(Untitled)

[claws_of_rage]

I only slept a little while. There was too much on my mind. Getting up from the bed I brushed a kiss against her forehead, crossing the floor to the window. I leaned my arm against the top frame of the window, staring out over the city. That sword was stuck in my mind, there had to be some importance to it. I knew I'd seen it somewhere before, just

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[claws_of_rage]

I walked along the cracked streets of a seedy marketplace, not the type you see tourists browsing through in movies. That was the difference in Japan and the U.S. They did their dealings in the open if they wanted. Hell, half the police were on the Yakuza's take. Didn't bother me none, I didn't fuck with them and they didn't fuck with me. I highly doubted they had anything to do with what had happened around me the last few days.

Even so, I'd bet money someone around here did know something. And if so, I was gonna find out who. Once I had them they'd talk, whether it be willingly or by force. I was betting on the latter. It always struck me as odd, these bastards obviously knew me but yet still wanted to be difficult.

Finally I reached a little shop that sold merchandise of the mystic nature. The scent of the incense alone made my stomach turn. Try sniffing that shit with heightened senses. The man behind the counter looked at me warily. But I leaned across the counter, left a little money there and looked at him pointedly. Told him my little tale about the blade and the symbol I'd seen on the little firecrackers clothes. That got his attention quick. He didn't tell me anything, but gave me a name.

With that I left the store, no doubt he'd be contacting someone soon. Meaning I'd have more unexpected visitors. Hitting the street I pulled the collar of my jacket up and walked.

[dealing_death]

Like a shadow she followed. Silent, unheard and unseen. Much like the man in black on the rooftop. He was dressed like those others had been. Crouched on the corner he watched the busy crowd below.

They were watching Logan. But not for long.

The only thing not hidden by the dark fabric covering his body were his eyes. With a snap his neck cracked and broke in her delicate hands. Those eyes that watched her wandering love below went wide as his last breath escaped him. Dragging him into the shadows Selene tucked his lifeless body behind the air conditioning unit on the roof. Before she picked back up on Logan's trail she thoroughly checked the dead man for any clues. Nothing. Well, nothing but a pair of beautiful steel sais', those she was taking.

[claws_of_rage]

Maybe I couldn't scent her right now, but I could tell I was being stalked, or rather watched. A smirk crossed my lips. It was actually kinda seductive in a way, my woman following me. Most men were followed because of infidelity, suspicion. She was following me to keep my ass out of the trouble that seemed to constantly cross my path. I flicked my tongue over my lips and walked to the street corner, using the payphone. I dialed a couple of numbers and waited, hopefully she hadn't left her cell at the hotel.

[dealing_death]

That damn phone. Selene heard it sound off in her pocket and rolled her eyes. How could she have been so stupid and brought that along? Nothing like a ringing cell phone to give her position away.

Then she saw who was calling. Oh that cheeky bastard. He must know she was nearby. In a sweet voice she answered. "Hello love. Where have you gotten off to? Left my bed rather cold and lonely."

[claws_of_rage]

I couldn't help but chuckle and shake my head.

"Darlin', I don't know where the hell you are, but it's certainly not in that bed. Gettin' a little protective over your old man?"

Reaching in my pocket I fished out a cigar and put it between my lips, lighting it up. Turning I leaned against the booth, my eyes scanning around, wondering where the hell she was. Trouble with dating a woman that happened to be a vampire, she was able to hide really fucking well and be just as stealthy as myself.

"Why don't you bring that fine ass down here and help me shake a few people up?"

Tilting my head back I blew some smoke rings.

"Bet you can see me right now can't you. This could prove to be a problem.. you sneaking up on me."

I was kidding and it was obvious in my tone.

[dealing_death]

"Not protective. Possessive perhaps. That woman with the sword will not steal what is mine. I am just making sure she doesn't try. It would be a pity if I had to kill her. But yes, darling, I can see every inch of you."

Hidden by the darkness that wrapped around the city she smiled. Of course she could see him. Selene had made sure to stay downwind from him. Letting the smells of the city help disguise her location.

She made her way to the next roof. The one that was right behind the booth he was so casually leaning against. Raw power, undiluted sexuality. Logan was trouble. The sort a woman could smell a mile off yet she was drawn by it.

"Oh but I already have gotten started shaking things up without you, my love." There was already a dead body on the roof two buildings down.

Selene dropped down from the edge of the roof silently. It only took a few steps and she was behind him. She hung the phone up, the graceful smile never leaving her lips. "The man following you," She whispered into his ear. "His neck snapped like a twig. Just up there in fact." Her latex covered arm reached out and pointed to the building where she and the ninja had their encounter. "Weak. You should be offended they send such pathetic men to hunt you."

[claws_of_rage]

I growled, damn this shouldn't turn me on so much that she was deadly and just as lethal as I was. As she got closer I could smell her, but only a second before she was on me. Yeah, I was in serious trouble.

"Is it wrong you talking about snapping a mans neck I find arousing?"

I snaked my arm around her, pulling her close and tilted my head, looking over her attire.

"Hmm, I even warranted you getting dressed for work. darlin', I'm worse than any Lycan you could possibly hunt. But damn if you're not the epitome of sexiness right now."

Turning it around in my fingers I offered her the cigar. Damn it was good having her back, that haunted look out of her eyes. This was my Selene, no one elses because no one else saw what I did in her. But I did pick up on one thing.

"Ya know.. ya act a little differently than ya did back in L.A. Lot less.. inhibited. Were you holding back on me?"

[dealing_death]

"Is it wrong that hunting you through these streets has aroused me?" She was not timid with her words. Not one bit.

