risk but you are welcome."
"Just because my father has decided he will not interfere does not mean there is no risk," Quatre protested gently, tightening his grip slightly, cheek against warm black. The Made always had such nice soft shirts on when he held him, not that he cared but it was nice.
Trowa turned int the blond's grip, arms slipping around the mortal, "shh, I made Knight tier 2 in less than a decade I am not easily deterred, and neither are you."
Quatre looked up, chin resting on Trowa's chest, "I'm glad you changed your mind." When Trowa tilted his head slightly the blond smiled, "About wanting me near you...that feels like so long ago."
Trowa shook his head with a soft chuckle, "You did warn me I would not be able to scare you off."
"Well if you in Hellcat form didn't do it nothing will," Quatre teased back, he had been wary at first but that fear had not lasted long really. He sensed the good heart hiding behind the monstrous mask and Barton could no longer scare him.
Trowa sighed, stroking a pale cheek, "Does my inner demon still worry you?"
"I don't know it only you, it doesn't matter to me that you are part demon because your heart is human, as human as my own." When Quatre had not been able to feel Trowa's warmth while looking into his eyes it had scared him, the dead eyes had scared him.
"If I ever lost myself and all that remained was the darkness in me would you still not shy from me?" Quatre had been afraid when he tough Leogan's spells had worked, but if he had been more afraid he had lost Trowa forever or what remained wearing his skin he was less sure. With a Lycan's nose perhaps he would have been able to tell but fear smelled the same to him, adrenaline in the blood from fear, pain, anger, or desire were all he could tell.
"If that darkness was still you no, because you cannot harm me," Flatting his hands over the curve of Trowa's chest he held dark eyes. "We all have our demons, I plan on winning their hearts along with yours so even blood mad you would not raise a claw to me."
Closing his eyes Trowa held the fragile looking blond to him, still so unsure about what he had done to deserve his affections. "Ari'nertamid."
Quatre blinked, that did not sound Gaelic to him, "What?"
Trowa pulled away, fingers interlaced at the small of Quatre's back. "Ari'nertamid is what my demon is called."
"Your...you just gave me the means to bind you to my will," Quatre knew Trowa trusted him but this was too much. "That is not fair Trowa your powers don't work on me."
"How do you know since I've never tried them on you, besides you know you don't need spells?" Trowa tilted his head at the worried looking blond, "Aren't you going to ask me what it means?"
Quatre sighed, Trowa knew what he was doing and he had a point, "Didn't sound demonic."
"Hebrew, Lion of Eternal Flames, literal but all the best ones seem to be really." Trowa knew a few demons who were both friend or foe, Knights of the Blood fought them often since they were demonic themselves.
"Ariel...cute," Quatre smiled, smiling wider when Trowa smiled back, "What am I going to do with you?"
"Duo would likely say whatever you want, felines are more fickle," Trowa had no plans just then, no doubt the others wanted to met up someplace tonight but nightfall was hours off still.
"Yes he would, and you are coy not fickle, which I much prefer," Quatre reminded his sometimes Hellcat.
Trowa chuckled looking up towards the door, gently pushing Quatre away before the door opened and a happy looking young women entered. Setting the tray down on the coffee table she bowed and left just as quickly. "Happy girl."
Quatre nodded as he walked over to the table and poured some tea, "She knew I would be here and half the time I do have company, though rarely the immortal kind."
Trowa shrugged slightly as he sat down on the window seat, stretching out his long legs with a lazy sigh, "It is peaceful here."
"So stay," Quatre said as he walked up to the Made holding out a cup of tea, he looked comfortable and the blond saw no reason why either of them should go anywhere. Trowa turned his head to tilt it at him, "Well the others are not expecting either of us for hours, and as long as you have no official duties to perform you should just stay exactly where you are."
"Kathy already gave me the next few days off, seems bonding is all she wants me to focus on," Trowa took the cup sniffing the tea, the blond always had such nice smelling ones around they lingered on him.
Quatre nodded, "And she is right, immortal or not you and Hiro need people in your life to remind you there is more to life then fighting, and there is more to you both then being weapons and heirs." Duo had often had to remind him he was not simply the Winner heir he was also just Quatre.
Trowa smiled, "I bow to your wisdom, it is not as if I really need to train to reach Knight tier 3 anytime soon."
Quatre playful smacked his arm, "Ha ha, very funny. Some of us do need to train, cats."
