bakerstreet | Soft for no one…I mean, only one.

[ Given Elijah had no interest in a meeting with a demonic vampire, even a souled one, he was happy to avoid the place altogether. ]

And France, mon chéri.

You simply cannot tour Europe without a visit to France, especially if you intend to make this a food tour.

[ Since Elijah had spent a number of years in Paris, it was one of the number of places in Europe where he had holdings that he believed would still be there. At the very least the locations belonging to the Strix should still be active even though the humans compelled to take care of them may no longer be doing so. ]

We will find you new dishes to try in each and every country. I am enamored French cuisine myself.

Oui.

[And there it was. Faith exhausted her limited French vocabulary.]

I will take your word for it. The last time I was through France, Giles let us stop at McDonalds.

[Her face showed her displeasure at that. Faith was a lot of things and a foodie was one of them. Once she'd gotten on her own she'd taken to eating out at all kinds of cuisine establishments and finding what she liked.]

So Paris is on the list. Anywhere else of particular interest in France?

[ Elijah looked honestly appalled by Faith's experience in France, and a little pained too if that was her extent of French cuisine. ]

That is a true tragedy. We must remedy that.

If we are to visit places of historic value, then Marseilles would be the next on the list. However, I was considering a wine tour, as a number of great wines obtain names from their regions.

[ And there might be a vineyard out there that was owned by the family at some point and was still in production today.

Yet before Elijah could get into that, it would seem they were arriving to the small private strip where their ride awaited. ]

I serve at your whims.

[Faith had no problem with touring Europe, eating and drinking her way through the countries. She'd have to do a patrol or two here and there just for her own sanity but that was the thing about the demonic breed of vampire. They were everywhere.]

So we go on a wine tour. France will be a big one on our list. I can do a few patrols as we travel, take out a few baddies while we're having our fun.

[And maybe she'd find herself getting closer to the man she was traveling with. Faith wouldn't mind that. Especially not with the dream she'd had about him so fresh in her mind. Especially since he'd fed from her.

As the car stopped, Faith waited for the chauffer to open her door before sliding out. The man had already brought out her luggage and she went for the small carry on first. Although it seemed both pieces would be carry on given that they were taking a private jet.]

Where do I put my luggage? And where's yours?

[ Elijah would have discussed their itinerary more exept they have arrived and the chauffer was helping the lady with her bags. Elijah took Faith's heavier one since the Slayer went for her carry on already. ]

It is a habit that I travel light. Here, this way.

[ Elijah thanked the chauffer for his help and helped Faith to the private jet, handing the luggage to a crew member and nodding when informed that Mr. Benoit was already on the plane. Customs will be visiting in a few minutes to help them clear before taking off.

In board the cabin was pretty much how movies showed them to be. Small but luxurious, for a cabin designed to hold only a handful of passengers. Two of them were already there, a portly looking man in a suit and a middle aged woman working on a laptop. ]

Mister Smith!

[ The man greeted Elijah with enthusiasm, and welcomed them aboard while Elijah introduced Faith as his lovely companion who was helping him with his historical piece on the Romans. ]

[Faith was burning with questions when they got there and Elijah grabbed her big bag before she could. It had wheels. She could fit the carry on on the bigger bag and be fine. She was going to have to get used to this. Traveling with Giles had been very different. She didn't want to sleep with him for starters. Though she'd have to be careful about what she said around Benoit and Louise.

When Benoit greet Elijah as Mr. Smith, Faith had to keep her composure before she lost it entirely. That she was his assistant on his historical piece was another bit she wished he would have mentioned beforehand. She'd claim college courses if asked because she certainly wasn't dressed like a research assistant. She was in a pair of jeans with convenient rips and tears, which she'd gotten the old fashioned way and was just glad were in fashion at the moment. Her top only showed a thin slice of her belly though there was ample cleavage on display. It was something she could tell Louise wanted to comment on but the woman kept any such commentary to herself.

Smart.

Faith found a seat after stowing her carry on. She was careful not to ask any questions lest she break the man's brain or find that he didn't have answers.]

Elijah, how many connections like this do you have?

[ Personally Elijah thought there was nothing wrong with her attire as his assistant since it wasn't a position that required a dress code of any sort. Comfort, perhaps, and he would think Faith looked quite satisfied with her level of comfort, in her choice of clothing if not the present company. The latter he tried to ease by taking most of the conversation upon himself. ]

As many as a historian needs to get his current work done.

