David Rossi looked around his hotel suite in satisfaction. It was extremely nice, partial even. He wouldn't have expected anything less from Hugh Ellingham however, so he shouldn't be surprised. He had arrived in town just a short time ago. He had been amazed at all the supernaturals acting like themselves out in the open and the tourists had absolutely no idea. The tourists thought it was all just a big gag. He couldn't help wondering how that was accomplished, but he was sure he would learn how it had been done sooner or later.

He had a meeting with Hugh Ellingham in an hour. The two of them had met before centuries ago and Dave was sure Hugh thought he was long dead, because as far as Hugh knew at the time he was completely mortal and their one meeting was a very long time ago. Several hundred years actually, long before Nocturne Falls had existed. He'd had a different name then or at least a different surname, as he had always been David or Dave. He always used some version of his original name, Rossellini, Rosse, Rossa, Rosselino, Rosso, but now he was Rossi and had been for awhile. Rossi was such a common name in this century that he might just keep it for a long time. Rossi was certainly more common than some of the other versions of his name.

Dave unpacked his things and then headed for his meeting with Hugh Ellingham.

Once he arrived he rang the doorbell and it was answered nearly immediately by a man with dark hair with streaks of gray.

"Can I help you sir?" asked the man standing in the doorway.

"I'm David Rossi and I have a meeting with Hugh Ellingham," Said Dave.

"Ah, yes," The man agreed moving aside. "If you'll follow me, I'll take you to his office. I'm Bartholomew Stanhill by the way, but you can just call me Stanhill."

"It's nice to meet you Mr. Stanhill," Dave said graciously.

"It's nice to meet you as well Mr. Rossi," Stanhill said. "I hope you'll be staying in our lovely town."

