do you like to hurt

Dear Lily,

Thank you for the gifts you sent. As you probably expect, I've already made good use of the sunglasses. There are many things I'd love to be able to give you perhaps more than you realize. I also realize that it was not easy for you to come to me and ask help in giving Alexia a soul. The pain that all of this is causing you, my nephew, and everyone else invloved is evident. I promised you that I'd look into a way to give Alexia a soul and I don't intend to break that promise. Though, for now, my only wish is to help ease the pain you've been feeling.

You said one night and you know me well enough I'm sure that I'd want to take you up on that offer. One night is one night and I intend to make the most of it. I know you are out of the city for now and I am not so cold as to request you coming with me while you are helping my nephew ease his own pain. But, when you return, I'd like to come through with the second half of your Christmas gift.

Come with me to Venice. One night. It's the place I'll always think of when I think of you and those days we spent in Italy are some of my favorites with you. I can have a jet fueled and ready to go the moment you are ready. After that one night is over you can take the jet back alone if you wish. Come away with me to Venice and I promise to find you a Gondola to ride in there.

As always, along with the boots, I will have a few of my own gifts waiting for you as well as something to wear for a night out.

Love,
Aidan

The Angel ordeal really hadn't worked out as I planned or hoped it would. Somehow, though, I should have known the vampire would have gotten around what I'd set up for him; I just didn't know that help would come in the form of a young girl who looked strangely like my niece and spouted stories of doing research for a project. She apparently knew nothing of Angel or this firm because otherwise, she would have come up with a much better story.

I wasn't really sure what to think about it all, though and I simply waited for Angel to come through with his threat of whatever it had been when he initally tried to intimidate me about having certain girls in my employ. Really, did he think he could stop me? Besides, she had been the one to come to me after staying at his hotel for a while. Lily had been a different case entirely of course, but Lily was always a different story entirely.

James would probably raise a fuss if he found out about what had happened, so I decidd to keep it quiet for the time being. There was that whole prophecy involving Angel that he used as a strict rule book all the time when it came to him. Kill him and be done with it as far as I was concerned. How many vampires have we resurrected by now? One more couldn't be so very hard.

Sitting in my office, I eyed the phone when I saw the private line light blinking. When I answered, I was given a wonderful surprise.

"You're sure it's her?" I asked.

"Yes, Mr. Hart, Miss Baker arrived in the building just a few minutes ago."

I smiled into the phone and sat back in my chair. "Very nice. Thank you."

Hmm. This was very unexpected. Certainly not unwelcome, but still unexpected. There was no other reason Liliana would be coming to this office but to see me as far as I knew, so I might as well sit here and wait for her to walk through the door. I was very interested in what she had to say.

[Open to Lily and Buffy]

:D

One of my favorite past times is traveling. Whether it be to an alternate dimension, a trip to the past or future, or just flying across the globe, there's always so much to see and learn and enjoy when one travels. Across dimentions and alternate universes might have been a favorite of mine in past years, but if there's been one thing about living here in this one, it's discovering the subtle beauties of this earth.

The Wolfram and Hart jets can take a person anywhere they want to go. No matter the reason or time or how far in advance. My favorite partner to travel with is always going to be my sister. Dominique always chooses the best places to visit and never is there a dull moment. We visit the local shops, attractions, and all that each city has to offer.

I haven't been in a good few months, but as far as locations go, Italy will never get old or tiresome to visit. The city has its quaint charms and memories that I'm likely never to forget no matter how many more cities I visit.

Aidan has always loved little surprises. The unexpected ones are always the most meaningful. Dominique excelled at unexpected gifts. Whether it be a new suit, a tie, or perhaps a knife she always came up with the nicest treats that matched Aidan's taste perfectly. Now it was his turn to give out a few gifts of his own. He was sure most of them wouldn't be as appreciated as perhaps they should be, but if anything that would amuse him all the more. A few treats and one trick that was sure to make the coming days more interesting for everyone.

