What the Hell Just Happened? (open)

[random314]

Mia was grateful Ben wouldn’t bring up her miserable transformation again. She really didn’t like talking about it. It made her whole body hurt just remembering all the pain. It was the worst she’d ever felt in her life and she never wanted to relive something like that again. One day, you’ll get revenge, she told herself. You’ll find that jerk and kill him, she vowed. Of course, that would probably prove difficult. Mark was big, not as big as Ben, but still big, and he’d been a vampire for longer than she had. Still, one day Mia would get her revenge, she didn’t know when, or how, but she had all eternity to figure it out. The way he’d hurt her…she would never forgive him. Mia tried to overlook the fact that she’d almost done the same thing her boyfriend had done to her to Ben. At least she hadn’t turned him. She wasn’t sure if she’d even be able to if she tried. She had no idea how it worked. Blood sharing, she supposed. Mia didn’t think she’d be turning any one for quite some time though. She had no desire for it. For now, she’d just drink blood, but she wouldn’t kill again. No, never again. Mia didn’t want to feel the way she had after she’d killed that homeless man, the way she still did. It was too much feeling that guilty.

She was surprised when Ben answered her question about his gang days so honestly, especially after she’d barely given him much information, but then, there wasn’t much more to tell on her part. She was sure Ben didn’t want to hear her elaborate about how painful it was, (then there’d be absolutely no chance he’d let her drink from him) and there wasn’t much else to tell. She barely remembered some it anyway. After Mark started drinking from her everything started fading slowly until there was nothing left but darkness and pain. Ben talked more than she expected him too, and when he was finished she wasn’t sure how to respond. His life sounded crappy. Just simply crappy, and Mia had thought she’d had it hard. She wasn’t going to say she felt sorry for him, even if she did, because she hadn’t reacted well to the statement and she didn’t think Ben would either. Instead she stayed silent for a moment, and once she was at a slight loss for words. During the silence Ben seemed to be getting sleepy, so Mia quickly tried to formulate a response before he fell asleep. If he fell asleep she’d be all alone, and there would be nothing to distract her from the bloodlust. “Could you go back to them? Your family I mean. It’s been so long, maybe they’d forgive you,” that was all she could think of to say. She didn’t have much family, but she did have her mom, and even though there wasn’t much love between them she couldn’t imagine having no one. When he talked about trying to keep a low profile and her ruining that, Mia wasn’t sure if he really meant it. She wasn’t sure if he really wished none of this had happened or what. Mia wasn’t sure whether she’d take it back. Again, she wasn’t sure how to respond to that, she wasn’t offended, because what he said was the truth, and she had made life harder for him. “Yeah well, you may feel that way, but I'm glad you're the one I drank from. If it had been anyone else, I might be in jail right now.

[tinkerbell2]

It felt incredibly strange to be able to simply open up to someone for the first time in a long time. Ben tried not to think about Chicago and the sorry excuse for a life he’d led there. Yet here he was, spilling his heart all over the living room floor for Mia to scrutinize. But, he figured there was no harm in it. It was a strange truce they were developing between them. They each knew the others deadly secrets and Ben made up his mind right then to keep those secrets. He laughed sadly at her question and shook his head slowly, “No. No, I can’t go back to them. I don’t want to go back, ever. You see I was… I had seen the light, for the first time in a long time. I wanted out. But they brought hell down upon me and so I went back for revenge. What we did to each other was unforgivable. And it didn’t make things right. Sure, I felt better for a few days, like my wrong had made it right. But here I am, still running and still sad.” He’d managed to avoid thinking about the most painful parts of his memories from Chicago for now. He wondered if talking about all this now would make it harder to block it out in the future. He raised his hand to his eyes and rubbed them roughly, trying to wake up. It had been a very long day. Work, the accident, the drinking, and then finding Mia…. It made a very strange and long day, even compared to Chicago. He stretched slightly in his seat, his arms pressing outward as he yawned. “Excuse me, I’m kinda tired. You’ve had a big night, too. How are you feeling?”

“I’m glad you’re the one I drank from.” Oh? She was glad it was him. He wasn’t sure exactly how to take that. Mia probably meant that she was grateful for his understanding and help. But, he was tempted to read into the statement a bit more. If it had been an ugly old man, would she still be glad. Chances were, she’d have finished anyone else off like she’d done that homeless man. Ben was lucky he had strength on his side. “Hey, well, don’t think anything of it. It doesn’t even hurt any more, really,” He reached up to touch the two marks on his neck. They were still very tender and he winced as the skin burned, pulling his hand away. “Not really. I guess now, we’re partners in crime, or something? Confidantes. Suits me. Feels good to get it off my chest. I don’t talk about it much,” Ben smiled at her but his eyelids drooped slightly. Perhaps they should figure out the sleeping arrangements. He’d offer her his bed but had a suspicion she wouldn’t take it. Of course, she could surprise him. He didn’t know her at all, really. But Ben decided to wait, she if she was tired or mentioned something about it. Besides, he wasn’t sure how comfortable he was with a vampire sleeping in the next room. If, they even needed sleep, that was.

