All These Lives [Dani]

[[Dani]el Conteo*]

Daniel was somewhat flabbergasted at the ease of their comradery, though it would seem the she was in her own world for the time being. Musing as to how she found herself in such ghastly circumstance no doubt. Yes, he received that knowledge with the cool sadness that always seem to bare weight within his heart. It was the frigid recognition that anyone the immortal came into proximity with would regret the encounter, some sooner than later. Still, it was a curious idea – he wondered how exactly she was processing the whole scene. Clearly with a level head…or a very stupid one. Somehow he was certain she knew what peril she now faced. It was on the tip of his tongue to apologize in advance for however their venture ended…In fact it was not a bad idea. Slowing to a halt a palm reached out, articulations grasping her wrist and gently as possible bringing her to a halt as well. Somber, tragically blazing topaz oculus burned down into her unknowing mortal eyes at that point, deciphering the expression in a calculative manner. ”However this ends, whether you are safe or not, I feel the need to apologize. You will regret ever having met me, one way or another.” It was voiced with a hint of resignation, the deep heartbreaking sadness in the predator’s gaze vanishing within an instant and yet still lingering in the ghost of shadows at his brow. It was as if he wished to avoid what had just happened, and leave it unexplained. She could search her heart and find reason to his little....outburst. It was easier not to divulge the gore and details of what he truly meant. Turning, he ushered her to move once again, if not in a way that one would imagine him handling a fine china doll.

As they proceeded to trek, the zest to which she embarked on his questioning coaxed an almost fond expression. It was a warped somewhat distorted appearance for him, but it was still absolutely breathtaking. It was a clenching in the gut, a hurt, a wound so deep and festering that it had stopped bleeding all together. It simply burned. A bitter look and yet remarkably sweet. Yes, that would accurately describe the man whose countenance…and body…mirrored that of a sculpted Greek God. No time for dating… The thought struck him funny and Dani chuckled huskily. Silly mortals. ”You really haven’t the time to not date, Faith.” It was remarked absent mindedly, barely spoken under his breath. The filling in of her habits coaxed an amused expression. Quite the vampire wasn’t she? Laughter touched the corners of his eyes, creating small laugh lines that would never permanently manifest themselves in the timeless features of the vampire. Lonely…lonely was something that Dani regrettably knew too much about. Lonely was in everything. It was in the night and on his breath and in his heart…it was in this conversation, in the shuffling of their feet and their destination. Loneliness was the modern plague. So many people but no one to hold. How long had it been since he had held a lover close and felt peace?

Obviously it had not occurred in his immortal life. Dani could no more recall his creator’s features, not to mention their history. He simply had been told she was to blame and that she had been dispensed of. That was enough. No closure was required. What did it matter who she was? She didn’t have the rewind button either. The glow of lights began to come into view, and Daniel assumed it was their destination but made no quick turns or movements. It was her assumed responsibility – to lead him to where she wished to go. Where are you from? Hmm..well that was a less than interesting story. ” A much less exotic place than most. California.” It was stated simply and dispassionately. It was easiest to put the endearing qualities of his home far from his thoughts to insure the safety of his state of mind. Not so long ago he had nearly destroyed himself out of longing for it. Walked out in mid-day in the scorched heat of California in the summer, feeling his skin begin to disintegrate and burn layer by layer without a care beyond the warmth provided him…only to be snatched and dragged back to the shadows. Daniel Conteo was born of the light, and would always believe he belonged there. ”And you?” He returned, his vocals somewhat hoarse and distant as he made himself focus on the hear and now. A difficult thing for one with such things to contemplate…

[*Faith Riddle]

Fatih's smooth and collected features wrinkled in confusion when Dani stopped her. He gripped her wrist very gently, as if he were afraid of breaking it. His next words baffled her, and the intensity of his tormented eyes disturbed her. She couldn't think of anything to respond to that, so she didn't. The intimate-esque exchange of befuddled looks ended much to her relief, and he allowed her to walk again. The wind picked up, and Faith couldn't prevent the chatter of her teeth. She pulled Dani's jacket tighter around her and hunched her shoulders rigidly, attempting some type of coverage for her face.