"If you want some help I offer my skills to you," Trowa sipped his tea before smiling, sparing was a lot of fun even if he could not go as hard as he could with Hiro.
"You just want an excuse to spend time getting all sweaty with me, and gods I have been spending too much time with Duo." Quatre looked down blushing slightly, not that he was against the idea in the least.
Trowa laughed, Duo would love hearing all about this, "I promise to keep all my clothes on unless you tell me otherwise." When that got a choke he just half smirked, "You did say you preferred coy over fickle."
"Yes, well, if you want to touch me you don't have to make me choke on tea just so you can fuss over me." Rolling his eyes Quatre smiled when Trowa laughed again, he really did like that sound.
"Oh I plan to stay right where I am thank you, you want fussed over you can come to me. Felines do not come when you call unless they care to." Trowa closed his eyes, right knee raised and resting against glass, cup held in both hands.
Quatre shook his head as he walked back over to the table and grabbed the plate of sweets and the packet of papers. Turning he smiled, Trowa looked good bathed in the light of day, the gold in his brown hair glinting. "Contrary feline." Trowa glanced at him when he walked up to him, taking the plate and papers when they were held out to him. Settling onto the cushions between the immortal's long denim clad legs he nodded before taking them back. Leaning against warm black he sighed softly, he could spend the rest of the day like this easily, "Your laziness is catching."
Trowa smiled kissing the top of the blond's head, "Hush you are talking nonsense again."
"Just keep crumbs out of my hair and I'll be happy," Quatre mocked as he held a sweet up for the Made, who chuckled as he took it. Leaving the plate in his lap he went back to reading, for this one moment everything was as at peace and he was not about to disturb it.
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight8
"So this gathering who will be there?" Aroree asked as she stirred a bit of honey into her tea.
"Well Duo, your brother, Barton, Yui, maybe Katherine, and myself," Hilde answered, Duo had gone home to crash, and Hiro had left to do something work related no doubt.
"I am not exactly part of your little circle," The blonde Made reminded the pleasant mortal before sipping her tea.
"No, but you did help us so that means you were part of the bet...I wonder if Chang is still around?" Hilde had liked the Chinese Lord, he was nicer then stories said as well.
"I'm sure he is just finishing up, it was your kind who did a bad thing this time," She had no issues with Chang or the Long clan in general.
Hilde frowned but nodded, Aroree was just teasing a little, "Kinda sucks to be him right now, luckily I'm just a nice low rank Witch a bunch of Knights like."
"Men of good taste all of them," Aroree agreed with a wink, Hilde was cute and very sweet but not exactly her type. "So who actually lost?"
"Duo," Hilde answered with a grin, "He wins more often then he loses, but I am glad I won't have to cover him."
"I am looking forward to joining you all this evening, it has been a while since I had reason to celebrate." Aroree had not cared about much since Lana's death, her brother finding a protective kitty was a good place to start.
Hilde placed a hand over the immortal's with a comforting smile, "It's about time then."
Aroree returned the mortal's smile, "Yes it is."
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight8
"CHANG!" Hilde cried catching sight of the armored Knight talking with a few of his trainees, who jumped while he simply turned. Running up to the Asian Lord she caught her breath while he frowned at her in slight concern.
"Are you all right?" Wufei asked, he did not see anything threatening around so he did not understand her running.
"Yes, I just wanted to talk with you," Hilde answered, touched he had been worried for her.
Wufei nodded, dismissing his trainees with a single word before turning to her, hands folded behind his back, "Yes?"
"Are you busy tonight?" Hilde knew the others would not mind, he had not been around when they had made the bet but he had still helped them fight.
"Not particularly no," Wufei answered after thinking for a moment, debriefings were over, trainees had been given the night off for their hard work, so he was free.
"Great then come drink with us," Hilde invited grinning, the guy was nice but needed to let lose a little.
Wufei titled his head, "They will not mind?"
"Not at all, besides Duo and Yui are buying," Winking Hilde smiled, they had all gotten along with each other so it would be just fine.
"Very well then I shall join you," Wufei would not mind getting to know the small group better, they would be good to know in the future he was sure of it.
"Great, come on I need to go raid the bakery on this island, trust me," Hilde assured the Lord as she took his arm and pulled him along with her. If he had questions he could ask them as they walked, she had already reserved the bar Duo preferred, they were used to tables of sweets appearing.
