Adjusting the draw string on her cotton karate pants Hawthorne looked up to her instructor who was bowing. She stood and did the same before he dismissed them all. It had been a long day, she had just recently started these classes in hopes she could gain some sort of self defense. It just all seemed to add to her dragging day though.

A black duffle bag lay at the far end of the room, she walked to it and removed her tunic stuffing it in there. The shirt she had worn underneathe was a black tank top, she never really cared if anyone could see two deep scars on each shoulder blade. She pulled her hair up before turning to see her instructor watching her, a chill trickled down her spine and she gave a quick smile before pulling her duffle bag over her shoulder.

'Ms. Peirce ...' he said stopping her before she walked out the double doors. She turned and looked to him. 'Yes sir?' He came cautiously up to her and looked out the doors over her shoulder. 'Do you really want to walk all the way home at this hour?' Honestly she didn't, but the thought of him driving her home made her stomach lurch. She forced a smile. 'I'm fine ... it's only a couple of blocks.' Quickly she turned and left leaving him with only that.

The park was right across the street, dim lamps lit the dirt paths. Hawthorn sighed stepping into the cool darkness. It was on the other side of the park that she would find her apartment. This was just a pleasant way to it, allowing her time to cleanse herself of the days stress.

Who was this? A new victim? Ah, yes? Yes? No. Aah, She was the girl with the wings.

Sebastian had been having a slow time, so he was bored. He was taking a walk when a nicotine craving hit him. When Hawthorne would inevitably pass him from underneath the lamp post, she'd see a man in a pretty nice, expensive suit with a classical, crisp white shirt witht he collar lapels sticking out of course to give that air of a young man.

Those features, not yet seen except for his his curly, blonde hair. It had grown since she had last seen him. His head was bowed, hiding the tanned face with the seemingly calm, midnight blue eyes. If anyone seen him, they'd declare he was a beautiful greek god. Pah! Well, he had the mercy of one at any rate.

Seeing his little victim skitter cross, he reached out with his powers and began to slowly push the straps of the tank top and slide the touch against the two scares. Now, were they there or did he make them?

Hair stood up on the back of her slender neck and she walked faster. She had paid the man no amount of her attention but when she felt the slightest hint of pressure against her back she stopped suddenly. It wasn't a good idea, she knew better, she should have ran back to the center to see if the instructor was still willing to giver her a ride home. Her scars burned beneathe the invisble digits and slowly, quite slowly she turned her head slightly and looked over her shoulder out of the corner of her eyes. Nothing even remotely close enough to touch her, a chill trickled down her spine and she turned totally around. Maybe it was a ghost ... she had never actually seen one ... but it was possible.

Then she spotted the only person around. She swallowed, noticing her throat had become quite dry and looked sideways towards her duffle bag. There was a gun, a Derringer, two shots was all she had if it was who she thought. Slowly she took two steps back then turned abruptly and started running. She could see the other side, it was so damn close.

So close, but no cigar.

Don't you hate those sayings? Sebastian wasn't going to let her go. Oh no, she should have just given up then. He snatched her up in that easy grip, dragging her feet the whole way to where he stood. Now he finally looked up and gave her the sweetest smiles he could, despite that he knew his face would mean evil to her.

"See we meet again, Darling."

Darling?

Damn, it was a bad idea to run ... but either way she would have had to look upon his handsome face. Why did he have to be so sadistic? Cute guys always tended to have their wierd twists. Shame. Violet eyes looked up to his and she shook her head slowly. 'Yeah what are the odds.' She wanted to put a dent in him, there he was smiling, practicly overjoyed at the chance to ruin her again.

She wanted to say something smart, spat it in his face or even scream for help ... but she knew better.

'Damn you ...' it was all that came to mind at the moment but it felt good to say it. Her fear was hidden ... just barely ... for now only rage shown. She struggled against the invisible grip, wanting if anything to hurt the man who had haunted her dreams.

