Author Note: Thanks goes to danicrouch860, Metalgrl29 and lovencrazy86 for the wonderful reviews. There are so many things going on in this chapter, I couldn't just pick a favorite. So it's actually the longest chapter I've ever written. Without further ado, onto the new chapter and as always let me know what you think.

"So you can drag me through hell

If it meant I could hold your hand

I will follow you cause I'm under your spell

And you can throw me to the flames

I will follow you

I will follow you"

'Follow You' by: Bring Me The Horizon

Chapter 9:

Aluxia sat down in an oversized chair, tapping her fingers against the velvety material. She was frustrated, though she didn't know why. It could have been because she no longer had her half-demon army to do her bidding; but honestly, it was more about Finn than anything else. He was her favorite and easily manipulated. Not to mention one of the best lovers she's had in her five hundred plus years of life.

Her ebony hair fell over her shoulder, tickling the side of her face. Blowing the hair out of her eyes, it continued to fall back. Growling out of frustration, she quickly stood up and stormed out of the room.

"Nova!" She screamed down the hall, alerted all others to stay out of her way.

She pushed open two doors that housed a room off limits to others inside the mansion. A young woman was sitting on the large window seal of the only window that allowed sunlight into the room. Her long wavy red hair sparkled against the warm winter sunlight. Ancient symbols were painted on her pale skin in black ink. Opening her eyes, she revealed iridescent white orbs instead of natural eyes.

"My queen...what seems to be troubling you?" She asked in a young gentle voice.

"Has that little Nephilim shown back up yet? I really don't like to be kept waiting."

"There has been no sign of her yet; but I'm still searching. He has done well to hide her as well as themselves."

Aluxia was not happy with what she heard, though it didn't surprise her that Finn was being extra cautious. The last time they saw each other face to face, there was much verbal warfare before it turned into actual bloodshed. She was sure that killing all of his comrades didn't give herself any bonus points in his eyes. "Nothing would please me more than to turn his precious pet against him, to watch him suffer..."

"I will keep looking and if I find them, you will be the first to know." Nova replied closing her eyes.

"You do that..."

Turning heel, Aluxia left the room and closed the doors behind her with a wave of a hand. She held onto the idea of making Finn suffer for his betrayal. He turned his back on everything and she vowed to make him pay for it. All she needed now was a little patience.

"Again!" Dean shouted from across the basement training mat.

He was overseeing Ayva's training in hand-to-hand combat. Becky was the perfect partner to help in her lessons. Durable and fluid. She wiped away the sweat drops that were budding on her forehead. Becky held up padded gloves, shielding her face from harm. Ayva swiftly punched the upper one and kicked the lower one before switching it up. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Dean nod in approval. He might be a hardass; but she was learning more in two days than she ever thought possible.

Finn remained distant, even after apologizing for hurting her feelings in the last real conversation they had. Becky helped with control of her telekinetic powers, while he helped with her telepathy and empathy skills. Healing was something that came naturally to her and already had used it on more than one occasion.

With one last punch, Becky slid backwards across the mat. Moving the large pads away from her face, she saw Ayva's eyes glow with a white light before fading back to normal blue. "Babe, she's learning quickly." She complimented mentally.

"I agree. I think she's learning quicker than you did." He replied in a teasing manor.

"Watch it, mister!"

Ayva reached for a towel to wipe her face away from all the sweat buildup. Looking at her phone, she realized that it was almost time for her to get ready for work. It was the first day back in a week and there was so much catching up to do that it almost stressed her out just thinking about it. After sitting down with an insurance company about the house explosion, they offered her a settlement sum of money to cover all the losses. She accepted the amount and put it in savings until there was a reason to use it.

"I think tomorrow will be more advanced. You are learning fairly quickly." Dean stated before grabbing a drink of water from the bottle behind him.

"Great, I'm looking forward to it." Ayva replied with a smile before walking up the stairs.

"I think she's feeling claustrophobic..." Becky pointed out.