[ And then he launched into stories of historical debates around Rome's founding, and how Rome was a city that predated the finding of Italy itself. There had been several cities built and rebuilt on the same site, with the oldest being in the BC, although it was still a debate on the true origins of Rome.

He sounded exactly as a scholar should and was very familiar with the material at hand.

Customs came and went and then they were taking off and on their way. Not soon after they were airborne were they served the in flight meal. There was the choice of fish and chicken, two of each available, and the gentlemen on board allowed the ladies to choose first. ]

[Faith watched as Elijah worked the two humans on the plane and gave a convincing performance. She thought Giles would have been proud of the way he presented himself and facts that Faith had no knowledge of. Of course, being around for a thousand plus years didn't hurt and she was sure he was able to pull things from his time traveling in the past.

It was obvious that he had a captive audience and that was without compulsion. When Elijah spoke, you listened. That was all there was to it.]

Looks like I'm going to be learning quite a bit on this trip.

[If she'd been younger she might have thrown in something about college credits. And while people her age still went to college all the time, Faith wasn't about to play into that lie.]

I hope you enjoy as much as you learn. Enjoying your work is an important part of it.

[ Elijah had a very engaging way of speaking that captivated guys audience, and a charm that went with it that had the president and his secretary mesmerized by his retelling even though history was a pretty dry subject.

Dinner came and went, far fancier than any economic in flight meal, and after a drink of a shared bottle of wine, it was a good idea to turn in. The cabin lights dimmed and they would be in the air for a number of hours.

They would have brunch when they woke, a continental breakfast with and fruit and cheese plates and informed that they should be arriving within the hour. ]

[Faith listened for as long as she could, enjoying the food a hell of a lot more than she thought she would, until it was finally time to turn in. Where she thought she wouldn't be able to sleep, she found she was comfortable enough to do just that. While she slept, she dreamed. She was in a market full of silks, beautiful colors flowing everywhere. And then the screaming started. Suddenly it was blood staining the streets and Faith woke with a start.

At least she hadn't screamed.

Breakfast was just as delicious as dinner had been and Faith made sure to brush her teeth with the essentials kit in her carry on bag. She brushed her hair and changed into clean clothes. The bathroom was bigger than a commercial plane and made it easier to do. When Faith re-emerged she felt like a brand new woman.]

Elijah, should we make arrangements once we touch down for transportation?

[Given that it would be daylight, morning at that.]

[ Elijah enjoyed the food along with the humans. Perhaps not the most extravagant meals he ever had, but it was still quite enjoyable and the glass of wine curbed his hunger for real sustenance enough.

When Faith woke in the middle of the night, heart pounding and fearful of something, Elijah had almost interrupted. But doing that to a sleeping Slayer on a small plane was probably a bad idea, so he only watched on with a touch of concern. Good thing that Faith came out of it herself and Sion after the cabin lights came on and they were distracted with food. ]

I probably should.

[ Elijah took his phone out and, after a little smirk at Faith, texted for the chauffer service that would pick them up at the private airport. ]

There, all taken care of.

[ His phone disappeared back into his jacket pocket and this attention turned towards the window as they neared their destination, admiring the country from above. This was a sight that was still relatively new to him even after a thousand years, to see the world as a bird would was amazing indeed. ]

[Elijah's casual concern over turning into a ball of flame was something Faith couldn't get over. Just because he'd survive it didn't mean it sounded like a good time. In fact it sounded like one of the worst ways to go. When he simply pulled out his phone and texted, with a smirk no less!, whatever service would be ensuring his safety, Faith was ready to throttle him. Or start laughing. Either way.]

Look who learned to use his phone. And you didn't even have to pull up Google.

[Faith's attention also went to the window to get a view of the city from above. Especially once things started becoming clearer. Her excitement grew the closer the plane got to land. On touchdown, Faith was desperate to get out of her seat and get off the plane. The whole country was waiting for them to explore.]

I'm so beyond ready for this.

Excellent. Our ride should take us immediately to the hotel first where you can unwind before we head out.

[ Through the window, Elijah pointed to a large car that sat on the asphalt just outside. ]

That should be our ride.