"I see you haven't forgotten me." He slipped closer, that invisble hold keeping her in front of him while his lips brushed against hers in a friendly little kiss before he whispered in her ear. "Have I always been in your thoughts? I've missed you." He grinned. That invisible hand traced those scars again. "Were those from me or from someone else, kitten?"

He loved to put kind, false pretenses up.

She chose to ignore his comment, tensing slightly as his lips caressed hers. Bastard, she thought irritably as a chill shot up her spine. 'It's good to know someone does ... though I'm not proud that it's you.' She chose to leave that question unanswered which she hoped he wouldn't find to be answer enough. Then suddenly she felt it, her back arched slightly releasing a soft gasp. Her old wounds burned with the invisible touch, they had had time to heal but not much. They were so deep, so deep that the pain shot through her skin and into her core.

'From you ...' she said this softly, recalling their last encounter, how he had broken her wings. What she had said was only half truth though, she had to remove the wings after he broken them. Only a few faeries had too, if not a poison would have entered their blood stream, thus killing them. How unfortunate for her that she was one of the lucky few.

Sebastian smiled. "Really? I'm excited.." His breath fluttered against her ear and that touch kept going over those scars, only the pressure kept increasing til it would be near the feeling on a blade touching the sensitive skin. "You must know by now what happens when I get excited." He didn't get jumpy, but he got more violent towards his victims.

Her flesh tingled under his breath and her eyes looked to his as the pressure increased. She didn't want him to see her eyes water with the pain so she kept them open, keeping her gaze level with his. 'Don't ...' it came out in a whisper, barely choked out at the pain grew. She wasn't about to beg especially if his satisfaction would increase, knowing that would be a horrible event for her. But she did allow the cry that escaped her half-parted lips, it was soft, and to her a temporary release of pain. Her eyes continued to watch him, violet orbs vivid with hate.

"Did you say something?"

Sebastian pulled his face back to stare at her innocently, but those touches weren't. They didn't falter, but increased, hoping to cause her blinding pain. Even more than that! He would make sure that it would drive her crazy by the time he was to release her. Maybe he'd be nice and let her have a lot of pain fast and let her go early.

A cry escaped her once more, much louder than the other, without restraint. Her hands clenched into fists, damn it she had to close her eyes, her vision was speckled with spots of burning white. Oh God. Tears trickled down her cheeks, the only thought that wasn't numbed by the pain was hope. Hope that someone would be in the park ... someone would hear her ... he couldn't get away with this. 'Someone help me!!!' He stood near her so close if he wanted he would silence her easily, perhaps painfully, but she didn't care. There was the fact that someone could hear her and it blinded her for a second to the danger that could happen if someone didn't.

There was a sound, she could hear it over her whimper of pain. She wanted to turn her head slightly to look and see, but the slightest movement sent a hot flash of pain up her spine. Now it was time to beg ... she didn't care if someone was in the park only a few feet away, she didn't care if she felt demeaned by begging ... at least the pain would stop. 'Please ...' she whispered, her lips barely moving ... 'Don't.'

Another sound came closer this time and Hawthorne could sense it. It was human.

Sebastian heard it too. His grip on the girl dropped and let go. He physically held her against his chest as if in a comforting manner, schooling his expression into a soft sympathy with even a touch of 'masked love'. It was all for appearance sakes, but that human could never beat through Sebastian's acting skills.

Everything happened before she could fully grasp it. Her eyes opened slowly, she was pulled close against Sebastian's chest, white speckles still ruled her vision but not so much that she couldn't make out the face of a man as he emerged from the brush. His eyes were brown, narrowed slightly as he looked upon her then to Sebastian. He held out a gun with both hands, he trembled slightly, and Hawthorne doubted if he needed to use it his aim would be shit. 'I heard screams.' Was all he said his gun slowly lowering to the ground. His eyes looked upon her once more and she focused what energy she had left on speaking to him. 'Please ...' she whispered. 'help me ...' His gaze flicked to the one who embraced her and the gun came up again. 'Sir ... let her go.' Anger rose slightly over fear, but she could still smell it.

