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Romantic Executions: Continued	By : PrettySin Category: Anita Blake > Het Views: 3495 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Anita Blake series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 25
- 26
- 27
Alright… this site is fucking up the spelling and grammar of this story every time I post. Rest assured that when I put the document in the ‘type box’ that it’s as perfect as I can get it. *Sigh* Hope you can understand what was meant.

Oh yeah… Property of Laurell K. Hamilton… not us. Bluh.
********************

Aahz sighed, pushing her hair back as she entered the circus. Jean-Claude had left a message on her cell phone to tell her he'd be back just before dawn, as there'd been a problem at Danse Macabre. Great. Thrilling. There went the serious talk she'd wanted. Shaking her head, she moved towards their rooms, a little shocked to see the door ajar and hear raised voices from within.

"Mon Ami, I do not care!" Jean-Claude's voice was angry and thick with French.

"You do not care?! Are you a fool? Oui, of course you are! That woman is the best thing that has ever happened to you. Can you not see what you are doing to her?" Asher's voice was just as loud, passionate.

Aahz paused in the hallway. Oh boy.

There was a charged pause, and when Jean-Claude spoke, it was with forced calmness. "I am merely stating that Ma Petite was more suited towards dealing with the Council. Ma Joli has never encountered a vampire such as Belle Morte. She will not understand how to act, or speak... As it is she is acting oddly. I cannot help it if I believe that Ma Petite would be in her element in this particular setting."

"Non! That is not what you said, Jean-Claude!" Asher was truly pissed, calling his ex lover by his name. "You said you wished that you had never hired her! That Anita was still alive!"

A distinct, brooding silence followed.

"You have marked her, you idiot! She is yours! Forever! You... you cannot do this to her. You are turning what should be a blessing into a curse!"

"Mon Ami, can you truly deny what is painfully clear?" Jean-Claude sighed, "Belle Morte will not approve of Ma Joli. Can you not see that? There is a chance for Ma Joli to survive this unscathed, and afterward, I will explain myself. Until then, it is better if she is to believe that-"

"That what? You selfish little bastard." Asher shook his head. "Belle Morte will approve of no one... no one but herself. And you know it. She hated Anita too. You... you claim to know love. You know lies, Jean-Claude. You've lied to Aahz... just as you've lied to me... and to Julianna. You love one person. Yourself. The person you see in the mirror."

"Non... That is not true."

"Oh? Who else then? Perhaps your precious Ma Petite? The crazy, power hungry bitch." Asher's voice was like knives. "She lied. She never felt the Arduer... and you know it."

"Oui, I know it." Jean-Claude's voice snapped, cracking like a whip, "I love Ma Joli. I am hurting her to protect her! Why can you not see that? She will understand, with time."

"Really?" Asher sounded sad. "Is it really her you see in bed? Or are you seeing Anita, trained to your wants and needs?"

"Is that any of your business, Asher? Why am I having this discussion with you? What is done is done, and we will deal with the consequences when they arrive, no sooner."

"Oui... it is my business. Aahz is... a Petite soeur (sister) to me. That is why we are having this discussion. Because you have cursed her because you see her as an Anita doll who you can make suit your own needs."

"Does she suit my needs? My needs in this situation I fear she cannot meet."

Aahz jerked, her purse and keys falling to the floor before she bent, grabbing them with shaking hands. She... God... She need out of there.

"What was that?" Asher froze, catching the faint scent of Aahz from the hallway. "Merde!"

Jean-Claude was in the doorway before he'd realized he'd moved.

Aahz saw him, her skin ashen, and she shook her head, turning to go back to her car. She was no one's doll... and... God. Just... God just get her to the door... then the car...

"Ma Joli?" His brow furrowed, and he cursed mentally, reaching out to take her hand. Merde... How much had she heard?

She jerked away from him, her breathing ragged. "Don't... don't touch me. Just... j...just stay away."

His face smoothed over into that perfect mask, and he nodded coolly, "Alright. How much did you hear?"

