Unexpected Turmoil

Brit woke about an hour before sunset. Her resplendent dress was crumpled, creased and torn. Threads poked in all directions at the pulled seams. Looking to Ethan still resting, she noted that he seemed more relaxed than he did as he rested the night before. She struggled to wriggle free and, once upright, Brit crawled to him to observe her husband better. He looked peaceful but disheveled. Like hers, his clothing was rumpled. Her lipstick was smeared on both of their lips. As she did when he was in torpor, she observed him. Fang marks were visible deep in his wrist and on her throat surrounded by dark bruises – all of which were healing. She pulled his strands of hair back in place and watched him rest. Gone were the fangs that were still visible when he rested the night before.

Two nights before, Joah had been freed of a presence that had captured her body. Lorne, Denny, Blue, Rhaven, and many others worked to coax the presence to leave. Brit had followed the crowd who observed the mayhem inside of the library. She noted the stench that emanated from the building and she saw the layer of maggots that coated the floor. Grr was at the door standing guard: His mind clearly. It was as if something was trying to crawl within her and was frustrated that it failed. Brit had felt the presence grow angry and agitated. She was sure that Ethan’s gifts of the necklaces and his vitae had protected her. Lorne and Denny struggled to reach her and help. Then as fast as it came, the presence left. To where, Brit did not know. With the exception of some scratches, that quickly healed, and Brit having the wind knocked out of her, she received no injury.

Returning the Shelter, she expected Ethan to be pleased that she fared so well. She was even able to help clean up library. When she arrived, he told her that she had given him quite a scare and he quickly patted her down observing her. At hearing of her evening, Ethan went silent and seemed to be processing her words. Repeating her, he broke the silence, “You left the Shelter.” The only thing that moved on his body was his hands that clenched into fists. Brit assured him that there was no real danger. Folding his arms, Ethan said, “I take it involves the Horsemen issue that we ran into the other night. I also take it, since Joah is now okay as you have said, that there was a banishment of pestilence. Such a thing is nothing but danger actually and it could have gone wrong in so many ways that it hurts my mind to even begin thinking about them.” His words had a hard edge.

Excusing them both from those who were present, Ethan directed Brit to their resting place. Sliding a bundle on the desk, Ethan said, “You will wear this and we will take the clothing you wore to the washing machine now so that it can dry over day.”

Brit followed him feeling troubled. His demeanor was impartial and efficient. His voice was detached. Processing as she walked behind him, she whispered, “You did not give me my kisses.” It was the first time he did not give her the triad of kisses.

Taking a seat behind his desk, he gestured for her to pick up the clothing he had placed for her. “Everything at its time.” Silence followed as he tapped his fingers. “Get out of those clothes, Brit,” he said. His voice was low and direct with no hint of emotion within. Puffing her cheeks, she peeled out of the soiled clothes while pouting over her lack of kisses and his odd behavior. Ethan’s eyes turned darker as he focused on her skin inspecting it for any hint of healing. After stripping, Brit picked up her bathing basket and went to shower. Ethan focused on a spot on the wall until she returned. Watching her dress, he said softly, “Tell me something. Why did you leave the Shelter after I told you repeatedly not to do so under any circumstances?” Brit started to pull on the clothing he had laid out for her. “I said not to leave, no matter who requested.” His hands adjusted a sleeve as she dressed. “I said not to leave, no matter what happened.” She turned and he took the laces of the gown’s understructure and pulled them tight.” His voice continued, “I said not to leave, unless I was with you.”

Feeling the stays rob her of breathing room, she adjusted and countered her weight to his adjusting the gown before replying. “No one, Ethan. I followed b..because I was curious. So many were going…and I heard someone mention the library.” He said nothing. “I…I suppose that I forgot for that moment.” Brit peeked at him and whispered, “Sorry.”

Ethan blinked a few times before looking at her directly. With a scowl, he arranged her dress on her perfectly before returning to his chair. Gesturing, he said flatly, “You need to dry your hair or it will stain the dress. The weather is cold and I will not have you freezing.” Fingers tapped again on the arm of the chair as he refocused on the spot on the wall. Brit could see his jaw clench a few times. His words were measured, “I told you to do something and I pointed out its importance more than a dozen times. You forgot, you say? This wasn’t a shopping list, Brit. I requested this of you so many times….What would happen if you forgot what you promised to God in the church for a night and did things that don’t abide by those agreements? Or if I forgot that you are my only beloved?” Shifting, his eyes narrowed as he continued to stare at the wall and his fingers curled into a fist.

Brit turned to him as she picked up the towel starting to dry the water from her hair. She noticed the clenched jaw muscle and his eyes. His fingers forming the fist only to tap a moment more on the chair were also noted. “But…I am your only beloved.” He glared slightly up at her seeing that she was missing his main point. She hushed and processed more. “You are angry,” she lisped contritely. Brit put her towel down and picked up her comb to remove any tangles. As she combed, she realized that he was indeed angry and that he was angry with her. “Do not worry…I will not forget again.” Slipping into his lap, she kissed his clenched jaw muscle lightly.

Seeing that she obviously felt that the discussion was over, he growled low, “You will not leave this room until I tell you that you can. If you forget about it again, I will see what else needs to be done. You disobeyed me and you got hurt. You were injured, Brit, and only my blood kept you from being injured much more. And grim things could have happened.” Clasping her fingers that were caressing his skin, he turned to her, “I do not accept your reason of…forgetting.” Her blinks let him know that his words had finally made an impact. Of course, he had thought that his words prior had. To emphasize, he continued, “And I mean…you will not leave the room you and I are in at this moment. The Shelter as a whole is off limits. Any other place is off limits.”

Brit fidgeted slightly on his lap not knowing what to say to him. Ethan’s mind darkened as if his beast within was trying to rush forward. He wanted to claw the bricks. His eyes flashed red for a hint of a moment. Her closeness was the only thing that kept him from letting go of the limited control he had at the moment. With his eyes still focused, he muttered, “Things that I ask of you personally and many times and that you agree to…I should not need to make you promise before God that you will do them. A wife does not disobey something her husband has asked of her intently and repeatedly..You will not disobey me again.” His words stopped suddenly and the fingers tapped again.

Processing more, Brit’s eyes formed tears that did not fall. “I did not do it on purpose, Ethan.” She noticed his eyes narrow again and so she stopped realizing that she was not saying anything that was helping. Wriggling her foot, one boot fell to the floor with a soft thud. His fingers continued the annoyed tapping on the arm of the chair. She wriggled the other foot and that boot fell as well. Looking up, she noted he was watching her yet again. “Sorry,” she whispered.

Ethan nodded and went back to musing for several moments. His whisper was barely audible to her. “The road to hell is paved with the best of intentions. It is not about what we wish to ultimately achieve. It is about what actually happens and its consequences. I refuse to take risks where there is no need for them to be taken and you will prove to me that you are past the stage of being prone to forgetting anything and that your sense are keen at all times as long as we share blood. Once I am convinced of this, we shall see about expanding your world to the entire Shelter again.” Both were silent. He saw her wipe at her eyes. She touched his hand caressing the skin with her nails while watching him from beneath the veil of her hair. “You are no child, Brit.”

Leaning against him, she laid her head on his shoulder. Ethan looked at her and gave a small nod before staring back to his random place across the room. “You will not disobey me again.” He could hear her heart sounding strong. Beating….beating. Her blood pumped through her body. Her mortal body. She nodded saying nothing at all, and he felt the soft splatter of a tear that fell from her lashes. Brit’s body was warm, but Ethan did not seem affected by her warmth or her tears. Seeing streaks of light start to appear in the sky, he directed her to change into her sleeping attire indicating his favorite gown with the Victorian lace dripping at her sleeves. He could sense Brit’s bewilderment, but let her process. No cuddles or kisses followed. She had never felt him angry at her before, and she was confused why he was not forgiving her. After all, she said she was sorry.

Ethan remained silent and was hell-bent on not showing emotion tonight. His fangs could be seen beneath his lips as he lay on the bed next to her. “You will not disobey me again,” he repeated before his body went rigid in his rest.

Narcotic

The moment Ethan’s eyelids parted, he searched for Brit in the darkness. His vision quickly became flawless again and he hinted a smile finding her nestled by his side. Inching closer to close the gap the daytime sleep had put between them, he laid his right arm on her upper arm gently brushing back the strands of hair that veiled her doll-like face. He studied her to ensure that all was as it was prior to their rest. Satisfied, Ethan beamed for a moment while touching her face. His thoughts were clear: “Nobody can take better care of you than me. Nobody.” Withdrawing his hand, he touched her chest feeling her breathe evenly in her sleep. Her chest rose and fell evenly as she slept as he lay there unblinking and marveling at he wonder of His creation that he was blessed with.