Selene shook her head. She could not explain why she was different. Oppression. Confusion. Striving to be something that Amelia would be proud of. It had taken a toll on her. On her soul. It may seem foolish but she had hoped to win the love and adoration of her mother. Was that not what every child wanted? No matter how she had tried Selene had never been anything more to Amelia then another solider. That was a pain she tried hard to ignore yet could not.

Being here, without those shadows cast upon her, was freeing.

Leaning in close she whispered in his ear. "You are being followed. There are two of them at three o'clock. One on the roof across the street, above the fruit stand."

When she pulled back she took the cigar and lightly wrapped her pale lips around it. "Whoever this woman is, she wants you very badly. She and I need to talk it would seem."

[claws_of_rage]

"Darlin', I could be dressed like a hobo, not take a bath for three days and arouse you. Because, you find me irresistible."

I smiled, loved that I had that effect on her. Best part was she knew everything about me and it didn't change anything.

"Mmm heard them way while ago, they're not as quiet as you are. But I like to remain oblivious, make them think they got the drop on me. Better hope I never piss you off, you really could probably kill me."

Couldn't resist teasing her, itw as kinda cute to see her all jealous and possessive like this. Afterall, I did have to deal with all the shit from her mother and that other fucker.

"Well.. women are gonna want me. I'm so damned hot. But seeing you two fight over me, preferably in a ring filled with mud, well that just makes a mans heart skip a beat."

[dealing_death]

"There will be no mud." She corrected him in a serious tone. Selene was a hard one to read. Her dark sense of humor, the little she had, never was easy to read. Like now.

Logan could never piss her off enough to warrant her wrath. Yet that was not the only way she could kill him. Selene had a talent for walking those she loved off the plank and into the waiting arms of death. Just being with her was a near guarentee that he would likely die. Even when she thought there was no danger around somehow she still managed. Selene never would have guessed in a million years that a trip to talk to Blade about Frost would have ended in a gun fight and Lothoro dead.

Yet there she stood with that memory burnt into her mind.

"I do not like that you are using yourself as bait." Her dark eyes continued to watch the shadows for the danger she could smell. It made the hairs at the nape of her neck bristle. "This is a dangerous game Logan. Too dangerous." That damn sword had her on edge. It was more then mere jealousy. The woman wielding it had more on her mind then an attraction to Logan.

[claws_of_rage]

"Selene, I was kidding."

The look on her face was like a punch to the gut. I slid my hand in hers and started walking. Couldn't remember ever just holding hands with someone, but it felt natural with her.

"I'm not him. It's gonna take a lot to keep me down. And nobody's found a way to do it yet. Except you. You're the only one that's ever brought me to my knees. Losing you was the closest I've ever felt to actual death. But, I think we both needed that. Because losing you made me realize so many things. I won't give you up again without a fight. And I promise you, I won't lose."

The fact we were walking down the street, just holding hands made me smile. A stupid little smile probably better fitting on a teenage boy that got to take the head cheerleader out on a date. Betcha what's his ass never did something so simple as this with her. God there were moments I did hate that guy.

"I'm not using myself as bait right now, just trying to learn about that blade. Something about it has me a little on edge. You were sleeping so peacefully, looked so beautiful there I didn't want to wake you. I'm not gonna hide anything from you, promise everything will be in the open between us. I can't live with secrets, not anymore."

[dealing_death]

"I am sorry. Forgive my nature."

Selene glanced sideways at him as they began to walk. Her long curtain of hair blew softly around her face. That hand he held was the very one he had taken when he offered his proposal.

That smile on his face was something she had never seen before. Shy, sweet, proud. It made her fall just a little further for him if that were possible. It was true, taking the time to walk hand and hand down the street had not been a luxury Lothoro could ever afford. Being at Amelia's beck and call had left very little time for Selene. It was an odd relationship. Together yet so very apart. He was devoted to Amelia, Selene came a distant second. With Logan she felt as if she were the only person on the planet.

"It was the first real sleep I have gotten in months." It was true. Since Amelia had died and they had undertaken the journey to the end of the Earth, Selene had rarely slept. Plagued by nightmares and regret her eyes did not dare close most nights. "But, I would rather be woken from a peaceful slumber by you rather then by the discovery of your absence."

[claws_of_rage]

"Ah darlin', you're gonna deal with my nature more often than not. Can't help but forgive you of yours."

I just now let myself acknowledge how tired and worn out she had seemed before now. Still, there were dark circles beneath her eyes. It was enough to break me down to see her like that. But she was getting better.

"Let's head back, you need more rest before we get into the thick of this mess."

turning around I didn't let go of her hand as I started our trek back towards the hotel. I wasn't trying to control her, or tell her what to do. She'd had enough of that.

"So do I."

[dealing_death]

"Logan." She stopped walking. "They are following you. Watching you. We can not lead them back to our ho--" Selene looked a little sad, just for a breath. They didn't have a home together. Not since the beach house. Now it was just some over priced hotel and his apartment over the fish market.

"Back to the hotel." She finished her thought.

[claws_of_rage]

"No more of that."

He saw the look on her face.

"As long as we're together we are home. No matter if we're living in a hotel or the back seat of a car. Because our home is in each other. I don't need some castle or mansion to have that with you. All I need is you."

[dealing_death]

"Guilt. It is my specialty." She gave a meager smile. "I am sorry. I know that....it is not the need to have a home that bothers me." Selene stared up at the dark sky for a moment. Her lashes blinked and she sighed. "We had one, together, and while it may still stand I feel as if I tore it down to the nails with my own two hands."

Shaking it away she took another deep breath. "We really must do something about the men that are hiding in the shadows. Rest will not come for either of us if we let them follow."