"I... enough." God... he didn't even care! At all... even through the links, his emotions were hardly effected. Aahz shook her head. "I'm going to make your... unlife or whatever very simple. I quit. I'm no one's fuck toy." She swallowed, not bothering to shield him from what she was feeling. "I'll send for my things."

His eyes flickered with a faint emotion, before he stomped down on it and they were again a clear, unaffected blue. "I will have them ready." He said softly. Dieu... It hurt. He refused to let her feel it, but this hurt more than he'd thought it would.

She sniffed. "I'm surprised you haven't already, but, what the hell... You can redecorate now, right? With more of your ugly ass colors... wear more of your stupid lacy shirts..." A tear made it's way down her face, and she shook her head. "You can even buy an Anita Barbie... complete with phallic symbol Browning." She shook her head again, struggling not to sob. He was fucking killing her... and he didn't care. Wait... no. He'd made her live-forever. What was a cursed eternity between... what were they? Certainly not friends...

"Ma Joli..." He fought the urge to move towards her. "Mon Dieu, this is not how it was supposed to work out." He met her watering gaze and nearly flinched at the anger and pain he found there. Non. It was not working out at all. "Let me explain. Please." He wouldn't open the marks this night, but he wanted her to leave with the knowledge that he had good intentions. At least... he'd thought they were good. Now he wasn't so sure.

She shook her head. "No... you've explained quite enough."

He sighed, "Oui, I suppose you are correct. Would you like to gather some things now? It would save you some time later, non?"

She sniffed, then nodded. "I'll... I'll get some clothes."

He stepped slightly back from the door, allowing her through. How could he just let her walk away? Well, she wasn't walking away yet, he reasoned with himself. She was not walking towards him either. He would have more chances than just this, wouldn't he? After all, she was still his employee, if not his lover. He froze. Non... She could not possibly mean that... She was giving up completely. She would not be coming back to the club... She was truly walking out of his life. The realization hit him like a well aimed blow in the chest, and despite his hold on the marks, his emotions began to trickle through to tease Aahz. Merde.

Aahz moved into the bedroom, pausing as she felt a bit of emotion hit him. Ah. So he was sad about the loss of sex. Great for him. That's what hands were for. She shook her head, moving to the dresser and grabbing a scrunchy, putting her hair up in a sloppy bun before she began grabbing clothes.

Her derision slid over him, and a spark of anger lit in his mind. She wished to know the full extent of what he was feeling? Fine. He released his iron grip on the marks, knowing it was foolish but refusing to care.

She jerked, leaning against the dresser, nearly losing control. Pain, sadness, anger... hate? Was that...? Her breathing sped up, and she fisted her hands, struggling to breath evenly.

He followed her into the bedroom, blinking as his eyes locked on her neck. It was smooth, and nearly unmarked. He remembered biting it not... how long ago was it? He couldn't remember. Merde. He had let the situation get out of control, and the consequences were arriving swiftly.

Aahz shook her head, shaking as she straightened and began pulling out her things.

He took a silent step towards her, reaching out until his fingertips brushed lightly across one of the faded marks. "Je suis désolé, Ma Joli..."

She jerked hard, falling into the closet.

He shut his eyes for a moment, before opening them again and moving to stand in front of her, offering her a hand up that he knew she wouldn't take.

She stared at him before licking her lips and crawling out on her hands and knees.

He sighed, letting his hand drop to his side. Dieu...

She stood, rubbing her neck. "I... I tried to tell you... but... maybe it's for the best."

"Perhaps." He clasped his hands behind his back, fighting the urge to touch her again. "I have no plausible excuse to give you, Ma Joli. I am sorry."

She shook her head. "I don't want any excuses." She stilled. "I... I trust you won't give me a bad reference because of this?"

"Non. I will not." His hands fisted behind his back.

"Thank you." She licked her lips, grabbing her old duffle and stuffing the clothing into it.

He nodded, moving towards the door with a barely audible, "Je t'adore..."

"What?" She sniffled, looking at him. "Yeah, I'll shut the door."

He shook his head, continuing out of the room. It was best if she did not hear, he tried to convince himself. It is best if she leaves without too much pain.

