GangsterGlam:

Hiding his vibrant blue wings was the easy part. It was the actual running away that was difficult. As one of the nobles of the fairy realm, and a very young one at that, Hayden was under a watchful eye at all times. Currently he was running down the strange human streets, ducking in and out of shadows quickly to try and avoid being seen. A bright sign caught his attention. Turning wide amethyst eyes towards the place, he began marching forward nervously.

The moment Hayden walked inside a wave of strange scents wafted towards him. Not all of them were welcoming, but perhaps this had been one of the places he'd been searching for. Quietly he went to sit at a table, aware of how very strange he must have seemed with his vibrant green tunic embroidered with gold. His leather pants weren't so out of place, but his soft calf-skin slippers of the same color a his shirt were very unusual indeed. A lock of dark red hair fell into his face, accompanied by one dark blue streaked piece of hair. With a sigh he shoved them out of his face and clutched the bag of fairy food he had with him.

This was the darker side of humanity he supposed. It reminded him of the dark courts, which Hayden had visited quite often. Actually, that had been where he'd been fostered. Living there he'd learned to do what had to be done in order to survive, hence the fairy food. Perhaps he could sell it as some new drug, in exchange for a place to stay, clothing and a few meals.

Backstage, Virtue was taking his time, getting ready for one of his favorite routines. The dress he slid on was ridiculously short, and tying it himself was one of the hardest parts. Thankfully, getting it off was easier. It was very tight and made it difficult to breathe, but he looked stunning and here looks came before comfort. His tights were fishnet with carefully place tears, and he had short, leather, fingerless gloves to match. The wig was one of the hardest decisions for him to make, wanting to finish off the outfit perfectly. In the end, Virtue chose his favorite, a bright green one with long curls. A glance toward the full length mirror in his changing room confirmed that he looked perfect.

As he sat at the vanity, legs curled into his chest, he tended to the combing out of the wig and careful placement of hairpins. His make up too, took almost no time, coming with practiced ease. It was a nice overall ensamble, very punk-rock. As he worked dilligently, he heard the voices of his friends in the hall-way. The dancers were outrageous gossips, but the other staff was known for it too. It seemed there were talking about a customer, and curiosity got the best of him. Virtue let his feet fall to the ground and got up to join the others in the back room.

"You should see what he's wearing." One of the girls said, in a hushed, giggly whisper. What he was wearing? The boy was even more curious now, leaning in behind the girl to whisper in her ear.

"What's he wearing?" Of course, she hadn't seen him, and nearly had a heart attack as she whirled around to playfully punch him in the shoulder.

"Vitue! Don't scare me like that, you big meanie." There was no venom behind her words, her smile making that clear. The dancer opened her mouth to answer his question, but another person in the room interupted her.

"It's really rather odd. Bright and green, with gold. Actually, you'd probably like it." The bouncer teased, and Virtue grinned, moving to playfully punch him in the same manner Lilith had done to him.

"Well maybe we should all get back to work then, and stop gossiping." He stuck his tongue out, more than playful and headed back down the hall to his dressing room, grabbing his shoes before making his way out to the front. They were very sexy 6 inch heels, leather and adorned with zippers. He had practiced skill walking in heels, and did not stumble once.

Thankfully, he didn't have to dance for another twenty minutes, as he was curious to see the customer his friends had been talking about. He was easy to find, standing out among the crowd. Very bright and green indeed. The boy didn't hesitate to walk over. Perhaps he could keep him entertained - that was his job afterall - and the kid seemed so out of place there. Uncomfortable, even. Virtue knew almost everyone who walked into Limbo, so it was even more unusual that he didn't know him. Definitely new.

Everyone there was used to Virtue's slightly obnoxious, playful, crazy way of doing things and he didn't tone it down for strangers. When he reached the table, rather than politely ask if he'd like his company, or even just sit in the chair, he hopped right up on the table, his feet in the boys lap.

