The wax from the large red candle trickled slowly along the top of the smooth white marble gravestone then down its side like a rivulet of thick dark blood. The wicks soft warm glow was joined by several other coloured candles that had been strategically arranged in a large circle to create an area of light in the shadowy cemetery. At its centre was a large green tweed blanket spread out on the grass with a wicker hamper sitting by its side.

Cheeses and fruits had been placed neatly on small china plates along with an assortment of meats and a bottle of expensive wine. All of these now lay in a dishevelled mess, with the food trodden into the blanket now soaked in valuable red liquid which wasn’t the wine.

Adriana had been busy the past two evenings, her date with Gabe earlier that week creating a backlog of work. It had only been forty eight hours since the day at the beach, but Gabriel had already found himself missing her company. That morning he had decided to phone her office under the guise of being a new client and with a little effort, managed to purloin her itinerary from the secretary.

A quarter past midnight and Adriana had been booked to raise an ex football star in a dispute over his life insurance. His insurance brokers were claiming his policy was exempt as his heart attack had been a direct result of the steroids he had been using while alive. Being a fellow animator, Gabriel knew that after an evenings work at the cemetery he was always peckish, so he had planned to surprise Adriana with an elaborate picnic.

Gabriel was now sat on the damp grass, his back against an old gravestone with his legs stretched out in front of him as crimson red blood poured down his left arm from a savage wound to his left shoulder. Some time in between watching Adriana raise her zombie and cutting the brie into neat slices, a pack of ghouls had appeared from nowhere. Gabriel was finally beginning to focus through the pain, turning his head to the sound of gunshots to find Adriana standing besides him in a classic shooting pose. The flickering reflection of candle light burned in her eyes as she fired another burst of gunfire into the night.

Adriana was just worn out after her raisings, she had done three tonight and she there was one more left for the night. She wasn't wearing her usual attire, tonight she actually had on black slacks and a black blouse, a little gothic, but she liked it. She would truly be exhausted after this last raising. As soon as she had finished putting the zombie to rest, a familiar face caught the corner of her eye. She shook hands with the lawyer and insurance agent and began picking up all of her tools, as well as wipe off the ointment and blood.

She began walking toward Gabe, who had a picnic all set up for the two of them even with candlelight, a smile plastered on her face. Sure it was in a cemetery, but it was where they worked. It was like bringing lunch to your girlfriend's office, but this office had dead people and headstones.

About halfway there, Adriana heard a familiar sound. Her mind flashed back to the cemetery over a month ago. Ghouls. Damn it all to hell, can't she just enjoy a date without creepies going bump in the night? Adriana reached for her gun, glad she actually wore her holster tonight and didn't leave it in the car for once.

Adriana glanced around to see where they were coming from, when she turned back around, Gabriel had one on him. Hopefully it was just one. She ran toward him, not wanting to fire with the ghoul so close, latched on his shoulder, so she shot in the air instead. That at least got it off of Gabriel and running.

Making it to Gabriel's side, she took a look at his shoulder, it was bleeding pretty badly. She picked up one of the extra blankets and held it to his shoulder. "Gabriel, can you hear me?" she asked as she held it to his arm. Picking up his other arm, she made him put pressure on the wound. "Gabe" she took his face in both hands to help him focus "I need you to hold that there to help stop the bleeding ok. I will be right here."

Adriana turned around, and there were 3 of them. Ah shit I am a jinx! Taking aim at their heads, Adriana fired at them. She actually hit all 3, thought they weren't dead...well dead again, they decided that this meal wasn't worth fighting for and turned tail and ran.

Adriana turned back to Gabe, she removed the blanket from his shoulder and couldn't help but wince at the sight of his shoulder. Their picnic blanket was cover in blood as was his entire arm. Maybe she should just give up and live in a bubble so she stopped attracting all sorts of undead things. Suddenly, Gerard flashed through her head and her heart beat picked up. Pushing the thought away, she concentrated on Gabriel.

Taking his face in her hands again, she wanted to gage how out of it he was. "Gabe, I need you to listen to me. Do you know where we are? Do you think you could walk to my car and I could drive you to the hospital?"

Gabe wasn’t sure if he had passed out for a moment. All he knew was that one moment he was watching Adriana scare off a small group of ghouls with an impressive show of marksmanship, and the next she was holding his head in her soft delicate hands.

“Hey pretty lady.” Gabriel smiled thinly as he looked up into Adriana’s concerned eyes. “I missed you.” Reaching up with his good arm, he placed his hand on the back of her neck and drew her close enough to place a tender kiss on her lips.

“Well I’m feeling much better now.” He said through a pained smile as he tried to pull himself to his feet but clearly struggling. Putting his arm over Adriana’s shoulder he allowed her to help him up. “I made you a picnic. Surprise!” He coughed out with joking enthusiasm.

Adriana couldn’t help but smile at Gabriel and give him a nervous laugh. “Hey there yourself” she couldn’t help but fall into his kiss as much as she was worried about him. “I missed you too” Adriana whispered. She was trying to keep her emotions under control, she was truly worried about Gabriel, but the fact that he was even talking to her was a good sign, maybe the wound wasn’t so deep.

