Chapter 1

Finders Keepers

The day was slow at the hospital (not that he was complaining) but it was just an eerie kind of slow. Anthony Crowns felt like something was happening beyond what he could see or comprehend but hey, weird unexplainable crap happens all the time... Right? Yes,it was his responsibility to care for other's feelings but damn it was chore ignoring this feeling. Every five minutes the overhead lights would flicker and goose flesh crept down his spine. He was propped against the nurse's desk chewing absentmindedly on his pen as he flipped through papers and charts when Sheila strode up. She snatched the pen out of his mouth all the while her dark curls bounced as she shook her head in disapproval. Anthony shot a glare in her direction but she wasn't having any of his bullshit. "When are you going to get a life, Mr.six years of medical school?" Her bright pink lips were pressed into a thin line as she waited for him create a plausible excuse. The doctor wished that that every time someone asked him what he was doing with his life they could hear his eyes roll. Because at this moment he had no clue. His tone had a peevish edge that would hopefully convey his annoyance. "When I find it." Anthony was too tired to deal with probing questions. "Mhm,not with that attitude you won't. Now go out and have some fun. Maybe even a date." Anthony huffed out a sigh,knowing it was a command not a suggestion he reluctantly made his way to his office.

Maybe he has been using his job as a crutch. A small vacation could probably do wonders but if he took it he would have to face his family. His mother,Karmen was quite supportive when he came out of the closet as were his grandparents but he wasn't so lucky with the others. He could always procrastinate like he had been for the last three years. Or slash his own tires.

Having arrived at his office door, a bitter chuckle left his lungs at his predicament. Entering his office he flicked the light on as he threw his white coat onto a nearby chair. Puffing out his cheeks Anthony pivoted on his heels and was immediately greeted with a stranger straddling the window sill. His office was on the third floor. Neither made a move until the man abruptly (May he add not so gracefully) face-planted onto the carpeted flooring with a soft groan. His chest quivered with every breath as he clutched his right side. He was clad in various black leather,fabric and the most unusual armor that resembled an exoskeleton. But Anthony could clearly see the wounds through ripped fabric.

The doctor moved towards the being to better assess the situation but stopped short when the man growled deeply, "Not another step." The voice was raspy with notes of a French accent.

He slowly knelt onto the floor in front of said man in hopes of seeming less threatening. His panic was fueled by his resistance but managed to keep an even tone as he spoke. "We have an operation room ready but you need to let us help you."

As he began to reach for the stranger's shoulders his hands were swatted away before his fingertips even grazed the cloth. "I don't need your ban-d of humans to fix m-." His spite was cut off by a wheezing fit so Anthony took the opportunity to move closer. "Please, will you let me take care of you? That's why you're here isn't it?"

This time claws flicked out of the tips of the gloves which nearly sliced Anthony as he crept closer yet again. 'Damn it, he's slippery like a shadow! And that's what I will call him' The doctor quickly decided. This was beyond normal resistance...Was there something he didn't want the others to know? Three tries and a handful of F-bombs later He finally managed to secure the bony wrists above the owner's head the repercussions being kneed in the gut but it was done. Without much warning, Shadow threw his head back as his entire body arched up.

A choke scream ripped itself from his mouth while pale purple tears welled in glazed eyes. Catching the stranger's chin in a firm yet gentle grasp he began his attempt in soothing the pained being." I won't hurt you okay? Just breath and I will take care of you." As he said this brushed his knuckles across his cheekbones.

It felt like hours have passed but in reality it had only been ten minutes. Anthony did not move until he saw the body visibly relax and the claws retracted. The doctor let go of the wrists in favor of lifting the various fabrics wincing when he saw the gruesome claw marks but was pleased the bleeding had slowed . Wasting no more time he grabbed spare medical supplies from the shelves and a towel for the bleeding. Donning sterile gloves he made a move to cut the shirt but gave a jolt of surprise as the materials withdrew itself from the body.

The cowl had vanished as well, leaving light mauve lips exposed. Realizing he had been intently staring at the stranger's lips he quickly pressed the towel to the wound perhaps a little too much pressure. The shadow abruptly hissed out a colorful string of curses. " I believe it's best to tell you now it's impossible for me to die!" Taken aback by his patient's outburst,he reduced pressure ever so slightly. When the bleeding stopped completely so he proceeded to gently cleanse the wound and thread a needle. As he sew the gashes shut he would occasionally pinch a patch of unbruised skin to rouse the inky figure awake, "You may be unable to die but I still want you awake while I care for you." Anthony's request was answered with a halfhearted scowl. The tension in the air dissolved as he finished the last of the extensive stitches. Besides a few minor outbursts of hissing and growling, he did well with only a light sedative. "There. Now was it that bad,Shadow?" A smile of triumph was plastered on Anthony's face while he surveyed his work. The man sagged against the wall in exhaustion as he took deep shaky breaths. "Thank you,healer."

Anthony hummed in acknowledgement as he continued to stare at the slumped body as if the secrets of the world would burst forth. The visitor rolled his eyes and huffed out a small sigh. "Curious human,aren't you?"

Anthony looked at the blood stained gloves, the peculiar thing was that Shadow's blood was a deep violet almost black in color. Taking a moment to decide whether he wanted to tackle this conversation now or later. He settled on cleaning the up the mess on the floor for now. He neglected being careful and grabbed a rag full of broken glass. A particular large shard pierced through the glove into the heel of his hand. "Shit!" He didn't want to shout as to not disturb his resting patient but logic had left the building at a quick pace.

But the man had noticed all too well that the doctor had hurt himself before he ever made a noise. Before he was able to remove the glass, Shadow yanked Anthony flush against his bandaged chest as his bony fingers tangled themselves in Anthony's auburn locks while the other busied itself with his shirt collar. The human gasped as he felt a warm tongue slide against his neck like it were searching for something. With a soft growl he bit into the junction of his neck and shoulder.