Faith shot him a look when he rephrased her sentence with either playful poking or incredulity, which was indistinguishable. She glared, but it was painfully apparent she failed epically at making it look threatening. In retrospect, the thought of a human glaring daggers at a vampire gave her good reason to break her frown with a grin and laugh. "Mmhmm! Hypothetically, I would have to pencil you in." Hah. Hypothetical or not, Dani was too perfect to waste his time with a flawed human.

Lights up ahead indicated the end of the arduous journey. Cold was seeping through the jacket, and she was starting to shiver again. Her lips were turning a pale blue, and if Dani were to touch her, her skin would be as cold as his. "California's nice," she mumbled absentmindedly, and then shook her head, "Never been there. But it's probably a helluva lot warmer than here."

But there was something painful in his voice that suggested an unhappy history with the state. Faith didn't press him further for an explanation. "I'm from London. I must have lived there for a while," she growled, still frustrated she didn't remember anything about it. What Dani made of that, she didn't know.

Dani's apology lingered in the back of her mind. It was still bothering her greatly. When the couple came to a crosswalk, Fatih's eyes wandered to the street sign, froze on it, and widened. "No... no you don't have to apologize. Nothing's going to happen," she stated firmly. She couldn't believe she almost forgot the night she cheated death.

For some reason, her sixth sense always prevented injury, and on one occasion, saved her life. She didn't know why her subconscious had the dire need to keep her alive, but when she was working one night, she was forced into a vision. She passed out for a couple minutes and saw herself die: she was hurrying for the coffee shop, and at this very crosswalk where Faith and Dani were presently standing, she went to run across it. Then there was the blinding light of white headlights, a car horn, and then nothing. When Faith went to cross it that night, she waited a minute longer then she would have, and sure enough, a car flashed by to catch the light further down the street.

"I'm sort of a radar detector for trouble. You have nothing to worry about." She wondered if this was enough to convince him, but she knew for sure if something bad was going to happen, she would be warned.

Faith punched the crosswalk button even though there were no cars in sight.

[[Dani]el Conteo*]

It would seem she stomached his confession and apology in a shocked fashion. Good. He decided, She should be scared. Breathing an unnecessary sigh, a brow cocked at the sound of her chattering enamels, an expression of sympathy and helplessness. Shrugging his shoulders, he reasoned she would be comfortable soon and that had to be enough. The indignant look she shot in his general direction coaxed an amused expression from the immortal, flashing those impossibly white incisors at her in a laughing smile. Unapologetic for whatever that was for. As far as Daniel knew he hadn’t insulted her. That would leave a bad taste in his mouth and thus far it only watered for the sweet nectar flowing in her veins. That was to be expected. The solemn aura was cast aside at her next declaration, frankly she was just the sort he would be caught with back when he could be caught with mortals. Unfortunately all Daniel seemed to find were the impossible relationships. Chuckling to himself, his skull shook with a smile. ”Believe me, hypothetically I’d make sure I was the only one on your list.”

It was utter sincerity in smiling words, a new happening in his book. The pale tint of her features and lips concerned him in a serious way. It would seem too odd for him to pick her up and carry her though. The mention of Cali being warmer made him sigh in memory, silently aching for the sun. ”It is. It’s wonderful.” He supplied absent mindedly. The bestowal of her origins coaxed a faint grin to twitch at the corners of his cold, smooth lips. ”I’ve been once or twice.” Daniel admitted casually, glancing at her in response to the agitated tone. The assumption that his apology was well founded made him frown – evidently displeased with the idea. If I leave you now nothing will happen. He thought, lids closing slowly as he listened to her ramble about him not having to worry.

He wished she was correct. He wished that he was just a boy and she just a girl. That wasn’t the case. This was a scene directly out of beauty and the beast. Shifting uncomfortably, he did not meet her gaze, nor did he answer. Honestly there was guilt already crowding in on him. For having the audacity to stay with her. For not having the strength to turn around and vanish right there. He told himself it would just be tonight though. Just tonight. Glancing at her distantly as she pressed the button, he waited beside her, using most of his control in an effort not to simply carry her quickly across. That was easy enough wasn’t it? One would think so. Except mortals had to complicate everything. Sighing, he shook his head in a dismissive fashion. ”Has it ever crossed your mind that you’re too trusting, Faith?” It was murmured absently once again, a bitter smile playing over this features yet not touching his gaze which still seemed quite foreboding and oppressed. Glancing at her with traces of a faint warm smile. ”I’ll try not to put you in a position that you need to use your radar. It seems faulty as is.” He continued honestly, directing his attention back to the light which had changed.

