Parts: 11 - 20
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~Part: 11~
They arrived back at the hotel with lunch, eager to sign the paperwork necessary to purchase the house and business they had recently toured. Faith sat beside Willow, watching as the redhead signed her name to various documents. She thought it was pretty cool that Lorne had asked Willow to put everything in her name. She knew that the demon hadn't known the redhead very long so it had meant a lot to Willow that he trusted her so much. Faith was also very pleased that she hadn't been asked to take that responsibility. She was lucky if she could take care of herself, much less own property. Nah, that was a bit too grown up for at this point in her life. She'd rather sit back and enjoy the new house without having to worry about deeds and legal jargon.
"Would you stop trying to read over my shoulder?" Willow asked, arching a brow as she glared at the grinning slayer.
"I'm not," Faith said honestly, "but it bugs you, doesn't it?"
"Eat, slayer," Willow said, rolling her eyes as Faith laughed.
"Eating isn't as much fun as bugging you, Red," Faith winked at Lorne who was watching them with amusement.
"Sugar bear, you'd better not push her," Lorne warned with a smile. "She might decide to not let you live in her new house."
"Whatever," Faith rolled her eyes, "Red loves me. She wouldn't leave me homeless."
"Want to bet?" Willow muttered as she went back to reading the forms she was signing.
"You know what?" Gunn asked after he finished his last bite.
"No I don't but I met someone named Who in jail," Faith said with a smirk. "Who's this what guy?"
"No more sugar for the slayer," Lorne decided, knowing that they shouldn't have let Faith eat the entire bag of chocolate she'd bought at the candy store next to the café where they had picked up their lunch. She was hyper enough without the added stimulant. And, at the moment, it looked like Gunn and Willow were both considering smacking her.
"No fair!" Faith whined, glaring at the demon. She reached over the table and pinched one of his horns softly before blowing him a raspberry. "You guys just aren't fun! I mean, we've found our dream house and we haven't even been in two forty-eight hours. Life is pretty damn good at the moment and I'm happy. I've got great friends with me and a new house that is out of this world and it's a great town and there's great food all over the place and people don't look at me with suspicion and hate!"
"Pouting doesn't become you, slayer," Willow said as her lips twisted into a slight smile. "We won't have that wonderful house if I don't get all these papers filled out."
"After that, can we have some fun?" Faith asked eagerly, wanting to go out and celebrate and dance and flirt. It had been forever since she'd been to a club, her mind flashing to her first few days in LA before she'd turned herself in and gone directly to jail without passing Go. It hadn't been that fun because she'd been alone. Now, she had friends. People that really did like her, that didn't judge her or think she was evil. She could be herself and know they'd still be there for her. It was the best that she could ever remember feeling.
"If you quit fidgeting and let me get this stuff finished, then, yes, we can go have some fun," Willow agreed.
"Woo hoo!" Faith beamed, doing a little dance in her chair as she looked at Gunn. "Hey, Chuck, what were you going to tell us?"
"I was going to tell you that I'm not going back to LA yet. I've decided to stay in New Orleans for awhile," he said, adding, "Someone needs to keep an eye on you girls, after all."
"Girls?" Lorne raised a brow as he glared at the black man.
"If the shoes fits," Gunn smirked, snickering as Lorne rolled his eyes though a smile crossed the demon's face.
"You just don't want to leave us," Faith sang to him, "you love us and you'd miss us and you want to live with us."
"Faith, shut up or I'll make you stay in tonight and watch the Discovery channel!" Willow warned as she turned a page in the stack of paperwork she had to read and sign.
"Fine, spoil all my fun, Red. You owe me," Faith said, smiling wickedly as she continued, "I'm thinking that I get to pick out your clothes tonight. Lots of skin and sexy Mama."
"If it gets you to shut up finally, then you can pick out my clothes," Willow groaned, glaring at the slayer. "But I get veto power!"
"Hot damn! A club with Chuck and Lorne and a hot sexy mama," Faith laughed as Willow glared at her again. "Fine, this is me shutting up!"
"Are you sure you want to stay?" Lorne asked Gunn with a smile.
He nodded, a slow smile crossing his face as he said,, "Yeah, I really do."
~Part: 12~
"Finished," Willow said in relief as she signed the last paper and handed the stack to Henry.
"It's about time," Faith said, having had to be quiet for nearly twenty minutes as the redhead had carefully read every single paper.
"I'll take everything to my office and start the process," Henry said with a smile. "I expect to have an answer by next week. If I hear anything soon, I'll let you know."
"Thanks for everything, Henry," Lorne said with a grateful smile as he shook the human's hand.
"So, tonight we celebrate?" Willow asked the group.
"I think that's the plan, Red," Gunn said. feeling good about his decision to remain in New Orleans for awhile. Of course, that meant he needed to call Angel and have the vampire send him some of his stuff. He was running out of clothes, knew that tomorrow would be laundry day. He'd already discussed it with Faith and Willow, making plans for a breakfast of beignets and then the wonderful task of doing laundry.
"And I get to choose your clothes," Faith gloated as she smiled at the redhead.
"I don't recall agreeing to that," Willow said innocently, looking at Lorne and Gunn. "Did either of you hear me say that Faith could choose my clothes?"
"I didn't hear anything, Cupcake," Lorne said with a wink at the redhead.
"Me either," Gunn smirked at the annoyed slayer. "Guess that chocolate messed with her head."
"Yeah, ha ha, real funny," Faith rolled her eyes before looking at Willow with fear, "You are joking, right? Cause the only reason I've been sitting here semi patiently is because I want to get you into something tight and sexy and short."
"I don't anything tight or sexy or short," Willow laughed as she gave in to Faith's worried expression, "but feel free to look through my clothes and find something that meets your approval. Oh God, what am I thinking? Letting Faith control my wardrobe?"
"It's okay, honey," Lorne said as he leaned over the table and patted the redhead's hand, "we all make mistakes sometimes in life."
"Again with the hardy har fucking har," Faith said, deciding that she'd repay Willow by making her wear something she'd never normally wear. She was thinking tight short shirt and leather skirt. She frowned as she realized the redhead was right. She didn't own anything except long flowy skirts and jeans and shirts that were usually a size too large. Okay, so the girl had gotten better taste through the years and actually wore clothes that fit now, there wasn't anything that tight or overtly sexy. Willow had a quiet sexiness that extended into her clothes. She smiled suddenly as another idea struck her, "I pass on choosing tonight! I want to reserve my opportunity to dress you for a later date."
"You want to reserve your opportunity?" Willow had to laugh, "You're nuts. But, sure, whatever. You can pick some other night. Guys, remind me not to leave the house ever again after tonight just in case Faith decides to use that as her selection time."
"I'm living with a bunch of comedians," Faith remarked dryly. She'd now have to try to save some money up to buy something sexy and tight and perfect to transform Willow into one sexy hot mama for an evening of clubbing and flirting and dancing. Faith liked having goals!