"I don't believe I know your name," he whispered, leaning in to do so in the strangers ear. "And I know everyone, so that's a problem." The dancer pulled back to flash a playful smile though, adding more confidently. "I'm Virtue."

Startled, Hayden glanced up at this... Person. He wasn't quite sure if this was a male or a female. Blinking his amethyst eyes slowly, he took his time examining this enigma. It was a strange feeling, simply not knowing. Shrugging a little, a small smile flitted across his features. The green hair, though he was sure it wasn't natural, was a comforting thing for someone who had grown up with dryads, naiads and nymphs. "So, is it that you do not like mystery?" Hayden sounded completely sincere, even tough in reality he was teasing. It was a small mercy that his wildy cut hair hid the tips of his pointed ears from view.

Far wilder beings then this human had tried to entertain him in their wild ways, so this Virtue's sudden appearance had not startled him in the least. Actually, it made the young man feel more at home then anything else. An involuntary sigh left him at the thought of the revelry of the dark courts, the mad dancing and wild magic that often erupted. Purposefully the fairy withheld his name, not trusting this person with it. Name's held power over his kind, it would not be wise to even give up a portion of it to someone he did not know.

Virtue found it curious that the boy didn't offer up his name, and he was suddenly far more intrigued. He smiled again, more genuine, only inching closer on the table, the potion perfectly comfortable to him. He was used to being ridiculously close to those around him, it was expected of him even. Distance wasn't really his strong point.

"It's not that I dislike mysteries, they can be fun, just I find it odd I've never seen you before. If I had, I'm sure I would remember." He blinked several times, looking the boy over as though examining him.

"No, I know I've never seen you before." Virtue hummed contemplative, easily shrugging this off.

"Alright, if you won't tell me your name, is there at least something I can call you? I find it uncomfortable, being unable to, hmm, identify someone in some way. If not, I suppose I'll just have to refer to you as.. green or something. It seems awfully rude to refer to you by what you're wearing."

Virtue shifted back on the table a little bit to stretch, and flash the stranger a more coy smile.

"Well, either way, is there anything I can get you?"

Hayden considered the question carefully. His eyes half closed as he thought, shifting the other's feet from his lap and onto the chair he sat on instead. Those heels were a pain. It would have to be something he was used to responding to. It made it difficult, but perhaps... "Hawthorne." The fairy didn't believe in wasted words.

Eyes opening fully, he smirked a little at the obvious offer. In the fairy courts, it might have been quite a bit more so. The fairy found himself liking Virtue, if simply for the fact that there didn't seem to be pretenses. "Company of the sort we are sharing at the moment is all I wish for," stated Hayden simply but with steel in his voice. He wasn't there to be tempted; he was there to find someplace to stay. Still the young fairy was reluctant to bring the subject up.

Virtue watched as the man had taken his feet, moving them aside. He found this amusing, and he flashed him a small smile. He hadn't meant to make the customer uncomfortable afterall.

"I'm sorry." He kicked his shoes off, only putting his feet in the mans lap again, inching closer. He wasn't easily deterred. Virtue was having fun, and until he was told to specifically stop, he would continue.

"Hawthorne?" The boy repeated the name, testing the feel of it on his tongue before nodding slowly.

"Okay, Hawthorne. It's a pleasure to meet you. So what brought you into Limbo tonight?" He was curious, because he seemed so out of place there, like he'd rather not have wandered in. But he was alone, so it wasn't as if friends had forced him in.

Virtue backed off a little at the comment though, not wanting to overstep any bounds. His job was to please, not to annoy.

"If that's what you'd like, I'm sure I can manage that much. Would you like a drink?"

Hayden studied the bar, watching some of the drinks flying on the counter. Casually he hooked his bag onto the chair, and began massaging the other's feet. Those heels had to be painful things. It didn't cross his mind that he might seem to be contradicting himself. Dark court fairies would have known that he meant to stick to his words, even if his actions might contradict them. "A drink would be nice, but not now."

