The following night he was left with many thoughts as his head swirled with a thousand memories. They were vast and to sift through them were nearly impossible and it actually made him nauseous. If such a feeling was eradicated from his rebirth, he would have wished this type of pain didn't exist in this undead world but it had. Besides his constant hunger and desires, it was honestly the only thing that caused him to want to lay down and sleep it away.

Of course, when Mina stirred awake across from him. He was able to finally grasp a memory and let it swivel around in his head. It was of them again, the first time they had met; A memory they were actually able to share at the same time. A mysterious thing he had learned of his powers to be able to shred parts of his own memories unto others, yet Mina shared the same. Peculiar thing indeed but alas the pieces fit to create a scenery for them; an escape even. Even if it was short, it had caused him to feel like a human again. Such emotions he thought were completely lost to him.

She must have been vividly dreaming because her moan had caused him to appear beside her and place a hand on her shoulder, leaning down to whisper to her, "My love, Mina. It's time to awake. Come back to me, Mina."

Her skin had a sheen to it, suggesting that maybe she was dreaming of a nightmare. He wouldn't have known either way, when he slept, he never dreamed. He would describe his memories as his dreams perhaps so therefore why would they come to him when he closed his eyes as well? He would never know.

Laying in the large bed, satin sheets tucked around her waist, her body curled almost into the pillows, raven hair unfurled behind her head and a few stray locks laying across her face, she dreamed, but it was not the nightmare Vlad worried it was. Past mixed with present in her dreams and she watched them unfold one right after the other. The shared memory was first, as it was what she had seen with him. Together, they had gone back into memory and while he might have remembered what it was like, seeing her for the first time, to be human, she remembered who she was. The fire within her had never truly burned out, for she was as headstrong, as wild now as she was then. But where his had veered elsewhere, her memories took her further back to who she had been. Watching as she grew from small child to woman in that time period, the events after meeting Vlad and how hard it was at first, when it was apparent that he would take no refusal and wanted to know more of her. The emotions she had felt from such attentions, and the elation of the day they were married. Only at the end, did she begin to mutter in her sleep, and move around a bit. Watching their deaths...who would want to see such things?

Hearing his voice call her back into awakening, she gave a soft whimpering sigh as the memories faded and she slowly opened her eyes. Seeing him hovering over her, sitting beside her with such a look of both love and concern made her smile faintly. "Good Morning, My Love..." She said softly as she stretched a bit, taking his hand to kiss the top of it gently. She knew that it was night, but she had fitted her sleeping arrangements to meet his. Never did she want to miss a moment with him. "Did you sleep well?"

She gave him a small, almost slylike grin, for she had slept very well indeed, till that last moment before he had awakened her. The other night still burned in her heart, body and mind. What had started out as seeking to comfort him, and him her, turned into something very different. She knew that boldness of hers came from the past, but she had surprised even herself at her actions that led to the wonderful night they had shared together. What started out as a few kisses here or there, turned into her taking control and 'devouring' him in turn. Kisses had turned to nips and bites against his pale skin as she sought to make him gasp or even cry out, When she had started to undo his tunic, he at first tried to stop her before he locked eyes with her and saw that yes, she desired him. That she was not doing this because she was trying to make him feel better, but because she loved him! She had no memory of when they made it to the bedroom, but the looks on Vlads face when she loved him, rode him before allowing him to make love to her would stay with her forever. She even still felt the aches deep inside her, and was sure he had scratched her back in places, but she didn't care. It had been a wonderful night, and they had fallen asleep in each others arms, whispering how much they loved each other to one another. She had fallen asleep first, with a smile. She would never forget that. Not ever

"Seems we wore each other out last night. You feeling ok?" She asked softly as she kissed his nose, giggling softly.

Hearing her soft voice carry through into the awakening world, he smiled warmly back to her. Grateful even that she awoke. Perhaps it was another one of those "soft" moments that were shining through his hard exterior being the monster that he is but after all, he was also next to the one he truly loved. He would do anything for her.

Yet again, their night was shared so intimately with each other that he wished they could be like that forever. But she was human, a fragile and delicate thing that he had to keep such a thought in the back of his mind. After their delicious and passionate love making, she had tired at some point and he decided it was time to sleep then. He longed to love her over and over again but that was hopeful thinking.

He did notice some scratches on her back as he moved the blanket down to address them, a finger trailing lightly over the wounds, "I was careless with you. I apologize. Let me clean you up."

He realized he had touched her dry blood as it stirred a little reaction out of him. His pupils dilating as he had to remove himself from the situation. Surely things could have been worse but time was on his side and had given him the strength to prevent such disasters of him losing himself over a little blood. He grabbed ointment from the med kit others have left here to help her wounds from becoming infected. Returning quickly to take care of his Queen.

"Tell me what you dreamed about love? You were tossing half the night you slept. I was rather concerned but to wake you at such an hour would have disturbed your rest."

She winced slightly as he mentioned her back and felt the scratches upon her. Some felt a little deep, but nothing to be worried about. She would heal. "Don't apologize Love. It doesn't hurt, it was wonderful." She would not allow him to apologize for the night they had shared together. It would make him so much more careful the next time, and she didn't want that. She knew very well he could 'break' her, her still being human, but she didn't want him to handle her like she was some sort of fragile china either.

She noted the change in his eyes as he gently caressed her back and she felt her heart pause, but it was not in fear. Never would she fear him. She had yet to fully see his 'monster' and she was filled with ideas of what he might look like, changed. She would ask him one day. Biting her lip as he applied the ointment to her scratches, as it did sting a little, she chuckled softly at his question, how to answer such a thing?