"Lorne, sorry to interrupt, but you received this at the front desk," Markine handed over an envelope to her old friend before leaving the room.
"What is it?" Willow asked, curious as to who had sent Lorne something.
"It appears to be an invitation," Lorne said as he read the fancy engraved card. "We've all been requested to attend a dinner tomorrow evening with the master of New Orleans."
"You're joking, right?" Faith asked, looking at the demon with dismay in her brown eyes.
"No, it would appear that it's serious," Lorne said thoughtfully. "A formal invitation, though I doubt there is much choice in the matter."
"Man, I'm not going to meet some master for dinner. Hell, we'd be probably be dinner," Gunn said, shaking his head. "Count me out."
"Charles, I don't think the master would request our presence for a meeting if he had plans to murder us," Lorne said. "I'm sure it's a formality of some sort. A lot of masters of larger cities like to know who is moving to their area. This guy is probably no different. That's the way they remain master, by knowing what is happening to their city."
"Can I see it?" Willow asked, taking the invitation. She read it and had to agree with Lorne, "It sounds pretty simple. He wants to meet us, to welcome us to his town. I figure he wants to make sure we're not going to be a threat. I mean, it isn't every day that a slayer moves to town. He wants to check out things and make sure you're not going to start going after his people."
"Where's the fun in that?" Faith asked, making a face. "How can I be feared if I'm meeting with the local master and letting him know that I only attack the idiots that are trying to kill people?"
"You'll still be feared, honey," Willow said with a slight smile. "I don't really think we have a choice. This invitation is nice and polite. If we refuse, well, he wouldn't have gotten to be a master if he didn't know how to play rough. I don't want enemies here."
"Me either," Faith agreed, sighing. "I guess we go tomorrow to meet this dude and check things out. Hey, wait, it said dinner?"
"Well, I'll go if you go," Gunn said though he wasn't happy at the idea of going to meet some dangerous vampire master. "But I'm not happy about it."
"He's set the meeting at a restaurant which is a public place," Willow said thoughtfully. "That makes me think that this isn't some big plan to try to kill us. I'm with Lorne on this. I think he probably just wants to check us out, see if we're a threat. Once he sees that we have no interest in fighting him unless he's trying to destroy the world or bring about Hell on Earth, well, he'll leave us alone which is a good thing."
"A very good thing," Faith agreed. "And, hey, dinner! That's definitely of the good."
"I suppose that we're all in agreement then?" Lorne asked as he watched them all nod. "Okay, then. I'll call the number and confirm our attendance tomorrow evening."
"While he takes care of that, I'm hitting the shower," Gunn said as he got up from the table. "When are we heading out for dinner and the club?"
"About eight?" Willow suggested.
"Sounds good," Faith said, "we can shower and change too."
"It's a plan," Gunn said as he left to go upstairs to his room.
"I'll make the call and see you girls at eight in the lobby," Lorne said as he followed Gunn upstairs.
"Want to go sit out in the courtyard?" Willow asked, not ready to go upstairs yet. It was a nice day despite the humidity and she felt like crashing and just enjoying it after having such a busy day.
"Sure," Faith agreed, picking up her soda and following the redhead out to the courtyard to kill time until they needed to get ready for the celebratory evening out with their friends.
~Part: 13~
"A turtleneck might not be a bad idea," Willow suggested with a smile. She was having a good day so far. They had gone out the previous night, finding a nice jazz club that had good music and lots of people. They'd just sat around talking for hours, dancing a bit, and having a good time. By the time they'd arrived back at their hotel, they'd been exhausted. Everyone had slept late, meeting for beignets and coffee at Cafe du Monde shortly before noon. After that, she, Faith and Gunn had done laundry. They really owed Markine a lot. The demon had put them in touch with Henry who had showed them their dream home, she was letting them have three rooms for a very cheap price, they had free access to the kitchen which, with Faith, was a monumental experience, and she let them use her laundry room for free. Yep, Willow was thinking she definitely deserved an invitation to the house warming party they were planning once they owned their new house.
"I don't have anything that screams out dinner with a vampire," Faith mumbled, looking at her clothes. "All I've got is stuff that screams out looking for a fuck, interested?"
"They aren't that bad!" Willow laughed, having to sort of agree with the slayer. Faith's clothing taste tended to run to tight and low cut. The term easy came to the redhead's mind. Of course, Buffy had also liked low cut and short skirts. Maybe it was a slayer thing.
"Leather is good, isn't it?" Faith asked, pulling out her favorite well worn pair of black leather pants. They fit her like a second skin and she looked damn good wearing them, but they were also good for impromptu slaying, just in case this master guy was a threat.
"Vampires appreciate leather," Willow nodded solemnly, "Angelus always liked it, at least. Spike wasn't a leather kind of guy, though. He was much more comfortable in worn denim and cotton. Jeans and a T-shirt all the way."
"Really?" Faith glanced at the redhead, stretching out the word as a thoughtful look crossed her pretty face. She felt like playing with Willow for a bit, knowing exactly what to say to get some teasing going.
"Why do you say it like that?" Willow asked, arching a brow as she looked at the slayer.
"Like what?" Faith said innocently, her lips curving into a slight smile at Willow's defensive tone.
"I happened to notice that he liked to wear jeans and plain shirts," Willow said with a frown at the slayer. "I also happened to notice that Angelus always wore tight leather and silk shirts. I didn't hear you saying anything about *that*."
"Red, I didn't say anything at all," Faith gloated, loving how she could get a reaction from Willow with just one word.
"It's never what you say, it's how you say it," Willow grumbled, not liking the speculative look on Faith's face. "What did you mean by really?"
"I just found it odd how your voice softened when you started talking about your favorite bleached blond souled vamp," Faith said with a smile. She lowered her voice and batted her eyes as she breathily repeated, "Spike is more of a jeans and T-shirt kind of vamp."
"Whatever. I so didn't say it like that," Willow rolled her eyes, "Spike is a friend of mine. My voice did not soften. And he's the only bleached blond vampire we know, souled or otherwise, so his being my favorite isn't much of a challenge."
"Okay, fine," Faith turned back to her bag, almost laughing at Willow's reaction. She'd had suspicions that the redhead had a bit of a crush on the vampire as far back as when she had first arrived in Sunnydale. When she had come back recently, finding Spike working with them, well, her suspicions had come back as she had watched Willow around the blond. It was all subtle little things that probably meant nothing, but it sure was fun to tease Red. She loved getting a reaction out of her friend, but it wasn't very easy to do. It looked like she had picked the perfect topic, making a note to remember that Willow was defensive when it came to Spike. Interesting.
"He's my friend, Faith," Willow said even though she knew the words were rather weak. She'd had a crush on Spike since she had looked into his eyes that Halloween night so many years ago. She didn't even hold the disgusting Buffy sex thing against him, having decided that everyone deserves a moment of stupidity in their lives. But, it had been a silly little crush that had pretty much faded over the years. They'd actually become friends and she'd much rather have him as a friend than a crush. He really wasn't that bad of a guy once you got to know him. Of course, he'd left with a see ya around and that had been that. She just didn't want Faith to get the wrong idea, knowing she'd never hear the end of the teasing if the slayer found out she had once had a crush on the handsome vampire. She added, "just the same as you or Angel or Lorne."