[random314]

It was probably better Ben couldn’t go back. Mia just wondered about his father and how they’d left things. “Could you ever go back to your father though?” she asked, wondering if Ben had anyone left. Mia felt bad for him, even though he was at fault for getting involved in the gang in the first place, but she wasn’t going to judge him. The past was in the past and there was no use dwelling on it now; they’d probably be better off discussing what they’d do if the cops got a hold of Ben, but that topic was also depressing. Actually, the whole night should have been depressing, but for some reason there had been laughter thrown in, even though most of it was hysterical, nervous laughter, Mia thought some of it was genuine. It certainly had been a crazy night. She just wished things would settle down in the future, but Mia was doubtful of that ever happening again seeing as she was a vampire now. Her nights would probably be full of finding new victims, because she knew she wouldn’t be able to deny her thirst forever. She’d just concentrate on getting through tonight though. Ben mentioned he was tired, but Mia couldn’t say she felt the same. She wasn’t sure if it was just the circumstances making her wide awake, or if vampires just didn’t sleep, but for whatever reason she just wasn’t tired. “I’m feeling fine,” she said, “A little thirsty.” She smiled at him though so he knew she was kidding. Well, she sort of was. She wasn’t going to drink from Ben, but she was thirsty.

Mia was skeptical when Ben said his wounds didn’t hurt. He reached a hand up towards his neck and fingered the bite. She watched him wince, and that was all it took for her to know it still hurt. Perhaps it didn’t hurt as badly as it did before, but it must still ache a little. He was trying to be a man about it though, as most men did. Mia would act the same if she were the one with the bite. She didn’t like to show weakness, and clearly neither did Ben. "Really? It doesn't hurt? Not one bit?" she asked, raising her eyebrows. She was teasing him, not trying to make him feel unmanly or something. When he said her rarely talked about it much, Mia smiled. She was glad to be a help to Ben with his problems, even if she probably wasn't the best one to give advice. Mia had enough problems of her own now. She watched as his eyes drooped and she could tell that he was getting sleepier by the minute. “You can go to sleep you know,” she told him. “I promise not to pull any sneak attacks.”

[tinkerbell2]

Ben shook his head at her question but kept his eyes glued to the floor as he answered, “No.” How to go on about his father. Truthfully, he supposed. He tried not to think of him as much as possible. Since he’d been out of Chicago, it had been easier. Out of sight, out of mind. “I haven spoken to my father in twelve, maybe thirteen years. It’s been longer since I’ve seen him.” He attempted to keep all emotion out of his voice but he could tell it still sounded sad. “I’ll never, ever go back to Chicago. Too many bad memories and even more bad blood. I think I’d rather go to jail than go back to that city.” He paused and finally looked up at her, “I’d prefer to do neither, actually.”

“Thirsty?” Of course, as before, he couldn’t help her with that. Well, he could but he didn’t want to. The marks on his neck were a painful reminder that he did not ever want to do that again. He was quite sure the spot would bruise and even if it didn’t he’d still have one hell of a time explaining the mark. He was stabbed with a fork? Things got crazy and he got a hickey? He shook his head, laughing at himself for that one. Hopefully, it’d go away and heal alright on its own. If not, he’d have to make a good story for it. Not that what had actually happened wouldn’t make a good story. But, telling people a vampire had bit him would just get him thrown in an asylum. He’d have to come up with something. “Like I said, you’re more than welcome to step out if you need to. And, I’d offer you my bed. In fact, I am offering you my bed for the night, but seeing as your not tired,” He pushed himself off the couch and then smiled down at her, “There’s a blanket and pillow underneath that couch if you’d like them. I’m going to retire for the night.” He headed towards the bedroom but stopped before he entered the hallway. Ben turned back to Mia and grinned awkwardly, “Sleep well, if you sleep at all.” He turned and went into his bedroom.

He knew it’d take a miracle for his mind to shut off and get any rest at all tonight. He shut the door to the bedroom and paused. There was a lock on the door knob that he never used. But for the first time since he’d moved into this apartment, Ben considered locking his bedroom door. He reached out but stopped short. No, there was no need to lock. He trusted Mia. Mostly. Besides, it might even offend her. Sighing, he turned away and moved towards his bed. It looked like heaven now, smooth pillows and fluffy sheet. He crawled beneath them and sighed contently. Sleep came much easier than he thought it would. His final thought as he drifted off into blackness was how weird it was that there was a vampire sitting in his living room and yet he was so relaxed about it. Moments later, Ben was asleep.