Two weeks ago, Ethan had taken Brit to the church and watched as she performed her nightly prayers. Many were milling about the streets. He could feel the question before she asked it. “Ethan,” she lisped softly. “Our door is locked lately. It did not use to be so,” she said.

His footsteps sounded firm on the street as he escorted her home. They passed someone who frequented the church steps but rarely entered. “Yes, baby,” Ethan replied. “I thought it prudent to lock the door so no one could enter our resting place while we sleep.” Glancing down, he nodded once and kept a firm hold on her hand. “I do want to keep you safe, of course. And comforted,” he added in a lower voice.

Brit needed to run to keep up with him. She countered, “But…Ethan.” He seemed to be speeding up. She ran along beside him and continued, “It was locked to others before and not to me. But now. Now, it is locked to me.” Ethan was almost to the steps and she ran again to catch him. Clasping his arm, she whined, “I cannot go get cookies!”

At her words, he turned abruptly and looked at her intently holding up a single finger to her lips. “There is nothing that you need that I cannot provide, Brit. Nothing.” His jaw clenched slightly, “Anything you can get while away from me, you can get the same or better with me.” Ethan’s voice dropped to a whisper as he caressed her cheek, “There is no need for you to be away from me.” Turning, he walked toward the steps again to their resting place. Opening the door, he let her walk in ahead of him. Following, he said softly, “And I want you close. So close. Everything else is secondary.” The door closed and did not re-open again for her.

So you face it with a smile

There is no need to cry

For a trifle's more than this

After two weeks, Ethan was far from running out of stories. On the contrary, he found that he loved reminiscing and knew that Brit was interested in from where he had come. Ethan enjoyed Arles in 1888. The artist community that thrived during that year brought enlightened, lively conversation among witty, clever, and talented people who wore bright colors. Ethan smudged the deep blue kohl around Brit’s mossy green eyes and stood back appraising his work. “Van Gogh,” he told her, “used to drink absinthe in the Hôtel Restaurant Carrel in the Rue de la Cavaleirie when he was not crying over some love lost to a prostitute.” He went on to describe how odd it felt to him to view the old Roman Arena and remember when such were used, or to touch the medieval gate and remember it new.

Brit loved when Ethan talked of times gone by. She could not imagine her husband frequenting parties of artists and writers. Similarly, she could not imagine Ethan in many times of his life. Among the more perplexing were his descriptions of the fall of Constantinople and the Crusades. Also confusing was his role in seeking those who acted against God: The power of the demonic influences was lost on her. Brit loved his descriptions of when he first heard a truly modern pipe organ or saw a man-made object fly.

Ethan noticed that Brit seemed more focused on the changes of culture and inventions than politics and war. Getting a bit of midnight blue to darken her outer eye corners, Ethan dabbed carefully noticing the enhancement to the whites of her eyes. So perfect, but fragile, he thought. Brit was such a precious gift, but her fragility caused Ethan more concern with each passing day. As his brush stroked on color, Brit looked up at him and he paused as if caught in a spell. The brush slowed. She was his to love and to protect. Brit was his wife, he thought. Ethan’s lips parted and he blinked feeling God would wish what he was thinking. The brush touched her eyes gently and Ethan knew that Brit would never age another day; and God would approve else he would never have brought her to him.

Will you still recall my name

And the month it all began

Will you release me with a kiss

To be sure, there was much to consider. He finished painting her face and turned it left and right slowly. Perfection was important when one was meant to never change again. Ethan’s fingers ran through her hair and he examined the ends to ensure they were perfectly trimmed. Moving her hair to behind her shoulders, his fingers ran over her neck. To heal the bite mark or not? In turning her, their reason for being was no longer important, but his vanity admitted to enjoying them on her throat. Unable to resist, he bent his head to feel them with his lips. His fangs lengthened and he could feel her pulse throb beneath her skin. No more sicknesses, Ethan thought. No more worries, he reassured himself feeling his fangs rub her bites.

Brit’s head tilted at the touch of his fangs. One hand went behind her head and another gathered around her and pulled her securely against him. Breaking the skin, the small crimson drops welled and he tasted her sweetness. How would her blood change, he wondered? His fangs teased open her bite marks allowing the blood to trickle into his mouth. Sweet, like candy. Closing his eyes, he enjoyed the flavor and closeness. He had all night. No need to hurry, he said to himself. Brit’s arms went around him and her fingernails caressed his back. Fingernails, he remembered. Healing the wounds, he pulled away to examine them. Smiling up at her, he leaned and carefully licked the wounds healing her bite marks completely.

Have I tried to draw the veil

If I have - how could I fail?

Did I fear the consequence

... dazed by careless words

Cozy in my mind

Using the cosmetic file, Ethan ensured that her fingers and toes matched and were filed to pristine perfection. Beauticians, he mused, should be the most learned theologians as they had so much time to muse. As he filed, he thought of changes she would have to learn. Feeding. His chylder learned quickly enough, he thought, which was good as she had become such a wanderer. What if the same happened to Brit? Could she survive and feed? To be sure, she had no issue drinking from him but who was to say she could partake blood from others. His eyes flashed crimson at the thought, but he had to come to terms with the concept that drinking from other sources may mean survival.

Also, if he had to leave town for a while, who could care for her? She would be a fledgling. A chylder as well as his wife. So loved. Would an enemy target her? Ethan was not so naïve to not know that answer. Plus, in his world, he really should ensure there was approval to insure she would be protected without him. At one time, Nikita could have been a reliable back-up, but she had not been seen in months. Pieter would tend to Brit, if needed, but Ethan was unsure he wanted to risk the exposure to what Brit would see in the Pit. As for Omega, there was also risk of unwanted exposure. Ethan took a deep breath and let his mind refocus. Perhaps turning her was not the best plan. Yet.

Chorus: I don't mind

I think so

I will let you go

Now you shaped that liquid wax

Fit it out with crater cracks

Sweet devotion- my delight

As the pendulum swung the other way, Ethan pulled her to him again. He loved to drink from her and had grown to anticipate the taste of her blood. Metallic after she ate mushrooms. Salty after seafood. Sweet after cookies and such. But it was more refined than the obvious. Her moods and biological responses also flavored her blood. Again, he wondered whether Brit’s blood would change so if she were like him. Ethan’s mind wondered as he kissed her hand again before gathering her hair and starting to brush it. He made a mental note to order strawberries coated in a rich layer of pure dark chocolate.

Another kiss of her hand, Ethan slid a white chemise over her head and remembered his earlier thought: Brit would not age another day. There were two ways to achieve such things. Perching on the side of the desk, he rolled up his sleeve. Brit watched how his hair framed his face. Seeing her glance, Ethan gave a playful wink and brought his wrist to his mouth breaking the skin. Shifting, he pulled her to where she sat between his legs and held his wrist to her mouth. “Drink.” Her mouth felt warm against his wrist as she drank from him. He felt her body respond to his blood down to the strengthened heartbeat. Pulling her head back to the edge of his shoulder, he watched the pulse under her skin and felt her drink wondering whether she found his taste as intoxicating as he found hers.

Oh, you're such a pretty one

And the naked thrills of flesh and skin

Would tease me through the night

Ethan kept his wrist to her mouth. He knew she did not require so much, but wanted to share of himself with his wife. Brit was his wife. His eyes darkened at the recent interference of so many friends. Deep within, Ethan knew Brit’s friends meant well. Those such as Joah. Kissing Brit’s temple, he noticed that she had stopped drinking. How dare Joah tell him that he was wrong in his choices regarding his wife! Ethan licked his wounds and continued to think. If Joah were not bad enough, Omega also started to question his choices regarding Brit. Flexing his wrist, he struggled to keep his talons in check. Rage welled up within and, with a sudden animalistic growl, he quickly transitioned Brit to laying back on the desk and hovered his fangs over her throat. Again the thought to change her. Make her more like him. Give her a life-long connection.