Her eyes looked up to Sebastian though she didn't move. She didn't want to, not that she didn't enjoy being so close she could feel each muscle beneathe that expensive suit and smell the aftershave ... she just didn't want their new friend to lose control of his aim and accidently shoot her.

Sebastian's arms tightened to a near painful grip. He nearly blamed her for this man's actions before his arms loosened up, but didn't lose his grip on her. "She's shaken up over a matter that honestly doesn't concern you. You, heroic sir, are jumping to conclusions." He hit each syllable with careful control, his cold eyes staring into that of the 'hero'.

She could feel his flesh against her back as he tightened the grip, pain shot suddenly into her form but she closed her eyes in a flinch instead of gasping. She was trembling now, she knew he could feel it ... that bastard. The man's gaze returned slowly to her and he took a few steps close, cautious of Sebastian. 'Miss? Is this true?' It took her a few seconds to reply, her attention was on his gun, it was a handgun ... two barrels ... like hers. If the situation grew to more dangerous heights she doubted he would be the one saving her. The question broke the surface of thought and her gaze rose from the gun to him. She wanted to shake her head, her throat was dry and it hurt alittle to speak. 'nnn ...'

Her eyes glanced up to Sebastian and a trembled laced her spine. 'I-I ... yes.' The word came out soft. But the man understood, and he shook his head. 'Sorry ... it wasn't loaded anyways.' Hawthorne tensed. Just her luck. He went back into the darkness of the park and Hawthorne knew she was alone with her charming terrorist again. Her gaze rose slowly to his and she trembled slightly against him. She had to try something else ... something that would hurt him.

Change of plans!

He would seduce her and THEN he would hurt her horribly. He was now banking on the emotional pain. His hold on her turned gentle and he schooled his expression to stay exactly the same way for her. He kept a hold of that comforting, loving look. His hands lightly touched her back and rubbed. "Were you frightened?"

'You have some serious psychological problems.'

What did he think he was doing? Trying to calm her down so she wouldn't go into hysterics? So perhaps another mortal playing hero wouldn't walk back up and wave a gun around? Her vision had cleared so all the daze vanished with it. She seemed angry and yet frightened, her eyes watched his as she attempted to clear her face of expression. Did he honestly think after all he had done this would work?

His hands were warm against her back, and the soft massage slowly ebbed the pain away. She closed her eyes letting the sensation take her. 'Perhaps I was ...' she said softly ... cautiously, the question of 'What was he doing?' still filled her mind. She could feel his heartbeat against her chest and her eyes opened to linger upon his ones of midnight. God. She was falling for his act ... it didn't even have to be an act ... she fell for him anyways and he knew it. In desperation she glanced away, she wouldn't let him have her so easily. If she was going to give in at all she would do it slowly, not quite so willing to rush into his embrace.

She hoped desprately he didn't know about the thoughts she had. It was lust right? Just lust. Thats what liking the outer but nothing inner is called. She hated what lay on the inside, every little thought, every heartbeat, everything.

A little smirk crept onto his face when she looked away, but it soon vanished so it wouldn't ruin his act. He held her just a smigen closer so that she now couldn't even try to avoid not feeling her heartbeat. He was using that beat to remind Hawthorne that he was a red-blooded male, subject to change. Something to make her weak in the knees and crave for him.

"I shouldn't frighten you any longer."

That was something he didn't plan to keep. He might not do it right away, but it was bound to happen that he would scare her one way or another with his tendencies. He leaned his warm cheek against her ear, looking behind her for any suspicious civilians just in case.

No no no no no, her mind was practicly screaming the two lettered word. Why was he doing this? His heart beat against her chest, it was soft ... steady. She closed her eyes trying to gather her thoughts. Damn it. She listened to him speak, thinking she could. His voice ... it felt like silk over her skin.