Selecting three bouquets of roses all different colors, Aidan attached three seperate notes with each. Red, white, yellow. Three different colors for three different people. The white bouquet was for Kat and in his note, he wrote,

Kat, please accept these roses as an apology. Work has been busy and I've neglected to spend time with my favorite girl. I would love to take you to dinner one night and catch up with how things are going here for you and spend quality time away from the office. Love, Aidan.

The red bouquet is addressed to Lily with tiny vile of green liquid attached along with a note.

Liliana, I should have listened to you when you first asked and given you a supply of the enhancers. She made you feel weak and I know that hurts more than the scars left. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to call even with how strained things have become between the both of us. Anything you ask and it's yours. I miss you. Love, Aidan.

Lastly, the yellow roses are sent to the beach house for Faith. He saw her letter to him while she was missing so he ought to return the favor and make sure she knew he appreciated her thoughts. It was the polite thing to do after all. The letter reads,

Faith, welcome home. I look forward to seeing you again. Love, Aidan.

Once all three packages were set, Aidan picks up his phone to make a call. Faith, Connor didn't know it but they had brought something precious back from their trip. Angel didn't know what he was keeping safe in his hotel. An amused smirk comes across his lips as he relays to the local investigative department information about a certain missing person that happened to appear out of no where. The agent handling her case would definitely make things just a bit more amsuing if nothing else.

Tricks and treats for everyone.

People often ask who we are. The Wolf, Ram, and the Hart. Perhaps not who but what. As if they'd like some sort of explanation for the three of us that can be expressed in words. As several have discovered, this is not possible. It would be infathomable to try and go through who we are, where we've come from, and what exactly we are capable of without having lived it all oneself. Our journey is like a story of the underdog rising to the top of his game and becoming the greatest of them all.

One thing that is not so hard to discover if you're invested to dig deep enough is that we were not always in the position we are in today. Back during the days of the Old Ones, we had our hardships and fights just like everyone else. Fighting to get to the top is not an easy task when you have such strong opponents working against you all wanting the same thing. Power. The absolute sort of power that others cannot think to comprehend if they tried.

We are three seperate beings but work and act as one. Perhaps hard to understand on this plane, but this one is much different than any other. Which is why it is possibly my favorite. All of us have our own selfish desires, but one thing is clear. We are loyal to each other and betrayal is never an option.

What are we? We are the Wolf, the Ram, and the Hart. The only way to fully understand us is to be shown if you think you are up to the challenge.

This summer has been relatively... a quiet one. Merely a year ago the lives of many were much, much different. Some were not even born into this world yet. It's amazing really to think how much a person's life may change just over the course of three hundred and sixty-five days. One single year. Births, deaths, marriages, seperations, you name it and it's no doubt happened.

I've seen so many things in my existence, but some of the most exciting have happened only recently. Perhaps many would disagree with that statement, but it's only a matter of perspective. Some say exciting, others would say the most trying. In any case, these months have been at the very least, interesting.

During the summer months, life has almost seemed relatively normal minus the disappearance of my niece. I've done my part in helping James locate her but so nothing has come of our findings. The poo children do need their mother just as much as their father and I cannot imagine what it must feel like to have the void of a missing family member in my life. I have my brother and sister, but am always able to locate one or both of them if needed whenever or whatever the case may be. Many may believe we do not care about one another, but that is hardly the case. They are, perhaps literally, my lifeline.

I can only wait until the next few months come to pass and look forward to seeing what happens after the summer ends. It's not likely to be disappointing.

It's been months since seeing Liliana face-to-face. She's no doubt become comfortable living at the hotel and spending the time she can with Aidan's nephew. The Osborn men certainly have a type, however one could say so does Aidan himself. Perhaps he has does have a bit in common with Tyler. After all, they are family.