[ He shook his hand with the president and his secretary, politely thanking them for allowing them to come along. Even without them, it was obvious Elijah could have compelled himself a plane himself but he was making his effort to reduce carbon footprint in the world and share his ride. He also didn't mind spending time with humans either.

They waited for the customs to board and check them in, in which like before Elijah simply spoke to the man and compelled him to assume he already processed Elijah. It was all done and ready and everyone was ready to disembark.

It was early afternoon and they were in an open field. ]

The Eternal City awaits.

[ He took the step out, then turned around to offer his hand to help Faith. Warm brown eyes seemed to laugh. ]

[Slayers didn't need much in the way of sleep so the few hours she'd gotten had been more than enough. Still, she didn't want to protest and say she was fine to go exploring and then have jet lag catch up with her.

Faith did, however, fret a bit about the fact that the car was sitting out in the middle of what looked to be a beautifully sunny day. She had to assume Elijah had some trick up his sleeve because when they disembarked, he was all too calm and casual about the whole thing. She'd almost think she was missing out on a joke at her expense.

And then he did it. He walked out into the sun and offered her a hand, no flames in sight. She had questions, questions she would barrage him with as soon as they got to the hotel. She was sure the shock showed on her features though. With her carry on in one hand, she took Elijah's offered hand with her other. Squeezing just a bit for making her worry in the first damn place.]

You and I are in for a long talk at the hotel room.

Of course.

[ Oh, Elijah felt that squeeze around his hand, Slayer strength was no small thing, but he still laughed, the sound resonating softly as he helped her down the disembarking ramp. Before letting go, he brought her hand up and gave the back of it a kiss, his method of apology for worrying her.

The car that awaited them was from the hotel service, which had the Grand Plaza Hotel marked on its side. He indicated which was Faith's luggage from the large bags and they put it away along with hers at the back. ]

Did you rest well? We are 6 hours ahead of New York. After we have settled at the hotel we can head out for head out for an early dinner. Or we can order room service if you prefer; I have been told our suite has an excellent balcony view.

[Faith huffed out a breath at the kiss to her hand but couldn't help the grin that wanted to break free.

Asshole vampire.

She walks to the car and she thinks that maybe she does have a touch of jet lag. That, or she just needs a shower. Brushed teeth and hair did not for a clean Slayer make. Not to mention she wasn't sure what Mr. Benoit and Louise got up to when they didn't have company.]

I'll check out the view when we get there but I am all about some food. I love pasta, and no one does pasta like Italians. I picked up a tour book for this. It has all these little places to check out aside from the big ticket items like the Colosseum, Hadrian's tomb, the Vatican.

[ Plenty of time to do any of that once they arrive. The car ride took them through the streets of Rome, and the hotel Elijah reserved for them was in the center of the city, giving Faith plenty of chances to see the sights while going in.

Elijah didn't seem to mind Faith's obvious tourist reactions, even smiling at her admission of picking up a guide book. ]

It may have been some time since I have spent a long time in this city myself, so that would be most helpful. I expect many of the businesses I have frequented in the past are no longer open. However, the history of this city is unchanged with a few centuries.

[ The hotel that they arrived at was a five star item and Elijah had gotten them one of the two presidential suites of the hotel. He had picked the smaller one with the high ceilings on the executive floor, yet he expressed complete shock when he entered the room and found the 18th century suite with 90 square meters of space, had in fact, an exceptionally huge, but only one, bed.

It wasn't often that the vampire displayed the completely flabbergasted and slightly embarrassed expression as he did now. ]

I... had thought they offered a second bedroom in these suites.

[Faith's face was glued to the windows as the car drove through the city with practiced ease that Faith thought she'd never master given how crazy the traffic was. Scooters seemed to be everywhere with no idea about staying between lines and moving throughout the traffic as they pleased.]

What, no mom and pop shops to hand down to the great grandkids? Seems like a shame. Might as well check it out just to make sure.

[Faith marveled as they checked in and a bellboy brought her bags up to the room. She was busy exploring the balcony he'd mentioned before arriving to find Elijah displaying a completely embarrassed expression on his face. It was then that she realized what he meant. She looked at the very large, very singular bed in the room.

Huh.]

Huh.

[This didn't bode well given the dream she'd had about him. And yet.]

Do you snore?

[ Elijah would never impose on a guest that he invited along for a ride like this, even if this was a very extravagant and remarkably large bed. Still, it was one bed. ]

I do not.