"Why do you think that?"

"Just look at her...she practically bolted up the stairs cause she's going back to work."

Dean just shrugged, not knowing what else to tell his girlfriend. Maybe she was right or she was wrong, it didn't really matter to him one way or the other. He was there to teach her how to fight back and that was it. As much as he kept telling himself that, he was beginning to like her as a person. The more she was around the more it felt natural, as if she's always been there. "Maybe we should take her out tonight..."

"Seriously! I would love to do that...but I doubt Finn would be up for it..."

"Go do what you do best...annoy the crap out of him until he says yes."

"Haha very funny."

She punched his chest playfully. He caught her wrist and pulled her into him. Her coy smile widened the second he wrapped his arm around her waist. His forehead leaned against hers for a moment before capturing her lips with his own. Her fingers took hold of his t-shirt, gripping it tightly into a fist. Moaning into his kiss, her other hand snaked around the back of his neck and within seconds they shimmered out of the basement and into his bedroom.

Ayva walked out of the bathroom wrapped in a black towel. Her wet hair clung to her skin. The clock on the nightstand flashed nine-thirty. Cursing under her breath, she flung open her closet door hoping an outfit would jump out at her so she wouldn't be late on her first day back to work. Staring at the wardrobe for a few seconds, she grabbed a navy blue tank top with a lace neckline and a pair black capris.

Rushing around was never part of her style; but she was actually proud of herself for making it all work out. Snatching a pair of strappy sandals, she ran out of her bedroom and down the stairs. She stopped at the front door to put the shoes on and grab her purse. After she made sure she had everything, she opened the door only to run directly into Finn.

"I'm sorry." She apologized.

"It's fine. Off to work?" He asked.

"Yeah, I'm sorry...I'm kind of running late..."

"No worries...stay safe..."

She gave his arm a squeeze before stepping off the porch. Finn watched as she got into her car and drove off. He had to admit that things were awkward between them since the last time they talked in her room; but when she touched him, he could feel there was something off with her. The one time he wanted to feel others emotions, he couldn't and she's keep her mind pretty locked tight after that was learned.

He walked back into the house kicking the door shut, his body carried him into the empty kitchen. Human emotions were driving him crazy. It was so much easier not to have them at all. All the years he served Aluxia, he never had to worry about them until he fell for her and all that got him was a shattered heart and everything he ever cared about taken away.

Becky, Dean and Finn stood firm with the last six remaining members of the clan on an abandoned loading dock. Aluxia stood surrounded by several pure bloods that made up her new inner circle. If Damien death wasn't bad enough, she wanted to make sure there wasn't any half-demons left. A new law had been passed onto the pure bloods banning the coupling of demons and humans to create offspring. It was Aluxia's way of making sure the line ended with him. "Are you going to tell me where the Nephilim is?" She asked sternly.

"I don't know where she is." Finn replied clenching his hands into fists at his side.

"You're lying."

With a single whistle, the pure bloods attacked the small group without mercy. Dean and Becky stuck close, trading blows with a lower ranking demon. Finn reached behind his back for the favorite choice in weapon. A silver dagger charmed with witch magic, strictly for the killing of demons. His target was Aluxia herself.

Lunging forward, using his speed to an advantage he swung with the blade upward. She laughed as she twisted her body out of harms way. Holding a hand out, flames scattered through her open fingers before releasing it out onto his clan, catching dry wood ablaze. A sneer appeared on her lips; but was quickly wiped off by a hard punch to her jaw. "How dare you strike a lady?" She whined straightening her head.

"You are no lady...you are just a manipulative bitch!" Finn shouted striking again, sending her back across the pavement.

Kicking him in the stomach, he stopped immediately. The blade escaped his hand and slid away into Becky's hands. She easily stabbed the closest demon, ending his life in seconds. Another blindsided her with a swift knee to the temple, knocking her completely out. She lay helpless on the ground and the blade in the hands of the enemy.