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight8
Quatre sighed finally finished, he was not about to sign something so serious without fully reading it. Trowa was silent behind him but that was not surprising, comfortable silence was nice. Shifting he glanced at the sky, he might want to think about moving soon. Wanting to see his friends he also wanted to stay right where he was, at least this was possible now. Without having to worry about his father overreacting he did not have to hide his affection, something he hated to do. Stretching with a soft moan he turned to Trowa, "I'm surprised Father didn't come looking for me once he got home...Trowa?" Stroking the other's darker cheek he smiled when he stirred, "You will take it easy won't you?"
Trowa smiled as he open his eyes, "Cats doze, I'm fine really." Taking Quatre's hand he placed it on his chest, "Use your gifts if you don't believe me."
Quatre flattened his palm against black feeling the heart below beat slowly, smiling he tightened his grip as he tugged. Kissing Trowa when he moved forward he felt the other smile as he let him go, "Immortal or not I will worry about you."
Trowa nodded, "Of course you will, so are we going together?"
"Unless you want to go home and change I don't see why not?" Quatre liked the black sleeveless shirt, and with drinking and sugar involved black was a safe color to be in.
Trowa shrugged, "I don't really get cold so I'm fine. You tried of seeing me in black?"
"It looks good on you but maybe just a little," Quatre frowned at him for a moment before smiling, walking away form the Made he ignored his questioning look. Walking up to the small desk he opened the largest draw pulling out a bag after a moment of digging. Pouch in hand he walked back up to Trowa, "Care to see a trick?"
"You wish to cast a spell on my clothes? That would be a first, by all means." Trowa knew Witches could do all sorts of glamor and transmogrification spells to their looks but he had never had one preformed on him.
Quatre nodded, holding the bag in his left hand he placed his right on black once more, speaking softly in Latin he used a spell he knew well. Teal tinted white spread out from his hand leaving dark teal fabric in its wake. Nodding to himself he decided he liked Trowa in teal, dark like his own eyes marked him as his own in a way. "Nothing special, small magic is easy with a few herbs and gems mostly."
Trowa frowned slightly as he examined the now dark teal shirt, akin to midnight blue. "Interesting, will it stay this way unless you undo it?"
"Yes, I can change that if you," Quatre stopped talking when Trowa caught his chin, a bit different then the classic finger to the lips move.
"It's a shirt Cat, and I happen to like this color, always have." Letting the blond go the Made rolled his shoulders as he sniffed the air, "Where are we going exactly?"
"Duo's favorite bar here, he tends to come with me when Father and I come," Quatre was not surprised Trowa did not know, the planning of events was normally left to the Witches in their little group.
Trowa nodded as he half tied his hair back, "Lead on, the others should be heading that way soon enough."
"I just need to grab one thing from my room so met me outside?" Quatre gave the Made a quick kissed before running off sure he would do as he asked, they were leaving anyway.
Trowa chuckled after the blond, shaking his head he connected with his sister, -We're heading out so just come to where I am, Quatre did not give me a name.-
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight8
Hiro titled his head at the tables of sweets, and a few of more traditional party food, bars were not known for cupcakes. Impressed he turned his head when he heard muttering, "I think you have enough Hilde."
"Oh Yui you're here?! Hello, you startled me," Hilde smiled at the Lamina Lord dressed in a hunter green tank top looking as normal as anyone else.
"It was not my intention," Hiro assured her with a smile, the young Witch was pleasant company even muttering to herself.
"She brought half the bakery here Yui, I am beginning to wonder if I made a mistake helping her with that?" Wufei frowned shaking his head, navy muscle shirt and white pants standing out but not nearly as much as his armor or formal attire.
Hilde grinned at the two Lords, they were as alike as they were different, "Worry when Duo stops using standard English for full sentences, until than it should be fine."
"Should?" Both males asked turning to her as one.
Hilde blinked, the stuff you couldn't plan, "Joking...mostly. It will be fine the three of you are Knights after all."
"My, my all this sugar makes me glad I don't have a mortal's metabolism anymore, right to the hips," Aroree smirked as she walked in, orange dress and strapped sandals matching some of the icing. "I think I may just have to start coming to more of these."
"Well technically this is the first one, just kinda of ending up together doesn't really count," Hilde was glad the others were relaxed and amused, it was a good sign.
Wufei nodded, "She has a point, I only just met half of them yesterday."
"A few days myself, Barton knew them for a little longer but not much." Hiro was fine with all of them, they were Witches he could stand and who could stand him.