[ He might have sounded a smidgeon affronted in his bland answer. Maybe if she squinted. ]

But I can get myself a second room if you would prefer. I thought sharing a suite would be more convenient for travel plans...

[ He actually shrugged, still a little speechless. This was one of the top two rooms in a five star hotel, he never imagined that it wouldn't at least come with two bedrooms. ]

Then we don't have a problem. You could fit five people in that bed.

[She wasn't squinting but she imagined that she heard his affront at her gall all the same.]

It's fine. I swear. I'll refrain from jumping your bones. You're safe with me.

[She was only a little smarmy when she said it. Instead, she started unpacking her bag and hanging the items that would be better suited to a hanger.]

I still can't believe you didn't pack anything.

[ Elijah gave Faith a considering glance, but if the lady was alright with it, so was he. He will make sure to find something suitable for his evening dress then, or a book to read through the night should he not. ]

Hardly the concern on my mind... I merely thought you would prefer some privacy.

[ He shook his head and looked out the wonderful view of the Via del Corso, the hustle and bustle of the street below and the plaza further down. ]

I have gotten used to starting anew wherever I travel as often times my family and I had to leave with but a moment's notice before we were relocating to another city. Clothing I could always find again, and it would be better to blend in with the locals.

[ Elijah looked down at the suit he currently wore. ]

I am somewhat of a little luck that suits have remained in fashion for the past several decades without huge changes.

[Faith would also have to find something suitable because she normally slept in the nude. So there was that. Looked like her down time would be short lived before going out after all.]

I'm not a prude. We're good.

[And maybe sharing a bed with him would make her stop fantasizing about him. Or at least sleep a little easier.]

I've been there. Doesn't make it suck less. I ran from this vampire. Kakistos. Got his brand on my arm. It was a long story but I'd rabbit whenever I felt him getting close. Like I could feel him breathing down the back of my neck. It felt good to finally kill him.

[Faith shook her head with a laugh.]

Just the ties that have changed. Still. The suits work for you.

[ Elijah did smile at her comment on his suits. Talking of which, they will need to do some evening shopping for certain, or if not, Elijah will make sure he stayed out of the bedroom until they both had a chance find suitable sleepwear. ]

You led a dangerous life. Hopefully this trip won't be interrupted by anyone like that.

[ It seemed unfair to ask her about any enemies he should be expecting when it was more likely that enemies of his would pose a danger, if any were to ever drop in. Hopefully Elijah and his family have dealt with all of them at the moment. ]

Would you like to wash up and rest a bit?

[ He took a seat on the 18th century couch of the open room, arms over the side, eerily similar to how a certain dream started. ]

Lead. Not dead yet. Still a Slayer. Though I'm seconding that hope because Wolfram and Hart already delayed our trip once and they have an office here in Rome. So if they're feeling up to trying again, they'll get more of a fight this time.

[Faith wasn't used to having to remind people that she was a professional killer. You know, if Slaying actually paid the bills and not the website she had devoted to some of her gnarlier job well dones.

He asks if she wants to wash up and rest and she's about to answer that she's dying for a shower when he takes a seat and her mind flashes back to the dream she'd had about him that first night in vivid clarity. Faith accidentally lets out a hungry hum, swallowing thanks to a mouth that's watering at the sight of him.]

That would be great. You can feel free to join me if you just can't wait.

[It's only after the words are out that she realizes they rhyme and she admonishes herself mentally. All credibility as a certified sex goddess, lost. Just like that.]

Or not. The offer is there.

[ Elijah chuckled, taking the invitation as a joke even though it might or might not have been one. It was hard to tell but he wasn't going to take her up on it even if it wasn't. He hadn't even taken her out to dinner yet. ]

I think I can wait. I don't think having me join in would speed things along any.

[ There again was a little smile like he knew exactly what he meant or what was going through the Slayer's mind. ]

In the meanwhile, I will familiarize myself with Google. Don't worry about me.

[ He took out the phone from his pocket and waved with it a little with a grin.

Though after she was gone, his expression grew marginally more serious as he sent off texts to his siblings informing them of the danger that Wolfram and Hart might bring. He had informed Rebekah before he left for Europe, but being reminded Wolfram and Hart have offices elsewhere, it was best that he sent a message to the 'family group' that Rebekah had opened for them. ]

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