"That's the plan," Dave agreed calmly. He was already preparing himself for Hugh's surprise as soon as he was recognized. He doubted very much that Ellingham had forgotten their encounter, so long ago. He had saved the man's life after all and that wasn't something you forgot.

~~~Dave and Brielle~~~

When Hugh entered his office he came and sat down at his massive desk without a word. "What can I do for you Mr. Rossi? You are the one that wanted this meeting," asked Hugh finally looking up into his guest's face. Dave saw the vampire's eyes widen in surprise and then narrow in speculation.

Dave could see the instant that Hugh's mind flashed back to centuries ago.

"Who are you?" Hugh growled his voice full of menace, coming back to himself.

"Who do I look like," Dave asked calmly showing no fear when Hugh's fangs extended.

Hugh studied his visitor and could tell he was serious. His fangs receded as he sat back in his seat studying his visitor even more closely.

"You look like the man who should have died many centuries ago, one that saved my life from a vampire hunter," Hugh said carefully. "I suppose you could be his descendent, but it's been so long ago and you look like his identical twin. Considering how much time has passed the chances of you looking exactly like the man that saved my life would be considered impossible at worst and astronomical at best. I know you're not a vampire like me and that is the only supernatural species that I know of that are basically immortal."

"I am not supernatural per se, not in the traditional sense anyway," Dave said.

"What do you mean?" Hugh asked curiously. "You have to be a supernatural of some kind as no human live hundreds of years. If you're not the many times descendent of the man I met briefly so many centuries ago now then explain to me how you are still alive and not long dead. Not to mention look exactly the same as you did back then. Also, the man that saved my life was gravely injured or so I thought at the time. Since there was nothing I could do I just went on my way, though I hated to leave him since he saved my life and was knifed in the stomach for his good deed."

Dave sighed, taking a sip of the whiskey that Hugh had provided and then begin to explain. "I was born several decades before you. While my family wasn't poor they also weren't rich. I had several brothers and sisters all who are long dead now, leaving behind their own legacy. I've tried to keep track of their family lines, but that's not exactly been easy, especially back in the century I was born. For some reason when I reached the age I am now I caught the interest of a god. I'm sure you know that even minor gods can be very powerful."

Hugh nodded and Dave continued taking another sip of his drink, which was excellent.

He shouldn't expect anything less though considering the Ellinghams never did anything halfway nor did they take shortcuts when it came to materials for building or anything else like so many people did.

"I'm not really sure why I interested him so much. I was just a normal man for my time. I worked hard to make a living, helped out my family when I could. I won't say I was rich, but I certainly had enough to make a good life for myself, especially back then, since there was no inflation and even enough to help out other people from time to time. I've always felt that perhaps the God was bored, because if there's one thing I know now and that is living forever isn't all it's cracked up to be."

Hugh was nodding because it was very true. Without his wife and his children he would even now be lonely. He had plenty of good friends and a wife he adored. His children were his heart and soul and he loved them dearly.

"The god never even introduced himself, just granted me immortality, before leaving, by popping out of existence before I could recover enough to say a word of protest or ask any questions," Dave said. "Before he disappeared he said that I was a good man and he was giving me a special gift. I wasn't entirely sure what that meant at first, since he didn't bother to explain. I always thought that it amused him not to do so. Who knows what amuses a God after all."

"So he wasn't someone you recognized then," Hugh asked and Dave shook his head.

"No, he wasn't a god of my homeland," Dave said understanding the question Hugh hadn't asked. "He could've been any major or minor God for all I know. There're so many of them from every country after all. I often wondered if he was playing some kind a prank on me, since some gods or goddesses for that matter are known to be rather mischievous."

"So why did you want this meeting?" Hugh asked finally.

"One, to let you see me and realize I'm not dead and second, I have decided to live here in Nocturne Falls. A place where people like me can be themselves. I've heard about this place for the last few decades and thought about settling down, putting down some roots. I thought about starting a business, which will give me something to do to make my life worthwhile or at least less boring. I'm tired of traveling from place to place," Dave explained calmly.

"That I can understand," Hugh agreed having relaxed after his initial shock.

"I knew we would run into each other eventually and I wanted to get any sort of reaction out-of-the-way. I prefer to keep the fact that I'm basically immortal to myself, especially since I'm not a vampire, the only known species that can technically live forever other then those gods and goddess I mentioned. I'm sure it'll get out eventually, but right now, I'd rather keep it to myself. Also, I'd like us to be friends at least," Dave continued. "I know I shocked you when I just showed up with no warning, as I know you believed that I was long dead. If I had indeed been mortal like you thought I would have been dead for centuries, because I was indeed gravely injured after I helped you out and killed that vampire hunter, but I healed. I don't want us to be at odds."

"So long as you mean no harm to anybody in town or my family then we won't be at odds," Hugh said. "I can understand wanting to put down roots as I often felt the same in the past before my family created Nocturne Falls. Without my wife and my children I'd be very lonely still. I'll keep your secret so long as you mean us no harm. As for friends, you did save my life centuries ago and I have been forever grateful, so I don't know why we can't be friends."

"Good I'm glad we could come to an agreement," Dave said inwardly relieved that the meeting with Hugh Ellingham had gone so well. But then, the vampire was reasonable man and also intelligent. Dave knew that Hugh had enemies, but only those that threatened to harm those he cared about.

"If you need help start of the business let me know," Hugh added. "You did save my life after all so I owe you."

"Thanks, but I have plenty of money of my own as I've invested well over the centuries and really, you don't owe me anything as it was the right thing to do. Right now, I'm still looking for somewhere to live and I haven't decided if I want just an apartment or a house, but since I'm by myself with no dependents an apartment would probably be better at least initially. I've just arrived in town a couple hours ago, so I'm staying at the local hotel right now. I'm going to be looking for property probably tomorrow," Dave said.

"I can help you with that. The lady you want to see is Pandora Van Zant. She's a real estate agent and one of the best at her job. She's also a witch. She should be able to help you."

"Thanks for the information I appreciate it," Dave said. "I'll make sure to look her up first thing tomorrow."

"I can make an appointment for you, as that'll make it easier. She is a busy lady," Hugh offered. "She has a husband and adoptive daughter who is also a witch.

"That would be appreciated thank you for your time Mr. Ellingham," Dave offered.

"You can just call me Hugh."

"I'm Dave," Dave said, as the two men shook hands cordially.

"You might want to explore the town we have some unique places," Hugh said. "There several good restaurants and other eating places. You might want to stop by Delaney's Delectables as they sell the best chocolate in town and also other desserts. There's also Zombie Donuts and Salvatore's that has the best pizza in town. You'll want to try Mummy's diner or Howler's Bar & Grill."

"That sounds good," said Dave catching the tone of a affection in Hugh's voice when he mentioned Delaney.

"So I'm assuming a Delaney actually runs that dessert place you mentioned," Dave said

"Yes and she happens to be my wife," Hugh said smiling goofily. "I helped her get started or rather my brother Sebastian did, as he's the accountant for the family. Found her a place to open her shop and gave her the initial start up capital. You won't regret visiting I promise you, as it really is the best dessert place in town. She has quite a hand with sweets of any type. She's very popular."

There was a lot of pride in Hugh's voice and Dave smiled to himself. It was obvious he was very proud of his wife and her talent with sweets.

"I'll have to visit then," Dave with a smile. "I love sweets as much as the next person."

"Welcome to Nocturne Falls," Hugh said.

"Thanks, I'm looking forward to actually putting down roots getting to know the town and the people," Dave said. "I won't say I haven't settled in different cities over the years, but I always had to move on after a few decades

"That kind of life gets tiring," Hugh suggested in a knowing tone and Dave nodded soberly in total agreement. "Pandora will call you sometime in the next day or two I'll give her your phone number."

"Sounds good," Dave agreed.