Dominique was right in saying that he needed to simply find another someone to focus his attention on as he did with Lily. With Faith missing in action, he's hardly interested in keeping the enhancer program open for study. It had been Norman's pet project and with the nasty rumors going around about the enhancers acting as poison, there's no need in opening that door again. Dom comforted him enough in her own unique ways that Aidan was more than happy to invite the young slayer to the firm after seeing her in the coffee shop. He told Liliana he did love her and at times he believes he meant the words, but moreso it was fascination. An addiction that's beginning to build yet again with Kat.

Her temperment is different than Lily's, but not unwelcome. There are some differences in the two, but also some similarities. He loves spoiling Kat as he did with Lily. She works at his employee, but there's no hiding the special interest he takes in her, just as he did with Liliana. Kat has yet to reveal to him who she really is, but he's certain that will come in time. Lily embraces her abilities differently than Kat. He knows where she goes at night, though and he almost enjoys the secrets she's keeping from him.

It's late one evening after he knows Kat has returned back to her new apartmentr. A bouquet of white calla lilies are in one hand, he ignores the comparison for now, and knocks on her door. His smile matches her own and easily steps inside once she invites him in. A quiet dinner is first for the evening and where ever she wants to go after. Soon, he hopes to ask her for a weekend away in order to truly show how enraptured he's becoming with her.

Art is one thing I can fully appreciate no matter the form. A timeless painting, a sculpture, architecture, and even the human form. My collection of art from centuries ago is one I am particularly proud of myself. Though, art in this form has its advantages when acquiring from alternate dimensions. The artists there are not bothered by the commercial factor with their pieces as those are here in this dimension.

The human body is one peculiar art form that I have no hesitations admitting how fascinated I am by it. It doesn't much matter the way its used or how, but just watching from a small table in a resturant is appealing enough. Humanity is a most interesting species and will always be my favorite.

Personally, I don't have the talent that I might wish to have, but I enjoy looking and studying from afar instead of making my own. If I ever were to produce any artwork of any kind, I'd never hang it in any of my own galleries anyway. I enjoy admiring others' work so much more.

Dante was somewhat on track when he developed his nine circles of hell. Each level designed for specific sins against mankind or one's own self. There are different levels, but rather many more than just a mere nine. Though, not quite in the same way as Dante's Inferno described. Many hells are manufactured, some by us, and some are much more literal. I've visited several dimensions of hell and all are different and quite fascinating in their own right.

The torture dimensions are probably the most simpliest of them all yet, at times, the most gratifying to observe. Although they do sometimes get a little redundant depending on which dimension is visited. Then there are the psycological hells. Ones that are most interesting especially with someone who has layer upon layer to dive into and bring out the worst fears and insecurities.

Some are a bit of both and really, that's the best for the participant. Variety is always a plus even if the surprise and anticipation of what comes next sometimes the hardest part.

Wrath, hell, Hades, or which ever dimension someone is sent to, there's always something new to discover and that's the most exciting part.

// locked from Lexi, Tyler, and.. Lily. sup :) //

Who would I have testify on my behalf? No one. After all, what good would my position as one of the heads of a law firm be if I needed something so trite as a testimony to have me cleared of all charges. This implication implies that I would commit a murder and actually allow myself to be caught. Or that I would commit the murder myself. There's no reason for that unless I have the sudden desire to shed blood.

Of course, when that desire surfaces there are other ways of going about that. It's not so simple as going out on the street and slicing a person's throat. Or kidnapping some innocent young girl and holding her hostage for several days and seeing just how far she can be pushed. Not that doing so isn't gratifying in some cases.

There's no need for someone in my position to have other to testify on my behalf. There are many resources available without ever stepping inside a courtroom. Although, if the question needs a proper answer then my witness would have to be Dominique. James also, but as credible as his testimony would be, Dominique would likely to be able to gain the sympathy of the jury much easier.

Over the past several days that Faith had been subjecting herself to the drugs, she was really taking well to them. Perhaps her mood swings were a thing to watch out for, but her physical progress was even greater than I expected. Lily had been a new slayer at the time we'd first started her in the program, but Faith was anything but a beginner in that department. Plus, she was James' daughter and the heiress to Wolfram and Hart. It was no wonder she was excelling.