Ushering her across the intersection, a palm light against her spine. The contact was brief, lasting only the seconds it took them to cross before his palm was back within his pocket. Lengthening his strides, he pulled the door open and held it, waiting for her to enter first. Surely she needed the warmth more. Not that he could feel it. Smirking at his own self pity, he followed her in and took in the surroundings. The rich, delicious scent made his smile widen in fond memory of real food before he beckoned her to a booth slightly towards the back and off to the side. Even as a human, Conteo preferred to sit away from the central hustle and bustle. Leaning back in his chair he breathed slowly, enjoying the smell. ’What would you like? My treat.”

[*Faith Riddle]

Faith chose not to respond until she was indoors. She found it slightly comical Dani was impatient for the light to change. Logically, you'd think a vampire had nothing but patience; if they were immortal, then why the necessity to rush? Another thing that puzzled her was his agitation when her body reacted predictably to the elements. Why did he care so much that she was cold? Most importantly, why was he trying his hardest not to eat her?

Now in the warmth of the coffee shop, Faith abandoned Dani's jacket and gave it back to him. He chose a booth in the back where human ear wouldn't be able to eavesdrop. When he offered to get her something, she gave him a hard look and opened her mouth to object, but changed her mind quickly. She knew better to argue with men and money, they always got so defensive. Later she would slip the few bucks she owed him in his pocket or something. It would be miraculous if he didn't notice.

Venti caramel macchiato," she uttered tonelessly. "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom," Faith slid out from the booth and traipsed to the ladies room, leaving Dani to put in the order.

Faith was the only occupant in the three stalled bathroom. She locked the door and hopped up on the counter beside the sink, and ran the faucet. She took the few minutes to reflect the nights events. All the while, she came back to the question that would never be answered: How did I get here?

The past few hours were surreal. Certainly, not every human had the opportunity to spend the night with a vampire. She wanted to know, why her? What was it about her that attracted these bloodsucking fiends? Obviously there was something wrong with her, some sort of defect. She felt very much like a freak of nature, and the vampire who found reason to stick around was the completly normal one.

It occurred to her that she could end this relationship. She could escape through the bathroom window, or tell Dani straight up she didn't want to see him again after tonight. Faith knew the former to be a very cowardly thing to do. But either way, she knew Dani would let her be. He wasn't the type of vampire to pursue a human and go against their free will.

Faith shook her head to clear the muddled thoughts. Her final decision was to stay. As she made her way back to the table, moderately somber, the one thought that played through her head like a broken record was, You are so damn stupid. She sat down across from Dani, but found it incredibly disheartening to look at him.

"I don't trust you," she stated bluntly, "But I do trust my intuition, and that's enough," Faith sagged in the booth, appearing wan. She didn't regret her decision at all. On the contrary, she felt it was one of her better decisions despite her better judgment. She had vampire in her, she knew that to be a fact. If she refused to embrace that attribute and not allow vampires into her life, then she would be incomplete and miserable. She needed Dani.

[[Dani]el Conteo*]

It was ridiculous how in tune Daniel found himself with the spritely mortal’s emotion, though it was all a credit to how decipherable her countenance was. The way her brows voluntarily knit together when she was mulling something over, and those eyes…he had not known many more quite so transparent. There were a thousand things that could be running through the brunette’s head…but Daniel was fairly certain at present all eyes were on him and not necessarily in a positive sense. Glancing towards the female as they strode into the flurry of scents and heat, Dani could only wish he felt the warmth half as much as she. Taking his apparel from her light grasp, he tossed it into the seat in the booth he would be taking and observed as she began to protest. The pleasant way her mouth opened in that spitfire way almost induced a smile though he knew better than to tease her.

As she conceded he felt a small sense of victory – a sensation that diminished within seconds of its birth. Taking mental note of her wish, he observed her slender, attractive form as it moved off, his gaze catching the agile way her doubtlessly soft arms swayed with her every stride. He was not beyond appreciating mortal beauty, though it was obviously inferior to that of the vampire, he found mortals more likeable for the most part. Unless they were stupid. That was unfortunate but never failed to deliver a meal. Wandering up to the counter as she had vanished, he took his place in line like a good little human. Though the surrounding sound of the various pulses was somewhat distracting, he managed to wait in a benevolent, agreeable and absolutely silent state until it was his turn.