"You wanted him, Red," Faith gave Willow a pointed look. "Look me in the eyes and deny it and I'll forget I even mentioned it."
"I can't deny that, at one time many many years ago, I had a bit of a crush," Willow finally admitted, "but it was a long time ago and it never meant anything. I mean, I had a crush on Angel and Xander, too. I'm just a crush having kind of girl."
"I knew it," Faith smiled in triumph, "I knew you wanted Blondie. Man, I surprise myself with how good I am!"
"You're impossible!" Willow groaned, rolling her eyes.
"Yeah, but you love me anyway. Don't worry, Red. I just wanted you to tell me the truth, cause I doubt you ever mentioned it to Slutty and I wanted to know something she never knew," Faith said with a wink. "It's already forgotten."
"Really?" this time it was Willow's turn to question the slayer. She smiled slightly as she said, "Well, just to make sure we're even, why don't you tell me about one of yours."
"Mine?" Faith's eyes widened slightly before she glared at the redhead. "Fine, I wanted to fuck Fang at one point in time, many years ago I might add. Now, we're even. We both wanted to do the nasty with our favorite souled vamps. Hell, I'll go you one even worse than Fang. I wanted Wesley not three months ago. Damn, that man got hot! The whole rough thing so works for him. Red, you better not say a word. Don't tell anyone or I'll..."
"Or you'll what?" Willow taunted, having always been a bit suspicious of Faith's feelings for Angel. She couldn't blame the slayer. As she had admitted, she'd once had a crush on the dark haired vampire herself. She thought it was rather cute that Faith had felt the same way at one point. But Wesley? Okay, so maybe Faith was a bit right in her observations. The prissy watcher had certainly changed over the years, but it was a bit amusing to think that Faith had been interested. That was something she could always use if the slayer tried to tease her about her passing crush on Spike.
"I'll tickle you until you pee your pants," Faith finished as she pounced on the unsuspecting redhead, grabbing the laughing redhead as she decided it would be better for both of them to forget that this conversation had ever taken place. Dressing for dinner could wait. Right now, she had a witch to tickle.
~Part: 14~
Faith decided on the leather pants and a red shirt that was probably too tight for a formal meeting with a master, but she could plead ignorance since she wasn't accustomed to dining with master vampires that she didn't know. Willow was wearing some long flowing skirt that had little flowers on it paired with a simply white shirt. The skirt concealed her long legs but it accentuated the girl's slim waist. The shirt, Faith was proud to see, actually fit the redhead rather well, molding curves that most of her clothes hid completely. Faith wasn't pleased with the skirt, but decided it was good enough for some stupid vampire. She looked up when she heard someone enter the lobby, letting out a whistle when she saw Lorne and Gunn. "Wow, guys, you clean up nice."
"Shut up, Slayer," Gunn said, rolling his eyes at her mock leer. He glanced at her, having to say, "Hope you didn't get so dressed up for us."
"Chuck, GQ works on you better if you keep your mouth shut," Faith said sweetly, her eyes moving over the dark gray slacks and black sweater that Gunn was wearing. She'd never seen him out of jeans and a shirt and had to admit that he wasn't that bad looking, at least, until he opened his mouth and ruined the whole image.
"I think you look adorable, Sweetness," Lorne told Faith as he winked at her. He knew the slayer wasn't very into attending this meeting, had probably worn a hole in the carpet with her pacing, and was more nervous than she wanted to admit at willingly going to a meeting set up by a master vampire. He looked at Willow, smiling as he looked at her, "You look beautiful, Cupcake."
"I love that shade of red on you," Willow told the demon as she admired his suit, laughing as he waved away her compliment. She glanced at Faith then whispered loudly to Lorne, "Faith hates my skirt."
"I never said that," Faith defended, though she had to smile.
"You grimaced when you saw it," Willow said dryly. "I'm sure it's not short enough or tight enough for you, but I like it!"
"And that's all that matters, Red," Gunn said, grinning at the slayer who was glaring at them both. "I think it looks smashing."
"Smashing?" Faith repeated, making a face. "I never said I didn't like it. It looks good on you. Of course, most things look good on you, even the baggy old skirts."
"See?" Willow beamed in triumph, winking at Lorne before telling Faith, "it's not very old and it's not baggy. It's just long and comfortable. Plus, I can run pretty fast when wearing it, just in case this master guy is all evil and nasty."
"I think I'm liking it better," Faith smiled, glad that she wasn't the only one with reservations about this meeting. And the skirt was better than the fuzzy sweaters the redhead used to wear.
"I believe that we will all need to be on alert tonight," Lorne admitted, having not been able to get any clues about this master from Markine or from the short phone conversation he'd had with an annoying woman when he'd called to RSVP the day before. "I haven't heard anything to give me an idea that this is anything other than just a meeting, but it doesn't hurt to be cautious."
"I agree," Willow nodded, "I mean, can you see Angelus sending out dinner invitations to a slayer and a demon if they moved to town? I'm thinking this guy is either planning something or he's not like any master we've ever met."
"Hey, I survived a fight with the Beast, barely, and Angelus, and I really doubt this dude would be as bad as that," Faith said, trying for confidence. She was rewarded by a smile from Willow and a nod from the guys. She was glad that they trusted her, believed she could take this guy if he was a threat or die trying. And she would. She'd do anything for her friends, even face some psychotic vampire. Hopefully, it would turn out like Willow and Lorne thought, and it would just be a simple meeting to reassure this master guy that they weren't planning on starting any fights with his family.
"We can take care of ourselves if he wants to play," Gunn said with a defiant glint in his eyes.
"Well, we'll never know if we keep standing here and talking about it," Willow declared with a smile.
"Yeah, we should go ahead and leave," Lorne said as he glanced at his watch. "We've got less than half an hour and I'm not sure where this café is located exactly."
"We don't want to be late," Faith decided, knowing it sounded stupid but she wanted to make a good impression on the chance that this master guy was harmless. Wouldn't be smart to offend him or make an enemy out of him if that wasn't his intention.
"I think I remember passing it on our way to breakfast this morning," Gunn said. "It's on Decatur, right?"
"Yes," Lorne nodded as he glanced at the address he had been given the previous night. "Luc Pierre's Café. It does sound familiar, now that you mention it."
"That's such a pretentious name for a restaurant," Faith decided. "Probably a fortune for a small plate with hardly any food. I hate overpriced snotty places like that."
"Or maybe it's just the owner's name and it's lots of food for small prices," Willow said with a laugh. "Again, we won't know if we keep standing here putting off leaving."
"C'mon, Red," Gunn offered Willow his arm, giving her a wink as she took it, "I really don't want to be around the slayer if she finds out there isn't enough food on her plate."