Aahz nearly sat on the bed, then chose to sit on the floor instead. Oh God... The sobs came, and she had trouble breathing as they racked her body again and again.

Jean-Claude stopped, turning back to look at her. Non... He could not comfort her. Not if he was the cause of her pain... He swallowed hard. If he went in, she would push him away. He could not cause her more pain, ignoring his own.

She curled into a ball, biting her lip. After a time passed, seemingly forever, she stood, picking up her things and neatening the room up a bit for him before turning towards the door.

He watched her emerge from the room, eyes puffy and red. Dieu... Ma Joli... His throat constricted. Merde.

She sniffed, looking at him. "I... tell... tell the people at the club I'm sorry... and they can reach me on my cell if they want to talk."

"Oui. I will tell them." Could he reach her on her cell if he wished to speak with her? He doubted it.

"Um..." She grabbed a tissue, blowing her nose. "I... um... ripped one of your shirts when I fell... it's the one that the stain didn't come out of so... You can take the money to replace it from my last check. But... I cleaned up in there..."

"Merci, Ma Joli, but I will not be removing anything from your last pay check." She'd cleaned up for him? Merde. They were all right... He did not deserve her. It was a good thing that she was leaving, then, was it not?

"Jean-Claude... I'd feel better if you just... took the money, alright?"

"Non." He shook his head.

She sighed. "Fine. Um... there's... in the closet... Your Christmas present. It's early but..." She shrugged. "You can have it when ever you want it."

"Would you like yours now, Ma Joli? I have it. In the study..." His voice was soft, faintly echoing the despair he was feeling.

"What? I..." God. She was going to break down again. Make him yell.... scream...rage at her... She'd be able to hold it together then... but this... "I... if you want."

"I do not. I would rather be able to give it to you on the day it was meant for, but I am afraid that is not a choice." He sighed, "I will return shortly." He turned, moving towards the study. He wouldn't blame her if she left now and never came back. She had every right to.

Aahz glanced at the door, trying not to edge towards it.

Jean-Claude came back into the room carrying a small, black velvet box.

She bit her lip. "I... I might as well... give you yours..."

"Non... I can still hope that you will be here to give it to me on the day it was intended for." He offered the box to her.

She pressed her hand to her face, fingers pulling at her bangs as she looked at the box. "What... what is it?"

"It will be easier for both of us if you do not ask." He glanced away from her, not sure he wanted to see her expression when she opened the 'gift'.

Biting her lip, she opened the box.

The ring settled in the black cushion was white gold, the metal mimicking the weave in her silver ring. It had a traditional three stone diamond set up, and a small note on the back of the box said simply in his elegant handwriting, "I love you".

"Oh.... God..." She nearly gagged shaking her head. "This... this is..."

"You needn't wear it, Ma Joli... Just accept it. It is a gift." He looked back down at her, formerly cool eyes now hot with emotion.

"What..." She swallowed. "Was it supposed to be?"

He smiled, the expression speaking volumes. "I am nearly certain you know."

She closed her eyes, shaking her head. "Why... why are you doing this?" Didn't... hadn't this hurt her enough already?

"If I knew that, Ma Joli, I would be sure to tell you."

She opened her eyes, sighing. "I'm... I'm almost sorry I can't be Anita for you. But I'm me. And... that's it. I'm not changing."

"I do not expect you to change for anyone, Ma Joli. I am glad you would not do so for me." He met her gaze steadily, letting the box drop gently into her hand.

She swallowed, holding the box against her stomach. "Goodbye."

He fisted his hands behind his back again, "Au revior, Ma Joli."

She slung her duffle and purse over her shoulder before she leaned up, brushing her lips over his. "I am sorry." She stepped back, shaking her head. "I... I hope you find what you need."

He raised a hand, pressing it to his lips for a moment before nodding to her, the movement almost a bow, "And you as well."

She nodded, swallowing. "Bye." She looked away, starting for the door.

"Je t'aime." He murmured.

The door shutting behind her, however, drowned him out.

He barely made it to the couch before he collapsed, finally allowing the tears to escape.

Asher stepped out of the study, nearly silent. "Je suis désolé. I did not realize she stood there."

