When will love be through with me?

"No real plans as of yet, I've been trying to hire some new people." Todd answered.

"Oh, like who?" Jacen asked him.

"No one picked out yet, I've been looking for a bodyguard though." Todd answered.

"Oh, I never had to worry about that, so...I can't really help much with it." Jacen said.

Todd nodded, "Well I'm sure it can't be too hard."

"Well, you'd hope not anyway..." Jacen said.

Todd nodded, "I hope not, I just hope I find one soon."

"Yeah, probably safer if you do." Jacen said. "They don't always like new bosses showing up..."

"Well I'm hoping that if they wanted me dead they would of killed me once Ric was dead." Todd sighed.

"Hey, if it weren't for our friend Vincent, Artemis and I probably would be-" Jacen said, not really thinking about it first.

Artemis went tense went when he heard that, standing there for a moment before turning and walking out of the room.

Todd frowned softly, "I'm sorry I shouldn't of..."

Alex worriedly followed Artemis, he never normally left during a meeting.

"It's not you fault, it's mine." Jacen sighed, brushing a hand through his dark hair.

Artemis was sitting on the staircase, arms wrapped around his stomach, his head down so that his hair was hiding his face.

Todd wasn't sure what he should say or do, he felt bad for the brothers though.

Alex wrapped his arms around Artemis and hugged him tightly.

"...so do you live far from here?" Jacen asked after a moment, trying to change the subject.

"I- I'll be fine..." Artemis muttered.

"I live a little ways from here, it's not too far and its pretty close to my business's." Todd answered, glad to change the subject.

Alex kept hugging him, "I know Arty..." He said softly.

"Always helps to be at least somewhere nearby those you work with." Jacen said, nodding to show his approval.

"It's just...not something we really talk about." Artemis sighed.

Todd nodded, "I understand you have some clubs nearby, you're clubs are highly thought of."

"I know Arty." Alex said softly, he knew Artemis didn't like talking about it.

"Oh, yes." Jacen responded. "Two, but I don't go to one as much as the other."

"Normally Jacen would know better."

Todd nodded, "I have two as well, but I've not been to either often."

"Maybe he felt it was important?" Alex asked softly.

"Why's that?" Jacen asked curiously.

Artemis shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe..."

"Trying to get everything sorted out." Todd answered.

Alex sighed and leaned his head on Artemis.

Jacen nodded, understanding how busy things could get. "Fair enough."

"Sorry." Artemis sighed.

"Hopefully things will settle soon." Todd said with a small smile.

"Don't have too be sorry Arty." Alex said softly.

"Hopefully." Jacen agreed.

Artemis shrugged his shoukders , hugging Alex before moving to get up.

Todd nodded with a hopeful smile.

Alex sighed softly, hugging back tightly.