Now came the time to skirt the truth as he had been taught in the courts since his birth. "I need a place to stay, where no one will question anything... Strange about myself, and... If there was any need of payment I might just have the thing, though it's known to be highly addictive." Not to immortals, never to them. The supply would be very limited, which would make it all the dearer to those who had a taste of the fae food.

Glancing up, Hayden winked a little at Virtue warming to this, for now, seemingly genderless person. "You won't get a taste, seeing as I find myself wanting to know more about you." The words slipped out by themselves despite Hayden. The fairy groaned inwardly at the truth of everything he said and could not take back.

Virtue listened to the man as he spoke, finding every little thing about him an intriguing mystery, just begging to be solved. He was interesting, but seemingly complicated. It was a nice change of pace from most men who walked into Limbo, always so obvious. They all wanted one thing, and were transparent. The massage was nice, and he relaxed under the attention, only a little surprised. The boy was certainly not about to complain. He'd grown used to the heels, so they weren't uncomfortable, but it felt nice all the same.

"Later, then. If there's anything you'd like, at any time, please let me know and I'll do my best to accomodate."

Virtue tilted his head as he watched the man, Hawthorne to him, the green hair spilling over his shoulder with the movement. This information only made him more curious, and he inched closer, to speak more quietly.

"You should be careful what you say, and how loud you say it. Are you really sure you want to get yourself involved in anything so dangerous? ...What are we talking about?" His voice was just above a whisper, not wanting the wrong people to overhear. This man seemed nice, and he really didn't want him involved with Blake, who he was sure from the sound of it would be more than a little interested.

Virtue blinked several times at his final words, not sure what it meant, and easily confused.

"What do you mean?" Still, he smiled, trying to be sweet and playful.

"Well, what would you like to know Hawthorne?"

The smirk he had displayed disappeared after the potent thing was mentioned. "Only if I must for lodgings, Virtue. This substance, could very well be termed other worldly. One taste, and a person is addicted for life." He couldn't say any more without appearing like some crazy fool. Hayden didn't want this nice young person to think of him as such. His hands worked gently over the calluses he found, and his voice had lowered so only the green haired being before him could hear.

Lifting his eyes and his voice, a quicksilver smile crossed his face as he answered the confused seeming Virtue. "Well, it would be nice to know if you are a nymph or a faun." The moment the words left his mouth, he knew that this would simply confuse the human. Not all of them knew the myths of old, and not many would catch the reference if they did. "What I meant to say, is are you a man or a woman under that form fitting dress?" He didn't mince words, and was used to being direct in situations such as this. In many ways, he had no idea his behavior could be seen as rude or offensive.

Virtue considered Hawthorne's words as he spoke, considering them with great seriousness, but of course seeing no sense in overthinking it. He thought this was a bad idea, and he wanted to make sure the boy knew this, but he wouldn't push it. In the end, if this stranger chose to get himself involved with Blake and his kind, that would be his decision.

"I understand. I do hope you'll consider finding some other way, though. You seem kind, genuine. It would be a shame to loose you to the dark side of the city." The dancer flashed his customer another smile, only leaning back on his hands to enjoy the massage further. It was very nice, and treatment he wasn't used to.

"It seems you are rather skilled with your hands." he teased in a very suggestive tone, raising his eyebrows at the words.

The mans question caused him to falter though, confused at first, as expected - but once explained, more amused than anything. He snickered and sat up straight, offering another charming, genuine smile.

"You're quite the clever one, aren't you? Quick, I like that." Virtue reached forward to the tap the mans nose before leaning back again, stretching his spine with the movement.

"Outspoken too. Why don't you guess?"

He rolled his eyes slightly, sure that he could take care of himself as only the inexperienced can be. Still, he did take note of what the green haired person said. "Well, perhaps you could guide me towards a safer route? As to my hands..." Chuckling a little, he let the massage move up onto Virtue's calves. He kneaded the hard muscles, trying to get them to relax even a tiny bit.