"Ha ha ha," Faith snorted as smiled at Lorne, taking his arm as they followed Willow and Gunn outside in the warm night air.
"If we like this master guy, we'll just be sure to whisper to him that the best way to keep Faith happy is to feed her well," Willow said with a wink at Faith before giggling.
"I'm so glad that my friends find me so amusing," Faith groaned as she listened to her friends laughing at her expense, finally giving in and joining them as they made their way to their meeting with the master of New Orleans.
~Part: 15~
Spike was ready to leave. He'd been in Houston for several days, setting a bit of a record. He wasn't having a bad time, finding the spare room a nice change from sleeping on a sofa or in his car. He wasn't even tired of his friends, yet, finding that he actually liked spending time with them in small doses. In more than small doses, well, then Houston seemed to become his own private Hell. So, small doses it had been since his arrival. He'd relaxed, spent time sleeping and drinking and just having some fun. He'd forgotten how to have fun over the last few years. He was becoming an expert at pool, knowing he could now probably beat the pants of Angelus at the one human sport his sire had enjoyed playing. He just knew that it was about time to leave. He was already starting to feel restless, looking at his car and checking maps. New Orleans was his next destination, maybe the place he'd finally settle down. It had felt right, somehow, since he'd decided to go to the port city.
He wouldn't be leaving until after the weekend. There were some things planned for this weekend, a party or two, and a program that he wanted to watch on the telly Sunday evening. Monday, perhaps, he'd go ahead and leave. He was getting tired of not having somewhere to call home. He was also getting tired of being alone. He'd never been a loner, staying with Drusilla for years not only because he had been devoted to his true sire, but because he hadn't wanted to be alone. Hell, he'd shagged that brainless twit Harmony just to have someone around, though that had to be the most desperate he'd ever been. Thinking about Buffy, he amended that thought. Slayer first, then Harmony. At least there had been some sort of reasonable explanation for having Harmony around. She'd had minions he'd been able to use. There was no real explanation for his feelings for the slayer. That had just been temporary insanity on his part. It was the only thing he'd accept.
"You still planning on going to New Orleans?"
Spike was brought from his thoughts as he looked at the Hiruton demon that he'd met at the bar a few days earlier. They'd shared a beer or two and a game of pool. He nodded, "Yeah, mate. What of it?"
"Well, I just wanted to tell you, give you a warning," Benny smiled at the vampire, "You'll have to know, New Orleans is a bit *different*."
"Different how?" Spike asked, curious despite himself.
"The master there is weird," Benny made a gesture beside his head to indicate crazy. "He's got all these rules you've got to abide by or he don't let you stay in his town."
"Rules?" Spike frowned, not at all sure he wanted to deal with some nutter that had rules. "What sort of rules?"
"You've got to check in with him within twenty-four hours of arrival or he finds you, which isn't a very good thing if you were aware that you should have checked in and just didn't," Benny ticked off a finger, "there's no feeding on tourists and that sort of thing."
"Doesn't sound all that bad," Spike decided, knowing there was no problem with him feeding on tourists or anyone for that matter.
"Just giving you a warning. It's not like your normal town. A nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there," Benny shuddered at the thought of living with so many restrictions and rules.
"Well, I'm just planning a visit," Spike said, making a mental note to find the master and check in as suggested. He didn't like the idea of being found and brought in to face a disapproving bastard. Maybe staying in New Orleans wasn't such a good idea after all. He'd have to wait and see. He didn't know Benny all that well so the demon could just be overreacting.
"It's a great place to visit," Benny nodded enthusiastically, "all sorts of fun to be had. Smells of magic and death, lots of your kind hanging around. They've got these clubs where you can feed on willing humans, no drugs or forcing at all. Just a bunch of mindless college kids mostly that get turned on from the bite. Bunch of nuts in that town. I can walk around looking like this and hardly get any second glances. Tourists everywhere. Nope, I couldn't live there, but it's nice for a vacation."
"Sounds lovely," Spike said dryly, wanting to go back to his game.
"Yeah, well, wait until you hear all the damn rules," Benny muttered, "takes all the fun out of it, but what can you do? You obey them and be glad you're alive. Just thought I'd let you know to check in and all, figured you didn't know about that since he's one of the masters that insists on the formality."
"I thank you for the information," Spike said as he lined up his shot and moved, hitting the red ball into the corner pocket before looking back at Benny. "Was there something else?"
"Hmm?" Benny shook his head, knowing that the blond vampire before him had his soul but finding him just as frightening as if he hadn't. Plus, he'd heard that Spike had no problems fighting demons that annoyed him or that he decided were evil and needed to die, having quite a legendary reputation as a ruthless demon hunter amongst the demon world. Spike might be souled, but he was still powerful and scary. He elaborated, "Nope, nothing. I'll just let you get back to your game."
"See ya," Spike said as he turned his attention back to his game, deciding to ask around a bit to find out more about this rule making master of New Orleans before he left Houston. It didn't change his plans to go to the city, but it was always best to be prepared. He took another shot, smiling slightly as he won yet another game. Yeah, life was steadily improving.
~Part: 16~
"I guess this is it," Gunn said as he looked into the window, seeing what appeared to be a normal restaurant.
"Doesn't look all that scary," Faith decided, shrugging as she said, "let's go in and meet ourselves a master."
Gunn opened the door, holding it for his three friends before following them inside. He looked around, seeing humans and a couple of demons. Okay, so it wasn't that normal. That actually made him feel a bit relieved to see that it was, indeed, a mixed establishment. This was what he had anticipated. He relaxed slightly as he watched Lorne go to the hostess.
"Yes, hello, I'm meeting someone here but I don't know the name," Lorne explained, feeling a bit stupid for not even knowing the master's name, and hoping that this cute little blonde girl would know who he was.
"Lorne, right?" the girl asked with a smile. "I'm Becky and I'll be seating you today. There should be four, and, it looks like there are. Follow me, please."
"Isn't she just perky?" Willow whispered to Faith, causing the slayer to laugh.
"I'm Faith and I'm going to be slaying you today….think it would work?" Faith asked, having imitated the woman's perky voice and causing Willow to laugh this time.
"Would you two try acting like the adults you are supposed to be?" Lorne asked, glaring at them as he listened to them giggle behind him like a couple of kids.
"Sorry, Daddy," two overly innocent voices called out before two tongues were stuck out at his back.
"I saw that," he warned, rolling his eyes at Gunn as he said, "Girls!"
"Hey, now, that was so a chauvinistic comment, Buster," Faith said, slapping the demon's shoulder. Lorne lurched forward at the force of her easy blow, running into the hostess.
"I'm sorry, Hon," Lorne apologized as he straightened up, about to glare at Faith when he found himself looking into gray eyes. Amused gray eyes. His eyes moved over the man that was seated at the booth, gulping as he took in the black hair that fell past his shoulders, past his broad shoulders. Goodness, was it warm in here?