The woman at the register paused in her practiced work long enough to stare and offer him a coy wink. It took great effort for Daniel not to snort at her in indignant reproach. As it was he took Faith’s couple while handing her the amount in exact change, he slid the protecting sleeve off of it – the one that had the promiscuous employee’s number bubbly written on it and returned to the counter – skipping the line this time. Clearing his throat, a deadly grin was endowed her as she offered what he could only guess what was meant to be a provocative smirk. Leaning over the counter, it was utterly gratifying as she closed the distance – perfectly ready to get into the ultimate predator’s space.

It didn’t help that Daniel was so absolutely alluring, or that the faint musky smell he radiated was both arrogant and sensual. In all honesty, one had to pity humans their handicap. Entrancing azure oculi honed on her, mimicking her playful look just long enough to lure her within inches of his features. The customers who waited seemed to shocked to intervene and just as her lids slid shut in expectation and her lips parted ever so slightly, Daniel slipped the scribbled on sleeve in her mouth and smiled. ”You forgot something.” The look of shock and anger on her features were the last thing he took note of as he grabbed a clean sleeve from the counter and turned back towards the booth where he assumed Faith would be returning momentarily.

Seating himself, he placed the steaming beverage and a napkin before her place and observed as she approached and seated herself. The words that she murmured were somewhat relieving to him…at least the first half. The second half was disappointing. So unwilling to save herself. This encounter could only end one of two ways, and both were poor results. One, he would mutilate her and leave her lifeless corpse in some lonely alleyway. Two, Daniel would attack her, maul her and catch himself just in time to save her but forever curse her to the damnation he suffered from. Heaving a pained sigh, he watched her relax against the plush back of her seat and shook his head. ”I’m far too selfish to leave of my own accord. At some point, I trust you will ask me to. That is enough.” He too sat back then, eying her almost as an adversary…she was definitely a challenge.

[*Faith Riddle]

Once again, she didn't know what to make of Dani's peculiar response, and the feeling of being a freak came back to her in nauseating waves. Why did she attract the bloodsucking fiend? Why couldn't he have been a nice mortal boy? She didn't respond, but expressed her pain with a twisted expression.

The highly attentive mortal couldn't help but notice a disturbance behind the counter. One of the ladies was giving her the stink eye, and Faith could only return a puzzling look and a slight cock of her head. She watched the woman's eyes wander to Dani, and then Faith understood all too well. She sat up and leaned forward. Knowing she had Dani's full attention, as it had been all night, she smiled, twirled her hair with a finger, batted long lashes, and gazed passionately into his eyes, the illusion of flirting was powerful enough to make the lady behind the counter suck in a breath and glare daggers.

"Dani, it's hardly polite to wind ignorant mortals up with your devilish charm and ridiculously good looks," Faith threw her head back and laughed. The motion drove the woman on register crazy. "Oooh, I better watch my back. She'd kill for you," Faith joked. The whole affair was completly amusing to her, and she was proud of herself for not feeling a single pang of jealousy.

Dani probably knew many many women, and they were most likely much prettier than herself, and less of a liability. She wasn't envious, and she certainly wasn't nosy in the sense that she needed to know every detail of his love life to ever have that sort of relationship with him. If he didn't want her, then she wasn't going to pursue him. He was going to live forever, so he might as well be happy with whoever he chose as a companion, and Faith most likely didn't fill his expectations or needs.

She lifted the cup and took a sip. The scalding liquid seared her tongue. She made a face and placed the cup back on it's napkin and removed the top. She glanced to the lady behind the register and was entertained to find a pleased look on her face. Faith sent her a sneer and shook her head.

She carefully removed the cardboard sleeve from the cup. "Give me your hands," she said suddenly. Faith reached across the table and gently took Dani's frigid wrists. She didn't react to the temperature, she could have been touching a fellow human. Faith fixed his hands around the cup, positive that the heat didn't affect him. She kept her own hands around his. The feeling of his flawless, smooth, cool flesh had a soothing affect. For whatever reason, she didn't know. Keeping emerald orbs trained on the cup, she said lightly, "It's nice to have a personal, walking refrigerator," and then noting the register lady's probing eyes, "Don't look behind you."