A familiar crackle of energy snapped into the air as he felt the vampire's throat move quickly,taking his blood with every movement. Anthony felt a soft rumble from Shadow's chest as he continued to suckle on the opening. The doctor whined softly when he felt a thin trickle of blood ooze down his neck. His heart was jumping around his rib cage so no doubt the vampire must have felt his panic. He withdrew his fangs and lapped at the wound once more but before he moved away, Shadow took care of human's hand injury.

Anthony felt horror and amazement upon witnessing what had just happened. His gaze darted towards Shadow's figure,his head was down but... he acted ashamed. Although, he assumed he was somewhat sated due to his cheeks as well as the visible patches on his torso donned a lilac blush. The immortal tensed as the doctor scooted closer across the floor in a comforting gesture. "It's alright,I won't tell anyone. I promise."

Peering around the deep hood he saw the vampire's face become more sleepy. Noticing a smear of blood on the man's lower lip he gently brushed it away with his thumb. His lips were chapped but somehow still felt soft. Thinking that perhaps he lingered too long ,a soft purr emitted from Shadow's throat as he relaxed into the touch.This tender moment was broken by harsh knock on the door. "Don't tell me you're still here,Dr.Crowns!" Anthony paled at the sound of Sheila's voice. Hazel eyes swept frantically over the messy floor while his brain scrambled for a suitable excuse.

"Ah,yes I'm still here!

a dear friend of mine stopped in and I am afraid he's a tad drunk." At that moment he could've sworn he felt her attitude through the sturdy oak door. "I don't care if the apocalypse shows up in the emergency room.You are gonna pack your little doctor's bag and go home!" Well, it wasn't exactly a zombie that had shown up but needless to say he was thankful when he heard footsteps disappear.

After releasing the breath he'd been holding and checking on the dozing figure he began to clean. Satisfied that the halls were empty Anthony wrapped his woolen coat around the crumpled man and held him bridal style. The two made their way through the hospital hoping to make an uneventful exit all the way to Anthony's destination...Home. Luckily, Shadow's compact body made him easier carry. Even enjoyable. It was a God given miracle that they escaped without notice. A very wonderful miracle indeed.

The doctor shivered lightly when he felt the vampire's long lashes fluttered against the sensitive bite mark as they arrived in front of the old Buick.He wretched the door open and lay the lethargic immortal down gingerly across the backseat. He took extra precautions to make sure he wouldn't be jostled too much due to the vicious potholes. Cranking the ancient engine he started for his apartment. Normally the drive would have taken fifteen minutes he made it in ten with only minor pothole difficulties.

Collecting his new companion, he entered his home feeling completely safe with a vampire cradled in his arms. Anthony dropped his bag by the door and made his way towards the upstairs bathroom while burying his nose into the black hood. Shadow smelt of patchouli with faint traces of sweat and blood. As he waited for the tub to fill, he placed Shadow on the lid of the toilet to undress him but found the remaining material and armor recede on its own. Inky strands twist and curled finally seeming to dissolve into wisps of smoke leaving a pale battered body exposed save for Anthony's coat. He had muscle yet he still held a certain softness. His face was narrow and boyish but what stood out the most was he had the most striking neon green hair. It was shorn close on the sides and longer on the top. A small gauge piercing graced each ear but his left ear donned a industrial piercing. Seeing the tub was halfway full he shut the water and removed the coat. Minding the bandages he placed Shadow in the tub while he supported his upper half.

Pale lavender hewn lids fluttered open revealing inhuman silver eyes. His eyes were the purist of silver the stars would envy them. They were absolutely beautiful. "Um,hi." Anthony felt complete and utterly stupid. Surely he could've come up with something better to say. Clearing his throat he busied himself with wiping away dried blood and sweat with a soft cloth. A quiet laugh elicited from the other man. "You stare an awful lot. Although I guess it should be expected from a human." The doctor felt blush travel from his face down his neck at the light teasing. "Well it's not every day I get to nurse a vampire back to health." A drunken smile slid itself onto Shadow's mouth as they easily kept the conversation alive. Anthony discovered the vampire liked romance novels but absolutely detested any horror paraphernalia. After wrapping a fluffy towel around his waist he noticed a large flesh wound on his left leg so he wrapped it and carried him to bed.

As the pair padded down the hall to his bedroom, Shadow was muttering 'Je vous remercie' in soft French like a prayer. Placing him carefully on the inviting pink duvet a soft groan was given. Anthony sat beside Shadow watching his breathing even out as calm breaths passed slightly parted lips. Brushing neon hairs away from his forehead as he stood to find spare pajamas. Everything in his wardrobe would swallow the vampire's petite frame but he settled on a pair of shorts and a sweatshirt anyway.

The clothes did swallow him but this was expected. Anthony was the tallest in his family at six feet tall so Shadow had to be at least a foot shorter. He let his eyes wander to the sleeping figure tucked beneath the covers. How could a perfect stranger feel so much like home? Shadow's entire being seemed to be stitched together with a complexity Anthony hoped to eventually understand yet his presence was like a drug.

The doctor thought about sleeping arrangements as he got himself ready for bed coming to the conclusion he would share with the immortal. After he switched the lamp off Anthony settled underneath the blankets which he found to be much warmer than he last remembered. He lay there for a while contemplating whether it was a dream or not. If it weren't, what would come of the situation? What was the man beside him fighting? He was feeling too attached to Shadow already. Whether it was a good or bad thing was undecided.

Regardless of how jumbled his thoughts were, the weight of sleep tugged Anthony and his brain down.