"And since when is time so important to immortals?" Trowa asked walking in, crossing his arms loosely as he titled his head at the tables, "Well someone's been busy."
Quatre smiled, Trowa's duster contrasting with the pale blue and khaki he was wearing, "When Duo celebrates he likes to go all out."
"Well since he is paying half the bill he might as well," Hiro commented not at all surprised by that, it was not as if they had not won the day with their blood.
"Who exactly won?" Quatre asked, he had not been overly concerned about the bet but now that they had won the day it was worth thinking about.
"I'd say all of us but technically the honor is mine and Aroree's," Kathrine answered as she walked in, crimson dress shifting like blood. "Though that is likely because most of the bad men were focused on you four, still ruined my outfit."
"But not your hair," Trowa soothed turning to his sister and sire.
"Smart-ass," Katherine teased laying a hand on his shoulder, "Right thought."
"Right about what?" Duo asked walking in and stopping besides Quatre, lavender tee lose.
"Katherine's hair remains stunning in battle," Quatre answered with a grin, it was not wise to mess with some people's hair.
"Ah, caught up now good," Duo said nodding, he hated missing important conversations. Taking a neon green frosted cupcake he smirked, lobbing it at the Made he grinned when it brushed his still free bangs getting a blink from Quatre. "Looks good on you."
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight8
Trowa scrapped neon icing from his bangs, a line of blue along his ear, yellow on his lower arm, a few splashes of color from near misses, "Well that was different."
Quatre giggled, black duster splattered with colored icing, orange and blue icing in his hair and on his face, "Common response to Duo."
Wufei shook his head, feeling sticky all over but not as annoyed as he normally would be, "And this is why I bespell my white clothes."
"Still a little surprised you joined in Chang," Hilde admitted as she took one of the few cupcakes left unthrown.
Wufei glanced at the color speckled Witch with a bit of a grin, "Nothing wrong with a bit of improvised hand-eye coronation training."
Duo laughed, drink sloshing, bare skin mostly icing now, "Oh, I need to remember that one."
Katherine smirked at the colorful male, he would be a fine influence on her brother, "If you can remember anything about tonight."
"Oh Witches can drink just fine," Aroree reminded the red head before sipping her own drink, it was sweet and strong, fitting for after a cupcake war. "Besides it is a wonderful excuse for chucking cupcakes at people."
Quatre shook his head as he smiled up at Trowa, not surprised the Made was mostly free of color. "You know the splash of green is rather cute?"
Hiro glanced at the pair with a fond smile, he was happy his Made friend had found someone outside of the clan to care for. Duo's giggle behind him drew his dark stare, smile shifting to an amused grin, "Watashi wa hitobito ga sorera o chakyuo shinai kappukeki o taberu tame ni to imashita."
Duo giggled at his blond friend, Quatre deserved the world really, and since running it would be a massive headache getting the rest of his soul was better. Looking up he caught a midnight blue stare and smiled, the Lamia had such damn pretty eyes. Hiro grinned back at him clearly amused and relaxed, a bit more frosting on him then Barton had ended up wearing but not by that much. When he spoke in his native tongue Duo just blinked at him, it sounded teasing but very pretty. Witches were use to Latin and Gaelic mainly, with a bit of Norse if they were good with runes but most of them specialized in Western styles of magic. Blinking at the amused Lord who still owed him a good clothes ripping for starters he tilted his head, "Hottie says what?"
Hiro smiled as he reached out running a finger through a patch of red that had hit Duo square in the cheek thanks to Wufei. "I thought people were to eat cupcakes not wear them," The Lamia translated before slipping his finger into his mouth.
Duo coughed, knowing he was blushing even if he too buzzed to really care, how did he forget he was talking to a Vamp who already wanted more than his neck? "Who's people in this room huh? Face it Blue Eyes we're all monsters here...well Cyke now...LOVE YA CYKE!"
Trowa rolled his eyes at Duo but laughed, it was hard not to when the guy was determined to amuse you, "Ta me i ngra leat freisin dusachtach!"
Duo laughed, hand resting on Hiro's shoulder, unlike with Hiro, Barton's Gaelic would not often go over his head. "Awness! He loves me."
"Clearly," Hiro drawled knowing exactly what Trowa had just said, Duo happy was as close enough to crazy as he needed in his life. "Wasn't the sugar enough?"
Duo looked up from his drink, "Sweetie you can't exactly get plastered like we mortals so blah, besides where is the fun in celebrating if you remember like all of it?"