[[Dani]el Conteo*]

It wasn’t surprising that the employee was still sore about their encounter, Daniel too had been rather curious as to what her response would be once Faith arrived. A quiet smirk quirked upon his countenance as it seemed Faith too had recognized that they had an audience. Glancing in her direction, the feigned promiscuous nature was slightly entertaining and in hopes of aiding her cause he too leant in. It was almost a mistake the moment it happened. The deep alluring scent of the effeminate creature induced a quiet tremble though the motion was not to be visible by the effeminate creature. His own cerulean gaze glittered with reticent mirth and he breathed a slow sigh in an attempt not to burst out laughing.

The voice that brought him back to the here and now was filled with amusement itself and he grinned broadly, not appearing anywhere near as ancient as he often felt. ”If I wasn’t allowed to do that there would be no perks to my condition.” He reasoned, still smiling as he winked in her general direction before risking a sideward glance at the scowling woman at the counter. Oculi rolled at her feigned worry. ”Yes, she does look like the deadly type.” He was glad that they could share such lighthearted conversation, and even such a playful scenario but it was a source of concern – the closer he grew to her the more danger she was in.

The expression she made just as she swallowed her first sip caused him to flinch, though he was curious to see what she meant to do with his palms. As they were tugged towards her, he allowed her to do as she pleased, a rare act of faith. Faith for Faith. The warmth of her palms shrouding his were not really a huge impact but it was the thought that warmed him internally. Intense oculi fixated upon her own delicate features, an expression that said “please don’t do this to yourself”. As he was likened to a pedestrian household appliance a brow ascended and he chuckled ruefully. ”Well thank you. I love being reduced to a hardware store special.” He murmured, smiling in spite of himself.

The order that she issued him only piqued his interest. ”You know telling me not to do that only makes it harder to listen to you.” Breathing a sigh he shook his head and made himself direct his gaze to the cup as the contents had begun to cool just as she predicted they would. ”That was a good idea.” He decided quietly, a smile endowed her even in the light of his previously chiding words. It wasn’t that he could honestly get too angry with the little human. She was intelligent but lacked any sort of self preservation, or the instinct of flight. If she had either of those they would not be together and she certainly would not be holding his hands. The glare of the other mortal burning into the back of his skull coaxed a quiet smirk but not more…”She’s really trying to melt my brain.” He observed with a smirk. Good luck.

[*Faith Riddle]

Faith giggled despite his apparent disapproval of her comparing him to a kitchen appliance, "I thank you for your services," she nearly burst out laughing. Biting her tongue and forcing her wide smile into a purse of her lips prevented this. She removed her hands and slid the cooled cup from Dani's. She took a long draught and was pleased to actually taste the caramel-espresso mixture this time.

His response to her request got her thinking. "Hmm. That makes me wonder. If I were to tell you I didn't want to see you again, I think you'd follow me anyway without my knowing," she had no idea if she was "on to him" or not. For all she knew, he might leave her alone completly if she asked, but somehow she highly doubted that.

Faith rummaged through her bag and took out her cell phone. "But here, I'll make it easier for you to stalk me." She added Dani's name to her contact list, then slid the phone over to him so he might put in his number.

She realized she could be making this uncomfortable for him. "It's okay, I'm well aware that I'm giving a vampire permission to hang around." Hopefully that would ease him somewhat. Faith liked him, and his company. She didn't want their friendly relationship to end tonight, and he probably didn't want it to either, even if it was in her best interest.

"Oh." Faith perked up remembering something. "Sometime next week, the night of the full moon, a big brown dog is going to attack me. So you should stick around... I rather like the use of my leg," she mentioned too casually. Faith didn't know werewolves existed, so when she saw a dog gnawing on her leg three nights ago, she didn't think much of it other than worrying if the beast had rabies. The vision didn't last long at all, she only noticed the moon, and then jaws around her limb. She had yet to come up with a plan of escape... until now. And it gave Dani a purpose to stay around. Besides, if she knew of them at the time, Faith really didn't want to become a werewolf.