"I'm sorry, Lorne, I forgot," Faith moved to the demon's side, her eyes sincere as she rubbed his shoulder. She saw him staring in front of him and followed his gaze. Hot damn! Her eyes widened as she took in the tasty morsel that was watching them with amusement. With a smile, she said, "Hey there, good looking, the name's Faith."
Black brows arched as full lips twisted into a smile. A husky laugh came from between his lips as he said, "Ah, the slayer. Brash, beautiful, and unaware of her own strength, I see."
"Brash? Is that a good thing? Cause, if it's not, I can so take your ass," Faith warned, not sure if she liked the fact that the master of New Orleans thought she was beautiful and also not sure if she liked the fact that he seemed more amused than threatened.
He laughed, "Sassy. I like that. My name is Basilio, and I believe that you're my guests for the evening. Please, have a seat."
"Faith, honey, quit flirting with the could be evil sexy master vampire," Willow said dryly as she moved beside Faith. She looked at the gorgeous vampire and had to fight the urge to sigh. He was a total hottie. His eyes were a shade she'd never seen, as gray as a sky during a storm. His hair was dark black and long. His complexion pale, but dark. Italian maybe or Spanish. She couldn't place the origin of the name he had used, but she knew it was European. He had a slight accent, and a very nice laugh. And, from looking into his eyes, he was no more a threat than Xander. She gave him a smile, introducing herself, "I'm Willow. It's nice to meet you, Basilio."
He looked at the beautiful redhead, surprised to see such maturity in her green eyes when she appeared to be so young. She had seen too much of life, he realized. Seen the darkness, embraced it, and moved on. She was surrounded by power, even stronger than the slayer. She smelled of magic and sweetness, of strength and purity. He got to his feet, taking her hand across the table and brushing his lips against it, "Please call me Lio, Bella. It is what my friends call me."
"Lio," Willow repeated with a smile, blushing slightly as he kissed her hand. She'd seen that done in movies but never expected to experience it. He'd also called her Bella. If her memory served her correctly, that was Italian for beautiful. She guessed that meant he was Italian before he had been turned.
"My name's Gunn, and don't even think about kissing my hand, buddy," Gunn said, giving the vampire a narrowed eye look. He wasn't very trusting when it came to vampires, and this guy looked like something out of some movie or book. He was dressed in a white poet shirt and black leather pants. Definitely out of some stupid movie. What was with the clothes? It wasn't Halloween but they definitely seemed like a costume. Gunn was curious but not enough to let his guard down yet.
"I wouldn't dare consider it, Mr. Gunn," Basilio glanced at the black man with amusement. He didn't trust him, he realized. Looking this odd group over, he found himself wondering about them. He had not done any research, preferring to find out for himself rather than look at words on paper. Now, he found himself wishing that he had taken some time to find out about them. He was curious what brought a demon, a slayer, a witch and a hunter together in what appeared to be a family type of relationship. He had seen many things in his five centuries but nothing like this. He found himself looking back at the demon that had first approached his table, a slow smile crossing his face as he looked him over. "I suppose that makes you Lorne."
"Yeah, that's me," Lorne said, knowing that he would have been blushing if it were possible. Had the master of New Orleans just given him a once over? Judging from the smile on the man's too handsome face, he must have passed inspection. It was definitely too warm in here.
Willow's eyes widened slightly as she watched the exchange between Lorne and Lio. Okay, she so hadn't missed that once over nor did she miss the pleased smile. She elbowed Faith, nodding at the two to see if her friend had noticed. Faith rolled her eyes, leaning over to whisper very quietly into her ear.
Faith whined, "Why are most the really good looking ones gay?"
~Part: 17~
Lio heard the slayer's comment, looking down to conceal his laugh. He took his seat before looking back at them and motioning for them to sit down, "Please, sit. We can order our dinner and have a nice little chat."
"Dinner sounds great," Faith said, deciding that she wouldn't have been interested even if the guy had been straight and finding it a relief that the little hand kiss thing with Willow hadn't meant anything. Besides, Lorne deserved a gorgeous guy and this man was definitely a major league hunk. He was also very powerful, her slayer senses on full alert since she'd first seen him. But, he didn't appear to be threatening and he'd mentioned food so she happily slid into the booth to sit beside him.
Willow moved to slide into the other side, knowing that Gunn wouldn't be able to relax and enjoy his meal if he was stuck beside the vampire. He slid in beside her leaving Lorne to sit beside Faith. She picked up the menu, glad to see normal food on the menu as well as some more fancy stuff. She was pretty hungry, having not eaten lunch, but didn't want to eat too much. She decided on a hamburger with cheese and fries, frowning as she contemplated adding a salad to her order.
"Why are you frowning at the menu, Bella? Has it insulted you?" Lio asked, having decided to not scare Lorne by appearing too interested, though he was finding himself just that. He'd turned his attention to the pretty little redhead that had such intelligence and knowledge in her green eyes. He found himself intrigued by her, a bit more than the others.
"No, silly," Willow had to giggle, looking at him as if he were crazy. "I'm trying to decide if I want a salad or not."
"The salads here are delicious. I definitely recommend having one," Lio said with a smile.
"You eat salad?" Faith asked with interest as she looked up from her menu.
"Yes, I do, Sassy," Lio explained to the slayer, "I enjoy the taste of your human food."
"More than the taste of humans?" she asked, giving him a look that gave him no doubt that she hadn't forgotten for once minute that he was a vampire. She also wasn't too sure she liked his nickname for her. She'd only known ten minutes. What gave him the right to give her a nickname? And he had given Willow one, too. Bella. He purred it when he'd said, causing Faith to be even more cautious of him. So he seemed to be interested in Lorne in a non-friendly way, that didn't mean he couldn't decide he also wanted her best friend.
"I rarely feed on humans," Lio shrugged, "after five centuries, you learn to control the hunger and thirst. I've actually not killed a human in half a century, for food or other purposes. I find you humans amusing. I do not kill nor do I become involved with them." He lowered his voice as he moved his mouth to her ear, whispering softly, "That is what you fear, is it not, Sassy? That I have romantic designs on Bella? While I find her truly beautiful and intriguing, I do not take human lovers and have not in well over two centuries. Besides, I've always had a fondness for green."
"Oh," Faith watched him wink at her as his eyes moved to Lorne before he turned his attention back to Willow who had been watching with curiosity. Faith realized that she had just put in her place. Instead of being angry, she felt a smile cross her face. He'd not only confirmed his interest in Lorne but he'd confirmed that he wouldn't hurt Willow. And he didn't kill humans. That was a bit weird, but she believed him. She had to laugh, "Lio, I think you and I are going to get along just fine. What's good here? I'm starving."
"Lio, man, don't answer that," Gunn said, rolling his eyes. It seemed that Willow and Faith both trusted this master guy and he trusted them completely. If Lio was good for them, Gunn could deal with him. Besides, after working with Angel, he was used to dealing with pretty boy vamps. "That tiny little girl can out eat me!"