Ethan’s body trembled causing Brit to look over to him in confusion. She could not see his face or his red-glowing eyes. He longed to drink deep of her. To feel her crumple and revive her while he held her. His. She would be completely his then. His fingers shook as he drew her near and scratched her throat with the sharp tips. He could hear her heart dare him to drink. The angry energy of being questioned caused him to growl as he quickly pushed her to the desk. Brit’s look of surprise gave him a brief pause. Rather than seeming alarmed, she relaxed back looking up to him and her sense of calm soothed him. Rather than finding brick to destroy, his talons stroked down her body ripping and moving the fabric aside. A slight screech of metal on glass could be heard as he leaned over her and kissed her tummy. Soft caresses yielded a tranquil feeling as he sought, selected and sank his fangs into her skin and drank.

"Now i hate to leave you bare

If you need me I'll be there

Don't you ever let me down"

..dazed by careless words

Cozy in my mind

He felt her body respond and enjoyed the way the taste of her blood changed as he drank. It was a struggle to drink slowly. It was a greater struggle to stop. Ethan’s talons retracted and his eyes became normal again but still he drank miniscule sips. Each sip, he knew he would care for God’s creation. With each caress, he knew he would protect his wife. Brit’s fingers entwined in his hair as she felt her fingers and toes grow colder. Still he drank until her heartbeat quickened. Even then, he kept his fangs embedded in her without pulling more blood.

Brit’s breathing was the only sound in the room. Ethan removed his fangs once he felt himself again. Music played close by. He knew that she would never let him down, but he also knew that she would never be parted from him. Ethan’s body ground against Brit’s as he kissed her lips. Giving her a soft caress, he bit her neck again returning her bite marks.

Chorus: : I don't mind

I think so

I will let you go

No, Ethan thought. He would never let her go. Picking her up, he laid her back on the coverlet of their resting place. It had been two weeks, but Ethan had no desire to leave the room. He had all that he needed in the room and could requisition anything Brit needed to be delivered.

And I touched your face

Narcotic mind from lazed Mary-Jane

Brit felt Ethan's fingers again on her face. He had arranged for Annika to bring her food, but she was content subsisting on his vitae. “You will eat properly tomorrow, Brit,” Ethan whispered. Not tonight, he thought.

And I called your name

Like an addicted to cocaine calls for the stuff he'd rather blame

It had been two weeks. And Ethan noticed that Brit did not seem to care whether they stayed in. He wondered if she could endure watching a sunrise on a DVD one frame at a time.

And I touched your face

Narcotic mind from lazed Mary-Jane

If someone had asked, Brit would have been surprised how much time had passed. Cold, tired, and content is all she felt and so she rested.

And I called your name

My cocaine

While she rested, Ethan thought again of those who meant so well and knew that none could care for his wife as he could.

Chorus: : I don't mind

I think so

I will let you go

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jsj-37UrxeM

The Nature of Beasts

One evening in September, Blueray intervened with a tut-tut as Apollo reached to touch Brit’s bite marks in front of Ethan and, Ethan’s abrupt reaction and words caused her to smile cruelly. Her thoughts turned to the true nature of a beast when its treasure is touched. She had heard tales of it, but had never witnessed it for herself. Apollo seemed quite bewildered. Blueray warned, “Do you really want to die so easily?”
*****
Ethan watched Brit as she walked from the diner. Her three days away from him surely affected her negatively. His eyes narrowed as he observed. She didn’t seem as peppy as she usually was, he noted grimly and, before her absence, she would have all but ran up the steps. To Ethan, this confirmed what he already knew: While others could try to care for his beloved, only he really knew how to tend to her best. The thought briefly cheered him up and he watched her duck inside.

Ethan nodded briefly to the guests of the Shelter as he followed Brit in. When she slowed to greet those she had not seen in a few days, he felt his annoyance return. Patches of news were exchanged. All caused his mood to grow darker. He wanted to thoroughly check her over and her usual inattentiveness fueled his displeasure at this moment. “Brit, please,” he said as he gestured impatiently toward the stairs. A few steps later, Ethan found himself speaking to another, “I must speak with my wife. You will please excuse us.” By the time they reached the landing, Ethan muttered in a language he had all but forgotten, “Good lord. Herding cats would be easier.” As they reached the door, he said, “I wish you to remove those clothes when we settle.”

Remembering the pictures of medicinal cups that were applied to the skin, Brit stopped just outside of the door. Seeing others nearby, he wrapped an arm about her waist as he opened the door and easily deposited her inside the room. The door shut with a loud thud and he audibly exhaled. “Ethan,” she lisped softly. His mouth did not move but she heard his voice loudly within her head exclaim, “Do as I say!” She backed away slightly in surprise and bumped the desk.

Seeing her surprise, he looked down uncomfortably for a moment and rechecked his temper before looking up at her again. “Brit, remove your clothing.” His jaw muscle clenched as he added, “Please.” Watching him a moment, she nodded and fumbled with the lacings on the front of the dress. He could tell that she was not frightened, but she was bewildered at his mood. Her hands shook in confusion causing him to soften a bit more. Walking to her, he took her hands kissing the palm of each one and rubbing them with his thumb. Arranging them on her lap, his hand stroked her hair for a moment before he took her laces and started to pull. Ethan said softly, “Why…why did you leave the Shelter….our resting place?” His eyes watched attentively for an answer.

She watched him curiously. His voice sounded different. Thicker. Peering up at him, she replied sincerely, “My chest hurt, Ethan, and you were resting. And I remembered Joah could make people better.” He quietly loosened the bodice before staring at her palms again. This time, he removed the gloves to look more closely at her skin. His fingers tracing to her wrists turning them over in his hands as if viewing a precious coin to ensure it is the same coin as seen the day before. Watching him rub at a white fleck on her fingernail, she wondered whether he would answer.

Ethan slid the bodice from her shoulders and untied the skirt to watch it fall. Ethan’s chest rose and fell as if he was exhaling again and he nodded that he understood. His eyes looked different. Darker. His fingers removed the bodice and skirt completely before he lifted her to the desk to remove her boots noting that one of the buckles was even on the wrong notch. His fingers examined her legs one at a time as he removed her stockings after popping each garter. Noting no changes, he placed a hand on each side of her hips and said coolly, “I could have tended to you when I woke.”

“But you were resting,” she explained. It was all most logical to her.

Caressing her skin through the chemise, he noted a spot of fabric that was wearing thin. It wasn’t there before! Ethan could smell the scent of the library under the heady eucalyptus scent that still clung to her skin despite her shower. The library smell was not unpleasant, but it was not the finely milled soap that he had created after spending several hours in the perfumery. Without a response, he picked her up and carried her to the shower. Turning on the water, he touched it to be sure it was warm before removing her chemise and pressing her under the water.

Watching her play in the water a bit lightened his mood. Ethan removed his shoes, socks and jacket before quickly rolling his pant legs and shirt sleeves. Not caring that the fabric got wet, he lathered up her hair in the familiar vanilla-laced shampoo that held a barely-there hint of musk. His hands soaped her up using the same scent. Each time, he would bring her near and inhale deeply until she seemed familiar with his eyes closed. As he dried her, he noticed every mark that had not been on her before and quizzed her over each and every one of them.

After Brit was dried, Ethan rubbed lotion into her skin. Noting her smooth texture, he wondered who had supplied her with personal necessities. She had necessities, he thought darkly. Here. Shaking off the grim thought, he carefully started to comb out her wet hair. “Did someone comb your hair out, Brit?” he asked suspiciously.

Brit said, “No. I did that myself.”

Neglectful, Ethan thought. It was just more proof that only he could properly care for her. He smirked at the thought. Ethan selected her dress and make up for the following evening, but kept her wrapped in a large bath sheet for now. A few final checks and he felt that she was as she had been before leaving even if she had a bit of the cold lingering.

Still a bit weary from her cold, she snuggled against him. After arranging her just so, he nuzzled her neck and bit gently. Her blood tasted differently. Perhaps it was the lingering cold or maybe it was her change in diet. No matter, Ethan thought. It will be normal soon. With that thought, he brought his wrist up and bit so the blood pooled. “You will drink now.” There was no ‘please’ or other nicety. His voice left no question whether it was offered as he pressed it against her lips and held it so until she drank sufficiently.

Ethan was nearly falling over from needing to rest when he finally pulled her to him and set the mist around the door to protect. Waking before he did as always, Brit pulled on what he wanted her to wear and tried to open the door finding it quite locked. She fumbled with the mechanism. After a few minutes, she knew that it would only open when his eyes did.