Finn coughed struggling to get back to his feet. Aluxia stalked him with a permanent smile on her cherry red lips. "It pains me to do this. It really does. You were always my favorite. Why couldn't you just have been happy with what you had?" She asked picking him up by the collar of his shirt.

"I saw something better...freedom..."

"Tch."

She tossed him back into a wooden loading crate. Looking out at her inner circle, two were dead; but five of Finn's followers were gone much to her liking. Aluxia held her hand out, capturing the man who held the blade. She couldn't remember his name; but then again, it didn't really matter. Squeezing her hand, he cried out in pain clawing at his throat.

Finn crawled out of the debris, stumbling to his feet. His vision was blurred and could barely make out what was happening. That was until he heard the snap of a neck cracking and the slumping sound of a body falling to the ground. "No!" He screamed trying desperately to get back to his feet. The echo of her heels against the pavement got closer. Blood rolled into his eyes, burning them. "I think I'm going to let you three live for the time being. Eventually you will lead me to the Nephilim, so until then...stay alive my sweet prince..."

She licked the blood from the open wound on his forehead before vanishing. Becky and Dean rushed to his side, helping him upright. He said nothing. How could he? They were all that remained and he had led men to their deaths. Good men. He had no right to lead anyone ever again. "Are you alright?" Becky asked wrapping an arm around his waist for support.

He said nothing. Becky understood the silence and refrained from saying another word until they got back to the safety of the house. That night changed everything, not only for his two friends; but for himself as well.

Ayva walked into work with an excited smile upon her face. She blocked out all the negative thoughts from her co-workers easily enough; but when she got to her desk things were very different. Her things were boxed up and neatly packed on the floor. Sitting at her desk was a face she had never seen before.

The woman had long straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes. She couldn't be more than twenty-five and a small tattoo on the inside of her right wrist. Ayva couldn't really make out what it looked like in its entirety. "You must be Ayva." She greeted with a smile.

"Uh...yeah..."

"Seth put me at this desk while you were gone. I just started a couple days ago."

"I see...where is Seth?"

"I believe he is in his office. I'm Sera by the way...Sera Castello." She introduced extending her hand out.

Ayva accepted the handshake. A strange feeling consumed her the very second their skin touched. It was different than anything she'd ever felt before. She didn't recognize the feeling and would have to ask someone once she got back home. Pulling her hand away, she retreated in search of her boss.

Knocking on the frame of the open door, Seth lifted his head up to see her. He welcomed her inside warmly. As it would seem, it was just an act. His emotions told a completely different story. He was scared of something. "I'm glad to see that you are in one piece. You gave me quite a scare with your house exploding and all."

"Right...that...I've tried to block that from memory."

"Kudos for your strength to not let it bother you."

"Mind telling me why a new girl is in my desk?"

He quickly cleared his throat nervously. There was something going on, she could just feel it. She braced herself to hear the worst. Seth ran a hand through his long two-toned hair before leaning forward in his chair. "I think maybe you should take an extended leave of absence. I look a look at your last photos and they just don't hold the depth they used to. You're co-workers have noticed a difference in your behavior as of late and are concerned. I mean freaking out in the office before asking for time off was so unlike you."

"You're right...it's not..."

"Sera is temporary. She's not as good as you. Just take the time."

"So when will I be able to come back?"

"After I find out if we are going to still be in business by mid-May."

Ayva was completely devastated. Her excitement to come back had been shattered by a single conversation. She nodded, turning around without saying another word. Sera's face came into view and she could have sword that she saw a swirl of energy in her eyes. Looking at them again, it was no longer there. "You take care of things for me, okay." She said softly, picking up the boxes stacked beside the desk.

"Of course, you take care." Sera replied with a sympathetic smile.

Carrying the boxes with her other stuff was a challenge; but compared to how she was feeling, it was nothing. Once Ayva was gone, Sera stood up to make sure she really was gone before moving her finger slightly. Her water bottle moved across the desk without a single noise. "Oh Ayva, I will take of things." She whispered before continuing on with her work.