Focus. She had to move away, clear her mind of the warm velvet. His warm skin touched hers and everything seemed to wash away ... she leaned into his touch. As long as she knew what she was getting herself into ... as long as she knew what he was capable of she was alright ... right?

She turned her head slightly, her eyes looking upon his. He was being cautious, alert. It was rather stupid of him trying to hurt her in the open. Gently she pressed her lips to his cheek and nezzeled against him trying to bring his attention back.

It was his turn to be surprised. He hadn't expected to feel her lips on his cheek. He might have expected to be slapped, but never that. His eyes widened at the sensation and he turned his face ever so slightly to stare at her in masked confusion. He just.. Bah. His mind was having a hard time functioning in surprise mode.

"What is it?" She had to have done that for something.

She smirked. It wasn't an accident that she let him see it. She had caught him off gaurd, it was a change she could get used to. 'So you can be surprised.' She gave a laugh as she pulled away. 'I wanted to see if I could win back your attention.' She wanted to test him, see how far she could push him before he abandoned his act.

She turned and started walking, picked up her bag then continued.

"So you are a woman after all." He meant that as a cheap shot. He always thought they were sneaky little creatures, always trying to get the upper hand against men. "Think you'll get away so fast?" That invisible hand tugged at her bag. "I should get you back for that one."

She felt him tug lightly at her bag and she turned her head slightly. 'I knew it was all an act ... theres no way you could have changed your mind so quickly.' A smile curved at her lips. 'Though ... I did enjoy it while it lasted.' She gave him a wink. 'It's too bad you gave up so quickly.' Letting the strap slip off her shoulder she turned to look at him. Letting him know she wasn't going to run.

"Who says that I have given up?"

Sebastian pushed off what he was leaning against to walk up and casually sling an arm around her waist. "You must know by now that I don't let things slip past me." He smirked, leaning over to kiss her neck. "And if you think I've dropped by act just yet, you might have another thing coming."

A fine brow quirked as he came close. So he knew she knew it was an act ... then why was he going on with it? He had his arm around her waist, she didn't want to admit to herself that her knees ... horrible stupid things ... were weakening. She nearly collapsed when his lips laced her neck. Her lips parted slightly in a soft sigh.

She tried hard to pulled herself back into reality, Damn it, if he thought he was going to get the best of her ... Turning her head slightly she let her lips catch his in a kiss. Gently she put her arm around his neck. Some how she was going to get him back ... as soon as she could get her thoughts organized.

Sebastian was quick on his feet now that he was expecting this. He turned his head to press onto herl ips full on, licking her lower for invasion. After all, Sebastian has his skills here too. You can't think for one moment that a guy with his looks would have the chastity of a saint.

Almost every thought of caution had gone to the winds, she kept her wits about her but her mind wasn't buzzing anymore with warnings. Her lips parted for him. Heat rose, she gasped into the kiss and pulled closer. Yes, definetly every thought of caution was now eliminated.

He dipped for the kiss but also slowly pulled away, his lips hovering only a few milimeters apart. "I thought you hated me." He descended back down, biting and kissing a trail from her jaw line right back down to the soft patch on her skin, a general weak spot for people of any gender.

She closed her eyes feeling his warm lips against hers. 'I-I did ... I do.' It was impossible to think straight now, her words came in a breathy whisper. 'Sebastian.' She realized it was the first time that evening she had mentioned his name, it felt good to say it. She felt his lips against her neck, biting and caressing her flesh. It sent a hot flash of passion down her spine and she gave a soft gasp.

"You did? You don't anymore?" He smirked, his lips staying where they were. This was perfect. This was more than physical pain could ever hope to smash her. Emotions were the key thing. They were the thing to ruin her. Oh ho, how he got so happy and giddy (of course contained) to hear those breathless whispers.

Crap, no matter how hot she was getting he was still cool and collected. She had to stay on her toes ... mentally and physically. 'I don't think you can change the past with a few sharp kisses to my neck ... I'm not that easily fooled.' Her voice was still breathy ... damn him. She put her hands against him in an effort to push away, but she paused. She wanted to fight fire with fire, if he was going to cloud her mind with soft kisses and passionate waves she would do the same.