~~~Dave and Brielle~~~

Dave wondered around the streets of Nocturne Falls just taking in the scenery. He'd seen several eating places just to Hugh had told him a bookstore, a jewelry store, a candy store, a pet shop and a lot of other places including Delaney's Delectables that Hugh had mentioned.

Dave wasn't entirely sure what kind of business he wanted to start, though he had been thinking about it. While he liked to cook he didn't think he'd enjoy doing it as a profession, but if he was just cooking for himself or some friends then he was happy to do it. He wasn't exactly hurting for money so while he was eager to put down roots he really needed to think what kind of place that Nocturne Falls needed. Something that he would enjoy being the proprietor of. He didn't think Nocturne Falls needed another restaurant so something that wasn't about food, but what? Dave was trying to think of something he enjoyed doing that he could start a business around but at the moment any idea eluded him.

He entered the Delaney's Delectables to see what kind of treats they had and it looked like all kinds of sweets that looked really good. Dave pursued the cases and finally chose what he wanted to try and then headed to the Hallow Bean to get himself a cup of coffee. Delaney apparently wasn't working right now because another woman was behind the counter.

Hugh had mentioned children so that meant they had at least a couple so Delaney was probably busy with them.

Finally, Dave sat on a bench in the park and opened the bag from Delaney's taking out the pastry he had chosen to try and took a bite. It was absolutely scrumptious Dave closed his eyes as he enjoyed the pastry very much. Dave took a sip of his very hot coffee and then another bite of his snack.

"Can I sit here?" came a female voice and Dave opened his eyes to find a beautiful woman standing in just a few feet from him. He had never felt such a sense of connection with anyone and knew he had to get to know this lovely lady better.

"Of course," Dave said, as he hid his shock quickly. "I'm David Rossi. I'm new in town and I am just getting my bearings."

"Brielle Featherman," Brielle offered.

"It's nice to meet you Miss Brielle," Dave said, as he looked at her.

"It's nice to meet you to Mr. David," Brielle said laughing at the silliness of the introductions.

"It's just Dave."

"I'm Brie."

"Well, Miss Brie, once I get settled then how about a date?" Dave asked.

"I won't say no," Brie agreed looking over a Dave who was a very handsome man in her opinion. "Perhaps, if you don't mind, I can show you around Nocturne Falls. Show you the best places to eat and everything else."

"I don't mind that at all though I am expecting a call from Pandora Van Zant as she's supposed to take me around to see apartments and houses."

"That's pretty fast for guy who just moved here," Brielle said.

"Hugh said he called Pandora and give her my number," Dave revealed.

"Hugh Ellingham?" Brielle asked.

"I had a meeting with him first thing," Dave shrugged. "Let's just say we had met before a long time ago. He was very helpful."

Brielle wanted to ask about that meeting, but knew it wasn't any of her business. Dave was a relative stranger to her, though she would like to get to know him much better.

"Even I haven't met the big man, though I have seen him around," Brielle said. "You were so lucky."

"Well, I wouldn't say I was lucky," Dave said. "He seems like a nice guy."

"He is, at least from what I've heard he's very generous with his money for one thing as the Ellinghams basically built Nocturne Falls. The grandmother on the other hand is a different story at least from what I've heard from Pandora and my Aunt Corette."