Home Remedies

((Taken from RP))
Brit woke disoriented and drenched. Outside, the rain continued to pour down hard and the streets were silent. There was fire. Turning her head quickly, she blinked and then recognized the warm hearth of the library fireplace. Trying to piece together events of the evening before, she clawed her wet hair matted to her face. Sitting up, she pushed back Denny’s cape that she had swaddled around her. The library was quiet. Grr looked up from where he worked nearby. She heard Joah’s voice mingled with Faye Li’s somewhere near along with Omega’s. Comforting, but where was Ethan?

Blinking slowly, she watched the flames jump and remembered being in the Shelter with her beloved. He was talking to someone. “I suppose it is all a big circle in the city,” he had said. There was something about the factory. It was not about the guests who had to work off a theft of fuel from there. She closed her eyes and tried to remember. There was a girl with a mechanical smile who made healthy soups. Apollo was mentioning cookies. Brit felt very cold while they spoke and Ethan had cuddled her to him. Then it happened: A tickle of her nose that caused her to sneeze.

Brit could not remember what people were talking about. She recalled that she was shivering as she accepted the hanky Ethan had given her to assist with her dripping nose. His hand slid to her head. Apollo and the girl with the mechanical smile were continuing to discuss soups. Something about shellfish. Something about ways to make them safe to eat. Ethan had blinked and said, “Okay. This is exactly why I said not to forget your raincoat or umbrella, Brit.” He quickly wrapped up his conversations and directed Brit upstairs. Ethan’s jaw clenched and she was quite certain that he was cross with her.

As they were leaving, Apollo mentioned a nurse who was suited for other purposes than nursing. Closing her eyes tightly, Brit remembered feeling very tired as she made it to their resting place and Ethan checking her over. He counted her heartbeats and placed his lips to her forehead. “My head hurts,” she told him. “My nose feels tickly.” His eyes turned dark as he listened while he continued to methodically check her vital signs. “I’m cold,” she whispered.

Turning her away from him, he said sternly, “You will drink now.” His expression made it obvious that he expected nothing more than compliance. Raising his left sleeve, he flexed his fist before bringing his wrist to his mouth and biting down. Hugging her from behind, he held his opened wrist to her mouth and noted that she was stuffy and had a bit of trouble swallowing. His strict expression flashed to worry and he held her a bit tighter. The night was getting late. He had her drink deeply and pulled her to him as he drifted off after feeling that she seemed stronger.

Flames crackled in the fireplace. Brit remembered leaving the Shelter. It was too early for Ethan to wake. Congested. She found her chest hurt when she took breaths. The coughing had started and sneezing grew worse. Feeling weak, she vaguely remembered dodging large puddles to make her way to the library. Joah. She remembered that she had come to find Joah. When she entered, she was greeted by Grr and Joah. Faye Li was there and Omega arrived right after Brit did. Brit remembered some conversation between sneezes. She wanted to be sure that those at the library prepared for the rising waters just in case there was another flood. The small talk made her forget why she had arrived.

“Do you have a cold, Brit?” It was Joah’s voice. She was unsure what it meant, but she felt freezing. Brit had never had so much as a sniffle before. The sneezing and coughing was bewildering. She explained that Ethan told her that she had been in the rain too much and Grr indicated that Ethan was old enough to know.

Omega walked to Brit and gently placed her hand on Brit’s forehead only to find it hot and clammy. Omega sighed, “You’re ill.” With concern, Omega quizzed Brit. “Does it hurt to breathe? How long have you been coughing?” Omega nodded as Brit answered. “Such infections are not as serious as they once were, but best to be on the safe side, yes? You must drink a lot of water and juice, Brit.” Brit explained that she had also drank of Ethan’s vitae and Omega responded, “Ethan’s vitae will make you feel better and you must also feed yourself in more traditional ways.”

After inquiring whether Ethan would mind if they helped, all sprung to action. Grr made a warm soup of items from his pack. Brit vaguely recalled packets of items along with a blue enameled mug and a long, intact celery stalk. He poured in water from his canteen. Omega conversed to herself as she diagnosed a classic flu and stated through pursed lips, “Broad spectrum antibiotics.” Grr chopped celery with his KA-BAR knife and added it to the mug. “I do not think you are seriously ill, Brit, but these things can become serious quickly. You must rest. No running around. You must sit, and read, or colour.” Reflecting on gentler times, she said, “Perhaps some embroidery.”

Joah stepped back biting her lip and opened a book. Grr continued to mix the concoction in the mug and placed it into the flames to heat. Omega had offered Brit some antibiotic tablets telling her to discuss them with Ethan before taking them. Brit looked at the tablets thinking they seemed like magic beans. Joah was silent. Omega said, “Joah, look outside. I need you healthy for what is coming. If it becomes necessary, we will do what needs to be done. For now, let us look to mundane solutions.”

All were quiet for a time simply watching Grr work. Omega told Grr, “I will need a list of ingredients for that brew you are making. Ethan will want to know. As do I.” Grr nodded and stirred the liquid. The celery and other items started to swirl in the steaming soup. “I hardly think Ethan will object over a coup of soup, but best to keep him fully informed, don’t you think, Brit?”

Grr said, “Oh. Sure. Is he resting?”

After a coughing fit, Brit rubbed her nose and worried that Ethan would be unhappy with her for being sick. To Grr, she nodded “He will be okay with it. He said fluids, food, and um…onion poultices if I were not better when he woke.”

Omega smiled, “Yes. All good ideas.” Grr listed miso paste, shitaki mushroom, dried seaweed, sesame seeds and small dried prawns along with some fresh celery. Omega added, “Perhaps Ethan will allow one or two cures from this century too.” To Grr, she commended, “A good soup.”

Brit curled up with Denny’s cape in front of the fire and sipped the soup when Grr gave it to her. She enjoyed the salty taste, but realized that salt was all that she could taste. Omega, Faye Li, Joah, and Grr discussed terms for the Japanese people through the ages and all agreed that Celestials was a pleasing term.

Onion poultices as medicinal techniques were discussed. Brit wrinkled her stuffed nose at the mere sound of it and thought that her fine milled soap would never take a scent of such a thing away. Joah suggested, “Or some use eucalyptus.” A vivid picture of a eucalyptus poultice formed in her mind.

Omega agreed that a eucalyptus and menthol after admitting that onion poultices were not so pleasant, which was why they had fallen out of favor. Joah was asked to prepare the former with supplies on hand upstairs. Brit nibbled the soup appreciatively between coughing and sneezes. Omega reassured her, “If you are a good girl and drink lots of soup and juices, and if you rest, you will feel better soon.”

Joah and Faye Li went to the lab to create an inhalant to help sooth Brit’s breathing. Brit inquired whether it would have garlic and explained that Ethan found garlic repulsive. She also indicated that he was grouchy over her sneezes. “Grouchy, is he?” said Omega. Dryly, she smiled and said, “Yes. Well. Your delightful husband will have to learn there are some occasional issues with a mortal wife.” Upstairs, Joah and Faye Li conversed quietly while mixing the ingredients for the inhalant. Brit sipped the rest of the soup and was comforted by Grr as she shivered from time to time before the fire. Brit vaguely recalled Omega saying, “Hello, Jason. Have you come to try to kill someone today or are you just here to chat about the weather?”

Brit blinked slowly as she tried to remember the events. Jason and Omega talked. Grr discussed his soup as Brit shivered by the flames. Brit remembers a scent of peppermint, eucalyptus, and other scents filling the room. She thinks she may have dozed off only waking to Joah’s gentle touch. Using a t-shirt, Joah covered it in the heady scent of the oils mixed to help break up the congestion after testing it on Grr. His exclamation of “It works! It works! Dammit, get it away! For the love of a scent!”

Deciding against the t-shirt, Joah found a piece of flannel. Brit told Joah softly, “Sniffles…and…my ears itch…and my throat feels scratchy.” Joah also noted that Brit’s fever was up. Grr reassured Brit that getting well will take some time. He ensured she was dry and comfortable in front of the flames. Even Jason showed a hint of concern.

Joah placed some of the mixture on the flannel after heating it. Then she knelt by Brit. “Do you mind if I pin this just inside of your dress, Brit? It will help you breathe.” Brit held still while Joah tucked the flannel inside poultice to skin and pinned each side to Brit’s chemise. As her hand touched the flannel, it seemed to heat up again. The strong scent drifted up to Brit’s nose. Joah ensured Brit’s dress was properly arranged.