Wufei sighed shaking his head, trying not to grin too widely at his fellow Warlock, "There is a simple sobering potion so there is little harm as long as you are with friends."
"I'm just here for the food," Aroree chimed in, piece of cake half gone not having to eat did not mean she did not still enjoy it.
"Keep her!" Duo decided nodding, they might not see Quatre's open-minded sister often but she was welcomed anytime. Aroree held up her cake rather then her empty drink, Witch drinks packed a punch.
Quatre smiled, hands folded on Trowa's shoulder one drink was enough for him since his father did not need anything else to worry about this week. Trowa was licking the sunny yellow icing off his lower arm seemingly ignoring them all like the feline he was. Quatre had seen his 'true' forms now, undead felines form Hellfire and nightmares, his human form anything but. Smiling the blond leaned up licking the blue icing from the outer rim of Trowa's ear feeling the Made freeze. Blinking innocently at the questioning look Trowa gave him, "Yes?"
Trowa titled his head at the blond Warlock who had been afraid to even touch him a few days ago, smirking he shook his head amused, "You want to clean your own face?"
Quatre bit his lip blushing slightly when he remember he was in a room with beings with exceptional hearing, and he was nowhere near as forward as Duo. Blinking when Trowa licked the smear of yellow off his check, dark emerald eyes glinting with amusement. "Brute."
"You really should stop forgetting that," Trowa reminded the blond before returning to his arm aloof as ever.
Duo grinned at his best friend, the guy still needed to get use to the idea of Daddy will not blast my sexy Vamp Kitty boyfriend, there were worst things. "So feeling all better after your nap?"
Hiro frowned slightly but nodded, "All the wear and tear Leogan's fools cuased has healed just fine, in part thanks to you."
Duo nodded, he still needed to compare notes with Quatre, "Good to hear."
-If you wish to leave you are allow to just say so Duo, no one is keeping you here.- Hiro reminded the very sticky brunet evenly. -If you wish me to come with you just ask.-
Duo blinked before smiling, Vampires had such nasty reputations when it came to sex, as if they alone had no self-control love spells anyone? Given the options he considered did he want to spend the night with this man in a bed being devoured in every peasant way he could think of or not? They barely knew each other, granted, but he felt a pull he knew the Lamia felt as well. That pull had nothing to do with lust, he had felt a milder version when meeting Quatre, souls meant to be tied together knew it. Nodding he held up a finger, Hiro nodded and headed to wait for him outside no doubt filling Barton in as he walked. Walking up to Quatre he smiled at the Made who was finishing his arm, "Ima gonna bounce so be good, and Cat you missed a little on his ear there." Grinning he backed away from a mock glare. Waving he walked out to various goodbyes. "Come on Handsome a drink and I'll be good as new promise."
Hiro shook his head but fell in beside Duo, wrapping a steadying arm around his waist, smiling when Duo leaned against him contently, "Lead and I shall follow."
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight8
"I'd say we threw more then we ate," Hilde assessed as she looked around, it had been worth it just to see the Vampires having fun. She did not know them well but seeing them laugh and chuck cupcakes like normal people and not elite warriors was wonderful.
Wufei nodded, what had not been thrown had been picked at afterward, "Sounds right. It was nice getting to know you both a bit better outside of battle."
Trowa nodded, "I look forward to our next victory."
"Duo will be happy to hear that Barton, also you are all coming to Samhian...you will be free won't you?" Hilde knew Knights of Blood dealt with demon slaying but that did not mean they would both be needed that night.
Trowa frowned thinking for a moment, "I have never been to one really, wasn't much of anything while human."
Hilde took his hand with a smile, "Outsiders are welcomed as long as they behave silly. Quatre be a dear and fill him in won't you while he walks you home?"
"Home? Hilde I can't just leave you to clean all this up," Quatre protested, as much as he liked the sound of leaving with Trowa as Duo and Hiro already had.
"Oh please a simple spell and it will be clean as new, one does not have to be a Knight to be good," Hilde winked before crossing her arms. "Now out you two, shoo."
Quatre opened his mouth only to turn when Trowa placed a hand on the small of his back, "I will see he explains what I need to know Hilde, thank you for everything."
Hilde smiled at the not at all scary Made, as if he had ever been that scary to her, "Anytime Barton."
"Trowa," Trowa corrected before leaning close and kissed her cheek, she had more then earned the right to use his first name as she wished.