The tears wouldn't stop rolling down her face once she got to the safety of her car. If loosing her house was bad enough, not she's practically lost her job to. All because she's had a few off days. "What more could go wrong?" She cried before slamming her hand down on the center console, denting it inward.

Becky found Finn in the living room on the laptop. She was hesitant in asking him to come out; but she felt that he needed to. Not just for himself but for Ayva as well. There was so much awkwardness between them that it was noticeable to even Dean, who dense to pretty much everything. "What's up Becky?" He asked without even looking up from the screen.

"You see...there is something...I think we should do..."

"And what would that be?"

"Take Ayva out..."

Finn peered over the screen to look at her with a raised eyebrow. That was the last thing he expected to be asked. Then again, maybe she felt that something was off with her just like he did. Was that something Ayva needed? "Please...I really think she needs to get out. She'd been cooped up here since everything happened. That's no way to live."

"She went to work today..."

The sound of the door opening and then slamming shut was a sure indication that things didn't go so well. Ayva stormed passed them and headed straight upstairs. Becky flinched at the sound of her bedroom door slamming. "I don't think that went well..." She commented.

"Do you think that will help? If we take her out?"

"I do...especially now..."

"Okay...you plan, I will follow..."

Excitedly, Becky ran out of the room and up the stairs. She could hear her best friend's cries and it clenched at her heart. Knocking softly on the door, she let out a little of her demonic energy to let her know that it was her and no one else. The door clicked open, allowing Becky to turn the knob. She found Ayva sprawled on her bed with her face buried in a mountain of pillows. "What happened?"

"They hired a new girl to take my place."

"What! They can't do that!"

"Seth swears its temporary until he figures things out financially. It's just a nice way of telling me that I don't have a job."

"I'm so sorry hunnie..."

Becky reached out to pull the smaller woman into her arms tightly. Her trembling body was more than enough to know that she needed a night out with people that cared about her. Smoothing her hair down with her palm, she cupped Ayva's cheek. "Hey, chin up! You are a tough woman and will get through this. We will do anything to help you out."

"I know. I appreciate that."

"So...we decided that you need to be spoiled a bit."

"What do you mean we?"

"Dean, Finn and myself...we decided that taking you out will help with the cooped up feeling you've been having."

Ayva's eyes shifted away, avoiding her friend's gaze. It surprised her that they wanted to do something for her, especially Finn. He's been so evasive of her as of late. Why would today be any different? She wanted his comfort more than anything in that moment. "A, there is nothing wrong with what you're feeling for him. You know that right?"

"Obviously there is..."

"No...it's just that he's been hurt so bad in the past. There was a woman...a demon...who broke him. She took everything from him. He's scared to let you in. Just be patient with him...he cares...trust me."

"Thanks B, I appreciate that insight. What time are we leaving?"

"Nine...be ready or else."

A flash of intense red ignited in her eyes as a warning. Ayva laughed giving a warning of her own in the form of glowing white light. Becky left the room in a shimmer, leaving her friend to decide what to do next. It was only twelve-thirty and plenty of time to think about what Becky told her about Finn's past.

Her fingers absentmindedly traced the cool metal of the bracelet around her wrist. The one he had given to keep her off the demon radar. Laying back against the pile of pillows behind her, heavy eyes started to flutter closed out of exhaustion. Dean's training lessons were finally catching up to her.

Finn stood at the foot of her bed watching her sleep soundly. Her fingers still petting the bracelet subconsciously. For the first time all day, he smiled. It wasn't just a simple smile. It was one out of admiration. He was proud of her for not being afraid to fight back. He half expected her to bolt the second she learned the truth about who she was; but that was not how it went. She was calm and understanding, nothing like he had imagined. "Finn..." She muttered in her sleep.

The sound of his name rolling off her tongue held him in a captive state. He was frozen, feeling his heart pounding against his chest. Closing his eyes, guilt started to seep into his mind. He felt bad for not telling the whole truth. For what she knew the only half-demons around were her late husband, Dean, Becky and himself. Little did she know there had been so many others before that fateful day three months ago.