Jean-Claude shook his head, pressing a hand to his forehead.

The blond vampire sat next to his former lover. "An engagement ring, Mon Ami?"

The Master of the City let out a bitter laugh, "Oui. An engagement ring."

"She would have said yes."

"Perhaps." His laughter died immediately, "Perhaps not. I doubt I shall ever know."

"She would have. She loves you... else you bit scars would be totally gone, and you know it."

"Oui... I know it." Jean-Claude wiped at his eyes, straightening his spine. "It is too late now, and I have work that needs my attention." He stood.

Asher ached for his friend, but there was nothing he could do. Jean-Claude had dug his own grave. It was he who must fill it back in or lay in it.

**********

Anndy sighed, rolling out of bed slowly as a knock sounded on the door. She shook her head as Edward opened a bleary eye, and pulled on a shirt and some pajama pants. She padded out into the living room, yawning. If it was the Jehovah’s Witnesses again, she'd be letting Faithful loose.

Edward sighed, slipping on a pair of jeans and following her out. Maybe he should get Betsy out of the garage...

Anndy rubbed at her eyes, and opened the door a crack. The sight that met her, however, made her throw the door open wide. "Aahz!"

Aahz swallowed. "Anndy."

Anndy moved towards her friend, taking the large duffel and helping Aahz into the house.

Edward shut the door behind them, pressing a hand to the small of Aahz's back. The woman was pale, her skin cool to the touch.

Aahz felt... numb. And burning... and frozen...

Anndy frowned, setting the bag next to the couch, "Saf?"

"I..." Aahz swallowed, straightening her back. "I'm moving out. I quit."

Anndy blinked, and mentally shook herself, "You can stay here as long as you need to."

Aahz bit her lip. "I got home and heard him talking with Asher..."

Edward frowned, and from his position behind Aahz, silently asked his wife if he should go be someplace else.

Anndy shrugged slightly back at him, motioning for Aahz to sit. Somehow, she got the feeling this would be a long talk.

"I'm going to get you something to drink, Aahz... check on the spawn." Edward blinked, then hugged the woman.

Aahz stilled, swallowing. "Thanks."

Anndy watched them for a second, a small smile sneaking across her face. Aw... Death was such a marshmallow sometimes...

Edward pulled back, kissed his wife, and headed into the kitchen.

"Since when does Death give hugs?" Aahz looked confused.

"Rarely ever." Anndy's lips quirked, "So... sit and tell me about what happened when you're ready."

Aahz took a deep breath and sat, starting to tell her friend what had occurred.

Anndy sat on the couch, pulling Faithful into her lap. She listened intently, her eyes narrowing slightly as Aahz finished, "He actually..." She shook her head, "I'd hit him if you'd let me."

Aahz pulled the velvet box from her pocket. "See?"

Anndy leaned over the asleep Faithful, and blinked as Aahz opened the box. "We always knew he was dramatic, but isn't this over kill? Even for him?" How could he give her what was clearly an engagement ring just before she left?

Aahz swallowed, hugging her knees to her chest. "And... he didn't want to open his... Said, "Non... I can still hope that you will be here to give it to me on the day it was intended for." " She swallowed. "God.... Annd... it hurts. I..."

Anndy moved her cat, pulling Aahz into another hug, "He's not exactly the brightest crayon in the box, Saf... He's..." She sighed. He was a dumb ass for doing this, that's what he was.

"What'd I do...?" Aahz cried. "Why... why aren't... I good enough...? He... he pretended I..."

Anndy rubbed Aahz's back slowly, "You are good enough, hun..." Anndy bit her lip, "He just doesn't see that..."

"I... I love him..."

"I know."

"I'm his human servant.... four marks... I..." Aahz swallowed. "I live until he dies..."

Anndy rested her head against Aahz's, "I'm tempted to help that along, but I won't. Maybe what you need right now is space away from Fang. We've got a guest room here that's open for your use as long as you need it, alright? Once he starts thinking again, I'm almost positive he'll realize what a little donkey shit he's been and he'll fix things."

Aahz nodded slowly. "I... don't think he... he realized I would leave him... I've always caved before..."