Brit could not smell the strong scent. She felt exhausted. Joah leaned over and touched her lips to Brit’s forehead lingering a moment with her eyes closed. “The lady was right. You do have an infection.” Brit did not fully comprehend anything other than she felt terrible. Joah explained that Brit would get better, and said that Ethan’s vitae was a natural antibiotic for her of sorts. Brit did not realize that she had started to breath through her nose again. Nor did she realize that, with Joah’s soft check to her forehead, her fever dropped dramatically. And at some point in the night, her fever broke soaking her.

Brit continued to lie on the pillow in front of the fire. Just a few more moments, she thought…then she would go shower and find Ethan. It was a good plan. Her eyes blinked and she slept again waking nearer to when Ethan would wake.

Wants & Needs

Ethan kicked the door of their resting place open and deposited a marginally-sentient Brit carefully on the plush fur rug. His demeanor could be described in one word: Irritated. Every little thing about the evening added another thorn in his side. After checking Brit’s pulse, Ethan punctured his own wrist and poured vitae into her mouth forcing her to drink before he sat back to muse how one evening could go so wrong and still end up fine.

When they woke, Ethan had taken Brit for a romantic walk along the beach. He felt it was time she observed more behaviors in others outside of their small circle. When they arrived to the beach, they first encountered a couple who were playfully sparring with swords. Ethan wrapped his arms around Brit and smiled while they both watched. When the male “captured” the female, Ethan was sure that Brit would see playful romance as the girl negotiated for her release. Rather than angel-kissed promises, the girl dropped to her knees and greedily unzipped the man’s pants using other oral skills. Seeing the questions start to form silently on her lips, he refocused her on other people nearby.

Among the others, Pieter told him of news in the city. Blueray and Picket were also there and handed an invitation for both Brit and Ethan to attend their wedding. Weddings would be an ideal setting for Brit to observe others, Ethan mused, if the wedding couple were not demonic in nature. As the happy couple rambled, images of mutual defilements on the ceremonial alter graced his thoughts. At the mention of the wedding activities, Ethan had troubled thoughts at merely considering what ingredients would actually be in the wedding cake. As Brit bounced over the idea of the wedding, Ethan tried to remember a demonic ceremony where people did not either end up naked or sacrificed. He would discuss with Pieter later.

Brit had to take her bicycle to the garage to get the brakes checked. Promising to follow her there, Ethan watched her peddle off as he wrapped up his conversation. When he arrived, members of the garage’s motorcycle gang were typically hanging out. However, rather than hearing loud music, seeing impromptu fighting, and smelling the thick scent of alcohol, he witnessed one crying for her family, another looking for a lost puppy, and a many others acting what was unconventional for people who live on a wild edge. He saw Brit wheeling out a vintage 1950’s Harley-Davidson. A light blue creampuff of a bike that looked as if it was never ridden but had simply been worshipped and gently polished daily with a diaper.

The atmosphere grew more chaotic as more of the gang’s behaviors seemed bizarrely altered as was his usually compliant wife. Brit made it clear that the motorcycle was hers and that she wanted it. It mattered not that she did not know anything about motorcycles. Concerned he sat on the back of the motorcycle until he realized that she was looking for peddles like one would find on a bicycle. Leaving her to flip levers and honk the horn, he slid off to watch the growing confusion. Joah appeared and questioned Brit’s purpose with the bike. He had no answers but tried to explain what he knew. Without warning, the motorcycle engine roared and lurched forward. Brit tumbled off the back as it zoomed ahead crashing into the bricks and caused sparks to fly while it scraped and screamed down the sidewalk on its side depositing paint and parts for a block.

Ethan and Joah ensured Brit was fine before assessing the damage of the prized antique and oddity of the crowd. Brit returned to the garage to find another motorcycle. After all, she had been told by one of gang that she was welcome to any that she liked. Joah followed Brit back into the garage after Brit casually discarded the second bike on the sidewalk and had returned to get one that better matched her outfit. Ethan observed the pattern of his wife who seemed to crave immediate gratification over any desire. He returned to Brit and tried to coax her off of the bike. While talking to her, he felt Joah’s arms slide over him prior to wrapping around his waist. Joah’s words reflected her actions. In addition to Brit’s demands and Joah’s exploration, Deb arrived to lament the demise of her precious Harley that continued to lay in pieces along the road.

Tempers were escalating and Ethan checked his guns before telling Joah that he and Brit would love to rest with her in the library. Joah giggled girlishly and let him drag her as he walked toward the north part of town while carrying Brit who seemed to want anything and everything that caught her eye. Once they reached the library, Brit demanded kisses while Joah flopped on a pillow waiting for the offered three-way “rest.” Ethan struggled to juggle both women and was thankful when Grr arrived. Joah’s interest immediately diverted by telling Grr that Ethan did not live up to what was offered. Grr was gentlemanly enough to compensate which seemed to placate Joah.

Ethan finally had opportunity to observe Brit without distraction. He knew it was only a matter of time before some would seek him to discuss the motorcycle carnage left behind. Brit returned his focus. Kisses were demanded and, when not given immediately, Ethan could feel Brit become agitated when there was not instantaneous compliance. To keep her calm, he gave her the kisses that she demanded and was sure she would be content. Once one demand was sated, another took its place. Minutes passed and Ethan found himself pushed back on to one of the cushions in front of the library fire with Brit practically melted against him. The kisses grew longer and deeper limited only by her need for breath.

Surreal, he thought. Joah and Grr were making out on the cushion next to them. Others had entered the library. None of it mattered to Brit as she pressed harder to feed her wants, which escalated her desires and, which each increased desire, a new demand was issued. More kisses. Deeper kisses. Ethan was unsure how her focus would change. He heard Brit say, “I…I want a feather. I want a feather now.” Lorne had come to the library as others had produced a feather and offered it to Ethan. Ethan did not take time to consider his bias of conjured items and nodded his thanks as he gave Brit the feather. She started to drag it over her skin before dragging it over Ethan’s neck. “I want bites,” she demanded.

Ethan heard her words while realizing people had been watching. Surreal. The word came to him again. Joah and Grr were still making out. Brit told him again, “I want bites.” Her tone clearly indicated that she thought they should have already been delivered. Pulling Brit away slightly, Ethan encouraged her to move to a darker corner. Rather than her usual compliance, she grew more insistent. Others questioned the move, and Ethan felt his mood darken. “This,” he thought, “had to be what it felt like to have a drunk date at the prom.” Unwilling to put on a show for the masses, he pulled Brit in and sank his fangs hard into her throat. She purred as her demand was met.

Ethan drank deeply, unwilling to wait for her next demand. Time, he thought. He needed time. He could feel her energy level ebb as he took more than he usually did and kept tabs on her heartbeat as she crumpled against him. Paler while he now looked more human. His fingers trailed over her face knowing that he would share of himself later and she would be better by morning. Nerissa entered with a handful of burning herbs and Joah immediately started to become more her old self. Brit lay like a sack of flour in Ethan’s arms resting. Picking her up, he took her home. Once there, he ensured she drank of him and pulled her so that her head rested on his thigh.

He was irritated. His fingers caressed her hair and he thought of how he would have reacted to such a night a year ago. The couple on the beach might have gotten them killed for behaving so sleazy. In his younger years, a demonic gathering of any kind would have surely had his company. He glowered at the memory of Deb swearing toward Brit with cause, and found himself growing angry at Deb’s actions even as he rationalized it easily. Then there was Joah all but rubbing against him. Many had died for less. His fingers caressed Brit’s skin. Then there was his beloved who had behaved with a child’s demands and a woman’s desires. In that memory, Ethan grinned and found that, as much as he wanted to be, he was not irritated anymore. With a chuckle, he wondered whether the years were mellowing him.

Feeling the sunrise near, Ethan wedged the door to make sure Brit could not leave before he checked her over; and then he pulled her close falling dormant and realized that he was more exhausted than he had felt in years.

Love & Survival

With his hand characteristically covering his mouth, Ethan listened patiently as Brit told him about her day. He had come to enjoy his daily dose of city news filtered through Brit. Ethan’s annoyance of his wife being asked whether she was pregnant quickly faded as Brit described how she educated Pix and the rest of the diner via a diagramed response as to how babies were made, and then that she had reassured all that she could not be pregnant because vampires did not manufacture sperms. His hand pressed more tightly as he did not want chuckle less Brit feel that he was laughing at her. However, his amusement faded as Brit continued her report on her day. “Pix is most concerned over her beloved Tony, Ethan. He is not drinking.” With the destruction of the blood fountain, Ethan was keenly aware that many kindred were on the brink of frenzy, and each one was a concern to him.