Ayva rolled over onto her side facing away from him. He imagined what it would feel like to lay next to her, her head resting against his chest. Pushing the thoughts aside, he left the room without a trace of him ever being there. "How did I get Becky to agree to this?" He mumbled walking back into his own, shutting the door behind him.

Hours later, Ayva finally woke up to find that the sun was no longer in the sky and seven twenty-one flashing on the screen of her alarm clock. Groaning, she rolled to sit upright. "I can't believe I slept that long..." She told herself before standing up, her feet hitting the plushy area rug on the floor. Slowly walking across the room, she opened the closet door. The clothes she had on wasn't going to cut it if they were going to a club.

Deciding on a just a pair of dark colored jean shorts and a black tank top with a lace back, she quickly changed so make-up and hair were the only things left to do. Her stomach grumbled, reminding her that she hadn't eaten anything all day. Of course, that was the least of her concerns at the moment. She wanted to make the awkwardness between her and Finn go away. She wanted to tell him that she understood why he was distant with her; but doubted that Becky should have told her the information in the first place.

"A! Is it good to come in!" Becky asked from outside the door.

"Yeah...go ahead."

The orange haired beauty walked into the room with a bowl of food. The smell of spaghetti waved under her nose, causing her stomach to growl even louder than before. Becky laughed upon hearing it. "Wow A, have you eaten today?"

"No..."

"Shame on you...you know food is essential to keep your strength up."

"I know. I'm sorry, I was in such a rush this morning and as it turned out...it was for nothing anyway..."

Ayva took the bowl out of her hands and sat down on the edge of her bed. Becky was dressed in a yellow strapless top with frilled edges and a pair of black jeggings with black heeled sandals. Her make-up was done in neutral colors; but it made the chocolate in her eyes stand out. As Ayva ate the contents of the bowl in her hands, Becky went for the bathroom to pick out things to help her best friend catch a certain someone's attention.

"Please don't go overboard with the make-up this time. Last time I let you do it, I looked like a clown."

"Well I couldn't have you look better than me that night...tonight is different..."

She really did appreciate Becky's honesty when it come down to things. It was a breath of fresh air. Her gentle hands held her head in place to apply the colors chosen for the night. Finishing the last bite, she placed the empty bowl on the nightstand, allowing Becky to continue. "You are beautiful...you know that right." She complimented.

"I guess..."

"Don't do that...you are perfect...everything he needs."

"I really wish you wouldn't say such things. Finn may never accept me and that's okay. I'm a big girl and can handle it. Eventually, there will be someone that can heal all those inner wounds. Whether that's me or someone else...only time will tell..."

"You're right..."

Becky finished with the make-up and figured her hair was fine all on its own, down and following waves of auburn. Her intense blue eyes sparkled against the light of the lamps. Her angelic appearance was growing as the days passed by and there nothing anyone could stop it now. Not that anyone wanted to. "Ready?"

"Yeah, just let me brush my teeth and I'll be down."

"Okay."

She shimmered out of the room with the empty bowl in her hands. Walking out of the kitchen, Dean caught her by the joint of her elbow. Her smile returned, remembering what happened earlier that morning in his bedroom. "Finn isn't here. He took off and I have no idea where he went." He whispered trying to keep quite as much as possible.

"What! Well that's just great. I guess we will have to make due and show her a good time ourselves."

"Something wrong?" Ayva asked coming down the stairs.

"Uh...yeah...Finn isn't coming; but I promise...I will make it fun for you..."

Ayva stopped walking for a few seconds to take it all in. She really wasn't surprised that he bailed out. It didn't make her sad; instead, it aggravated her. Descending the rest of the way down the stairs, she reached for her wrist wallet and walked out the door. "A, are you sure that you're okay?" Becky asked taking her hand into her own.