"Has he really done anything this bad before?" If he had...

"Well... he called me Ma Petite... the once..." Aahz swallowed. "Stupid Alex."

Anndy smiled slightly, "I don't think Alex knew the extent of Fang's slip up."

"And Alex would never dream of... of..."

Anndy rubbed her back again, "Shh... it'll all work out, hun... It always does."

Aahz swallowed. "Sorry."

"Don't be sorry."

"I am... I shouldn't dump this on you..."

Anndy sighed, "Even if you didn't want to dump this on me, I'd still try to help. What good am I otherwise?"

"Plenty." Aahz kissed her friend on the jaw, lips wet with tears.

Anndy shook her head, "Not really..." She wiped away Aahz's tears gently, "Come on... You should probably get some sleep."

"Topic changer. You just know I'll win." Aahz's joke fell flat.

"You might've." Anndy tucked a lock of hair behind Aahz's ear, "Do you want to shower before you go to bed? I'm not sure how much sleep you'll get... Nathaniel will probably wake up soon."

"No... I... want a bed." Aahz sighed. "Sorry."

"Stop saying that, Saf." Anndy flicked her friend gently, letting her go and standing from the couch.

"Sor-" Aahz cut herself off, standing as well. "Tell... Death thanks for the drink offer, but... I'll have it later.”

"Alright." Anndy watched Aahz with worried eyes, "Do you need anything?"

Aahz shook her head. "No thanks, Annd."

Anndy nodded, picking up Aahz's duffel and leading her towards the guest bedroom. She bit her lip, opening the bedroom door. Would Aahz be alright in here? Would she be alright at all?

"Anndy?"

"Yeah?"

"I'll be okay..."

Anndy shot the smaller woman a considering look before nodding, "Okay."

"It'll... just take time... and hey, got lots of that...." Aahz smiled.

Anndy smiled back, "Yeah... I'm in the next room if you need me, okay?"

"Yeah." Aahz nodded. "I'm going to try for sleep."

"Alright." Anndy set the bag down, hugging Aahz again. "Night, Saf."

Aahz hugged her friend back. "Night."

Anndy pulled back, lingering for a moment before moving down the hall.

************

Jean-Claude settled into his coffin, feeling odd as he pulled the lid shut. How long had it been since he had used the coffin? A year, at least... He sighed, shutting his eyes against the black. He'd let her leave. She was gone. She was actually gone...

A scratching sound on the side of the coffin snapped his eyes open again. What...? He opened the lid, peering down at the pouting form of Jesse. "Mon Dieu..." The beast whined, and Jean-Claude slowly pulled himself out of the coffin, "Oui, I will call your Mistress." Jesse woofed, pressing his nose into Jean-Claude's hand.

Was it not a testament to Aahz's state that she had forgotten her beast? He reached for the phone that he'd moved into the room, dialing Aahz's cell number quickly.

Aahz jerked out of her quasi-sleep, picking up the phone. " 'ello?"

"Ma Joli, there is a Monsieur James here who wishes to speak to you."

Jesse barked in the background.

She blinked, nearly dropping the phone. "Oh my God! Jesse!"

Jean-Claude chuckled softly, "Oui. Would you like me to keep him until you are... settled?"

She jerked back from the phone. "I... no... I... I don't know... I want him with me but..."

"I would not mind keeping him until you are prepared to take him, Ma Joli." He frowned slightly, looking down at the dog. Hm... How many things could he make her 'forget' in order to see her?

She swallowed. "Jean-Claude..."

"Oui?"

"You... you can't do this..."

"Do what, Ma Joli?"

"Play... play with my head..."

He paused, thinking his words over before he spoke, "I am not playing with your head, Ma Joli, I merely offered to keep the Beast until you are ready to take him again."

"People... people who just... did what... what we did don't call each other pet names..."

"Ah." He sighed, "Oui. My apologies." It was a habit, one that would take time to break.

She sniffed. "It hurts... that's... that's all." She swallowed. "Is Jesse okay?"

"Oui. He is fine."

She bit her lip. "And you?"