"Don't listen to Chuck," Faith said, shooting a glare at Gunn before smiling sweetly, "he's just jealous because I'm stronger than he is and he knows I could kick his ass with one hand tied behind my back."
"While that might be true," Gunn said, "the girl can eat!"
"Charles, quit teasing Faith," Lorne spoke up, finally getting out of his daze. He had to have misinterpreted the look that Basilio had given him, knowing he was just being silly. He looked at Faith and said, "Sugar Bear, if he says one more thing about your eating habits, you have my permission to knock him on his cute ass."
"Dude, don't do that," Gunn groaned, laughing at Lorne, "I've told you before not to talk about my ass. I could get a complex or something."
"It is a nice ass, Gunn," Willow said seriously, though her eyes were amused as she patted his arm. "We've all discussed it before and decided that it is truly one of the best asses we've ever seen. Nice and tight and firm."
"Ah, stop it!" Gunn covered his ears, shaking his head. "Lorne, make Red stop!"
"Can't handle a compliment, Chuck?" Faith asked, laughing as the black man started to hum rather than listen to them.
"You girls are like my kid sisters," Gunn said, glaring at Willow and Faith. "I so don't want to hear you talking about my ass! It's like incest or something. And you," he pointed at Lorne, eyes narrowing, "you're supposed to be like the father figure or something. Besides that, you know I'm cool with you swinging that way and all, but it gives the macho side of me a bit of the heebie jeebies to hear you talking about my ass."
"Of course," Lorne snickered, "I am sorry. I'll never speak about your ass again, Muffin."
Basilio had watched the entire exchange with amusement, finding himself liking this group more and more as he got to know them. Despite the subject at hand, there was nothing but caring between the four. He had earlier thought that they seemed like a family, now he had proof that they functioned as such. He watched as Gunn smiled, accepting Lorne's apology. He was also rather happy to hear the news that Lorne, indeed, did share his own preference for sexual partners. He was interested in getting to know the demon more, having been attracted at first sight, and it now seemed much more likely that it might be possible.
"Sorry about that," Willow smiled at the vampire, not believing that only half an hour ago they'd all been scared to even come meet him. Now, she couldn't believe how they'd acted. Well, she did believe it, actually. They were used to dealing with the Hellmouth and the demons of LA, so suspicion and the whole worst case scenario was pretty much part of their life. She was relieved that this time they'd been worried for no reason. Basilio was charming and gorgeous and seemed to have no ulterior motives. He must have just wanted to make sure they weren't a threat. She continued, "We're a bit silly at times, but we've earned it."
"I'm sure you have, Bella," Lio smiled as he saw the flash in her eyes, knowing somehow that they had all probably earned a lot more than the right to be silly once in awhile. He saw the waitress approaching and sat back, ready to place his order and then continue to observe the newest additions to his city.
~Part: 18~
Willow laughed as Lorne finished his story, shaking her head before she took another drink of soda. She couldn't believe that they had been eating for over two hours. Well, not really eating. Mostly sitting around and talking and having a good time. Basilio was excellent company, charming and attractive and intelligent. He had kept them entertained with stories from his past, as well as letting them know how he ran the town. It was amazing how in control he was as Master. There was an entire network set up in New Orleans. He had told them that he had rules and guidelines for the demons that lived in or visited his city. It appeared that visitors had twenty-four hours to check in and state their reason for being in the city. Everything was documented and put into a database that kept records of the comings and goings of all visitors to the area. If a demon failed to report within the twenty-four hour period, someone was sent to collect them. At that time, it was decided if they had not been aware of the rules or if they had willingly chosen to disobey them. If it was the former, all was forgiven and explained. If it was the latter, the true nature of their purpose in New Orleans was determined. If it was proven to be of a not so nice nature, they were given the choice of leaving or dying.
She couldn't ever imagine any of the vampires that she had met running a city in such a way. Of course, as Lio had explained, New Orleans was a tourist spot. They had thousands of tourists a day and it would be all too easy for someone to disappear. That had been the case not fifty years before, when Lio had not yet moved to the city and become master. Deaths had been frequent and the streets had been unsafe. Lio had confessed that it had taken him several decades before his system was actually put into place, before he had people he trusted to make sure it ran smoothly, and it had only been the last decade or so that things had finally come together. Now, the city was under complete control. Lio could print a list of every demon and the location of where they were staying within five minutes. The world knew what to expect if they visited this city, causing the bad element to avoid it. Probably making them go to Sunnydale, Willow thought with a smile, knowing that they rarely got the good element in her hometown. Of course, New Orleans wasn't a Hellmouth so that might be one difference.
"How does she eat so much?" Lio whispered to Willow, his eyes on the many empty plates that covered the table in front of Faith. He'd believed them to be joking earlier when they had mentioned the slayer's appetite. Now, though, he couldn't argue that the small girl had eaten much more than anyone else at the table. He wondered if it was a slayer thing, maybe. He'd never really met a slayer in all his years, though he had heard stories of them. Never had he heard about their need to eat everything in their line of vision.
"She works it off when she's slaying," Willow explained, finding it amusing that he was looking at Faith with a bit of wonder in his eyes. "And she's also making up for being in jail. Jail food sucks so she wasn't too into the eating thing for a couple years."
"Jail?" Lio looked at Willow in surprise. He had not heard of a slayer being in jail.
"I killed a guy," Faith said softly, her eyes clouding as she frowned at her plate. "He was an innocent human. Wrong place, wrong time. I thought he was a vamp and staked him. I turned myself in finally, did my time. I now look before I stake."
"I'm sorry," Lio said quietly, watching as she shook her head, smiling at him as she shrugged.
"Not a problem. Made me grow up, figure out what I really wanted," Faith smiled. "Dealt with it a long time ago. Can't change what happened so there's no use worrying about it. Man, I think I want another slice of cake. That was delicious."
"I killed a man, too," Willow told Lio, believing that it was only fair that they were honest with him. "He wasn't an innocent, though. He was a raping murdering little bastard that deserved everything that I did to him."
"What exactly did you do?" Lio asked, truly shocked that this intelligent and beautiful girl had killed a human. Faith was a surprise but she was a slayer. Slayers were murderers, even if their prey were demons and vampires. Willow, though, seemed so pure but it explained the maturity in her eyes. Things began to make a bit more sense to him when he realized that she had killed.
"I tortured him a bit and then skinned him," Willow said matter of factly as if she had been discussing the weather. She saw Lio's eyes widen in surprise and sighed, "He wasn't a nice person. He killed my lover and nearly killed Buffy, one of my best friends, not to mention who knows what else. I'm not sorry that I killed him. I regret that I allowed myself to lose control the way that I did, that I risked my friends' lives and pretty much nearly destroyed the world, but I'm not sorry that Warren died. I'm okay now, so you don't have to worry about me. I'm completely in control and would never repeat that mistake."