Adriana laughed again, but it was silenced, as he began to stand up, his emotions clear on his face. “You shouldn’t push yourself so hard” she muttered. Taking some of his weight, thanking whatever sense she had to wear black flat boots, and smiled over at Gabe.

Adriana had to laugh, “It was very sweet. I can’t believe you knew where I would be.” She began walking slowly toward the parking lot. “Don’t talk” Adriana said sternly “I don’t want you to lose any more energy trying to make me smile.”

With Gabe on her shoulder, Adriana finally got to her car. Leaning him against the car, she opened the passenger side door and helped him in. She walked around, taking calming breaths, hoping no real damage was done to Gabe’s shoulder, climbed in and started the car. “I am sorry you’re dating a jinx. I am sure no one sees a damn pack of ghouls attack someone in a month and a half’s time” she muttered. As much as she wanted to speed and run every light to get to the hospital, Adriana figured a car accident wouldn’t be a great ending to the night either.

Adriana constantly glanced over at Gabe and had her hand on his thigh, she wanted to touch him- make sure he was ok. Pulling into the parking lot, she got out and helped Gabe walk into the hospital. Immediately a nurse came up, seeing the blood along his arm, and he was whisked away to the back of the emergency room, leaving Adriana in the waiting room, worried about what was happening. Adriana explained to one of the attending nurses what happened and was told to take a seat until thet come out and get her.

Gabriel winced in pain as Adriana lowered him into the passenger seat and strapped the seatbelt across his injured shoulder. It would have been just his luck to survive a ghoul attack only to be killed in a car accident like his father.

As the cars engine started Gabriel rested his head back and closed his eyes as he concentrated on his breathing and blocking out the pain. Even as he focused his mind a small smile played at the corner of his mouth as Adriana’s hand slipped onto his thigh.

“You may be a jinx, but you’re my jinx.” Spoke Gabriel softly as he placed his hand on Adriana’s and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “Now shut up and drive before I make you pull over and prove just how much I like being with you.”

The rest of the journey was a quiet affair until they reached the hospital where doctors and nurse began fussing over him. Out of Adriana’s view there had been a slightly nervous encounter with security when they had found the holster beneath Gabriel’s now torn suit jacket. He reluctantly surrendered the weapon when they had threatened to withhold medical treatment.

The wound to his shoulder had been a deep, requiring a wavy row of neat stitches that would leave a nasty scar when it healed. This was followed by a tetanus jab as you could never be too careful when it came to bite injuries, especially when that bite was from the mouth of a foul and decaying ghoul.

Only a couple of hours later from being admitted and Gabriel was strolling into the reception lounge with his arm in a sling looking for Adriana. The doctors had wanted to keep him in over night but with his gun back in its holster there had been little argument.

It was hard to see Gabriel’s face in the dark car, and Adriana lost count of how many times she glanced over to make sure he was alright. She couldn’t help but grin like an idiot at his words, you’re my jinx . If he wasn’t in a dire state needing medical attention, she would have leaned over and gave him a kiss he deserved going through a lot to surprise her with a picnic.

Adriana had to laugh, “Alright I am driving.” At least he could make her smile even when he was in so much pain. Watching the medical staff wheel him away to a room, Adriana was left in the waiting room to worry. She couldn’t stay seated; she paced back and forth twirling a piece of her hair as she walked. Finally she heard a nurse say her name. As she told Adriana that it was a deep cut and that he was in the process of getting stitched up, all the emotions of the night finally came crashing down on her with a smile and a few tears.

Taking a seat, she flipped through a magazine, waiting to hear if Gabriel needed to stay overnight or not, Adriana glanced at her watch. It had been a couple hours since he went back there and no one had come to tell her anything else. Looking up from her watch, she saw Gabriel walking out with his arm in a sling.

She basically jumped out of her seat and ran over to him. “Oh thank God. You are getting out already?” she asked concerned. She ran her fingers along his hand that was in the sling. “Are you okay? I was so worried about you…” Adriana began rambling. Finally she shut her mouth and smiled up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

She got up on her tippy toes and whispered to him, “You scared the hell out of me you know that?” as she placed a kiss on his lips, gentle at first, then she gave him a kiss he deserved for the night. Breaking it off before she hurt him, she took his good hand and began walking to the door.

Gabriel’s eyes roamed the busy waiting area anxiously as he searched for Adriana within the sea of bodies. As a young couple moved to his left he finally spotted her sitting in one of the terribly uncomfortable bright orange plastic chairs that lined the perimeter of the room.

He watched with a grin as she practically flew from the seat and ran up to him. Wincing in anticipation when he thought she would leap upon him, he breathed a sigh of relief as she came to stop just in front of him. His grin faded when she saw her eyes gleaming with tears.