"I'm pissed; but what can I do about it. Nothing! So I'm going to have fun with you guys and I'm not going to think about anything else."

"Okay..."

Dean and Becky took Ayva's hands, shimmering out of the front lawn and into the alley behind the club they intended to occupy. Ayva had grown accustomed to the shimmering after affects, so much that it didn't really bother her that much anymore. The sound of music could be hear from outside the building and called out to her like a siren. It was what she needed to forget all about the horrible day she had and that included Finn's absence.

The line wasn't as long once they got up close and only had to wait a few minutes to get inside. The crowd on the lower level dance floor was large. The flashing lights and smokescreens filled the air. A large no-smoking sign was placed behind the bar, in which Ayva made a b-line towards. Becky simply looked at Dean and let out a sigh. It was going to be a long night. "Do you still think this was a good idea?" Dean asked kissing her temple before walking after their angry friend.

"Probably not..."

Ayva took a seat at the far corner of the bar and order a beer and a shot of whatever they were advertizing to taste like cinnamon toast crunch cereal. Tilting her head back, the burning sensation of the alcohol rolling down her throat was intense. Becky and Dean both held bottle of beer in their hands when they sat down next to her. "You know we didn't have to come out if you didn't want to." Becky stated placing a hand on Ayva's shoulder.

"I wanted to. You were right...I was feeling cooped up and it's about to get worse now that I can't go back to work. I need this..."

"Well alright then...three shots over here!" Dean shouted at the bar tender, who gave him a nod in confirmation.

With a laugh, they all leaned their heads back swallowing the liquid down in one gulp. Ayva's cheeks were tinted a shade of pink, clearing feeling the affects of the shots. She didn't let it bother her, because there was a reason she was there. It was to forget about what was hurting her. Unfortunately, that wasn't working. Finn's face continuously flashed before her eyes. Teasing her. Tightening her grip on the bottle in her hand, she squeezed a little hard. It shattered into pieces, spilling the fluid onto the floor. "Damnit!" She cursed under her breath.

"It's alright. I got it!" A warm female voice sounded coming out from behind the bar.

"Sera?" Ayva questioned.

"Oh! Hey Ayva..."

Becky and Dean immediately looked at each other with a concerned expression. They knew exactly what they were feeling and wondered if Ayva was feeling it as well. The girl was no doubt a Nephilim, whether she knew it or not was another question entirely. Sera quickly cleaned up the mess and handed Ayva a new beer. "This is one is on the house. My apology for what happened today at the office. I really had no idea he was going to do that."

"Don't worry about it. It's not your fault."

Sera eyed Dean and Becky with a harsh glance before walking back behind the bar to continue on with her work. She felt there was something definitely different about her; but she couldn't quite put her finger on what exactly that was. Dean took a step closer to Ayva as if to protect her. Becky only smiled at the image. She could remember when her boyfriend hated the idea of Ayva being a part of anything. Now, things were very different. He cared what happened to her and that a large step in the right direction.

"B?" Ayva called.

"Yeah."

"Dance with me."

"Oh absolutely!"

She took Ayva's beer and handed them both to Dean before heading out onto the dance floor. All Dean could do was watch from the safety of a table near the railing. He wondered what Damien would think of his wife now. She was strong and such a free spirit. It made him regret the day he ever told him she would never be a part of the family, because the was so far from the truth now. No matter who she was, she belonged with them.

Three more beers and two shots left Ayva feeling more intoxicated than she'd felt in a long time. Dean cut her off from the bar and told her to drink water. Ignoring his suggestions, she went back out onto the dance floor alone. The music washed over, sound waves vibrated against her skin as her hips swayed with every beat.

"She's drunk...you know that right?" Dean asked from the left side of the table.

"Yeah I know. Let her have fun. We will take her home soon."

She looked over the railing to see Ayva's auburn hair bounce around before seeing a familiar face weaving through the crowd. An elbow connected with Dean's ribs, alerting him to look as well. A half laugh escaped his mouth replaced with a smirk. It was about time he showed up. Now he didn't have to bitch at him for bailing out.