[random314]

Mia thought it was terribly sad that Ben hadn’t seen his father in so many years. She hoped it never got that bad with her mother. Even though they fought constantly and had vastly different views on mostly everything, deep down Mia loved the woman. If she hadn’t she would never have stopped the abuse her father had given her mom. They’d fought for years before Mia’s father had started hitting her mom, and when he did Mia wouldn’t have it. She’d told and her mom was mad at her for a while, probably because her father was their only source of income, but eventually she got over it for the most part. Still, her mom and Mia had a rocky relationship because of their different personalities. Honestly, Mia didn’t know how it was possible that she was her mother's child because they were so different. Perhaps Mia had learned from her mother’s mistakes and formulated views based on them, which were different from her mom’s. Whatever the reason, they were not close, and Mia didn’t think she’d ever tell her mom what happened to her. She didn’t know how to respond to Ben, so she simply stayed silent, with a sort of sympathetic look on her face.

“I think I will go out for a bit, so don’t worry about me biting you during your sleep or something,” Mia replied. It would be a good experiment. The homeless man hadn’t tasted as good as Ben had, but perhaps that had to do with his being on drugs. She wanted to find out if there was something special about Ben or if most humans tasted the same. After Ben left the room and she heard his door close, Mia rose and headed for the apartment door. She opened it tentatively, half expecting the cops or a zombie of the homeless man she’d murdered to jump out, but all was silent. She read the number of his apartment door to commit it to memory, and then headed down the stairs. No one was in the lobby. It must be really late for it to be quiet in New York. Mia pushed open the door and headed out, letting the cool breeze waft over her. It felt nice at first, but then she was overwhelmed with all the different smells. Being a vampire had sure enhanced her senses. She breathed in deeply and watched as a human passed by, but she knew drinking from that person would be too obvious, so she ventured further into the night. She’d already decided that she wasn’t going to kill anyone, so perhaps she’d do a sneak attack so the person wouldn’t see her face. When she got more than just a couple blocks away from Ben’s apartment she sought out her victim.

A couple college students were walking by, probably coming back from a late night party or something, but there were two many of them and Mia feared she wouldn’t be able to take them all on. She leaned against another apartment building just outside an alley with her head down, not wanting anyone to see her face. It took her awhile to get up her nerve, but eventually the hunger was getting to unbearable to wait any longer. The next person who walked by would be it. When she first saw a pair of high-heeled shoes pass by, Mia acted. She grabbed the woman from behind and pulled her into the alley, sinking her teeth into her neck as she went. The woman struggled, but with her newfound strength it was easy to keep her at bay. Mia pulled her back into the middle of the alley in a dark corner and drank from her deeply, letting the sweet, sweet, blood fill her mouth. When the woman stopped struggled, Mia feared she’d taken too much and reluctantly pulled her mouth off the woman’s neck. Mia could hear her heart still beating though, so she bounded away out of the alley in the opposite direction in which she’d came. Mia rushed back to Ben’s house as fast as she could, not bothering to apologize to the people she’d brushed past. Blood stained her lips and she wondered if she was going to get Ben’s lady friend’s shirt dirty, but she didn’t really care. Once she arrived back outside of Ben’s apartment building she rushed inside. She made sure she was alone before rushing back up the apartment steps and into Ben’s apartment, slamming the door behind her. Adrenaline coursed through her veins as Mia leaned against the wall trying to compose herself.

That was all the excitement she had for the rest of the night however, for the next several hours Mia found herself extremely bored. The excitement she’d had earlier had long worn off by five am. She’d watched some TV and done some snooping, (which she was defiantly not going to tell Ben about) before she simply sat on the couch for a while. She was just not tired. If this was her new life style Mia would really need to get herself a hobby. At seven am Mia started wondering just how late Ben was going to sleep till. Figuring it probably wouldn’t do any harm to check in on him, Mia approached his bedroom door and opened it quietly. She was surprised he’d left it unlocked, but oddly happy that he trusted her enough. She stepped inside with soft steps and looked over to the bed. He was fast asleep. Damn.

[tinkerbell2]