She kissed his cheek gently, lacing her lips down to his neck. She found the tender bit of flesh and kissed it gently, nipping at it lightly with her teeth.

He was human so not even Sebastian could be immune. He tipped his head so that she could continue those little actions, his eyes lowering themselves to slits, obviously enjoying himself. This was a weakness of his. "Not that easily fooled? You seemed to.." He trailed off with a slight 'ah', his chest heaving a little bit with a sharp intake of air before continuing. "Forget with the touch of lips."

She smirked with satisfaction. Watching his expression was victory enough. She continued for a few minutes longer, biting gently at his tender flesh. Pulling herself closer she looked up to him. 'Perhaps ... but ...' Tenderly she ran her fingertips acoss the flesh of his neck. 'As do you.' She gently brought her hand down from his neck lacing her fingertips down his spine. 'You try so hard ... its a shame.' Gently she kissed him, biting his lower lip.

What went through his mind when realization hit him that his weakness was known?

Well, the shit hit the fan.

A resemblance of that cautious stare flashed back onto his face, a firm hand holding her shoulder back, in essence, trying to pull her body away from his mouth. "Try so hard for -what-?" What did she think he was doing and was failing at? What on earth could Sebastian not conquer?

She smiled. 'You try so hard to find someway to hurt me ... Your failing Sebastian.' She touched his face tenderly with her hands. 'You may be cute ... you may be sensual ... you maybe lots of things ... but ... and as sad as it is for me to say ... those pretty things fail you when it comes to tricking me.'

She stood there arms crossed as she watched him. 'Like I said you have serious psychological problems ... did your mother abuse you or something?' She had to admit she wanted him back in her arms ... even if she knew he could hurt her seriously. The mere thought of his lips against hers made her tremble slightly.

"Would you rather me be blunt like I was before?" He was about to retort about the head problems, but suddenly his whole expression iced over. His body went rigid and you could probably see the frost in the air. Apparently she had hit the nail on the head with the mother comment. Sebastian didn't like that either. In a liquid movement, he grabbed onto her hand touching her face, ripping it off like it was venom.

Violet eyes glimmered like wicked beacons. Ooooh gold star for her. 'Ooops.' she whispered with childlike innocence. 'What ... did your mother beat you Sebastion? ... Did she abuse you ... molest you ... surely she did something to leave you so fucked up now.' Her voice was soft ... intolerably calm for the words she was whispering. 'Did she put a gun to her head after realizing the mistake she made ... you?' She had to admit, what she was saying was awfully harsh. But she was on a roll, anger coursed through her viens as she recalled the awful things he had done to her.

He couldn't take it to hear it. He raised a hand to back hand her, going near mad just by the flash backs. His gaze turned inward, those flash backs getting crystal clear. His mother was truly crazy. On days, she'd be the best person, but on others, she'd beat and molest. At the end, she had killed herself right in front of Sebastian, her blood splattering him. She had to have had a pretty good intuition because she seemed to hit every little aspect of his horrible childhood and teen years.

He was caught ... the sudden embrace of awful memories gave her the chance she didn't have last time. She rose a knee suddenly between his legs grinding it against a spot she had wanted earlier. Waiting still he fell from the pain she gave a splendid side kick to his jaw. She knelt beside him pulling back his head by grabbing a handful of that beautiful golden hair. 'Learn your lesson bastard ...' She hissed it softly in his ear letting his beautiful blue eyes look into hers.

She got up slowly and picked up her duffle bag before running through the open gates of the park and through the middle of the road.

Sebastian knelt, taking deep breaths to ease the pain. Well, physical at least. Nothing could ease what was running through his head. Years of expensive psychiatrists and his own mental battles started to come undone and the seams just because of that girl. She was as good as dead. Sebastian never wished this much for revenge. Long, painful revenge.