[[Dani]el Conteo*]

The mirth that was endowed his displeasure at being objectified – however innocently – made it difficult to maintain a stern façade, though with well trained muscles he did manage the feat. Conquering the desire to snarl had been instilled in him, how ironic then that now he used that same skill to prevent what he had worked hardest to make happen in the past. The gratefulness she professed coaxed a reserved nod of his skull, though the twitch of her lips in what may have been a smile made him nearly chuckle. She was lovely, refreshing even, in the eye of the otherwise promiscuous and filthy human race. He didn’t know when he’d decided they were that way…perhaps meeting so many sluts had made him that way…perhaps it was an epiphany of the moment. Daniel wasn’t too awfully concerned about why he felt that way at present – it was a frivolity. His feelings often were. Periodically there was something of substance worth acting upon, selfishness such as the kind that kept him with Faith was an intriguing one.

What made him believe he was somehow more important? Because he could feel his own pain and need? Doubtful. Dani didn’t feel much at all. Starvation perhaps – his hunger was alarmingly potent in the here and now and unwillingly he hoped that she, this diamond in the rough, would not be the one to suffer for her foolishness – despite the fact that she deserved to. If not him it would be someone else. Her perception in the borders and constraints of what he deemed his inherent rights was…thoughtful but not correct. Any race – mortal, vampire or werewolf had the capacity to chase her around, vampires seemed to be the ones with the capacity to allure with just the liquid sound of their voice and the dark, provocative glitter in their stares. That was power and it only added to the ego-trip that Dani was currently on.

The sudden presentation of her cell phone induced a faint smirk but he said nothing – the arrogant words were again unnecessary and he complied with the seven digits of his number. ”Text me so I’ll have yours and bother answering, yeah?” It was said in a pedestrian way that nearly could be construed as human save for the calculated way he had constructed it – there were some that could find him that he wished could not. The way she said her next statement succeeded, finally, in making him laugh aloud. Oculi, too, seemed to lighten with the action as he shook his head in wonder. ”Well as long as I’m not liable.” He replied, jokingly of course – he would always hold himself accountable. That is if he held value in the victim. Your average Joe was out of luck. Faith Riddle however was a lucky woman. She was tolerable. And positively breathtaking. Her features were far more elegant, and delicately proportioned that the women whose description began and ended with “hawt”.

The word “sexy” did not sound intimate, it sounded like one was talking about some sort of object – a car, and outfit, a pair of shoes, a house even or it could be talking about a way of things. One could possess a sexy way of walking, or a sexy way of pronouncing certain things. But the living (or undead)? Only the trash fit the word “sexy”. Only those easily objectified. Sorry, Faith. You’re not sexy. Smirking to himself, the laughter in his mind was abruptly cut short by her next “prediction”. A brow ascended at this, and with that skill afore mentioned Daniel remained relaxed in appearance when already his mind was working. There was no circumstance imaginable where he intended to allow Faith to become some dog faced tramp. ”I have a guest room you’ll stay in.” Stalking her would not suffice in this case – he wanted his own surroundings to use when it came for her. And you thought he wasn’t taking her seriously…Inappropriate? Perhaps. I dare you to ask him if he cares, or even mention that it’s morally wrong. He may point out the likelihood of death otherwise…that tends to hold a little sway.

[*Faith Riddle]

Faith noted his mercurial change of expression. First she thought he meant to snarl. But then he, too, was trying to suppress a laugh. Amazing, the personality of vampires. They could mask anything they wanted to from either friend or enemy, and there wouldn't be a trace of how they really wanted to appear. While this was much harder for a human like herself, the skill made vampires the perfect manipulative predator.

So maybe a few months ago she'd have the die hard belief that Dani was manipulating her, his kind and worried demeanor no more than a deception, and a very effective one at that. Dani had her hook line and sinker the moment she had eyes on him. He was beautiful, and humans were horribly attracted to beauty. Ah, what a vain world. A few months ago, she would have been a lot more paranoid and skeptical that Dani honestly meant her no harm, and perhaps she wouldn't even let it go as far as leaving the library with him, too wary of a vampire's deception. But now, after the education of vampires she received from her sixth sense, she wasn't so quick to the skepticism. Hey, it was her funeral.

She watched, interested as Dani punched in his number without a comment to her previous accusation. It was after this did she decide that she was possibly coming on too strong. Vampire banter was fun, but eventually a line would be crossed. She'd have to keep herself in check, it was so easy and human of her to overstep some boundaries and only realize it after it'd been done.