“I’m fine, pissed off but fine.” He smiled warmly as he brushed a tear from her cheek with his thumb, cupping her face in his hand as she got up on tiptoes to kiss him. The kiss took him by surprise as it went from tender to passionate. As she pulled away from the embrace a small groan slipped his lips that had curled into a contented smile.

“I’m sorry I scared you like that.” He said apologetically for putting Adrianna through an unnecessarily depressing night in a hospital. He still couldn’t believe he had allowed a damn ghoul to sneak up on him, let alone take a bite out of his shoulder. He should have been able to sense the ghoul’s presence from a mile away but had been too preoccupied with impressing Adrianna. He would have to be far more cautious during his next visit to the cemetery.

As they left the hospital hand in hand Gabriel nudged Adrianna playfully with his shoulder. “Hey I just thought of something. If you’re going to kiss me like that every time I get hurt, I may just have to get myself a pet ghoul.”

Adriana couldn't help but let out a nervous laugh as his thumb wiped away a tear that fell. After she kissed him, she couldn't help but smile that he was okay. "I am sorry you are pissed off Gabe. I didn't mean to let...I am sorry the night was pretty much ruined."

"Don't apologize. You didn't do anything wrong. It was actually fun waiting to see if you were okay..." she laughed, knowing it sounded like a lie, "it wasn't fun, but I am just happy to see you again. I guess we have both been busy with work or just plain life, huh?"

Adriana gave a genuine laugh, "A pet ghoul? Do you think you could feed it and take care of it?" It seemed even when Gabe was in pain, he could still put a smile on her face. Opening the door to the car, she helped Gabe settle in walked around to the driver side, climbing in herself.

She gave a sigh, finally winding down from the whole ordeal. "Ok, we are driving back to the cemetery, I will pick up the things from the picnic and we are going back to my house so you can rest." Adriana didn't know how well Gabe would take being told what was going to happen, but she started the car and waited.

Gabriel collapsed into the passenger seat with a tired sigh and closed his eyes. It had been a long night and all he wanted to do was lie down and sleep, preferably in Adriana’s arms. So when she offered to take him back to her place Gabriel simply nodded in agreement. “Back to yours sounds good.”

Every time Adriana had tried to apologise for the nights events, the knot of guilt in Gabriel’s stomach grew tighter. He would have to do a lot of apologising himself but it would have to wait. Broaching a difficult subject while moderately high on morphine probably wasn’t the best of ideas.

“Adi,” Gabriel said quietly as they headed back towards the cemetery to collect their belongings. “I’m so sorry about tonight. I should have been better prepared. I should have warned you.”

Ariana gave a soft smile to Gabe, "Alright, I will take good care of you, I promise." She made sure to take every stop easy and every acceleration slow as to not tighten the belt on his injured shoulder. "Gabriel, please stop apologizing. It was nice to see you again, I really missed you. It was a great surprise. You couldn't be better prepared, things happen sweetie, don't blame yourself. Please." The last word had a bit of a beg to it, she didn't want Gabe to blame himself for something they both could have had a better handle on.

Adriana pulled into the cemetery and left the car running with the headlights pointed right at the headstone the picnic was near. Leaning over she placed a soft kiss on his cheek. "I will be right back. You stay exactly where you are and don't move." Her tone was soft but stern, she wanted the point to be made that he needed to take care of himself.

Adriana walked up the path and began gathering the blood soaked blanket and the basket. She smiled as she picked up the wine bottle and placed it in the basket. Making sure everything was gathered in her arms, she walked back to the trunk of the car and popped it open. Placing everything back there she climbed back into the drivers seat and smiled.

"All clean." Adriana said as she pulled out of the parking lot. "So your first time in my place and your injured, not my ideal setting" she laughed making sure Gabe knew it was a joke. "But I guess if I finally have you in my place thats a step in the right direction" she grinned.

The drive was a short uneventful one. Pulling into the parking garage she saw that a spot near the elevator was open. She whispered a small "Thank you God" as she pulled into the spot. Turning the car off, she kept her keys in her hand and walked around to the passenger side, opening the door and helping Gabe out.

As they walked to the elevator, she helped him walk and pushed the button to the 12th floor. Yeah, it was up there, but it was a 25 story building. "Sorry its a long ride up, but the views are amazing."

Walking out of the elevator after the short ride, Adriana made sure Gabriel didn't need help supporting himself as she opened the door. The entryway opened out into the living room with the kitchen to the right of the entrance. The furnishings were very modern and urban, a black leather sofa and loveseat were the main focus of the room around a modest size television. It was only a one bedroom one bath condo, but it was spacious and thats what Adriana loved about it.

In the corner of the living room was her desk which held everything from bills to her appointment book. Leading Gabriel over to the couch, she helped seat him and then walked into the kitchen. "Do you want anything to drink?"

During the short journey to the cemetery to collect their belongings, Gabriel was content to remain relatively silent, speaking only to answer any questions that Adriana might ask him. He barely noticed when the car stopped by the graveside and Adriana hopped out until a sudden momentary panic overtook him. He jerked his head up searching for Adriana in the blaze of the headlights, smiling with relief as she reappeared at the door clutching the abandoned items.

