#elsewhere

"Then you won't go." He says simply.

"Not for extended periods. We'll stay at your house, and I'll start reopening the Club as a half-occupancy restaurant."

"With no entertainment" A sigh "I guess they really do just come for the food"

"Dearest, we will find a way. Perhaps, with outdoor seating?" He frowns, thinking. "Or.... if you were in another part of the building.... but no, you need the energy of the crowd."

"Half energy might be better than no energy" She says

"I have poured over the restrictions. I -will- find a way."

"Would playing music help, Dearest? I know your instrument is your voice, but you have other instrumental skills, do you not?"

She kisses him on the cheek "I do. Not as well. But..yes, that might help"

"I suppose we could try singing, and see if anyone tries to fine us....."

"Glass panel in front of the stage?"

She sighs "It would change the acoustics"

"To say nothing of a mask."

"Well do it. Resturant angle will at least help you and your crew strut their stuff"

"It is only half of the business." He insists.

"the half we can do" She shrugs" So we do it." SHe ponders "But yes, an instrument maybe"

"I am certain that would pass the mortal restrictions that are currently in place."

The meal (such as it is) consumed, William collects up the trash and puts a $20 in the coffee can used for safe-house slush funds.

She nods "OK that.. that wasn't bad." She seems a bit more subued since he gave her the news about her singing at the club on hold

"Oh Dearest......" He goes to comfort her. "I'll find a way."

"It'll pass... just.. highs and lows, curse of the kith" She takes his hand "I know it can be daunting"

"Satyr relationships in the long term can be stressful I bet, but I'm glad you love me"

He kisses her hand. "I wish to make you happy, in as much as I can."

"You do.. heck" She brightens "I still smile thinking of that riot on that sidhe's mansion."

A smug smile. "You did as much as I. We work well together."

"We do" She brightens further

He draws her close to kiss her.

And she kisses him back, hotly, mercurial as ever, or perhaps she knows to enjoy what she can instead of dwelling on what she cannot control

When they finally part, he murmurs. "The accommodations are not impressive, but perhaps I can, nevertheless, entertain you?"

"You never fail too" She rises from the remnants of their meal and taking his hand goes with him to the bed

He chuckles. "Oh, it happens to all men......"

"Yes, but while frustrating even that has comedy value" Ironically, she elbows him to soften the blow

A soft growl. "Well, while the spirit may be willing, the flesh might be weak.... happily, at the moment, that is not a concern." And he places her hand such that she can feel the truth of that.

"My conqueror.." A purr as she feels the evidence, and they go to bed

(Fin)