"So why don't you start showing me around and I'll buy you dinner," Dave offered "Wherever you choose since I don't know my way around yet. I did stop at Delaney's Delectables but other than that..."

"Yeah, Delaney's is great," Brielle said. "So did you get a chance to meet Delaney?"

"No, but I did meet Ivy Merrow though. We didn't chat. It was just kind of a quick introduction because she had a lot of customers," Dave said.

"Ivy Merrow is the wife of our sheriff, Hank," Brielle said. "They have two children Charlie, and Hannah Rose.

"Well, that's good to know. Who knows if I'll ever need Sheriff Merrow's services," Dave said.

"It is good information to know," Brielle agreed. "So ready to start that tour?"

"Sure," Dave agreed, as he finished off the sweet he had gotten from Delaney's and also his coffee.

The two of them got up from the park bench and Brielle started pointing things out as they came upon each business. The two of them explored the town until it started to get dark.

"So dinner?" Dave suggested as his stomach growled.

"Sounds good," Brielle said. "It is around dinner time. What about Howler's?

"Sounds good," Dave said agreeably. "I haven't had time to try any of the restaurants yet, so anywhere is good.

"They serve the best burgers in town," Brielle explained, as she led the way. "Trust me, you'll love it."

The two of them headed for Howler's and were soon seated at one of the only remaining tables.

"It's certainly a busy place," Dave observed as Howler's was packed.

"We came at one of the prime times," Brielle said. "Most days they're busy at meal times."

"What can I get you, Brielle and guest?" asked a female voice. She had a waitresses pad in her hand.

"Hey Bridget," Brielle said. "I'm surprised to see you waitressing tonight."

"Waitress is out sick and we are packed as you can see."

"Yes, I can see that," Brielle agreed. "Dave meet Bridget Merrow, owner of Howler's. Bridget this is David Rossi who's just arrived and is looking to settle down here."

"It's nice to meet you ma'am," Dave said cordially.

"It's just Bridget," Bridget said shaking Dave's hands thinking he was very handsome, but then, so was Sam whom she was dating.

"I'm Dave," Dave offered having pursued the menu quickly. "I think I'll have the jalapeno burger with fries and ice tea.

"You must be in the mood for spicy," Brielle said appreciatively, as she gave Bridget her own order. "I've had that and it's delicious."

"So any relation to the sheriff?" Dave asked.

"He's my older brother and I also have another older brother Titus who is the fire chief. I'll go put in your order is it should be ready in a few minutes," Bridget said.

"So what do you think of Bridget," Brielle asked what she was gone.

"She seems nice enough," Dave said cautiously not wanting to offend Brielle so that she wouldn't agree to another date with him.

"She is and she's also dating Sam Kincaid, Ivy's brother," Brielle said calmly not at all offended.

"I'm not interested in her that way," Dave said. "Yes, she is gorgeous, but I would never poach someone else's girlfriend or wife."

Luckily, Brielle was free and didn't have a husband or significant other as far as he knew.

"Neither would I," Brielle agreed calmly, although inwardly she was relieved. "Just so you know, I'm not dating anyone at present nor am I married."

"Neither am I," Dave said, as he took Brielle's hand in his own. "I've never been married, though I won't say I haven't dated a lot over the years."

"I've dated some, though not a great deal," Brielle said.

Their food came and they started to eat just as a woman approached them.

"Pandora," Brielle greeted her with a smile. "This is David Rossi he told me he was looking to settle here."

"If you were the real estate agent that Hugh Ellingham recommended I'm glad to see you," Dave said.

"Hugh did call me. I was going to call you in the morning so this is something of a fortunate circumstance, though if you're on a date we can arrange a time to meet in the morning," Pandora offered.

"No, this is fine," Brielle said shaking her head. "We just met in the park and I offered to show him around."

"I offered to take her to dinner, because she's been my tour guide all day. It seemed like the way I could thank her for being so kind to a stranger," Dave said.

"That was really nice of you," Pandora told Dave. "As for available property that depends on what you want."

"Well, I don't have any dependents no wife, no children, so I figured an apartment or condo would be best."

"There are a few available," Pandora said. "I can bring you a list of the properties tomorrow at 9 AM or anytime really if that's too early."