Hilde bit her lip before throwing her arms around the Made's neck, holding him tightly for a moment before letting him go. "Trowa then, Quatre."
"Hilde," Quatre said with a nod before he allowed Trowa to usher him out, sighing softly once they were outside. "I got your duster all sticky, sorry."
Trowa chuckled ruffling blond hair getting a laugh, "Keep it, looks cute on you."
Quatre looked down at the color spattered black and smiled, shrugging it off he folded it and laid over his left arm before taking Trowa's. "I think black looks better on you but I will, thank you." Trowa nodded but said nothing as he sniffed the air. Quatre watched him but he was calm so nothing unpleasant was about, thankfully. "Traditionally one dresses up as a deity they feel connected to, similar to what some humans still do."
Trowa nodded again, he did know a bit about pagan rights as dealing with conjured demons was part of his job, "So even an outsider like me?"
"Well the costume parties are a tradition, and unless you would attend as only a Knight it would be rude not to." Quatre gathered Trowa had little faith in higher powers even with the flames of Hell burning under his skin now, life had been cold for him.
"I can kill some low level party crasher without even having to transform, I will give it thought since no doubt Hiro will be talked into going." Trowa had never been big on parties, but now that he had real friends the idea of them was no longer mundane or troublesome.
Quatre nodded content before laying his head on Trowa's shoulder, it felt so good not having to hide how he felt about the Made. Walking the night holding him he felt safer then he ever had, all those Soulmate stories he had heard growing up absently came to him. "I would enjoy seeing more outsiders at our gatherings, understanding magic makes us far less frightening."
Trowa glanced down at the blond, "And what makes you think I was ever scared of magic?"
"People like you are only scared of things that can and will cause death, immortal or not healthy respect of something is a wise approach." Quatre smiled up at the Made, he had no doubt even as a powerless human Trowa had been as fearless as he was now.
"Not fearing death helps," Trowa reminded the blond gently, he had never feared his end only the end of a handful of others. "So just dressing up as a god then?"
"Food and drink are provided so yes, though if you wished to bring a small gift for the host no one would mind. Duo and I are planing on going to a gathering hosted by Duo's adopted family and they will adore you both."
"The Maxwell are not fans of our kind," The clan was not a hateful one they simply did not allow Lamia to simply get away with things, Trowa did not mind them.
"No, but they have no issue with well behaved monsters, especially when Duo has given them petnames." Quatre had heard Duo calling Trowa Cyke this evening, it seemed his bangs and catlike nature were as deep as Duo was going to go. The Made had not seemed to mind to being called kitty or kitten by a friend, anyone else was another story.
Trowa shook his head, "So bring Duo something shiny got it."
Quatre giggled, the pair had changed their views of each other quite dramatically thankfully. "I'll give you a few ideas you can pass along to Hiro tomorrow."
"Not even a week and already you wish to drag me into your schemes, how cute," Trowa smirked down at the blond hugging his arm.
"Glad you approve," Quatre drawled back, Duo liked to joke a lot when they were alone or with friends so he was use to it. When they reached the three way crossroads the blond gave Trowa a gentle tug towards the path that would lead them to the Lamia domain. Trowa tilted his head at him, "I want to stay with you...if you want to be alone after the last few days just say so and I." Quatre stopped talking when Trowa took his face in his dangerous hands, leaning down to still his lips with his own. Closing his eyes Quatre wrapped his arms around the Made kissing back, he still tasted vaguely of sugar. Slowly opening his eyes he smiled at Trowa, "Could you do that before?"
"Never kissed anyone as a human, never felt loved until the last days of my mortal existence," People had been cold and unreliable, making him self-reliant and cold in turn. It wasn't until monsters came into his life that he learned to feel something positive, something worth having a heart to feel. Quatre was something he had never thought he would find, an innocent soul who knew exactly what he was and only pulled him all that much closer. Closing his eyes he pressed his forehead against the blond's with a content sigh, "I'm sorry."
"Shh," Quatre soothed stroking the back of Trowa's neck, not needing any powers to read the other's heart. "I don't care what demons you have I love you, I'll always love you. Come you may not need much sleep but I do," Taking a step back the blond smiled when Trowa moved to his side, a strong arm along the small of his back.
"You'll make your father regret deciding I'm not so bad at this rate," Trowa warned playfully as he headed home with his insane blond at his side.