After assuring himself that Brit was caring for herself properly, Ethan sent her to the library while he ran a few errands. Upon arrival, she saw Pix’s beloved Tony sitting in a library chair near the door. His head had lulled forward just before he jolted up straight with a loud, “I’m fine!” Tony had not heard her come in, but his words prompted her to ask him if he had drunken from Pix. Shaking his head, he bid Brit a greeting watching as she sank into her chair. Brit asked him whether he had to drink. “That is part of why I came here. I wanted the Omegans to do some research for me.”

After looking all around, Brit said, “No one is near.” Both sat in silence for a moment and Brit processed. Beloveds share and Pix mentioned that she would offer blood to Tony. To Brit, there was likely just one reason he continued to suffer. Perking, she lisped, “Maybe I can help.” Brit processed more and she told him directly, “Pix would not wish for you to be weak.” She nodded again still quite certain that she was correct. Pointing to her neck, she said, “You can bite here.” Her fingers traveled to her wrist, “Or here.” Tony’s astonished look told her that she was on the right track. She wondered about continuing but this was a matter of survival, so she decided to educate him thoroughly. Her fingers pointed to the crease of her leg near to the body and she said, “Sometimes, here is very good.” Brit smiled brightly as she said “And she will feel like your redeemer, which beloveds like to be.”

Tony quirked an eyebrow when she pointed to her thigh. He grumbled, “Ethan sure has been keeping busy.”

“He’s supposed to be busy. We are honeymooning,” she exclaimed remembering Larissa’s book. “Honeymoons are discussed right after the chapter about swooning.”

Her words caused his eyes to widen about and he coughed, “Well. Good for you two.” Brit beamed happily thinking someone finally understood. In the brief silence, Tony blinked a few times and then shook his head to remove the images. “So, about that research. Think you might be able to help me with that?”

Brit’s smile faded. Rubbing her nose, she lisped, “I just did your research.” Again pointing at her neck, wrist, and thigh-crease, she said more slowly, “You can bite her here, here, and here.” Realizing to whom he was conversing, Tony rested his palm against his forehead for a moment. Brit pulled both legs into the chair and watched him after propping her chin on her knees. “Didn’t you want research about how to bite Pix?” Tony pinched the bridge of his nose. “She is your beloved. And you are hers.” Tony silently stared at her over his hand. Brit seemed hurt and jutted her chin just a bit as she almost whispered, “Beloveds share. And Pix wants to be your redeemer.” Her lower lip was almost a pout.

Taking a few extra moments, Tony replied gently, “No. Actually.” He rubbed his chin and said calmly, “I’m completely aware how to bite people.” His eyes narrowed as Brit was making a diagram on the back of a library card application and was drawing large red X’s on the stick figure just in case he needed a visual. Hearing his words, she tossed it aside. Tony watched silently as she helped a library patron and used the time to think.

Returning, she offered, “Maybe it is because you and Pix are not married. Being married is a most honorable and proper thing. So. Marry her and then you can honeymoon too.” Brit was trying hard to be helpful, but her words had him sitting speechless again. She added softly, “But. Your lips are pretty blue. I don’t know if you can wait for a wedding.”

Tony’s eyes widened further and he exclaimed exasperated, “Brit!”

Brit looked up and said, “Yah?” Putting his finger to his lips, Tony shushed her and sat silently again regrouping his thoughts. Brit perked again, “Oh….is it a surprise?”

Tony inwardly groaned. Glancing at her told him that she expected an explanation. “That kind of thing is well.” Though he needed not to breathe, he took a deep breath gesturing with his hand and said, “It’s complicated.” She didn’t respond but thought of when she had gone to the Voodoo Shop and disrupted his canoodling session with Pix long ago. Tony tapped his fingers on the chair wondering whether he would frenzy before he got to the purpose of his visit. “Marriage is a commitment,” he offered. Brit’s bright smile indicated she understood that, but also told him that she was not following the same path he was on. He tried again, “Some people just need time to make that commitment. Understand?” She beamed more brightly. Tony shifted uncomfortably and finally said, “Besides.” Feelings that were long buried started to float near the top of his thoughts. He whispered, “I was already married once.”

Brit said nothing as she struggled to understand. Almost as if reading her thoughts, he said, “I was married, Brit. I am not anymore.” Tony’s sadness nearly filled the room. It seemed as if he was alone as he gazed out of the window. “Do you know the wedding vows?” She nodded but he did not see her. He said quietly, “Until death do us part.” Even the chaos of the street had stopped. Tony said, “My wife died a long time ago.” Time passed as they both sat in silence. Finally, he shook his head. “Anyway. What was I talking about?”

Tony reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small bottle. His hands shook as he popped off the top and showed her a small capsule. “This keeps me from needing to bite people. It is the last one I have. I need to know what it is exactly and whether more can be made.” Brit promised she would tell Joah and also said she would tell Ethan as the pill reminded her of the orbs that Ethan drank when he came out of torpor.

Tony left and Ethan arrived to escort her to their resting place. Again, Ethan patiently listened to her talk about Tony. His hand covered his lips as he watched her. She told him of the pill briefly, but was detailed about Tony’s wife. As she brushed out her hair, she remembered that Ethan once said that he only wanted her to feed all of his hungers. “Ethan, when I perish, I do not wish you to suffer.” She did not see him flinch at her words. “I wish you to do what you must to endure.” Ethan reached out and stroked her hair. He said nothing at all, but pulled her to lie beside him and buried his face in her hair until the sun forced him to rest.

The Beast Within

“You need a beloved, Joah,” whispered an astonished Brit. With the lengthy summer days, Brit woke hours prior to Ethan. Knowing his concern for her health, Brit pushed aside the lack of hunger, went to the diner, and consumed whatever was set in front of her. While eating, Brit could smell honeysuckle, and the scent intensified as Joah entered. Joah smiled brightly seeing Brit sauntering to take a seat next to her. Hugging Brit tightly, Joah babbled how very much she had missed Brit in the library. Joah’s words quickly became slow touches that turned to caresses and, unbeknownst to either, Joah covered Brit with a shower of translucent dust. Brit then felt Joah’s lips press softly against her cheek and then her lips. “You need a beloved, Joah.” At Brit’s words, Joah chuckled low and soft, and showed every sign of mirth when Brit slipped to her feet and left the diner to return to Ethan.

Brit could not wake Ethan. The heady scent of honeysuckle permeated the room. Brit sneezed a few times and her eyes had started to tingle. Rubbing her nose and eyes, she picked up her bucket with her shampoo and scented soap making her way toward the hospital shower leaving a barely visible trail of pale-pink opalescent silt along the way. Brit quickly stripped as the water warmed, and brushed out her hair sending shower of honeysuckle-scented dust over her body. With every breath, she inhaled the sweet-scented dust and felt dizzy from the overpowering scent.

Brit was unsure how much time had passed when she grew cognoscente of steam from the shower. Shaking the disorientation from her head, she focused on the delightful contrast between water sounds on tile verses her hand as she tested the water. The smell of the honeysuckle was overwhelming, and her body was starting to tingle along with her eyes. Stepping quickly into the shower, the splattering water felt like thousands of tiny tongues on her flesh. Her body temperature and heart rate increased as a result, and she noticed a slight euphoric feeling flow through her body like liquid morphine. Stepping from the shower, she wallowed against the towel, dressed and returned to the resting place.

Ethan laid motionless on the rug. His eyes opened wide as the sun sank beneath the sea and he stretched his arm to his left searching for Brit. Not finding her there, he washed his face and dressed quickly spending only a moment to brush his hair prior to leaving the room. Opening the door, he bumped right into her. Brit’s arm went about him and her other hand rubbed up his chest as she lisped, “Going out?” Her body pressed closer. “I wanted to stay in.” He cocked a brow finding the back of her dress drenched and noticed the trail of water that followed her down the hall. Brit kissed his chest and then his lips. Her body rocked slightly against his as she told him breathlessly that she had already eaten at the diner and stammered away any reason that he might need to leave.

He raised an eyebrow and ran a finger over her skin that was chilled with traces of wetness causing her to press against his touch. The scent of honeysuckle overpowered the soft scent of her bathing soap. Both brows arched when she pressed his hand between her breasts during his triad of kisses. He noticed her rapid heartbeat, trembling muscles, and the pupils of her eyes were so large that the green in her iris could barely be seen. “You went to the diner….and bathed.” Her arms wrapped around him a bit too tightly and she angel-kissed along his jaw-line. He tilted his head intrigued and examined her behavior. Finally, he said in a soft voice, “Did you do anything else since you have been up tonight, Princess?” She did not respond, but pressed more against him and claimed his lips kissing until she was breathless. His arms went about her as he tried to get her to answer.