The second part of the journey was much the same with Gabriel resting back into the leather seat with his eyes closed listening to the hypnotic sound of the gentle humming of the cars engine. He was trying to relax but the evenings events kept buzzing around his mind. He just couldn’t understand how the ghouls had managed to get so close to him without him ever feeling their deathly presence. Was his power diminishing, was Adriana’s own power interfering with his, or was she simply a distraction. Gabriel grimaced with the pain of a headache he knew would soon be with him. There would be no answers forthcoming to his questions tonight.

To his surprise they had reached Adriana’s apartment building without him even noticing they had driven into the underground parking. Killing the engine, Adriana made her way round to his side of the car where he gratefully accepted her assistance getting out without too much discomfort. The ride up to the twelfth floor was an uneventful one with Gabriel grateful for the lack of any elevator music adding to his migraine. Entering Adriana’s apartment he collapsed into the dark leather sofa with relief, the soft leather creaking below him as he made himself comfortable as possible.

Adriana disappeared around a corner for a moment before her voice floated back to him to offer a drink. The doctors had advised that he drank plenty of fluids for the next couple of days but would certainly have frowned at Gabriel’s choice of refreshment. “Have you got scotch?”

Adriana noticed how out of it Gabe was when he barely moved as she kissed his cheek at the cemetery. She knew he was probably given pain pills which he should drink with, but decided he wasn't going anywhere tonight, so no harm no foul.

"Let me check..." she said as she opened up her liquor cabinet in the kitchen. Sure enough there was a bottle of scotch her Father had left after he helped her move in. Grabbing a glass, she poured the scotch in and placed the bottle back.

Leaving the glass on the counter for a moment, she walked into her bedroom and opened the linen closet to grab a blanket for Gabriel. Walking back into the kitchen, Adriana had a blanket in one hand and his scotch in the other as she walked to the couch.

"Here" she handed the glass to Gabe, helping him sit up a bit so he didn't spill it all over himself. "And this" she held up the blanket "is if you get cold." Adriana folded the blanket and placed it on the arm of the couch.

As Gabe began drinking his scotch, Adriana walked back into the kitchen and grabbed two bottles of water, in case Gabe wanted something other than alcohol.

Seating herself beside him, she smiled and began playing with his hair with a her finger absently. "How are you feeling?" she asked, worried about him. Truth be told she felt a little more than guilty about the night.

Adriana couldn't help but to not heed her words of advise, she had been so happy to see Gabe that she forgot her surroundings and didn't even feel the zombies. She had practiced so hard to not be thrown off guard again. Now here I am nursing my...well...my she lost her train of thought trying to figure out just what her and Gabe were.

Gabriel smiled his thanks when Adriana returned from the kitchen with a glass of scotch in one hand and a warm looking blanket in the other. Damn he though to himself, he really didn’t deserve to be dating someone like Adriana. For every fault Gabriel had, Adi appeared to have the complete opposite trait in delightful abundance.

Animators worked the strangest of hours, so when Gabriel had turned up at the cemetery way after midnight, Adriana would have just been coming to the end of a long shift. Because of him, Adriana had been forced to spend hours in a hospital waiting room instead of at home tucked up in a warm bed. If anyone but Adriana had pulled that crap with him he would have simply left them bleeding alone in the cemetery with the ghouls for company.

Putting the blanket to one side, Gabriel raised the glass to his lips and took a long sip of the amber liquid. The scotch slipped down his throat bringing with it a pleasant warm feeling which went right down to his stomach. For the first time since the attack he was finally beginning to feel like his usual self.

“I’m feeling much better now. Thank you” Said Gabriel with a relaxed sigh as Adriana began playing with his hair. Reaching into his jacket pocket Gabriel pulled out the small bottle of pills the doctors had given him. Noticing the bottles cap with a look of frustration, Gabriel looked at Adriana with pleading eyes. “Care to take pity on a cripple and lend me a hand with this?”

Watching Gabriel take a sip of his scotch, Adriana twisted the top off the bottle of water and took a sip herself. She smiled and took the bottle of pills. "Yes I will take pity on you" she laughed.

Taking the bottle, she read off one of the warning labels "Do not consume alcohol while taking this medicine" she glanced over to Gabe and poured out two pills and handed them to him. Closing the pill bottle and putting it on the coffee table, Adriana leaned back and placed a kiss on Gabe's cheek. "I will be right back, I am going change."

Adriana walked back into her room and closed her door almost all the way. She wanted to be able to hear Gabriel if he needed her. Slipping out of her slacks and blouse, she through on a pair of elastic black gym pants she usually wore while running and a red t shirt. Throwing her hair up in a pony tail she walked back out to the living room.

Seating herself back on the couch she smiled at Gabe. "I am sorry our night didn't turn out like you hoped. I did enjoy seeing you though" she added with hopes it would make Gabe feel better. "Is there anything else I can get you? Do you want something to eat?" Adriana could only hope she wasn't being overbearing.

Running her fingers over Gabe's thigh, she gave a weak smile "Or I can go in the other room and let you have your space."