"I have been better." That was an understatement... "Yourself?"

She shrugged. "I... I think I'll live." Maybe. Didn't feel like it.

"That is a good thing, Ma - Aahz." He bit back the endearment, mentally berating himself.

"I guess."

"I..." He sighed, "I am truly sorry. I should not have used you as I did."

She stilled. "No... you shouldn't have. That, however, changes nothing. We're paired until one of us dies, pulling the other with them. Now I've a question."

"Then I have an answer."

"Two questions... really." She swallowed. "How many were there besides me? And if you die and go to hell, will I as your human servant follow?"

"How many?" He asked after a moment of silence.

"Women... well... people, as you drive stick too..."

"There were none besides you."

"Yet she laid with us... Every night."

Jean-Claude's jaw clenched, and he forced himself to remain calm. She is hurt, he reminded himself. She is being spiteful out of pain. "As to your other question, I do not know the answer. As I have never truly died, much less brought anyone with me, I am afraid we will have to wait until the event transpires."

"If I go to church will it hurt you?" Aahz glanced at the Bible on the nightstand.

"Non."

"Alright." She licked her lips. "I'm going to stop by the club tomorrow... probably during the day to get my things."

"Are you certain? Everyone would be glad to see you..."

She sniffed. "I... maybe. I can't... I can't make any promises. It's really hard right now, trying to even breathe."

He swallowed, "I do not have to be there if you do not wish me to." Merde. He felt like such a bastard.

Aahz paused, then hugged the pillow to her chest. "It's your club."

"Oui, but I have others. I would understand if you do not wish to see me." What had happened to making her conveniently 'forget' things?

She sighed. "Jean-Claude... you can be there... It just... Don't expect me to be all smiles and such."

"I would not expect that so soon."

But he thought he could expect that in the future? Aahz swallowed, picking at the hem of her pajamas. "The employees aren't going to get their cookies with their checks... they'll have to get them another time."

"Oui." He sighed, watching as Jesse sniffed at his coffin, "Would you consider coming back to Guilty Pleasures? Eventually? There is no rush, but you will be missed."

"Jean-Claude..." She nearly whimpered. "How can you ask that? You..."

"I am sorry." He sighed again, allowing silence to drape its awkward self over the conversation.

"I don't know what to do here." She sniffed, a tear falling. Damn it.

"It is awkward, non?" A very faint tint of amusement sounded in his voice.

"Awkward?!" Aahz laid down against the bed, biting her lip as sobs welled. Damn it! Damn him!

He sighed, "Oui. Je suis désolé... I do not know what to say."

A sob won, and she shook her head. "I... I... can't do this right now. I can't."

"Shall I go?" He asked softly.

She whimpered into the pillow, the sound low and keening. "Why? Why wasn't... I..." She shook her head. "I... can't..."

"M... Aahz..." He bit backed a sigh, "I am at fault, not you. I will state this as clearly as I can. There is nothing wrong with you." He knew he was the guilty party in the situation. She was far too good for him, it was not a surprise that she was leaving him now.

She sniffed, swallowing as she heard footsteps in the hall and Anndy's voice calling to her. "I... no..."

"It is true, and I refuse to let you go until you admit that fact."

"Saf?" Anndy pushed open the door, poking her head into the room.

"Jean-Claude..." Aahz sniffed. "I... no. Other.... otherwise it... I could have made this... this work..." Made you love me...

"Non."

Anndy scowled, moving into the room and pulled the phone from Aahz's grip, ignoring Aahz's protests. "Jean-Claude."

"Ah. Andromeda." Merde. He'd been wondering when he would be confronted with her.

"Anndy!"

"Sorry, Saf... But it's my best friend duty." Anndy turned her attention back to the vampire on the phone, "You're an ass."

"Oui. I am aware of that."

"I'd kill you if it wouldn't kill Aahz too."

"I am aware of that as well."

"Stop being aware of things and let me bitch, dammit!"

Aahz blinked, sitting back on the bed, swallowing.

"My apologies. I will be silent."

Anndy sighed, "I don't have words for this. You used my best friend for... God, I don't... Arg. It's shocking that you could drop so low to do anything like this. It's disgusting!"