Faith had missed her daily appointment the day before, but I wasn't so much worried as I was irritated that she hadn't informed me. Her deal was to show up regularly and I would not tolerate absences based on how she was feeling that particular day without notice. I wasn't concerned about her backing out of the deal completely since she knew the consequences, but the girl was trying my patience. Perhaps she had been spending too much time around our former CEO.

I didn't move down to the lab during our normal meeting time, but stayed in the office to work on a few things as I waited to see if Faith would show up. I had the tools her to give her the daily dosage, so really there was no need to meet her there unless we were going to run tests on how the drugs were affecting her.

Glancing to the clock, I saw the minute hand tick past four minutes after eight and raised a brow, wondering if my niece would decide to skip another day. I was almost a little surprised; she seemed dependent on the daily fix already. However, at five after eight my phone buzzes and I hear my assistant on the other end. "Mr. Hart, Faith is in the building."

"Thank you, please tell her to come in as soon as she arrives on the floor," I said casually and went back to the papers on my desk. She would possibly head into the lab, but when seeing I wasn't there, would come straight to the office. It was only a matter of minutes later when I heard voices outside and Faith came walking through the door. Looking up at her, I sat my pen down and tilted my head at her. "Hello, Faith. It's good to see you today."

[Open to Faith]

The Powers That Be thought that they were somehow able to throw a twist to the mix in the prophecy by adding a little surprise. We have always known about Alexia, but Tyler was not predicted. It was a brillant move and really I suppose we must give the Powers credit where it's due. The bond between the two children is greater than any either child could have with one of their parents. Alexia has her ties with Harry, having shared his soul, but their bond is different than that of siblings. The visions they supplied him with have proven to be a nuisance on my part. First, was shown Liliana and proceeded to fill her head with stories of how I poisoned her with the drugs. I knew the harmful effects of the drugs, yes, but it was never my intention to watch her die. The boy had such a hold on her that even after meeting with her again, she fled only to return to him.

There was also the matter of his vision disrupting our family gathering on the island with Alexia, but that was more entertaining than anything else. Well, up until his father and our current CEO decided to charge me when he knew he did not stand a chance.

It was all much too easy, though, to set up the spell with the magics department. A little over done perhaps, but no less effective. The Powers gave him the visions and they should know how easy it is to manipulate the gift. It had been used on Cordelia Chase in order to have the vampire perform several tasks on our behalf, but this was more closely targeted. James has been delighted that Harry has joined us, and I must say that he's proved to be a much better asset than I imagined, but his higher objective is his daughter.

Normally, I wouldn't harm a member of my own family, but this was for the greater good. To bring in my niece.

I sat in my office, sipping quieltly at a glass of scotch when I received a notice that Faith herself had entered the building. No doubt to address the current events involving her son. I had no intentions of informing her I had been the one to place the spell on her son, but I was more than willing to be the one who offered to remove it. At a cost, of course, although I was sure she knew that before she ever stepped in our doors. The removal spell would only take a phone call and I was simply curious as to what she'd offer to have me make the call.

Calmly, I finished off my drink and stood to exit my office, just in time to see Faith exiting the elevators on our floor. She probably had come to speak with James, but I also had no intentions of involving my brother until the deal was done. Putting on a smile, I approached her and noticed the hard look on her face.

"Hello, Faith, it's nice to see you again. Is there something I can do for you?"

[Open to Faithy]

// locked to my siblings //

The three of us all have our personalities. James takes on his dominant, almost paternal role and Dominique can be soft yet at the same time the most ruthless of us all. I can be the one to sulk like the child. We're a family. Siblings yet not quite. The three of us all have our roles to play and people we perform for regularly. Some projects are bigger than others yet they all play a part with each other.

Together we're nearly unstoppable even by the so-called 'white hats' or 'good guys' like our former CEO. Which, by the way, I'm just as happy as my brother that he is no longer holding that position. Having his own fledgling fire him and to say he was taking over? Ahh, Dom and I have enjoyed that footage numerous times together.