Glancing up, he studied the person's features quietly. He took in the fact that the green hair was a wig. Under that make up, it was difficult to see the true features, and muscular legs belonged to both genders. Hayden's eyes moved to his flat chest, and that was when he knew. It was that and the only slight curve at the waist that decided him. "You, Virtue, are a very unusually attractive young man." Well, unusual for a human male. Hayden had no real preference for either gender, much like many of his race he preferred to find joy in whatever form his fancy took.

Virtue blushed slightly at the touch, which was unusual for him. Making Virtue blush was not an easy task to accomplish, as all shyness had been worked out of him a long time ago. The touch was still very nice, and he welcomed it, sliding forward again. It was very easy to relax like this, his eyelids fluttering with the need to fall closed. Of course he refused to let them, but it was an obvious want.

"As I said before, very talented." The words were breathed out, even more so suggestive and his breath hitched every couple of hard presses to the muscle.

"As it is, I'm half tempted to take you home with me and make you my personal masseuse."

Virtue watched as the man examined his features, very serious about it, and seemingly rather thorough. He find it amusing, following his eyes, especially when it landed on his chest. It was hard not to laugh.

"Smart cookie, aren't you? Well, thank you anyways. You need to be attractive, in this line of work." He looked the man over in a more appraising way before speaking again.

"You seem to be unusually attractive yourself."

The mans previous words played over in his mind, and he considered them, as he really didn't want him involved with Blake. No one should ever be involved with Blake. There was an idea of course, but it was a shitty one he knew. Still, he could offer.

"Perhaps, in all seriousness, if you needed a place to stay, you could come home with me. My apartment is small, and um, well.. rather run-down. But if worst comes to worst, it's a place to stay, a roof over your head."

Finding himself drawn to this boy, or rather young man, Hayden considered everything carefully. The fairy smiled lightly at the blush that crept over his face, quite frankly surprised that someone in this line of work could still do so, and at the fact that he was relaxing. Gentling his touch, the young man knew he had to figure out more about Virtue. The compliments about himself weren't unexpected, but coming from this particular person they meant just a little more then usual. " Your honesty is quite refreshing." There was nothing else to say in Hayden's mind, not if he didn't want to end up with Virtue in close proximity for the night.

Though tempting, Hayden knew that would be unwise. Still, his other offer was more then he had expected and especially coming from a human stranger. "A roof is all I need. Considering that you are the only person here who would be so kind... I accept. Come to think of it, am I the only customer here who will be graced with your presence?" He was beginning to find it odd that Virtue had been able to spend so much time with him without having been paid to do so, or specifically ordered to by anyone. As far as he knew, the people who owned such establishments were harsh with their workers. It galled Hayden to think of Virtue in such a situation; he wished he could help and his amethyst eyes filled a little with the want.

Virtue grinned at the mans words, leaning forward again, enjoying how comfortable this particular closeness was. Sure, he spent every day close to strangers - in the most intimate of ways - and he didnt find it so uncomfortable anymore, but this was different. Hawthorne was so intriguing, and that he'd been able to make him blush just made him that much more exciting.

"I am nothing if not honest." He decided with a nod. "I find honesty to be very important. Besides, I see no point in lying to you."

The boy practically lit up with the strangers answer, oddly pleased to find he'd get to help him, and get to spend some more time with him. Of course he knew there was hardly any room, but they'd manage somehow. He also made a mental note to go shopping, something he didn't do very often.

"Great! I get off at 2, if you don't mind waiting around until then." Virtue knew it was still very early, and he felt bad having to keep him there for another 4 hours. The mans next words he considered, surprised by them. It was true he'd spent an odd amount of time with a non-paying customer, but he'd simply wanted to. Virtue did what Virtue wanted, unless given no other choice. That's all there was to it.