Adriana placed a soft kiss upon Gabriel’s cheek before leaving him to nurse his headache with a half glass of scotch and two pills whose name he couldn’t even begin to pronounce. Throwing the pills into the back of his mouth he chased them down his throat with the remainder of the scotch before resting back in the chair and closing his tired eyes.

The soft sound of Adriana padding quietly across the carpet brought him back to his senses. Adriana had changed into a simple pair of sweat pants and a tee-shirt and was looking so damn cute Gabriel was unable to keep the corner of his mouth curling up into an appreciative smile.

“The evening didn’t quite go according to plan…ok the night went to shit, but it still ended up where I wanted it.” Said Gabriel with a grin as Adriana’s fingers played across his lap. “You’ve been great tonight. Dragging me to the hospital, letting me bleed all over your car and then lending me your couch. I couldn’t possibly ask any more of you.”

Closing the door to her bedroom, Adriana could not help but return the half smile as she noticed Gabriel watching her. Tucking an invisible strand of hair behind her ear, she headed toward the couch and sat down comfortably next to him. She couldn't help the laugh that left her lips as he said he wanted the night to end at her place. "Well I couldn't very well leave you in the cemetery and let those ghouls get you. I was only doing my civic duty" she nodded trying not to let her grin show through.

"And my bill is in the mail for the upholstery cleaning for my car. Maybe they can get out your blood stains better than mine." Adriana looked around and found the remote for the TV. She placed it in Gabe's lap and took his now empty glass as she walked into the kitchen. Adriana poured in some more scotch and the got out some bread and lunch meat to make a couple sandwiches.

Her stomach growled as the aroma of the bakery fresh bread hit her nose. Getting out two plates she made a simple sandwich for each of them. "Alright, so what is the revised plan for tonight?" Adriana asked as she walked from the kitchen to the couch and handed the plate of food to Gabe. "Its not gourmet food, but since I am in sweats and you are in a sling, I figured it doesn't need to be a five star meal. Hope you like honey ham."

Stifling a yawn with the back of his hand just as Adriana returned bearing arms filled with food, Gabriel excused himself with a grin. “Sorry, it’s been a long night.” He said as he gratefully accepted the plate. “Thanks, this looks great and anything that had required a fork would have been a little beyond me.”

He had definitely began to feel the first stirrings of hunger pains as he had lay there in the hospital, but now that he was faced with a delicious looking sandwich the very smell was turning his stomach. Taking an experimental bite, Gabriel had to admit to himself that the honeyed ham and fresh bread tasted wonderful and if he took another bite the contents of his stomach would be added to the cleaning bill for Adriana’s car upholstery.

Placing the plate on the small table by the sofa, Gabriel forced himself to swallow another yawn as he turned back to Adriana. “If you need someone to clean your car I have a guy that does a great job with removing blood stains.” Gabriel didn’t go on to explain that his man was also extremely talented when it came to removing any traces of fibres, hairs or DNA. With the kind of employment Gabriel often found himself in the last thing he needed was for the real life CSI getting their grubby hands on his car. Consecutive life sentences wasn’t really on Gabriel’s agenda.

Shaking her head at the apology "No apology needed. It has been a long night for both of us" she said yawning herself. Adriana grinned "Well I am glad I didn't make my homemade pasta and my mother's famous red sauce. It would have been a waste of great food if you couldn't have used a fork. And I would have to tease you relentlessly because I would be able to enjoy it" she added with a wink.

A sandwich was exactly what she was in the mood for, she thought as she bit into her food. Adi hadn't realized she was hungry until now, she had been too worried about Gabe's injuries to even think about food. They both sat on the couch enjoying the food, it seemed Gabe was just as hungry as she.

As he finished off his plate Adriana was on the last couple bites as well. Taking another sip of water as she listened to him explain that he knew a guy. Taking both plates into the kitchen she shook her head with a small laugh as she began rinsing the dishes and placing them in a dishwasher. "So you know a guy huh? What are you in the mob?" she smiled as she walked back in the room. "How many guys have you wacked huh?" she asked with a tease to her voice as she sat back down on the couch, curled up against the arm, bringing both legs up as she hugged them close to herself facing Gabriel.

“Darn.” Exclaimed Gabriel at the loss of a home made meal cooked by Adriana’s fair hands. “Looks like you will just have to save your moms famous pasta dish for the next time you invite me over.” The cheeky smile on his face indicating that he no qualms about just inviting himself around in the future like he had just done.

As Adriana cleaned up the plates in the kitchen, he could hear her laughing at his cleaning service recommendation. He'd have been annoyed if anyone else had laughed at him but he had to admit, calling him his guy did sound pretty funny.

“Yeah, I know a guy, which knows this guy who knows this exceptionally hot but cheeky animator.” Laughed Gabriel while mockingly scowling a lopsided grin at Adriana who had curled up besides him on the sofa with her legs tucked beneath her chin.