"Damn, if we're confessing our past, I guess I have to let you know that I killed a guy too," Gunn muttered, making a face. "Did it to save my girl and ended up losing her to the man I considered my best friend. God, do we sound enough like some cheesy soap opera?"
"Well," Lorne smiled, deciding to lighten the mood, "we did have the amnesia victim, AKA Cordelia, and the sudden infant growth syndrome ala Conner's visit to another universe."
"You even had the son doing his Dad's girlfriend with that whole gross mess that was Conner and Cordelia and Angel," Faith said, her eyes lit with amusement.
"Don't forget the baby and the possession," Gunn spoke up, shuddering as he made gagging noises.
"Oh, and as much I'd like to forget it, there is the whole Buffy doing Spike thing which is like she was screwing her former lover's grandson in a way which is just gross," Willow made a face, still finding the idea of Buffy and Spike having sex one of the most disgusting things she'd ever had to think about. It just made no sense to her, and it pissed her off that her best friend could use the blond vampire that had been so devoted to her in such a way. Of course, Buffy had always been a selfish bitch so maybe it wasn't all that surprising.
"Eeew," Faith made a face, having heard about that from the redhead. "He could do so much better than that slutty bitch."
"Hey now. That slutty bitch is one of my best friends," Willow defended with a wink. "But, yes, he could have done much better than Buffy or his little drunken encounter with Anya."
"He did Anya too?" Faith's mouth dropped open, having not known about that.
"He never did me, never even tried to do me," Willow said thoughtfully with a frown before she realized how irritated she sounded at the idea that Spike hadn't tried to have sex with her. "I mean, not that I wanted him to do me or anything. Nope, not this girl. Friends is good. Okay, moving on, yeah, he did Anya after Buffy decided to stop using him for sex. It was once and they both seemed to regret it, but it still counts as something else to add to the soap opera that was our lives!"
"Well, we can't forget Robin and his dead Mom and the whole 'you killed my mother prepare to die' crap he kept giving Spike," Faith mentioned, deciding not to gloat at Willow's slip about Spike.
"And we thought our lives were normal!" Willow laughed, rolling her lives. "We so deserve a nice drama free life! No more soap operas."
"Yeah, maybe we can aim for sitcom lives," Gunn added, having to laugh.
"We needed out of California," Faith decided as she licked her finger and ran it over her plate to pick up any spare crumbs. The cake was great and she knew she needed another slice.
"I can certainly see why you were so eager to move here," Lio said with a smile, deciding that he was better off not understanding most of what they had been talking about. Needless to say, it sounded like they had all needed to get away from that ridiculous drama and start over. He had to admit, after getting to know them all a little better, he was glad that they had chosen New Orleans.
~Part: 19~
Faith smiled at Lio, saying, "We might not be 500 years old but we have our own stories!"
"It does sound like it," he smiled back, finding it slightly odd that he liked the slayer. She was confident and arrogant and powerful but also vulnerable in a way that he found interesting. She cared about her friends as if they were part of her, something that he admired greatly. He liked to surround himself with friends and people that he trusted and cared about. It was the only thing that made the eternity worth living. He considered his friends his family and would do anything for any one of them. He had found a kindred spirit in the slayer in that regard. Actually, in all of them. Their loyalty to each other was evident, just as was their affection for each other. Their enthusiasm and happiness was infectious. And, from the sounds of what they had all dealt with in their pasts, they deserved to be happy.
"Lio, my man, can I ask you something that's been bugging me since we sat down?" Gunn asked.
"What would that be, Charles?" Lio asked.
"What's up with your clothes?" Gunn asked, deciding not to bother correcting the vampire yet again about calling him Gunn instead of Charles. "I mean, is it part of your whole master vampire thing or was everything else dirty?"
"My clothes?" Lio looked down, having to laugh as he realized what Gunn meant. "I'm in costume."
"Costume? For what?" Willow asked, having also been a bit curious as to why Lio was dressed in such a stereotypical vampire way.
"My job," Lio replied with a laugh. "I knew I wouldn't have time to change after dinner so I dressed for work. Actually, I insist that you four join me!"
"Work?" Faith looked at him in surprise. "You work?"
"Not for money, Sassy," Lio laughed, "but for enjoyment."
"What is it you do?" Lorne asked, flustered as the vampire shot him what could only be considered a flirty smile.
"I conduct a tour one or two nights a week," Lio said with a smile, "thus, the elaborate costume. I even have a cape that I wear most nights."
"A tour?" Willow leaned forward with interest. "What kind of tour?"
"A vampire tour, Bella," Lio winked. "The tourists have no idea they're being led around by the master vampire of New Orleans, which makes it even more entertaining!"
"You're too much!" Faith laughed, rolling her eyes.
"As I said, you must join me for tonight's tour. It doesn't start until ten, but I promise that you'll enjoy it," Lio said.
"Of course we'll go," Willow said, finding the idea just too amusing. Only Lio would find conducting vampire tours for tourists amusing! He was definitely unlike any other master she'd ever met and probably ever would. She really liked him and hoped that he would become part of their circle of friends in their new city.
"I'm so pleased," Lio smiled at the pretty redhead. He had been considering something since shortly after they had met, a solution to his biggest problem sitting right beside him. It seemed a perfect idea, and would not only help her but would improve his life greatly. It had been two months of stress and worry. Looking into her green eyes, he knew somehow that she was the answer to his prayers.
"You really conduct a vampire tour?" Lorne looked at Lio, having to laugh.
"Yes. I have for the last few years," Lio elaborated, drawn from his thoughts about Willow to look at the green demon that was laughing at him. "It's entertaining. I adore humans, find them entertaining and this is a great way to meet many interesting people."
"Don't say that too loud, Vampy," Faith warned, "I wouldn't think it would be good for your image if it was known that you liked humans."
"Too late, slayer," Lio laughed, "it's rather public knowledge. Besides, most of my family share my beliefs. If they don't, they accept them and deal. Over the years, they've learned that they don't live very long if they try to test me."
"Well, I for one am glad you like us," Willow smiled at him, glad that they met him. He was different and entertaining and just fun.
"Actually, Bella, there was something I was wanting to talk to you about. After dinner, perhaps on the way to the group?" Basilio questionned.
"You want to talk to me?" Willow looked at him in surprise but curiosity. "What about?"
"A job offer," he smiled, knowing he had her hooked when she leaned forward, her green eyes shining with interest.
"You want me to work for you?" Willow was curious, not wanting to wait to find out what he meant. "On the tour or what?"
"No, actually I need a new personal assistant," Lio explained, "my former assistant had been with me for twenty years before he decided to get married and move to Montana. Since he left, I've been driven crazy with temps. I need someone that I can trust that can get things done without being afraid of dealing with demons and vampires. I think you'd be perfect, if you're interested."
"A personal assistant? Me?" Willow felt a smile cross her face, liking the idea of being trusted by the master of New Orleans. Also, being his assistant would keep them in the loop as well as let them know what was happening in the city. "I'm very interested."