"Graced?" The dancer smiled, moving back to stretch yet again, and take a deep breath. The dress really was killing him, making him feel a little dizzy.

"Do you not want me to visit with you? I'm sorry, it must seem awfully presumptuous and vain of me to expect you to, it's just that no one has ever wanted me to leave before." Although truthfully, he didn't believe this was what Hawthorne meant. The man was far too kind, and would never tell him to get lost, even if he thought it.

"No, of course not." The boy added after a long thoughtful moment. "But everyone here has been graced with my presence before. I believe that welcomes you extra priviledge." His voice was light and teasing, but he proceeded to search the large room for a clock, as if he didn't know where it was.

"Besides, I have to dance soon. They can be graced then." When his eyes landed on the large numbers he frowned, already slipping off the table.

"Actually, I have to go now." He was clearly reluctant to do so.

Laughing, Hayden waved his hand towards the stage. "I don't mind waiting at all, besides maybe I want to see you dance." He winked at Virtue, feeling much more at ease then he had earlier now that he had a place to stay. The fairy found so many things strange in that place, but Virtue was normal for him. He was more glad then anything else at the fact that he had met him.

Shifting in his seat, he regarded the whole place with his amethyst eyes. Hayden knew he would be returning, if simply to watch his new friend at work. The bag at his side was left alone for reasons he did not know, and people were staring at him. Things he was used to mixed with those he did not know. "As for what you mentioned earlier, I would be disappointed if you thought I wanted you to leave. Simply put, I didn't want to get you in any trouble." He was beginning to pick up little nuances of human speech, of their strange mannerisms. This was a learning experience in the best of ways which would teach the fairy far more then his mentors ever could.

Virtue considered the mans words in all seriousness, before flashing a coy smile. The attention made him feel really good, better than it did from most customers. This comment only cemented his decision to try and impress Hawthorne, determined to give one of his best performances. The boy was always good - he was a natural - but he never really had to try. Shifting from foot to foot, sliding the leather heels back on, he watched as the customer took in the place. It was hard to tell if he was uncomfortable with it or not.

Virtue was again surprised by the mans words. He said the most unusual things.

"Get me in trouble?" He blinked several times, both processing and considering the words before flashing another smile.

"I'll be fine. I wanted to see what all the gossip was about, and I enjoyed talking to you. Even if the punisher is annoyed that I - in his opinion, not mine - wasted a half hour over here, I can deal with it later. He's not known to stay angry long."

George - The Punisher to anyone on staff - was really nothing more than a push-over. He acted big and tough for a moment, but he had a weak spot for a pretty face and a shy smile. There was nothing to be scared of. Blake, on the other hand, might be angry if he found out. That was a little worrisome.

"I really do have to go, I'll be back if I have a moment to spare. Just relax." The boy said with a grin, reaching over to poke Hawthorne in the face with one of his rainbow colored nails. "Enjoy yourself."

Virtue wandered back towards the stage, knowing that it was already 10 and he didn't have time to waste. He'd hate to keep anyone waiting. The boy did stop for a quick moment to pull one of his friends aside, leaning in on tippytoes to whisper in her ear. Jersey only nodded her acceptance, and offered her friend a slightly amused smile.

"Go knock 'em dead, tiger." She whispered, and nudged him towards the stage.

The moment Virtue stepped on stage the building was filled with loud, obscene cheers and cat-calls. It down downright dirty, and some of it was plain disgusting, but he soaked it all up enjoying every second of the attention. The music started and he immediately fell into routine, now much more aware of what he was doing. If Hawthorne was going to watch him dance, he was going to make sure it was good.

Halfway through the first dance, a woman walked up to Hayden's table, setting a drink down before him, and interupting him before he could say the inevitable - that he didn't order it.

"Virtue told me to bring you this," Jersey stated, rather amused, looking the man over. She'd certainly heard all the gossip too. "I would have anyways, but he told me if I didn't I couldn't borrow his shoes anymore." She actually snickered at this.