Whether it was the meds he was on, Gabriel was actually considering giving Adriana a straight answer to her question. “Have I ever whacked someone?” He said, looking at the ceiling with a thoughtful gaze. “Depends what you mean by that really. Are we talking human, vampire, lycanthrope or some other minority group.”

The fact that Gabe wanted to invite himself over for another meal at her house, preferably with pain killers in his system, made her smile widen. “Deal. You have to bring dessert or the drinks. I will leave it up to you.” Grabbing two more bottles of water she walked back into the living room. It was nice to have someone else in the house, seeing Gabriel on her couch made her get butterflies just like their first date.

“Hot huh?” she asked handing him the water. “Well, this hot cheeky animator says to drink your water or else” she demanded with a stern look for a few moments which melted away into a smile as soon as she got comfortable. Listening to Gabe’s answer, she wasn’t scared and it didn’t sound as if he was joking so she didn’t laugh. Instead she was more interested. Reaching her hand out she touched Gabe’s shoulder gently, “Well let’s start with what else you do other than animate. Are you a hunter?” She wasn’t very fond of executioners; she got into a rather heated discussion with Scarlett over it. Gabriel had one good thing on his side, she cared for him, so he would get the benefit of the doubt. She wanted to know more about the man sitting on her couch, in her home with her, regardless of what it is.

“The drinks I can handle. It just happens that I have an extensive wine collection that I’ve been dying to share with someone.” Grinned Gabriel at Adriana’s easy acceptance of the invitation he’d given himself. Adriana disappeared into the kitchen but was a back again moments later with a couple of bottles of water from the fridge still glistening with deliciously cold moisture. “You read my mind.” He said gratefully accepting the bottle that she had kindly opened for him and took a long refreshing pull as was ordered.

He gave Adriana a warm smile as her hand came to rest comfortably upon his shoulder. Usual pensive in the company of others, especially people he had known for only a short space of time, Gabriel was surprised at how easy it was to feel completely relaxed in Adriana’s company. His smile suddenly split into a wide grin followed by a chuckle he could barely contain. “A hunter!” Gabriel laughed almost choking on the water in his mouth. “Oh dear god, I’m nothing like those fanatics I hope.” Smirked Gabriel who was more than a little amused at the thought.

“Most of the people I’ve known who called themselves a hunter did that work because of some traumatic event in their past or some deluded self righteous cause. Me, it’s just a business. I’m in it purely for the money. I only ever accept a warrant of execution from one of my clients. You certainly won’t find me running around in the dark risking my next for the peanuts the cops pay an executioner, that’s for sure.”

"I am going to be spoiled by you if you keep this up. A girl can get used to being taken care of you know" Adriana smiled sweetly at the man on her couch. "When your arm heals? A celebratory dinner, celebrating your ability to use a fork again" she laughed taking the bottle of water she had for herself to her lips for a drink. "Mind reader? Did I forget to tell you I am psychic too?" Adriana tried to keep her face straight but it turned out to be more of a challenge than expected so she broke into a grin.

Adi startled a bit at the laugh, but relaxed back into the couch. "I'm glad you got a chuckle out of it" she muttered, rolling her eyes. She thought it was a genuine question, but was actually pleased at the answer as the half smile on her face showed. Nodding at the information Gabe gave, she didn't know whether to be comforted by the thought it was only business or be a little more curious.

"So your clients, how do they find you? Word of mouth I take it? So you are an animator and a freelance...?" Adriana searched for a better word than murderer for hire, but couldn't find one. "Please tell me to stop asking questions if I get too inquisitive, but if I were a client of yours, what exactly would I want done?" She truly hoped Gabe didn't become defensive and closed up, this is as much as they had talked about his work and she was very interested.

“A gal should be spoiled once in a while.” Laughed Gabriel, making himself more comfortable by kicking off the leather Italian shoes from his aching feet. Flexing his toes with a sigh, he pulled his left leg over his right knee. “Besides, how else would we let you know we care. But then being psychic you already knew that.”

Adriana relaxed back into the sofa with a roll of her eyes but a hint of a smile playing lightly at her lips. Gabriel had been worried that he might have offended her for a moment, but that small smile was enough to let him know he’d been forgiven.

“I didn’t mean it to sound like I was laughing at you. I’d really like for you to get to know me, I just didn’t think that you’re first impression of me was that of a psychotic killer.” All this had been said with the same hint of a smile that Adriana had given him just a moment ago. If she had really thought of him in the same light as a hunter he was sure he would never have made it to her car let alone back to her apartment.

“Well you know the old adage concerning a cat and curiosity.” Gabriel glared, raising the bottle of water to his lips. “Luckily for you…I don’t do cats.” The hint of a smile he had been wearing bursting into a full hearted grin.

“The people I work for are all what you’d consider high end cliental, ranging from businessmen, politicians and people with more money than sense. What they all have in common is that each and every one of them is somehow connected to the each other through work, family or friends. They also want to keep whatever their business is strictly private. On the whole my work is very similar to yours. Raising the dead for the lawyers to interrogate is usually as exciting as it gets. Every so often though I get the odd call asking for an execution, but I access those on there individual merits and only take the cases that appeal to me.”