Aahz pulled her knees to her chest, feeling, for lack of a better word, dirty.

"And it's not her fault! It's yours! And you'd damn well better know that!"

"Oui. I know."

"So why aren't you doing anything about it?"

"There is nothing to be done. She will not take me back, so is there truly a point to changing?"

"Yes! You could change just to be a better person... er. Vampire."

"Non. It does not work that way, Andromeda. May I speak to Aahz? I must apologize once more before dawn comes."

Anndy sighed, handing the phone back to Aahz. Damn. Maybe he was as miserable about this as Aahz was. Maybe not... It was, after all, his fault.

"Hello?" Aahz sounded unsure, and she stared at Anndy as she spoke.

Anndy mouthed 'I'm sorry' at her, rolling her ring between her fingers.

"Dawn is approaching... I merely wish to apologize before it comes." Jean-Claude sighed. Merde.

"For... for what?"

"Everything. For causing you pain, and using you... It was unfair of me, though unfair seems to be too weak of a word."

Aahz swallowed. "It is."

"Oui. Perhaps you have a better one?"

"Cruel?" She sighed. "It doesn't matter at this point. Feed Jesse before you... go to coffin or bed or... whatever."

"Oui."

"Merci." She stilled. "Damn it."

"Vous êtes bienvenu, Aahz."

"I'll... try and get him out of your way as soon as I can..."

"There is no rush, Ma..." He sighed.

"Mm. Sounds like you're calling me mother." She sighed. "I'm going to let you get to bed."

"Oui. Sleep well."

"If I can sleep."

"Au revoir."

"Bye."

Anndy watched silently as Aahz hung up the phone, "Sorry. I'm being over protective."

Aahz shrugged. "I was being an idiot any way."

Anndy shook her head, "You weren't. He's... Erg."

"Erg?"

"Erg. There are no describing words."

Aahz sighed. "He asked me if I'd come back to the club... eventually."

"At least he's giving you time." Anndy moved, sitting at the foot of the bed.

"But... Anndy... he said he wished I'd never gotten the job...."

"I never said he was consistent." She sighed, "I don't know, hun. I don't know him like you do."

"I don't know him like I thought I did."

"Maybe he's going through that awkward teenager phase. I read somewhere that vampires go through something resembling puberty at certain ages."

Aahz blinked. "He's over 500 years old, Annd."

Anndy shrugged, "It's a theory."

Aahz smiled slightly. "Yeah. I can see it now... his voice changing."

Anndy's lips quirked, "Acne..."

Aahz wrinkled her nose. "That's... wrong."

"Maybe." Anndy smiled, before the expression faded. "Look... I've got a story I've got to turn in to George, Death's coming with me." She bit her lip, "Can you watch the spawn for a few hours tomorrow?"

Aahz blinked, then nodded. "Of course. I love the spawn of Sin... and Death."

"Thanks, Saf. I owe you coffee."

Aahz smiled slightly. "Mm. I'll just steal some of yours."

"Figured you would." Anndy grinned back.

Aahz hugged her friend. "I love you, Annd."

"Love you too, Saf." Anndy hugged the smaller woman back. "Try to get some sleep, okay?"

"Mm. I'll try."

Anndy pulled back, "Good. Coffee's stashed in the cupboard above the stove."

"I know." Aahz smiled. "I helped you move in here, remember? I was the reason you were organized... well... Edward helped..."

"Bluh." Anndy smirked, "Doesn't mean it'll stay that way..."

Aahz shrugged. "I'm over here enough, Annd. I'll figure it out."

"Good luck." Anndy stood, "Don't wake up at some disgustingly early hour. It's not allowed."

"What time is that?" Aahz blinked. "I sleep days... or did... remember?"

"Yeah... But... Never mind." Anndy rubbed her eyes, "Sleep, seriously."

Aahz nodded. "Yes, Mom.'

Anndy shook her head, moving to the door, "Night, Saf."

"Night, Anndy." Aahz swallowed, looking at the large.... very empty bed.
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Romantic Executions: Continued