"It's pretty good incentive." She would have preferred to stay and chat, but she had other drinks to serve, so she only gave the customer another smile before continuing on her way, leaving him with the drink.

Virtue spent the majority of the night on stage, and unfortunately was busy directly entertaining paying customers until just before 2am. He was exhausted, but in a very good mood. The day had been a rather successful once, and he was pleased with himself. His shift was just about over, so he decided to check on Hawthorne, finding him in the crowd with ease.

"Hey, how you holding up?" The boy teased, moving to lean against the edge of the table.

"I get off in like, literally two minutes. I just need to change, and we can go. You can come back stage and wait, if you'd like, rather than wait out here. We can just leave out the back door then."

The green haired male left before he was able to answer. He left Hayden looking at him with a bemused expression. After thatHayden watched the whole show with a small smile on his face. When the woman came with a drink he was about to protest, until she said Virtue had sent it. A chuckle came forth, brought about by the situation. It proved that humans weren't all like what he had been taught they were. Some actually were quite a bit like his peers.

More then a little disappointment flowered within Hayden when Virtue disappeared from the stage. Biting his lip a little, he stood to go get a drink from the bar with the little human money he had. He nursed the same one during the rest of the evening as he watched the rest of the others perform on stage. The show wasn't half bad, but it was nothing when compared to the dark courts.

A wide grin crossed the fairy's face at the welcome sight of Virtue leaning on the table. "I'm used to far wilder revelries then this, with far more potent drinks." He finished off the drink in one gulp, then stood with a grace all his own. "Lead the way into the mysteries of the back stage then." Hayden was curious as to how things worked in the human wold when it came to that place. It was even more important to him to find out what Virtue actually looked like when off the stage and not working.

Virtue laughed at this, finding the mans declaration rather curious. He'd seemed as though he may have been uncomfortable, but if he was used to places much more severe, why would he?

"Where exactly is this place that's so much wilder?" It was an intriguing thought, and Limbo wasn't exactly the kind of club where teasing was promoted. Everything there was out in the open, and very blatant.

Nonetheless, not really requiring an answer, Virtue pushed off of the table and flashed the boy another grin.

"Oh yes, I'm sure you'll just the magical world of back stage." He laughed at the notion, and simply lead the way through the crowd, to the entrace that lead to the back. Dressing rooms took up most of it, but there was an office, bathrooms and a lounge too. Of course Virtue skipped these places, leading the customer straight to his own room.

"Oh behold the mystical dressing room in all it's glory." Virtue teased, stepping in and holding the door open for Hawthorne. Only once the man was inside did he close the door, not bothering to lock it. It wasn't as though he was shy to change around people - he took his clothes off for a living. He pointed to the couch against the wall.

"Make yourself at home, I'll be just a minute."

With that, Virtue proceeded to the task of dressing. He grabbed his normal clothing from the vanity, and proceeded to strip down without hesitation. Of course the man had already seen him naked - everyone there had - it was hardly an issue. The outfit consisted of tight - but not too tight - white skinny jeans, decoratively ripped, a blue formfitting tshirt and a black sweater with vampire teeth on the front and the words "bite me" on the back. Mismatched socks were slid on afterward, along with comfortable looking converse.

Only once his clothes were on did he tend to the removal of his wig, putting it away carefully, seeing that no harm came to it. It took him a moment to brush out his real hair afterward - long and black, falling almost to his lower back with ease. It was silky and straight, and well taken care of. Make up was washed off too, so that only basic eyeliner and mascara remained. It was almost relieving to just be himself again, not at all done up, and he flopped back onto the couch where he'd told Hawthorne to sit.

"Looong day." He murmured, as though the man with him wasn't already aware of it.

Following the young man, Hayden took in all the sights of these strange places humans seemed to need. He was sure that he seemed to be full of contradictions at times, and quite naive about certain human ways of doing things. Still, it was a nice enough place, even though it wasn't home.