She took her phone back and sent him a blank text, and then his next words stunned the hell out of her. It was funny how she could banter and later feel bad about it. But he could do it and make light of the situation! She looked him over curiously and scowled. Yes, how threatening and scary I am. How unfair, the vampire could jest comfortably but she could not. But she was adamant, she refused to let herself get out of line.

But then when she didn't think it possible, Dani went WAY out of line.

She admitted to herself, she was pleased Dani didn't question her validity on the soon to happen situation. She was contented he accepted it and didn't laugh it away, dismissing it as just an unlikely hunch like so many of the unfortunate humans she tried to help did: What do you mean I'm going to break my arm playing baseball today? Silly librarian, go back to reading your little books. People could be so crude. An open mind and caution, so little to ask. But finally, the one person to give her that, a vampire nonetheless, stunned her yet again.

She honestly didn't think he'd take it so seriously. For God sakes, a dog was going to bite her leg. Ooooh scary! His reaction was unexpected, and his response equally so. No way in hell was she going to allow him to shut her away in his guest room. Of course, she knew he could very well make her. He was very strong. But she refused to make it easy for him in that case. Faith was very stubborn.

He didn't understand, bad things happened if she avoided an accident completly. She at least needed to be out that night, see the dog for herself, and then make an escape. She knew the consequence of altering the future, and it was often grim: Okay, I'm going to drag this man from a burning car before it explodes, but because I did this, he must live in a vegetative state. What a life. No, if she wasn't out that night, then something worse would happen to compensate, even if she was locked away in Dani's house. But she had no chance in hell to explain this to Dani. What was there to do other than be a stubborn Bitch?

She went stony faced and crossed her arms over her chest, "I will not comply. No, Dani."

[[Dani]el Conteo*]

The quiet way that the slight female observed him could only make Daniel more aware of the fact she was human and still making her vain attempts to figure him out – as well as his next move. It had occurred to him to frighten her out of her ignorance. However, that would have to wait for a less public setting. A scene was not on his to-do list. There was the fact that she thought because her gift allotted her memories they would give her knowledge. But memories, as in depth as they were, would not save her from her present or future – both of which looked grimmer and grimmer all the time.

After typing in the desired digits, he gently handed the device back to its owner, features reflective and turned into a light frown. The vibration in his pocket was not a surprise and he took his own ebony phone out and saved the name within it. The way she was obviously going over mental works in her skull was obvious and amusing – her features would turn depending on the fervor. And then of course there would be the response to his overturning words. They were commanding and perhaps a little over the top. But Daniel was sincerely concerned. There was a valid threat.

The ginger calm in his stare was unmoving, his features albeit blank as her lovely features contorted into an blatant frown – her defiance registering upon her features. And still beautiful she was – Dani wasn’t surprised. Such a mortal though. So clearly illogical. It was enough to make him want to bury his features in his hands and laugh aloud. Served him right, feeling even the vaguest connection with the living. There was obviously going to be a tussle over whose will won over here. Naturally he would not take her by force, or would he?

The somber expression on her features were equally as bewitching as the laugh that had earlier captured the effeminate facet. Leave it to her, a librarian, to use large words when she was clearly pissed off. Chuckling openly at her, he did not verbally respond all at once. ”Honestly Faith, it’s like you want to die. First you ignore my warnings, about myself no less, and now you don’t trust me after obviously having enough trust earlier to put your life in my hands.”

Allowing his darkening stare to wander, he bore the weight of his decision with displeasure and concern. How difficult could it be to abduct a woman? Honestly?

ooc: it's very short but I PMed you some plotting ideas I've had while you were gone. <3

[*Faith Riddle]

Faith's eyes narrowed to slits. The anger in them burned behind the emerald pupils. She should hate looking at his angelic face in this manner. The sin pained her, nothing as beautiful as he should be looked upon with such hate. She almost let up, almost gave into his desires. Then his countenance became very ugly, and that instantaneously knocked sense into her, reminded her he was a monster.

It was frightening how his face darkened, and she noticed his uncertainty on the final decision. Her gut told her he was prepared to kidnap. Faith felt further arguing would be a lost cause. The vampire would have his way -- but at what cost? He needed to have figured that if he went against her free will for her own good, he was in jeopardy of losing her friendship. But did he really care about that?