Her face was fading into the darkness of his dream. No longer did Ben reach out for her, scream her name, pleading her to stay. He simply watched, sad and very guilty, as her figure vanished. It had been months since Ben had had this dream. When he’d first left Chicago, he’d had it every night. Over the years, the dream became a less frequent disturbance to his sleep. Finally waking, Ben sighed into his pillow and turned onto his stomach. His muscled arms reached upward, seeking the cool air of the bedroom. It felt much to early for his brain to start becoming active. The sun was just beginning to peak through his bedroom window and tint the backs of his eyelids pink. He groaned and tossed his head to the side where he finally cracked open his eyes. Something about his bedroom was different but with his vision still a bit foggy, he couldn’t quite decide what it was. As his eyes focused, he realized what it was. Ben sat up in bed so fast his head spun. He stared at the vampire who’s head was poked into his room. So it wasn’t a dream he’d composed in his head. “Mia?” He looked her over, making sure she was real. Yup, there she was.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to oversleep. What time is it?” He turned and looked at the clock that sat next to his bed. His jaw dropped, “Seven! Ugh!” He fell back into the mattress and pulled the nearest pillow over his head. Nope, there was no reason for him to be up this early. “It’s too early!” He shouted at the pillow, though it muffed his voice. Sighing, he sat back up and looked at Mia curiously. “Did you sleep at all last night? I think I heard you come back in. Find anything to satiate your hunger?” He meant the words to be light, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to hear the answer. “Did it compare to me?” But Ben couldn’t help his curiousness. She’d said she was craving his blood. Was he special? More her type? If she could just quench her thirst with others, it’d make it easier for them to be together. Or maybe not.

[random314]

Mia should have left the room when she noticed Ben had started stirring, but she hadn’t. Instead she’d watched as he awoke and took in his surroundings. He noticed her quickly, and Mia wondered what was running through his mind. It wasn’t everyday you woke up to a vampire standing in your room. Perhaps she shouldn’t have entered, she had no right being there after all, but she had. She hoped he didn’t think she’d been watching him all night. That would have been extremely awkward. She examined his face closely, trying to figure out his thoughts when he spoke. He didn’t sound like he thought she was a crazy stalker, but perhaps he was just good at covering up his feelings. Mia thought she was pretty good at it, but lately she was slipping. Maybe he’d seen her enter and that’s why he wasn’t freaking out at her. Ben expressed his distress over the early hour and burrowed his head under the pillow. Mia didn’t feel at all tired, despite the all-nighter she’d pulled. She hoped she hadn’t woken him up. Mia had always been an early riser, but most people weren’t like her.

“No, I didn’t sleep,” she answered him, “You slept a lot though, you shouldn’t be tired. Wake up, I’ve been bored most of the night,” she admitted. Embarrassment shone on her face when he asked her if the meal she’d had last night had compared to him. She cursed herself inwardly at allowing herself to become embarrassed. Since when did she start showing her emotions? The truth was he’d tasted better than the woman had, but perhaps she just preferred the way guys tasted. Mia wasn’t about to try to come up with any other reason. Surely her preference of Ben’s blood only had to do with the fact that he was male, or maybe it had something to do with age. She hadn’t gotten a good look at the woman’s face, but her hair had been brown with grey streaks in it. Yes, yes, perhaps age and gender had to do with it. Her embarrassment faded as she reasoned with herself. “You tasted better. I’m starting to think it has to do with age or gender or something,” she told him.

[tinkerbell2]

Ben nodded slowly. It was definitely too early for him. With the slump in the economy, he wasn’t needed into work until ten. Of course, after he got there, he worked so hard it hurt at times. But the construction business wasn’t doing well and he was happy to have a job to pay the never ending bills. Yawning audibly, he reached down to the floor where his undershirt had come off sometime during the night and slipped it over his head. Luckily, his sweatpants had not left his legs. Ben swung his legs so they hung over the bed and looked over at Mia. “I don’t normally get up so early. I don’t have to be at work until ten so it gives me the ability to stay up late and still get some decent sleep.” He sighed and ran a hand over his head. “I’m sorry you were bored.” He smiled and stood warily on his two feet. Suddenly, he really needed a cup of coffee. When Mia answered his question, he couldn’t help but to smirk just a little bit. “Hmm,” It was very bad that the fact that Mia liked the way he tasted made Ben feel good. He was a little smug about it, even. Was he special? Would he smell that way to all vampires or was it just Mia? Either way, he certainly didn’t mind the fact that she preferred him. His fingers ran absentmindedly over the marks on his neck. They were still tender but much less painful than they had been. He suddenly remembered how painful the actual bite was. Never. He’d never let her bite him again. It just wasn’t worth it. So maybe he tasted a little bit better than the next guy but that didn’t mean he was simply going to submit to Mia’s wants. No, he’d have to play it tough, even if it was hard. “Well, I won’t wear so much cologne from now on. I don’t want to tempt you.”

He stepped away from the bed and towards Mia, a tentative smile on his face. “I’m going to make some coffee.” Ben stepped by her and into the hallway, speaking to her over his shoulder. “I know you’re not interested in that, so….” What next for her? For them? He wasn’t sure if Mia had anywhere to go. It sounded like she might have a home but whether or not she could go back was probably a different story. He bit his lip softly and turned back towards her, “You’re more than welcome to hang around. Or go, whatever you want. I don’t want to keep you from anything.” He nodded, his lips stretched into a thin, pensive line. He turned away from her without saying anything else and started making his coffee. What a very strange situation they were in. Ben didn’t care if she stayed or left, at least that’s what he was trying to tell himself.