Quatre chuckled softly as he laid his head on Trowa's shoulder, "Remind me to pass on a few stories later."
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight8
Hilde glanced at her phone, looking up when she sensed another nearby, "Something wrong Chang?"
Wufei shook his head, "Not that I am aware of. Are you heading home?"
"Yeah, everything is clean and minions are delivering the leftovers to the others so it's time to get some sleep." Hilde was fine with the being one of the last to leave, the female pair had headed out before she cast the cleaning spell.
"Would you object to my company? I am a guardian after all," Wufei knew the Witch could handle herself but tensions were still high and it had been their kind behind the attack.
"Well aren't you sweet?" Hilde grinned at a shake of the head, he was a lot like Hiro really. "So do you think this will complicate the peace talks?"
Wufei sighed softly, "I would like to say no but there are plenty who think our kind is a threat to them and this will hardly help maters. Dealing with Leogan needed to be done, and we forged an alliance with powerful Lamina houses that will help."
"As long as we can keep it together those who wish for war will fail, they will fall if they press too hard. Trowa wants to help his mother and so has no time or patience for dealing with such foolishness." Hilde sighed as she pocketed her phone, perhaps she should consider earning a Knight's rank as well.
Wufei frowned, he had heard Lady Bloom had the Madness but he thought her dead or hidden away as most did. "His blood then?"
Hilde nodded, "As Duo explained it him being a Made sired by her blood with a sincere desire to help her makes his blood perfect for healing her. It seems to help a bit more each time, not sure how long it will take to cure her."
"If she is completely cured the Lamina houses will owe him, even a partial cure would bring hope to the truly damned." Wufei was not a master of the Dark Arts but you did not earn tier two status by being ignorant.
"It would be nice if those like Lady Bloom could be restored, she is a voice of reason among her kind something they need more of." Hilde knew not all Mades were as safe to be around as Trowa, or Lamia as Hiro, but not all monsters were monstrous.
Wufei nodded absently, more voices shouting for reason over war would make his duties easier for the most part. A shout drew his attention and he smiled warmly at the dark blonde who was jogging up to them. "I told you I would be fine."
"You left out colorful Fei," Sally teased with a grin before shaking her head at him.
"I was unaware we would be wearing more sweets then we consumed," Wufei explained as he loosely crossed his arms.
"So cute," Sally cooed before kissing him, smiling at the younger female Witch he had been walking with. "And hello again Hilde."
Hilde smiled at the elder Witch with hair as unique as her own, "Hello."
Sally chuckled softly, "You said you were meeting Duo, but I did not expect you would escort one of his inner circle home."
"Duo is occupied, and rather tipsy, at the moment. As long as tensions are high it is best those who fight protect those they are closest to." Wufei had lost many in his past, the thought of living forever and never seeing them again in a better place made his heart ache. Lamia often changed those they loved, willingly or otherwise, but once one became immortal one lost the ability to return to the living world once leaving it. Dark magic was said to be able to raise the dead, Mades notwithstanding, but who was to say what was truly walking in the skin of the dead?
Sally nodded, it would not take long for news of this failed coup d'etat to spread making heroes and villains of those who had fought it. "Sometimes not being a ranked Knight is a disadvantage true. Go check on your little Dragons Fei, I will see she gets home safe and sound."
Wufei glanced at Hilde who nodded, "I leave her to your charming care." Taking Sally's hands he squeezed them before pulling her into a kiss, she knew him so well. "If Duo has any other get togethers planed before we all leave please let one of us know? I will be home in an hour at most."
"No doubt Fei, come my dear you can fill me in hm?" Sally hated to see Wufei go but his students were dears and after today needed their master if even for an hour or so.
Hilde smiled at Wufei as he walked away from them, she had learned much about him today. "So Fei?"
"Wufei is his first name, Fei has to be earned and it is no easy task mind you." Sally chuckled softly, oh her fire breathing Dragon had been worth every moment of frustration she had felt once he caught her attention.
"I earned Barton's first name in less then a week so..," Hilde shrugged with a smug smirk. "He has a very gentle bite as well."
"Well now it seems you made yourself a few nasty friends since coming here, delightful. Fei mentioned Barton was pleasant to work with, never had the pleasure though I have seen hi about." Resting a hand on the younger Witch's shoulder the blonde grinned, "We are so comparing notes now, Noin will be pissed she missed this."
Hilde grinned right back, she needed more female friends in her life and Sally would a wonderful start, "The icing is from a cupcake war."