James may have the bigger plans with his children and grandchildren, Dominique her games and ways I always enjoy, and I the enhancer project. Or so I did. The vampire's son and former slayer of course had to see that was destroyed. Harry himself ensured that Norman's contract was illiminated and at first that may have angered me, but of course now with the prospect of a cure for the enchancers, Harry has proven he's well on his way to becoming an important asset to the firm. Even beyond using his relationships with Angel, Faith, and my niece to our advantage.

What his father could not accomplish in weeks, Harry has in only a matter of days. With a soul, I'll admit I never saw any good coming from his death and taking over the LA branch, but without a soul, he's proven otherwise.

Fighting us is fruitless. Harry has learned that and soon his family will follow suit.

It had been several weeks since the prophecy child's, my niece, brother whom I suppose is also my nephew had his little vision and took Liliana away from the firm. He and Angel's son plaguing her mind with evil thoughts of Wolfram and Hart, the project, and well, myself. Of course the project they were perfectly honest in telling the girl she was dying. I, however, was sparing her the gruesome details and allowing her some hope. What human wants to hear they're going to die? It brings nothing but emotions of heartache and worry. Both which are fascinating in themselves, but Liliana was my asset to the firm and I did not her being taken away lightly.

I'd grown fond of the girl as well, that was clear enough to my brother and sister. James might roll his eyes at me for forming attachments, but he has his own project and investment in the enhancer program. Dominique has been understanding of course. She even indulged me for a while and treated me to an afternoon out together. My sister always did have a way of smoothing over my moods in her own way.

With Lily gone, my attention has been taken away from Norman and his projects. I'd be perfectly willing to dispose of the man and the drugs along with him, but there are other slayers in the project as well as James' girl Sophia. So then I assume he's needed for a while longer at least.

Setting up a limousine, I had the driver head in the direction of the Hyperion. I had every intention on seeing what could be done about getting Liliana out of the place and back where she belonged. Our CEO's son may think he has some obligation to her or perhaps even my nephew believes he does as well. Except they both forget one thing. They would not have the girl at all if it weren't for me in the first place. Bringing her to this city, setting her up nicely in a place of her own, and yes introducing her to the enhancers. Nothing's for free. You'd think these mortals would have figured that out by now.

Only when I had the driver stop, thoughts of Lily were pushed to the side when I saw none other than my niece stepping out of the hotel and wandering around the courtyard. Wouldn't her parents be disappointed? I'm sure they've tried to warn their children that there are dangers lurking around for both of them. This one should learn to heed her parents' rules much better.

A warm smile immediately flashed over my face as I rolled down the window. Would my brother be jealous or proud if I was able to bring her into the offices before he ever had the chance? I'd also yet to meet either my niece or nephew and this was the perfect opportunity to do so. Stepping out of the limousine, I leaned back against the door. She seemed intrigued by the vehicle and I could use that to my advantage.

"Alexia? It's a pleasure to finally meet you. My name is Aidan Hart. I believe I am your uncle."

(open to osborn_heiress)

The only asset Aidan Hart ever had any need to protect in the past was himself. Be it the Wolf, Ram, or the Hart. He and his brother and sister are more like one than three simple seperate beings. Never without the other and not one before the other. Of course, neither James or Dominique needed any help from Aidan in regards to their own protection. Each were able to do that well enough on their own. Therefore, in the protection of their own selves, the establishment of Wolfram and Hart has always been kept safe for the three as one are Wolf, Ram, and Hart.

However, in recent days, some thing may have changed. There is no real human emotion in Aidan, but he still shows the appearance of such. The start of he and Liliana's relationship was that of protection. Demons attacking the poor slayer's heart and wounding her to the core. Aidan took the girl under his protection and back to the law offices. In time, he was able to bring her out of her shell she'd built for herself.