Once inside the dressing room he did as was suggested and plopped down onto the couch. It was comfortable enough. A smirk played across his face at the way Virtue simply changed without caring the young man was right there. Considering what he did for a living, Hayden shouldn't have been surprised especially since the other had done so right on stage. The new clothing fit him well, a little too well actually. Hayden eyed the words on the back of the sweatshirt, actually considering doing so for a few moments before shaking his head.

When Virtue sat down beside him, Hayden didn't say anything at first. Instead he began massaging his shoulders in the same firm way he had been massaging his feet earlier. A few locks of Virtue's hair seemed to get tangled in his fingers of their own accord, only to be flicked back by Hayden quietly. He wasn't there for dalliances, not with someone of a race which was so short lived. Making a new friend though, that could certainly be done with no bad conscience. "Would you like to rest a little before returning to your home? Certainly, you seem like you need it." Virtue did seem exhausted, and Hayden was wondering whether or not he should infuse him with a little of his energy in order to help him.

Virtue was a little surprised by the sudden move, though he wasn't sure why. Hawthorne had so openly began massaging his feet earlier and then his calves. He melted into the touch, because he'd meant what he said - the boy was very good with his hands. It felt even better than before, after the long night. Before his feet had only hurt a little, but now every muscle in his body actually ached. The mans tough was soothing, and completely pleasant. He was actually purring before he realized he was doing it, and blushed, going silent.

Virtue thoughtlessly moved back into him, molding himself against the other man, eyes fluttering closed as his head lolled to the side. He took a deep breath, exhaling in a sigh as he relaxed further, only reaching up to pull his hair back, moving it out of the way so Hawthorne could continue.

"That's really nice," he whispered. "Thank you."

After a couple of minutes, he answered the mans question, turning around to offer him a small smile. He was tired, but he'd certainly felt worse before. This was nothing.

"No, I'm alright, but thank you for the thought. We really should get going, it's already late." The boy uncurled himself from the couch, getting up to stretch. He grabbed his odd items from the drawer near the closet, putting his wallet, keys and phone into his pockets before heading for the door.

"Come on." Virtue lead Hawthorne out through the back door of the club, out onto the street, the cool air actually causing him to shiver. He walked in silence, sure the man was following since he'd waited all night. It took about 20 minutes to walk from the club to his apartment, a very rundown old building. The neighbourhood was nasty and dangerous, you could practically sense it as you walked onto the street.

He walked up to the building, held the door open, and once inside began to adcend the stairs. His apartment was on the fourth floor, and once he reached the door he mumbled.

"Welcome home." He fumbled with his keys for a moment before opening the door, pushing it open to hit the wall inside. He stepped inside, ushering his guest in, and locked the door behind him.

"I'm sorry it's not much." This was an understatement. It was a very rundown place, and it was freezing, but it was a place. The furniture their was limited, and it was a mess, which Virtue continued to mutter apologies for as he hastily cleaned it up.

Something was happening with his emotions around this young man, and Hayden wasn't sure what to do about it. A small sliver of knowledge entered his amethyst eyes when he heard Virtue begin to purr under his touch. He didn't even pause as the out-going other managed to glue himself to him. Actually, Hayden kind of liked it and was disappointed then Virtue moved away. His mind was muddled.

With these thoughts in mind, and the knowledge that he had to remain hidden, he followed him. The apartment wasn't at all what he was used to, but it was a place to stay. The fairy was glad no one of the fairies he had seen along the way had recognized him, that would have been disastrous. "It's enough to survive isn't it? Which means it's more then enough." Smiling, he went about helping Virtue clean things up.

Virtue offered Hawthorne a small smile for his words, and agreed with a small nod. He continued to clean up, taking his time to make sure it was all nice and neat. It wasn't much of improvement, but it certainly helped.

"I suppose you're right. It's good enough for me, but I hate being unable to offer better accomodations."