Sally chocked on a laugh, the big scary bogymen Barton and Yui chucking cupcakes around was too much. "Damn work, go on?"
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight8
Quatre looked up when Trowa entered the room, darker hair still damp at the ends, black sweatpants replacing the mostly clean clothes he had been wearing. Dark eyes were closed as he listened to whoever was talking to him over the phone, Quatre did not have the Made's excellent hearing. Watching an angular face for clues he was distracted by soft lips moving to form words he could tell were not English but little else. The sound of a throat clearing snapped him out of his head, Trowa arching a brow at him but silent. "Work?"
"Your council checking up me, as if I will die so easily," Trowa shrugged as he walked up to the bed, setting his phone on the nightstand. "I would hope they were better informed."
"I am sure they are only concerned Leogan had done something more to you, not all spells require your name to work on you." Quatre was sure the fool would have tried something if Trowa would have been meant to survive long after their reunion. It worried him what Trowa would have done if his fangs had been lethal, he had no doubt Trowa would have ended up needing to be put down like a rabid dog. The idea of his death making anyone that insane with rage and pain scared him, the fact Trowa was so powerful as he was only made it worst.
Trowa shrugged unconcerned, "He would not have been able to properly bind me since I am no longer human. Do not concern yourself with what ifs right now Quatre, we are all just fine and they are not."
There was little he could say to that, his friends had all walked away battered and tired but very much alive and themselves. "Does Katherine know you gave me your name?"
"She assumed I would at some point, no doubt she will teasingly warn you about taking advantage and her wrath." Trowa knew how to fight, his will was a force onto itself, and just because the blond knew his demon's name did not mean he would live long enough to use that information.
"I have no intention to incur the wrath of any Bloom thank you very much, terrifying thought." Smiling the blond reached out for the Made, smiling turning to a grin when Trowa obediently came up to the edge of the bed. Controlling people was not a skill he liked to use but Trowa was accommodating towards his friends, they were not so different in that respect. Taking Trowa's wrist he tugged and the Made knelt on the bed titling his head, "How are you not tried?"
"Nocturnal remember? You mortals are so fragile, tiring so easily," Trowa purred leaning close, hands on the bed. "I bet you are adorable all sleep rumpled."
Quatre crossed his arms, mockingly huffing at the Vampire, "Oh please."
"What, you disagree?" Katherine liked to tease him about being cute, most only saw him as scary or hot. Trowa had never considered himself adorable but since the change he come to see many things differently, and not simply because he was no longer a human being.
"I'd think you were drunk but even as a human I am sure you could have handled Duo's cocktails." Witch drinks were strong, not surprising when Witches could not get drunk easily and the other two races were far worst.
Trowa chuckled softly as he shock his head, "Never drank as a human, wasn't safe to be impaired."
Quatre flatten his hand against Trowa's cheek under long bangs, "I wish I could have helped you in some way."
Trowa closed his eyes, tilting his head to brush a kiss against the heal of Quatre's hand, "You're here now so don't."
Quatre bit his lip but nodded, Trowa had grown cold but not cold enough he was beyond saving. Katherine had given him a home and family, Yui friendship, now he had also had Duo, Hilde, Chang, and even Aroree. Leaving him to fill the remaining spaces only a lover could, it was a responsibility he was willing to accept even if the thought of somehow failing terrified him. "I will try to remember you are happier this way, finally having those who care."
Trowa smiled, "It does change things for the better. You can lay down you know? I'm not going anywhere."
Quatre sighed, of course a Vampire would be able to tell if he was tried, they were hunters at their core. Laying down he was pleased when Trowa joined him without needing prompting. Snuggling into the hard solid warmth he felt his more pliant form fit like a puzzle piece, it was a good feeling. "If I wake up and you are not here I will be very cross with you."
"mmhm," Trowa hummed as he shifted slightly before stilling, he had no intention of leaving this bed for hours.
The blond sighed softly with a sleepy smile, he could get used to falling asleep like this. The Made was quite comfortable to lay against despite how hard he was, he yield just enough the blond did not even notice really. Mumbling a good night into bare skin he heard the other's responses inside his head before he drifted off. Today had been a good day.
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight8
For those wondering who did not read the intro yes my AO3 account has the sex scene between Hiro and Duo included. As always feed back is welcomed and I hoped I made some readers happy with this mess. Also sorry for any and all cupcake cravings...so good.