"No, it's not too early," Dave said, as he thought about it. "I'm always up by six or so."

"Early riser?" Brielle teased him.

"I've always been that way," Dave told Brielle and Pandora. "I won't say I don't sleep late occasionally, but I'm usually up early."

"Nothing wrong with that," Pandora said she watched her cousin Brielle and Dave interact. The sparks between then were fairly obvious and she suspected they would soon be dating.

"I'll see you at eight then," Pandora said. "I'll show you the properties and that should take at least until lunch."

"Do you mind if I tag along?" Brielle asked Pandora and Dave.

"No I don't," Dave said.

"Neither do I," Pandora agreed. "You're not usually up that early though, so you need to set your alarm clock and go to bed early."

"You seem to know Brielle's habits well," Dave said curiosity on his face.

"I do, because we are cousins. She lived with my mother Corette, me and my two sisters for awhile," Pandora told Dave.

"Pandy and me were always closer then me, Charisma and Marigold," Brielle said.

"We were the closest in age so that's not surprising," Pandora said. "Charisma is much older and Marigold younger."

"So what happened to your parents?" Dave asked Brielle wondering if that was too personal considering they had known each other more than a few hours.

"Car crash," Pandora answered for Brielle causing Dave to wince in sympathy.

"I wasn't with them when they died and it's a good thing or I might've died as well. My brother was with them though and he died in the crash as well."

"My mother was her only living relative so she took Brielle in to save her from foster care," Pandora added looking at her watch. "I'll see you at 8 o'clock tomorrow Mr. Rossi. I need to get home."

"Say hello to Cole and Kaley for me," Brielle told Pandora who nodded.

"I will," Pandora promised before leaving.

"That was interesting," Dave said. "So Mrs. Van Zant is your cousin."

"Yes and you can just call her Pandora. I promise you she will tell you that herself when you meet in the morning," Brielle said. "She's not much for formality."

"So Cole and Kaley?" Dave asked.

"Husband and daughter," Brielle supplied. "Kaley was adopted by the way. Cole was married before and Kaley was the first wife's daughter."

"So if I'm understanding you right Cole isn't her biological father and Pandora is her stepmother."

"It'll take time to learn things around here," Brielle said. "You'll catch up."

"I don't have to learn everything in one day," Dave agreed, as he finished his jalapeno burger, which had been beyond delicious, though very spicy, but that was the point. Dave ate the last of his fries dipping them in the ketchup that he put on his plate while he'd been talking to Pandora.

"Well, you certainly cleaned your plate," Brielle said, as she looked at Dave's clean plate.

"What can I say I was hungry," Dave said, as he sat back feeling satisfied. "Also, it was delicious, so of course I cleaned my plate."

"I hope you left room for dessert as they do some really fantastic desserts here," Brielle told Dave. "They have a really fantastic peach cobbler and also apple pie. They do the best blueberry cobbler I've ever tasted."

"Does that come with ice cream?" Dave asked and Brielle nodded in confirmation.

"I'll get the peach cobbler than," Dave decided. "I can never turn down peach cobbler. It's one of my favorites."

"I like the chocolate pie," Brielle said.

"I'll just have to try that next time I come," Dave said. "As that sounds really good too."

"You need to try Mummy's Diner, as they have some great food and they serve breakfast. Howler's on the other hand, doesn't open until lunchtime."

"Maybe I will tomorrow," Dave said taking the recommendation. "If you run into Pandora tell her I'll meet you both at Mummy's Diner at 8 o'clock. I'll buy you both breakfast since she's going to do me a favor."

"I'll call her once I get home," Brielle promised. "It's a bit loud in here for a phone conversation."

Bridget returned and asked them if they wanted desert.

Dave ordered a slice of the peach cobbler and Brielle the chocolate pie both with vanilla ice cream.