“I am glad we agree on that point” she said with a smile. “Most men don’t want a spoiled girl, too high maintenance, but you don’t have to worry about me, I am a big girl and can take care of myself.” High maintenance was actually one of the main things her exes complained about, but she also had been different in New York. Miami had changed her, her outlook on life, her clothing style, and it was all for the better.

“Psychotic killer? I don’t think I could think of you that way. I don’t think I can think of you that way.” Adriana still couldn’t see the man sitting on her couch actually killing someone unless he was threatened, but apparently he had done it. She was still on the fence about how exactly she felt about this particular piece of information, but she wasn’t throwing him out either, so that had to say something. “Well that’s good to know, I guess it will be the bunny outfit for Halloween and not the cat then” she said with a full on grin to match his.

Adriana listened intently and subconsciously leaned in closer to Gabe explain about his clients, ending up rather close to him on the middle cushion rather than leaning on the arm of the couch. “So you don’t go out and-“ Adriana stopped herself before she said murder and instead continued with “just enforce an order of execution then? Do you research before executing someone, I mean you know they are guilty not just someone wanting to get a supernatural out of the way? And you animate as well for these clients. Why go to you, I mean…no offense, but why not go to a firm, why a freelancer?”

Adriana stopped putting her hand up to her lips in order for them to stop moving. “I’m sorry. You don’t have to answer all of that, I got carried away…” Giving a sheepish look to Gabriel, she looked away trying not to let the blush she felt grow to her cheeks for asking so many questions. Feeling the start of a headache coming on, she took her hair back down and ran her fingers through it, massaging her scalp at the same time, draping her hair over her face so she didn’t have to look up into his eyes.

Glancing around at the stylish apartment they were sitting in, Gabriel knew that Adriana’s words weren’t those of a person simply trying to convince themselves. “I think that it’s quite obvious that you’re capable of looking after yourself, in more ways than one.” As was kindly demonstrated that very evening when Adriana had saved him from being eaten by a pack of rabid ghouls.

“But rest assured that if you ever become too much handle I’ll be the first to let you know. Of course I expect the same thing in return should I become the overbearing son-of-a-bitch I’m often accused of.”

Gabriel must have had a grin like a five year old with a cola lolly when Adriana had somehow managed to squeeze a bunny outfit into the conversation about vampire executions. “I’m truly praying that you’re not talking about Easter egg delivering brand of bunny here.” Halloween was still over half the year away but if they were still seeing each other at that time Gabriel was very much looking forward to it.

Adriana’s questions were now firing out of her mouth in quick succession but stopped sharply in a fit of unnecessary embarrassment. During the conversation Adriana had moved to the middle cushion of the sofa so it took little effort for Gabriel to reach out and brush the hair away from her face. “Ask anything you want Adi, as long as I don’t violate certain client confidentialities I’m happy to share with you.”

“Now as far as ascertaining the innocence of those I accept a warrant on I must be honest and say I’ve never checked. If there is a warrant I just have to assume that the authorities who issued it have done their job correctly. What I do is assess the potential risk from the initial execution and any threats resulting from or directly connected to the kill. Last thing a guy needs is a master vampire gunning after them for killing one of its lackeys.”

A grin began spreading across her face at the mention of her being able to take care of herself. It was nice to hear from someone else, she thought. "Thank you" she said quietly, her grin shrinking to a small smile instead. She started laughing, "You become an overbearing son of a bitch? No I can't see it. But rest assured if you ever become one in my presence I will be sure to tell you" she said as she ran a hand along his thigh in reassurance; with two pats she put her hand back in her own lap.

Adriana could tell Gabe had enjoy the image he conjured up from her bunny comment. "Oh no, no easter bunny outfits. You know the reason for Halloween for women don't you? So we can get all sexy and no one can say a thing about it because its a costume. Too bad you have to put up with me for quite a few more months before you get rewarded..." she said with a devilish grin.

The playful air left as she began questioning Gabe. A shiver ran down her at the feel of Gabriel's hand so near her, brushing her hair back. She began to glance over at him, her eyes finding his and she smiled slightly at his words and nodded. Her smile faded at his next words though. He didn't check to see if the execution was valid, it seemed a trend with executioners apparently. He had a point though, she thought, the authorities were paid to make sure innocent lives weren't taken, but there could always be corruption in the system.

She was sure her thoughts were plain on her face and tried to stop thinking about that. "Yeah, having a Master vampire after you wouldn't be a good thing. Especially since I would have to worry about you now." Adriana looked up from her hands, which she started to play with as she was thinking, and found Gabriel's eyes. It was plain after the night they both cared for each other, but Adriana was nervous still on whether he would stick around of not. She smiled and placed a kiss on his cheek. "Would you like some ice cream or would you like me to go to bed and leave you alone?"

The playful smile that had been on Adriana’s face just moments before had faded away as Gabriel had described his work to her. She just didn’t seem to understand that that kind of thinking could be potentially lethal in his type work. One second of hesitation at the point of carrying out an execution could easily lead to ones untimely demise.