Dani's words cut though her like knives. At his first accusation, Faith spat a, "Look..." and then the second part made her eyes widen and new gears shifting around in her head. Did she trust him? Of course, with her life. He had only good intentions for her, and he'd go as far as kidnapping her to see those intentions through. He was liable for whatever happened afterward since it would act against her warning, and she would be his complete responsibility. Whatever happened next would be his fault alone.
Everything came down to trust. She trusted Dani would do what was best for her.

Every part of her screamed that this was wrong, trusting a man she just met with her life. Her features softened and her gut unclenched. She opened her mouth to tell Dani her change of heat

But with her decision made, the future changed.

Her face went blank, and all color drained for her body, leaving her sheet white. The look she gave Dani was one of utter bewilderment and horror. Then her head exploded with unbelievable pain. Her face screwed up, and she was losing consciousness faster than she could scream from the agony of her brain contracting violently. her body went limp, doubled over, and hit the table.

Every muscle stiffened up and squeezed itself. Squeezing, squeezing, squeezing, building inconceivable tensity and burning until they were on the verge of combustion. A shudder ran down her whole body, and her muscles released themselves. She started seizing, body bucking uncontrollably. Her arm crashed into the coffee cup and the thing shot into a wall where it left a foamy explosion.

Blood trickled from her nose, mouth, ears, and eyes slowly first, and then became a steady flow. Faith jerked sideways onto the booth seat, then the floor where the thrashing fit continued for the longest thirty seconds of her life. Finally, as the intensity of her flailing body decreased and became gentle spasms, the blood flow began staunching.

Her eyes shot open. Instead of coherent green orbs, thick white cataracts coated both, completly replacing them. They flicked around the room once until they fell on Dani. They locked his gaze into complete, undeniable recognition. They stared into his intensely and only after they were satisfied, they snapped close again.

Faith's body gave one last great shudder, and then jolted as if she'd been electrocuted. Her eyes, returned to their normal green hue, fluttered open. She reflexively flipped to her side and the blood which filled her throat flew up. She retched, the crimson liquid slapped to the floor, then she collapsed to her back again. Her chest painfully heaved up and down as her heart was slamming itself against her chest in a frenzied, erratic beat. She felt cold, and a clammy sweat. Her adrenaline was pumping madly. She was shaking; all her muscles felt like jello. Everything ached, especially her head, which throbbed violently. A searching hand found the side of the booth seet, and it took what was left of her energy to push her shaking body into a sitting position, using the side of the seat for support.

Her vision cleared. She could see that there were six people: two customers, three workers, standing awkwardly nearby, and one vampire, all staring at her with shock, worry, and astonishment. Someone said, "Call 911." Faith croaked a, "NO Don't." Her complete attention was for the vampire, she stared at him like everyone else stared at her. She was relieved she did not see their initial reactions of what happened when she fell unconscious. The only thing she did see was the vision.

Before she could stop herself, she was spluttering it to Dani, "V-vampire... brown h-hair... purple eyes." Something wet trickled down the side of her face from her ear. She dabbed at it and gave a small shriek when she found it to be blood. She shook harder and fear gripped her. She looked at Dani again, confused, and this time was too terrified to take her eyes off him. "What... What - Why?... Oh my God," she moaned and almost burst into tears.

Finally, after looking at Dani long enough, something woke up inside her and gave her a bonk on her throbbing head. She pressed her hands to either side of her head as if she could make the throbbing stop by holding it in place. A name shot though her lips, "Amy. Amy... You know an Amy. She's... She's..." But Faith didn't know. All she saw was the vampire she presumed to be Amy, nothing else. She knew that Dani and Amy knew each other, as if she looked though that vampires eyes at Dani and the recognition lit up. Faith didn't know what this meant, only that it was very -- vitally important she watch out for this vampire.

She wanted more than anything to leave this place. Her lip quivered - a warning that she was near to breaking down in tears. She looked up at Dani like a child would their father, "I want to go. Please? Can we go?" she begged. Then thinking of the prospect of going to her home alone, and that vampires face burned into her memory... "With you. I want to go home with you. Please don't leave me alone," she whispered. She kept her eyes latched on Dani's. They were tormented, miserable, scared, begging. She wanted to leave with Dani and find a soft place to pass out on. Her aching, cold, shuddering body and throbbing head required much needed rest.