"We will discuss the details after the tour is completed this evening," Lio decided, please at her enthusiastic response. He had known as soon as he had spent an hour talking to Willow that she would make an excellent replacement for Mike. He would be able to relax and not worry about everything falling apart if she was in control of his affairs.
"I rather like the idea of you working with Lio," Faith told Willow, not sure when she had first heard him mention it if it was a good idea or not. Now, thinking about it, it made a lot of sense. Willow would be great in such a role of authority and they'd be aware of the comings and goings of every demon in town. It would make slaying a lot easier and would keep them out of the dark.
"Maybe I can talk to that lady you were supposed to meet on Monday," Gunn suggested, shrugging when they looked at him, "what? If I'm planning on staying here awhile, I could use a job. Get some money coming in, that sort of thing. Besides, it would let me help out at the club at night as well as being free for patrols and stuff."
"I think it's a good idea," Willow said, feeling a bit guilty for having not even remembered that she was supposed to go for an interview on Monday. She'd been so excited about working with Lio and being important to running the town that she hadn't even thought about anything else. She liked helping fight evil, enjoyed working with Buffy to keep Sunnydale safe. Now, it looked like she'd have a chance to keep New Orleans safe in a major way besides just slaying, which was something she'd never imagined happening. She'd talk to Lio tonight after the tour, find out more details. Now, if Gunn got that job with Markine's friend, and they could find Faith a job and get approved for the house and business, life would indeed be great.
~Part: 20~
"Man, that was tight!" Gunn said, having enjoyed the vampire tour that Basilio conducted far more than he had figured. It had been insane to watch the faces of the unknowing tourists that had been caught up in the stories that the real vampire leading the tour told. They'd even gone to a vampire club where he had seen several vampires, though most the tourists laughed and the human wannabes that populated the club with their dark clothes and fake fangs. People like that were just weird in his opinion. Probably weren't even aware that the people at the next table were the real thing, so caught up in the fantasy created by books and movies. When reality hit, let's see if they still romanticized the life.
"You're a natural," Faith decided, looking at Lio with respect. He'd been an excellent tour guide, charming and entertaining, definitely gave the tourists their money's worth.
"I enjoy the hobby," Lio said with a smile, glad that they had been entertained.
"Were any of those stories really true?" Willow asked, having been caught up in his stories along with the tour group.
"There is a bit of truth in a few of them, but most are merely stories that have been told around the Quarter for years," Lio replied. "The truth tends to be far more uninteresting than the myth."
"You were great at commanding a crowd," Lorne spoke up, having fallen under the spell of Lio's hypnotic voice and piercing eyes along with the others. It had been amazing to be swept up into the myths and legends surrounding vampires in New Orleans. "Very, very good."
"I try to do everything that I attempt well," Lio said with a slight smirk, his eyes giving no doubts that he meant everything.
Lorne would have blushed at the look in the vampire's eyes, but he didn't want to give Faith the satisfaction of having something to tease him about. Instead, he met Lio's look and smiled, "Yes, well, they always say that anything worth doing is worth doing well."
"Okay, can we please stop with the flirting before I puke up my dinner?" Gunn said, visibly shuddering though his dark eyes were amused.
"There was no flirting, Charles," Lorne said, glaring at the black man.
"Actually, I was flirting," Lio said with a slow smile, watching as Lorne looked at him surprise. "But, to avoid upsetting Charles and his digestion, I'll refrain from flirting for the time being."
"Lorne, babe, you can close your mouth," Faith said sweetly, winking at a giggling Willow.
"Perhaps we can meet for a drink at some other time and continue the flirting in a more appropriate environment," Basilio suggested, smoothly asking the demon that had become a bit of an infatuation over the last few hours out.
"What?" Lorne blinked, wondering if he had heard correctly. Had Lio just asked him out? On a date? He didn't date. What was he supposed to do?
"He'll be ready tomorrow night," Faith said, giving Lorne a pointed look. She wasn't about to let the idiot pass up the chance to go out with the hunky vampire. Lorne deserved a hunk, damn it. She'd make sure he got one. "Say, eight o' clock?"
"Eight is perfect," Lio smiled at the slayer, liking her even more, "I don't have a tour scheduled so expect him home late."
"I don't know, Lio," Willow looked at the vampire with a serious look in her green eyes, "I'm not sure if we can let you keep him out after curfew."
"Yeah, cause you know if it was one of us about to go out with a vampire, a master vampire at that, he'd want our ass back at the hotel early," Gunn added.
"Hmm…I do see your point," Lio played along with them, wondering if Lorne would ever speak up or if he was still in shock. Looked like he was still in shock. "Perhaps I can have him back before dawn. Is that suitable for his family?"
"Sounds good to me," Faith said, looking at Willow and Gunn, a large smile on all their faces, "is that good for you guys?"
"It works for me," Willow said, watching as Gunn nodded. She looked at Lorne and smiled sweetly, "Lorne, honey, you're going out tomorrow night with Lio but he's promised to return you to us before dawn."
"Do I not get a say in this?" Lorne finally found his voice, deciding that they had found enough amusement at his expense.
The three looked at each and all replied in unison, "No!"
"Ha, ha," Lorne rolled his eyes, looking at Lio and smiling sheepishly, "Do you see what I'm forced to deal with?"
"As it would appear that they are on my side in this matter, I'd say that you are very lucky that they care about you," Lio said with a smile. "In all seriousness, do you wish to go out with me tomorrow?"
"Uh, well, yes," Lorne said honestly, finding this vampire interesting and attractive.
"Good, now that that is all settled, we're at the hotel," Faith pointed out, finding it rather nice that Lio had insisted on walking them back to the hotel. Of course, he still wanted to discuss the assistant job with Willow and, it appeared now, that he had wanted to ask Lorne out, but she still found his walking them back rather nice. She'd never thought she'd meet an unsouled vampire that she would not only like but would be rather interested in considering a friend. Then, she'd met Basilio, who was unlike any vampire she'd ever met, including Angel.
"I shall see you tomorrow," Lio nodded at Lorne before turning his attention to Willow. "Well, Bella, did you wish to have our discussion in the lobby or would you prefer going elsewhere?"
"I hate to be talking this late at night for fear of disturbing other guests," Willow said, a contemplative look crossing her face, "why don't we go to the Café du Monde and talk over coffee?"
"Well, guys, I'm going up to bed," Gunn said, giving Willow and Faith a brief hug before entering the hotel. Lorne said his own goodbyes and followed.
"Is it cool if I go with you?" Faith said, deciding that she could stand a plate of beignets plus she'd be able to hear about Willow's job.
"Of course, Sassy," Lio said, watching as the slayer rolled her eyes though she seemed to be accepting his nickname for her. It was very suiting for the brunette and he rather liked having his own name for each of these remarkable young women. He barely knew them, but he already considered them a part of his family. He offered both of the beautiful women his arms and said, "Shall we go?"