For some reason, that didn’t stop Gabriel for the first time in his adult life from feeling ashamed. This emotion however had little or nothing to do with vampires or executions. It was from the fact the Adriana was disappointed in him. All these thoughts stayed hidden behind his eyes where he could sit down and go over them at a later date.

Gabriel’s mind had wandered for just a moment but when it returned Adriana was telling him how much she would worry about. “Well after your heroics tonight I feel quietly confident that you would come to my rescue if a Master vamp was chewing at my neck.” Adriana leaned over and placed a kiss on his cheek where surely his lips would’ve been a far better location for them. The offer of ice cream however stopped him from protesting. Having only taken a small bite of his sandwich, the alcohol and meds where beginning to play havoc with his stomach.

“That sounds great,” He smiled as he rested his head back into the sofa and closed his eyes. “I think a little vanilla could really settle my stomach.”

The conversation seemed to take a downward turn at her nitpicking at every detail of his professional life. She could feel the lull in conversation before she offered more food. Adriana was sounding more like her mother, have a problem? Throw food at it. Adriana wanted to kiss Gabe’s lips, but between his meds and injury, she didn’t want to risk hurting him.

She left the couch to once again to the kitchen to fix them some ice cream. Opening the fridge, she had two half gallon cartons, one chocolate one vanilla, only the essentials. Adriana grabbed two mugs for them to enjoy their desserts in. She scooped out an ample amount into each and then topped them with a splash of brandy before putting spoons in their respective places and taking them into the living room. He wasn’t going anywhere; he didn’t have his car here, so she didn’t particularly worry about operating heavy machinery or driving when mixing the pills with alcohol.

Adriana had been quiet listening to the breathing of the man in the other room as she prepared their desserts. Usually she would not have a man stay over, though this wasn’t any man to her, and she had serious doubts on whether those pills were good enough to help him forget his pain completely let alone have her take him to her bed. As she picked both the mugs up she muttered to herself as she crossed the threshold of the kitchen archway “He was bleeding to death and you still want to bed him hoped up on pills, get a grip Adi.”

With a smile on her face, she handed him the mug and took hers, settling in closer to him this time on the couch. “I added the bit of brandy to help it go down easier. If you don’t want it, I can rinse the cup out and have just plain ice cream for you.” Taking a bite, the warmth of the brandy and the cold of the ice cream played on her tongue, smiling as she swallowed. “Is there anyone I should call that may be worried about you not coming home tonight?” she asked, apprehensive to hear the answer. Yes they cared for each other, but never once did they say they were dating exclusively, so she worried.

With his eyes closed and the soft tinkling of mugs against cutlery floating in from the kitchen where Adriana was organising desert, it took little effort for Gabriel to slip into a meditative state. His body automatically began relaxing his body and compartmentalising the pain away to the furthest part of his mind leaving him free to think about the woman in the next room.

Gabriel had dated a number of different women since moving to Miami. All had been beautiful, intelligent, successful women and all had been dismissed within three months for one reason or another. Whether it had been justified or not, Gabriel couldn’t help but find some incompatible personality trait that he simply couldn’t stand. This coupled with the insane hours he often worked did not make for a healthy environment to start or maintain a relationship. But with Adriana also in the business of moon lit rendezvous , rotting corpses and animal sacrifices, she was already further along the road to winning his affections than most.

His mind continued to flow along this train of thought as Adriana returned from the kitchen and placed a mug of ice cream in his hand. He didn’t even feel the freezing cold glass as it came to rest between his fingers, Adriana’s words barely audible at the edge of his perception. He nodded his head and mumbled an incomprehensible reply before his mind fell over the edge into the dark abyss of sleep.

As Adriana talked with him, she took a couple bites of her ice cream waiting for a reply. She glanced over about to ask him the question again in case he didn't hear her. She closed her mouth with a smile and watched all the lines on his face relax as he began falling asleep. She took the mug out of his hands to not have the cold wake him up and Adriana stood there watching him sleep with a smile on her face.

There was no doubt of her feelings for him now. There was a small tug at her heart as she watched him on her couch asleep. No doubt it was the effect of exhaustion and the pain killers. Placing the mugs in the sink quietly, she walked back to the couch and laid the throw over him, careful not to jostle his shoulder at all. He was handsome, she thought with another smile. She seemed to do that a lot around him. Someone on the same sleep schedule was always a plus in a relationship. Adriana hadn't been with a whole lot of people merely because she didn't see anyone outside of the cemeteries.

Adriana laughed at the thought, she had met Gabriel in a cemetery. Not the romantic story you would tell your grandkids she thought shaking her head walking to her bedroom. With a glance back at the couch, she opened her door and climbed into bed leaving her bedroom door opened so she could check on him. As she fell asleep a small calling in her dream reminded her of her waking fits lately. She was too exhausted to do anything but pray that she didn't call out another mans name as she slept with Gabe in the other room. "Please God, help me tonight" she whispered as she fell asleep.