Brit’s hands stroked his hair and his face even while practically crawling over him while he stood in the hallway. He noticed that her skin was very warm. Her eyes closed and she pressed against him as seductively as any stripper would a dance pole causing him to blink hard. Giving her a slight shake, he asked again whether anything else had occurred. She ran her fingers through his hair marveling at how very beautiful he looked. “So beautiful and soft.” Her words were a breathy whisper as she continued to play with his hair. “I want to feel your hair on my tummy.” Stepping back to get a better look at her, he found she was wound against him tight enough that she dangled from him when he moved.

Ethan clutched her to him and walked back into their resting place kicking the door shut behind him. Taking a few steps, he pinned her against the wall. “Before anything else, you will tell me what else you did tonight.” His words were slow and measured. He made eye contact with her. She held his gaze and leaned toward him catching his lower lip in hers sucking it slightly while her body rocked slightly against him.

With no little effort, he unwrapped her body from his and pressed her against the wall. Her fingers caressed his arms until he caught her hands to hold them in his. She moved toward him and found herself quite distanced causing her to pout. She writhed in his hold and whined softly, “I want….I want…..I want kisses. And….I want…I…I want…” She pressed hard against his hold and was able to run her lips over his chest and kiss his chin. The strong, sweet scent was laced on her breath, in her hair, on her skin. “Be my lover,” she pleaded as her fingers curled around anything she could grasp.

Ethan was perplexed as he took in her scent, physical presence, and erotic behavior. One hand held her firmly in place while the other forced her to look up at him so that he could make eye contact. Her pupils absorbed all color of her iris. “Brit,” he paused to see if she responded to her name. “You will tell me what you did earlier. And you will tell me now.” His voice was calm and soft, but his eyes flashed slightly crimson. The sound of his voice permeated her mind pressing out even the maddening desires that were consuming her.

Familiar black mist rose around them as he saw her thoughts. His hold was firm on her and his gaze was unwavering. Looking within her, he saw Annika bringing her breakfast. He could smell the odor of pancakes and the sweetness of syrup. Then the scent of honeysuckle that came with Joah. He noticed the pink glitter that fell from her and he saw Joah kiss Brit’s lips. His eyes narrowed and flashed up momentarily. “Joah,” he murmured as his hold on Brit tightened. Ethan stopped pressing against Brit with his hand leaving her more room to move.

Brit’s thoughts echoed her words luring him to kiss her, to be her lover. Her heated kisses and desires pulled his thoughts from Joah and her pink glitter, and stakes. Ethan took her wrist and pulled her to the rug making Brit kneel with her back against him. One arm held her in place even as she raked her nails sensually over his thighs and pressed her body against his. The honeysuckle scent grew heavier as she leaned back looping her arms around his neck behind her and did a slow dance against his body. Using his free hand, he moved her hair and sank his fangs deeply into her neck drinking three short sips before licking the wounds closed. Brit’s breath caught at the feel of his tongue on her neck. He brought his wrist to his lips and punctured the vein beneath his skin. The blood pooled in the wounds and he pressed his wrist against her lips. “Share with me,” he commanded in a strict voice.

In short time, the sensory enhancement of his vitae replaced her ecstasy-like high. He could sense that her elevate state of desire did not diminish as she continued to press against his every touch. It was a situation unlike any other he had encountered. The anger toward Joah, his concern at her condition, and the bewilderment over her behavior caused Ethan to struggle to keep the vampiric beast within in check. His eyes had a reddish cast and he spun her around to observe her. Her fingers ran up the length of his arms and she kissed him. His caresses were gentle as he predatorily observed her. Forcing her back on the rug, he raked his fangs over her throat with an animalistic growl. He whispered wickedly in her ear, “So, still want to be mine tonight?” While waiting for her to respond, he nibbled and bit her earlobe.

Brit had never seen her husband like this. His roughness astonished her and scared her slightly, though not unpleasantly. Her heartbeat quickened at his voice and demeanor that fed into her elevated state. “I want to be yours every night, Ethan,” she lisped. Dark mist crawled over the floor, up the walls and over the door shrouding them. His fangs sank hard into her neck as he held her tightly against him. He did not drink, but wanted her to feel the desires stemming from his own emotions through his vampiric kiss. The mist grew thicker and closer to him as she favorably responded to each bite, to each touch, and each embrace.

Two hours before sunrise, Brit applied liptint to cover the slight bruising. Bite marks lingered on her throat and elsewhere. Ethan ran a brush through his hair, but did not bother to secure it back. He held out his hand and turned her looking her over before directing her through the door. They went to the tavern where Omega was slumming as a DJ for the evening. She smiled brightly seeing the two of them, and her bright smile was returned by Brit. Ethan forced cool breath on the glass and drew a skull in it. Omega’s smile faded and he explained that a demonstration of her leadership was needed to explain why earlier he had a chemically affected beloved. After the conversation, Brit and Ethan danced for a while before returning to the resting place. She continued to cuddle close to him. Just before resting, he said, “You are mine…now and always.”

Transitions

((Taken from assorted RP's))

It was Sunday, and Brit was watching Ethan conduct his business again with the men on the small skiff. Brit sighed softly. The late meetings were more frequent and she could not hear what was being said. Items were exchanged for wide, sealed envelopes. Brit’s awareness was growing, and her questions were becoming more pointed; and therefore, Ethan sent Brit to wait for him at the library. Brit was greeted by Joah and Poncho as she entered, and sat pristinely smoothing out her new dress. Joah assisted someone with nightmares as Poncho looked over the report in his hands. “You’ve been gone for a while….honeymoon?” he asked Brit.

Brit filled both in on her comings and goings. A soft blush tinged her cheeks as she spoke. One left and another joined. Lorne was mentioned, and Brit asked, “Where is Lorne.”

Joah looked to where Poncho had been sitting, but he had gone too. She told Brit, “He left the library. He went to the Shadows.” Brit asked about Larissa and whether she was upset over Lorne’s leaving, and whether Lorne checked on Larissa and their baby. Joah walked over to Brit and placed a hand on Brit’s knee comfortingly. She then told Brit that Larissa died giving birth to her baby and that Nareth had taken the baby from the city.

Other explanations followed, but Brit heard little. She could only remember Larissa’s prettiness and gentle friendship. Tears fell down Brit’s cheeks. One fell and she remembered Larissa telling her how much love she had for Lorne. Another tear splattered and Brit remembered dancing with Larissa in the library, warehouse, and dance studio. More tears fell. The talks in the library and diner. The time Larissa’s eyes went black and the broken glass that swirled around her. Memories passed with the falling of each tear. Joah explained that Larissa was an angel now. Full of sparkle and light, but Brit had not seen her. So many had gone and the tears continued to fall. Joah hugged Brit as she cried and wiped tears with her handkerchief until Ethan came to get her.

Brit felt a strong sadness for a few days. Mirah had told her, “I wish I had an answer as to who goes and gets to stay with us, sweetie, but I don’t. And it kills me that I don’t.” Brit said little about it for a few days. Unexpectedly, Ethan took her from the city once again. This time, they did not meet men with the skiff or with Ethan’s tailor. He took her to a tall tower that overlooked a city on the mainland. Ethan sat on the railing and watched his wife who seemed terribly silent. With a slight frown, he pulled Brit a little closer and touched her neck gently before taking her hand to bring her closer still. With a caress of her hair, he wrapped his arms about her bringing her to him for a tender kiss.

Brit returned a warm hug and paused to take in the view. Another kiss lingered before she pulled away just a hint. Her eyes were sad and she whispered, “Larissa is dead.” He asked her what happened as he anxiously checked her over with soft touches. Brit explained all to Ethan. He held her tightly as he thought over what else he had recently learned regarding the wards that had been removed from the library. After a very long time and some soft quiet words, Brit said, “I was asked if we have been on our honeymoon. Are we?”

Ethan grinned and the look of concern left his face at her question. “Well, you could say we have been on our honeymoon in Toxia, but we came here to extend it a bit.”

“You kiss lots on a honeymoon,” she said before kissing him. Wrapping her arms around him, she said, “And cuddle lots too.” Her lips brushed over his as she whispered, “And get close.” A few more moments passed before she offered, “I read about it in the library.”