Once the pie came they enjoyed their different desserts before Dave paid the check.

~~~Dave and Brielle~~~

The next day

"This will be fine for right now," Dave told Pandora as he surveyed the fifth apartment she had shown him. Brielle was looking around curiously at the layout probably wondering if she could help him decorate. The three of them had enjoyed breakfast at Mummy's Diner before Pandora started showing both Dave and her cousin the apartments that were available. The apartment they were in now had two bedrooms, a full kitchen with a bar dividing the space from the living area. "I'll take it, but let's only do a year lease for now."

"We can complete all the paperwork back at the office," Pandora said and Dave nodded.

"Sounds fine," Dave said. "I'll make sure I contact you when I want to buy a house, but since there's only me right now this will be fine."

"You could meet someone in the future that you want to settle down with," Pandora suggested looking at Brielle who blushed and then glared at her cousin.

Brielle knew perfectly well what Pandora was implying and while she would like that a lot she and Dave had just met.

Dave pretended to ignore the look that Brielle shot her cousin, but nearly chuckled at what Pandora was implying or rather Brielle's reaction to it. It was clear that Brielle didn't appreciate the inference. Pandora had apparently noticed the sparks between him and her cousin, but then, the attraction was kind of obvious unless you were oblivious.

"I could," Dave agreed with a wink in Brielle's direction. "It'll take me awhile to settle in and decorate the place, though if either one of you cares to help I could certainly use it."

The statement was rather pointed more at Brielle if Pandora was any judge rather than herself.

She couldn't wait to tell Cole this story.

"I'll be glad to help," Brielle agreed. "It'll be an interesting project. I decorated my apartment once I was out on my own. I can help you find furniture you like and other things at a good price."

"Her apartment is very nicely furnished and decorated," Pandora agreed. "She'll be a big help to you, as for me I really don't have time as Kaley and I have plans."

"That's too bad," Dave said, though he was grateful for the alone time with Brielle. Pandora was apparently very perceptive and so backed out of helping him decorate his new apartment to give him alone time with her cousin.

Pandora soon made herself scarce and left Dave with Brielle after telling the pair to lock up when they left.

"So now that your cousin is gone what about a date?" Dave inquired.

"First, we need to go to Pandora's office to sign all that paperwork and pay the first months rent before the apartment is officially yours," Brielle said practically. "After that, I'll be happy to introduce you to some of the things that we do for entertainment here in Nocturne Falls."

"Yeah, we need to get the paperwork out-of-the-way," Dave agreed, as he rubbed under his chin thoughtfully. "After that, I'll take you for something to eat. Ice cream maybe."

"We can get ice cream at I Scream," Brielle said. "It's the only ice cream place in town other than in restaurants like Howler's."

Both Dave and Brielle left the apartment together and locked the door behind them.

~~~Dave and Brielle~~~

"I hear that Brielle has found herself a boyfriend," Corette told Pandora.

The two of them were in Corette's bridal shop Ever After. Pandora had come to visit her mother since she was in the part of town that Ever After was located.

"They've been dating for several weeks now," Pandora said. "I'm pretty sure it's serious. I've never seen Brielle so infatuated."

"So this man she's seeing?" Corette asked her daughter with a worried frown.

"He seemed just as infatuated with her," Pandora replied knowing what her mother was asking. "His name is David Rossi and I have no idea what kind of supernatural he is or he could be human."

"Well, if he's human he might not accept Brielle is a witch," Corette said pursing her lips in worry.

"I know. I'm hoping it works out though," Pandora said. "I do know that David Rossi seems like a good man from the conversation I had with him at Howler's where he and Brielle were having dinner. All I know is they met in the park and Brielle offered to show him around Nocturne Falls, as he had just arrived. He said he wanted to put down some roots."

"Well, Nocturne Falls is a good place to do that for a supernatural," Corette agreed.

"Also, we mustn't forget that there are some humans living here ones that know our secret. Just think of Roxy St. James."

Roxy St. James was human, but had gotten together with Alex who was a panther shifter and one of Hank Merrow's deputies.

"True," Corette agreed. "I suppose we'll just have to see what happens as Brielle wouldn't appreciate if we interfered. She's a grown woman and can make her own decisions. Let's just hope it turns out well."

"I have a feeling it will," Pandora told her mother. "You didn't see the attraction between them. I just know they're going to work out."

Corette said nothing and kept reservations to herself. Her daughter was probably right and it would work out just as it was intended to and she would soon be adding this David Rossi to the family. However, she had raised Brie from the time her parents had been killed in that car crash so she thought of her niece as part of the family and loved her dearly. She just hoped that things turned out well for her niece and this David Rossi.

~~~Dave and Brielle~~~