Finn placed his hands on Ayva's hips, pulling her back towards him. She never bothered to turn around, already sensing his presence despite her intoxication. His body felt good against her back. "I was wondering if you were going to show up or not..." She said slurring half of the words together.

"I'm sorry..." He whispered against her ear, the accent of his voice sent pleasurable waves straight through her.

She turned around to face him. The white of his t-shirt glowed with all the colors of the lights around them. Her hand rested against his chest, feeling every muscle beneath her fingertips. She couldn't tell if it was the alcohol talking or her own feelings; but in that moment, she needed his touch. Maybe it was a bit of both.

He couldn't stop staring at her. Every day that passed by her angelic features were more prominent that ever before. He was finding it harder to resist the calling of his feelings for her. He remembered Damien's last words. Protect her. Love her. Fighting against that was taking a hefty toll on him.

"I hate to ruin this moment; but I think...I'm going to vomit..." She mumbled before pushing away from him.

He reached for her hand and in a split second they were in her bedroom. She bolted straight for the bathroom. Her stomach wretched and expelled the contents into the toilet. Dean and Becky weren't too far behind, entering her room just to listen to Ayva throwing up in the bathroom. "Saw that coming..." Dean teased with a chuckle.

"Shut up..." Ayva managed to say before throwing up more.

"I got this...you two go make some coffee and get her a bottle of water..." Becky suggested pushing them out the door.

Becky sat down on the edge of her bed waiting for her to finish. A groan escaped Ayva's mouth before she turned the knobs for water in the sink. She could see her take hold of a bottle of mouthwash and drink some to rinse the awful taste in her mouth. "Okay...maybe that wasn't such a good idea..." She stated walking out of the bathroom.

"You had fun though, didn't you?"

"Yeah..."

"Then it was a success. Now lay down and I wipe off the make-up."

Ayva took off her shoes and placed them under the nightstand before crawling under the covers. Becky returned with a wet washcloth. In a matter of moments, the make-up was gone. Finn returned with a bottle of water and a bottle of aspirin in hand. "Goodnight, A. I'll see you when you get up tomorrow."Becky said getting up from the bed.

"Goodnight..."

She left the room closing the door behind her, leaving Finn alone with Ayva. He closed the distance before sitting down himself. He handed her the bottle of water and two aspirin from the container. She immediately took them and chugged down half the bottle of water. "I'm sorry that I didn't come out." He apologized trying to come up with something to say.

"Why didn't you?"

"Afraid I guess..."

She rolled onto her side and slid back to give him more room. He took it as an invitation to lay down next to her. Keeping his hands tucked up against his own chest, he put a barrier between them by not laying under the covers with her. "Why are you afraid of me? You shouldn't be...I wouldn't hurt you..."

"I'm not afraid of you particularly...just the emotions when it comes to you..."

"You mean because you were hurt in the past..."

"Who? Ah...Becky told you about Aluxia then..."

"Was that her name?"

"Yeah..."

Ayva slid herself closer, reaching up to cup the side of his face with her palm. The rough stubble of his facial hair rubbed up against the sensitive skin of her hand. His eyes held a sudden sadness that she hadn't seen before. "You don't have to talk about her. I just wanted to tell you that I understand and that I'm not going anywhere."

"Ayva...thank you..."

She snuggled into his chest, breathing in his scent. He instantly wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly. Kissing the top of her head, he waved a hand to shut the light off. He wasn't about to move her from his chest, because she felt perfect right where she was. Her deep breaths indicated that she had passed out. Most likely from the intoxication. "I will follow you anywhere, Ayva and I honestly don't know how much longer I can resist you..." He whispered to himself knowing she'd never hear it.

He kissed her forehead before drifting asleep himself. There was no other place he'd rather be than holding her in his arms, where he could forget about all the things that were there in morning. All the things that threatened her life, because he knew that that if it came down to it, he would die to save her life.