Pulling back just a moment, he repeated somewhat stuttering, “Read about it?” He had asked others to keep such things from her and thought of ways he could inflict pain on them for not doing so. She seemed still somewhat reserved and teary wetness lingered on her eyes from where she told him of Larissa. He kissed her again sensing each kiss distracted her from sadness.

Quiet kisses and time passed. Her fingers ran through his hair as she continued to kiss him with a growing boldness. The sound of her dress rustled slightly and she said softly, “I want to make you hungry….and…then….remove your hungers.”

After a brief blink of surprise, Ethan looked at her quite entertained and lovingly ran his fingertips down her neckline to where her dress starts. “Make me hungry?” His finger traced her face as he continued, “I am always hungry for you in one way or the other. It is just a matter of timing for my kind. And how much you want to fight the hunger.” With a grin, he said, “Of course, there are all kinds of hungers. And some I only ever feel for you.” The next kiss was deep and more sensual. He took her back to their temporary resting spot in the city they were visiting. Brit looked about just for a moment before helping him off with his tie as he shrugged off his coat.

Stealing Apples

((Taken from RP)
Brit was surprised to find that Larissa was pregnant, but not as surprised as Larissa was to find that Brit thought people got pregnant by swapping spit in toilets. Therefore, to Larissa, it was well-beyond time for Brit to gain a better understanding of reproduction. “What do you know about sex, Brit,” Larissa asked. Brit knew there were books about it in the library, but confessed she had never looked at them. Brit preferred fairy tales and books with colorful pictures.

Joah entered the library and was told that Larissa and Brit were talking about sex. Taking her seat near the fireplace, she said, “Talk on. Don’t let me interrupt you.” Larissa went on to say that fairy tales were mostly about sex, but told Brit that many books left the most interesting part out. Joah added, “Ah, fairy tales. Gruesome for the most part.” Joah told Brit that Cinderella’s sisters cut their feet to fit the slippers, and that Cinderella’s birds pecked out their eyes and they served Cinderella as blind slaves for the rest of their lives. This last part surprised even Larissa.

Brit was stunned and whispered, “What about Snow White?”

Joah said, “Or Sleeping Beauty?” Joah told both that the Snow White’s prince really just wanted her body and his men dropped Snow White’s glass coffin which dislodged the bite of the poisoned apple. And Sleeping Beauty’s prince raped her.

With a whispered lisp, Brit said, “I thought it was true love’s kiss that saved her….that he kissed her…both of them.” Larissa told her that fairy tales had many versions and confessed that she liked the twisted ones more as they were more interesting. “What was he going to do with a dead body?” asked Brit. Neither answered, but Joah told her that the tales change for those who do not like the brutality of them and suggested that Larissa might be better for educating Brit about sex.

Larissa gave Brit a book that looked very old. It was titled For the Education of Decent Young Ladies. Joah muttered, “That ought to be enlightening” and wondered if swooning was covered. Larissa decided that the book would do as a start. The conversation sidetracked to make up briefly. Brit told both how Ethan painted her face with make-up brushes which caused Larissa to tell her that she made a beautiful canvas. Responding to Larissa’s words, Joah said, “Sometimes two people paint each other’s bodies with their own.” When Brit asked how people did this, Joah graciously turned the conversation back to Larissa who volleyed it back to Joah. After a moment, Joah explained, “In the way of touching, they lie close. The man slides himself inside the woman’s legs…inside her.”

Trying to imagine it, Brit asked, “Sort of like canoodling?”

Joah saw that Larissa was not going to field this question either, so she sighed softly saying, “And I thought we were talking about fairy tales.” With a deep breath, Joah continued, “ Yes, Brit. Canoodling starts it. Except the part of the man that grows hard with excitement slides in between the woman’s legs, inside her warm wetness, completely into her.”

Brit listens without blinking. She remembers something while canoodling, but such things did not slip inside of anything. Brit finds it all pretty interesting. “But why?” With a glance to Larissa, she asks, “Why are your cheeks so red? Are you warm?”

Larissa struggled with the topic even though she brought it up. “Brit, you are so sweet, and some people are so mean. They can make fun of others’ innocence and ignorance. I would like you to learn more. I know you are quite intimate with Ethan, and I respect how he approaches you. I don’t know much about vampires though, and if he will ever…” She pauses and takes another deep breath. “There are people out there that would take such intimacy away and force it on others. And I would not want you to be a victim of that.” Thinking a moment, Larissa adds, “But also, it is beautiful to find these things for yourself with the one you love…and I wish for you all the best with that. It is hard to explain because without the excitement and that need, it is just plain. You have to be there in the verge of wanting it so much…then…it is the most beautiful thing.”

Nodding in agreement, Joah then continued, “When his excitement is over, and he grows soft again, he leaves seed inside the woman. Sometimes a baby grows from that and sometimes not.” Stretching, Joah wished she had her tea kettle with her. “Why? Because it feels as good as Ethan’s kiss, Brit. As for making babies without touching, I have no knowledge although I expect it feels the same.”

Brit blinkblinked and softly said, “Oh.” To Larissa, she asked, “Is that how you got pregnant?” She processes slowly connecting it with things she knows. As for Ethan’s kisses, she smiled and felt her cheeks warm slightly. Then asked Larissa, “Was it beautiful?”

Larissa raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, basically Joah is right. Biologically, that is how we reproduce. At the second question, she said, “Oh, it was!”

Joah quietly added, “But….sometimes it can also hurt. It can hurt very badly if done to someone who does not want it.”

Brit asked Larissa whether she was hurt. Larissa explained that she was not hurt, but people do complicate things. Joah agreed and said, “Yes, they do complicate things. There are many ways of being hurt. When the love is not returned by the beloved. Others.” Joah did not explain further as she remembered violence done to her when she was left for dead. All that was added was, “Others might use force…instead of love.”

Adding quietly, Larissa said, “And others take it for granted.” Brit asked GrrBrool who came into the library whether he ever had someone to force him to canoodle or not love him back. Larissa laughed, “I highly doubt it. Grr is so adorable.”

Blinking, GrrBrool said, “I see I came at an interesting time.” He suggested ‘adorable’ for his marker. Joah explained that they were talking about sex and asked him to share his experience for a male perspective. GrrBrool said, “From a technical side? Making puppies? Or tha good times side of things? Or scrumping to relieve tensions.” When Brit asked what was scrumping, GrrBrool said, “Oh, scrumping Well, that’s what it was called in the army when two troopers need ta get their minds back on the job.” He clarified that both sexes were in the army then continued, “They would find a quiet spot and well, work it out. Ya know…err….ta get tha hormones back in check.”

Joah had just made some tea and was close to spitting it. Larissa listened as GrrBrool continued to meander down the path explaining the need for scrumping. After a bit, Joah shifted the topic by asking whether Larissa had a book for decorous behavior for young men. Brit sat wide-eyed listening to Grr’s take on…scrumping.

Hearing the conversation shift and noticing Brit’s reaction, GrrBrool asked if it made sense and then whether it was a taboo topic. Larissa explained that Brit was just under-informed. Grr said that he was happy that everyone can feel so frank about stuff, then left to take a cool shower patting the cool walls on his way to depart.

Joah broke the silence when Grr left and said, “Brit, let’s just say that there are many ways men and women can make themselves feel good that way. But not all of them lead to babies. Only the one way that Larissa and I told you about.”

Brit nodded to show she understood, then went to get the urban dictionary. She opened it to find ‘scrumping.’ Reading slowly, she lisped, “Apple-stealing.” Then she read more, “When a man and a woman get it on. A redneck tuerm used when two people leave a party to do the deed quickly and return with knowing nods to their friends. Best done in a truck and in the woods.” She read more. “Rapid rabbit sex closely related to porn star sex.” To Joah and Larissa, Brit asked, “Is that good?”

Pondering a moment, Joah smiled saying, “Yes, that would probably describe ‘scrumping’ quite well.

Larissa burst out laughing. “Well, you see…just imagine ‘hungry’.” Brit closed the book and mouthed the word ‘hungry’ as she thought of canoodling and the feelings that it sometimes yields. “I think that is enough for one day,” said Larissa. Joah agreed.

Outside of the library, two eavesdroppers pushed off the wall. One said to the other, “Ethan needs a truck if he is going to scrump.” The other said, “Indeed.” And they both went to the Haven.