She is his project above all else. James has his and Aidan, of course, has to try to please his brother and offering a slayer to the performance enhancer program was one way to do so. Lily and Aidan's relationship has changed over the weeks she has stayed in the city, but ultimately he knows the bottom line. However, that doesn't keep him from enjoying in other aspects that the project has granted him as well as this new human form.

Aidan has taken her out of the city for several days in order to rest Lily's mind from the side-effects of the enhancers. While they travel, she still suffers from the dizziness she had expressed worry over originally. There are other changes in her as well, but he's there every time she has a concern. He's there to smooth back her soft hair, to wipe the cold sweat away, and hold her until the shaking stops.

They travel the city of Venice and Aidan is sure to take her to the finest shops and exquisite resturants. And of course a quiet ride on the gondola. The performance enhancers still must be used once they return to back to the city, but Aidan will do as promised and speak with Norman Osborn himself. After all, what good is a project that is terminated too quickly because a scientist cannot get his formula correct the first time.

OOC: So.. HAH. This is in no way canon to fandom_muses. Parts of the canon play a role, but this is just what happens when Jenna and I have way too much time on our hands and when the voices in our heads won't stay quiet. This is just my idea of what would happen if all of my muses came together at the same place, same time. :) Yes, it's ridiculous. I know.

Fandoms included: BtVS/AtS, Spider-man, Heroes, Tristan + Isolde, Veronica Mars, Annapolis, Bones, and original fiction/characters

( I've got the nightmare called...Schizophrenia )

Power. Gain. Possession. Thrill. Influence. Boredom. A new Armani suit. Perhaps the question should be what would I not kill for. Although the last is normally Dominique's expertise and seveal of the others are James'. The truth is, I've killed for a lot less than even a new silk tie. The death of a mortal by one's own hands is gratifying in many ways, but only if you have the right taste to make it worth one's while.

Killing is an art if done correctly. There are countless ways to kill a human although normally I enjoy watching all of them kill each other just about as much as Dominique enjoys the cannabalism.

When it comes to what or who or why I would kill it may be for much more or much less than the reasons already listed. The reason may not be of much importance since human life is of little value unless it happens to offer me a gain in some way. Many times the reason behind killing is inconsequential, but it is the end result that matters the most.

All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsion, habit, reason, passion, and desire. - Aristotle

Human actions have never made much sense to me. They all claim to be loyal to one another, care for, or even love one another yet the moment one's back is turned they commit some of the most unforgivable crimes. Betrayal, deceit, lies, it's all the same. At times it's almost predictable. Eventually, they will all turn their backs on one another and if it hasn't happened yet it's only a matter of time until it does. It's the curse of the human race, but as for myself, I find it enjoyable. After all, the pain of those is many times my and my siblings gain. As for which of the seven causes are applicable, many times it's several or all.

Many of the seven causes are closely related or one leads to another. Nature is closely related to habit. Habits become one's nature and beyond that,a habit may become a desire and also one's passion. Passion is a curious thing. Without passions and desires, what fulfills a person? Nothing. It is the emotion that drives the human to do things he might not normally consider. An argument could be made that it drives myself and my siblings as well, but this is about human actions.

Passions may lead to compulsive actions or decisions. The events that happen in a single moment or decisions that must be made without much prior thought. Some decisions and events as of late that have spoiled plans that have been in motion for longer than any of them can imagine.

Chance perhaps is one of the most peculiar or at the very least, the hardest to predict. Nothing is by chance, not really. Everything has a plan whether it's revealed prior or after it occurs. Even to us. Oh, it's chance to the average human who doesn't know any better, but that's the point. They don't know any better. Like with chance, reason is one of the more peculiar causes of human action. While the others are closely related and often intertwined, reason stands alone. In passion, there is no reason. In the compulsive decision there is no reason.

No matter the cause, human actions will never make full sense to me. Being on this plane and taking this form may have given me an understanding I might not have known otherwise, but it still will be impossible to understand especially when the human himself tends to not understand though this is not surprising. He is, after all, human.