At this the boy took his shoes off, trading them in for warm fuzzy black slippers, adorned with sparkly sequins. Then proceeded to examine the kitchen for anything edible, tying his hair up and out of his face. As usual, the choices were pretty limited, but he was hungry so he took the time to throw something together. Food was food, either way. Warm food was even better.

"If you wanted a shower, there might be hot water." The boy reached over to turn the sink on with that thought, checking it for a moment before turning it off and looking back at Hawthorne.

"Well maybe not hot, but it's warm." His smile was genuine now though. Letting Hawthorne settle himself in, sure the man would find his way around the tiny space, hoping he'd know to make himself at home however he wished.

"I'm going to make food. Hrm.. mac and cheese, or meatless spaghetti? Or I guess I could make oatmeal, but that'd be kind of lame."

After putting away a few last things, Hayden went to regard the electrical things with a small frown. He'd seen some before, but had no idea how they worked. Instead of commenting on it, he latched on to something Virtue said. "I have no other clothes then what is on my back..." Glancing up he grimaced a little at the thought.

Turning around, he searched out the bathroom with his eyes. "As for food, whatever you wish will be perfectly fine. And, the water temperature really doesn't mater to me at all." Actually, the young man preferred cold springs to anything the humans could come up with. It helped when it was a beautiful day outside too. Hayden was realizing the human world wasn't all he had imagined it would be, still one intriguing person kept him from returning to his people. The young man stretched, and wished he could let his wings expand. They were beginning to hurt, and feel brittle, hidden as they were within the skin of his back. Glancing at Virtue, he wondered what the young man would think if he was revealed as he truly was.

Virtue considered the choices for dinner, and after some deliberation, reached up into one of the cupboards, standing on his tippytoes to reach it. Virtue was actually pretty short, though most people didn't realize this. In the heels he wore he reached 6 feet, but out of them he was only 5'5". He hand to fumble to reach the box, and it fell out rather than being grabbed. Not that it mattered, the boy shrugged it off, closing the cupboard and setting to making the boxed KD.

"Mac and Cheese it is then."

Virtue thought over this other dilemma for a moment, then turned back to Hawthorne, letting the water boil.

"Uhm, clothes... Well I might have something." He regarded the man cautiously, examining him to determine if that was really true. Virtue was ridiculously tiny, but it was worth a shot.

"Well, my room is right there." The boy pointed a finger in the direction.

"If you can find anything, you can wear it. I don't mind. Towels are in the bathroom."

Virtue turned back around to the stove, leaving Hawthorne to tend to this himself, sure he could handle it. The boy continued to make the food, and fifteen minutes later it was ready and set out on the counter. He curled up on the small couch to eat while he waited on his guest.

"Need anything?!" He called out after a moment, wanting to be helpful where possible.

"It is mostly finding a shirt that isn't as... Conspicuous."Feeling Virtue's eyes on him, the fairy smiled a little. That seemed to happen quite often. Perhaps he could use the shower as an excuse to let his wings come out. Shrugging a little, he went into the boy's room and rummaged in his closet. The array of clothing was eclectic for certain. Still, he managed to find something big enough for him. He wasn't huge, but Virtue was even smaller then he, and being smaller then a fairy was difficult.

Content with his choice of the deep blue t-shirt with the name of some band or other on it, Hayden went into the bathroom. After fiddling with the knobs he figured them out and proceeded to wash himself thoroughly. Once finished the young man let his wings erupt form his back for a few moments, and sighed with relief. Reluctantly they were hidden again as Hayden pulled on the t-shirt. He didn't realize that his pointed ears were now fully visible, since his unruly hair was now plastered to his scalp after the shower. "The food smells, unique. I've never tasted it before," said Hayden as he grabbed a bowl of the stuff with a spoon. Not saying anything else, he went to sit beside Virtue and began eating. It was too cheesy for his taste, but he said nothing. Rather, he reveled in the fact that he was barefoot again.