"My dreams were sweet, up till the last part. I should say they were more memories then dreams." She paused, looking back at him through a lock of raven hair that fell across her face. "I saw myself. I watched myself grow, from child to woman." She smiled faintly. "I saw us. The day we met, our wedding, our...end." She shook her head to dispell such thoughts and then suddenly blurted out in curiosity. "my name wasn't Mina though, was it?" She tilted her head as if thinking, her arms wrapped around her knees as she felt his fingers still at her back, so careful. "It was something else...Wilhelmina, Iiona? Se pare ca asta, dar eu nu sunt sigur." (Wilhelmina, Iiona? It sounds like that, but I am not sure.) s\She noticed he had paused and turned to look at him fully. "Vlad?"

She noticed his paleness as well as his deep breathing and hoped something she had said didn't upset him. She tilted her head, looking at him in concern. How long had she been here again? She counted back in her head and pulled the blanket around her and turned to face him. The reaction to the cuts on her back, him freezing at the mere mention of a past name...she wanted to help, but how? "How long has it been since you had fed, my Love?" She asked it so easily, like it was the most natural question in the world. No qualms, not shying away from what he was...just curious, and concerned for him. Without thinking, she lifted her arm towards him, her eyes locked onto his. "If you need..." She trailed off. She had offered and she meant it. From the wrist, it shouldn't be to bad, but from the neck...well...things could get started if he fed from there and there was no promise she would not want to 'devour' him again.

He finished up with addressing her wounds as he placed the ointment on the nightstand. Knowing that if she ever needed it again it would be there for her. He had no use of it. His wounds healed instantly leaving not one scar.

"Ce este un lucru importante se uita, Ilona. Pentru a vorbi o dată mai mult numele de femeie am căzut nebuneşte în dragoste cu, trimite senzaţia mai calde prin corpul meu. Poti sa simti?" (What a salient thing to forget, Ilona. To speak once more the name of the woman I fell madly in love with, sends the warmest sensation through my body. Can you feel it?) A smirk crossing his face once more as his eyes roam across her body as they steadily return back to her with a wink. Though he was caught off guard by her next question.

He didn't even recall the last time he had his fill of blood. Was it more than a month ago? He didn't feed often but now he had to keep his appearance up to date. Of course he fed from her before but that would have been his last feeding. Arms trembling towards hers as he but only took them gently, folding them around him as he leaned closer to her and kissed her lips.

"My dear Mina. Understand when I tell you that I can not accept that in which you offer yourself so willingly." Of course he didn't want to offend her but she needed to understand that the hunger inside could potentially become her doom if he couldn't control it no longer. It was especially true on the nights of the Blood Moon.

Her back did feel better once the ointment kicked in, and she sighed softly as she relaxed. The sting all but gone. She chuckled at seeing his smirk, for she loved it when he smiled. It lit up his whole face, made his eyes shine. She didn't understand fully, but she caught the jest of his reply. "Deci asta era numele meu? Ilona. Suna bine. Da, mă pot simți, căci este focul care arde in voi. In timp ce arde în mine."( So that was my name? Ilona. It sounds nice. Yes, I can feel it, for it is the fire that burns within you. As it burns within me.)

A small smile crossed her face as he paused. He actually paused before he took her arms and wrapped them around him. She seemed to doing that to him a lot lately, making him pause, or make his thoughts stop. She liked that, for he did the same to her. She felt him tremble though and knew that to be this close to her, while obviously in need took great strength. Being human, she had no idea what it must be like for him. She thought of his hunger as something to be controlled, something that once sated would not 'flare' up again till it was time to feed again. She could see how wrong she had been. This was no easy feat, being what he was as she could feel both the desire to feed, and yet his resistance as she kissed him tenderly. How he must suffer. She had wanted to help him, not hurt him. It was her job to look out for him now, as it was his to protect and care for her. She was only catching a glimpse of what he truly was, and yet, she was more mystified then appalled.

She expected his refusal, feeling him tremble against her as she gently rubbed her nose against his own, ran her fingers lightly through his raven hair. She hurt for him, it wasn't pity, but it was something akin to it. She wasn't afraid and they would have to face this together sometime. To her mind, it was better faced sooner then later. She might say she loved him, and prove it when they were intimate with each other, but this...this would be a true test.

"Crezi că atât de puțin din tine, iubirea mea. Înțeleg ce este v-am oferit. N-aș fi oferit dacă nu am înțeles. In timpul acestor vremuri, împreună, mi-ai arătat cine ești, atunci de ce te timid din această parte din tine?" (You think so little of yourself, my love. I understand what it is I offer you. I would not have offered if I did not understand. During these times together, you have showed me who you are, why then do you shy from this part of you?) She pulled back enough to gaze into his storm grey eyes, her own olive eyes curious but still filled with love.
"Nu mi-e frica. Nu de voi, nici tot ceea ce se poate face. Am încredere în tine, Vlad. Tu nu mă va răni. Ai nevoie să se hrănească, iubirea mea. Nu te voi lăsa să moară de foame. Vreau să văd, să te cunosc, în toate modurile." (I am not afraid. Not of you, nor anything you may do. I trust you, Vlad. You will not hurt me. You need to feed, my Love. I will not let you starve. I want to see, to know you, in all ways.)

She held still against him, one hand to gently trace up and down his back, as she once more lifted her wrist to him, her expression filled with deep love, affection and trust for him. "I am not afraid...don't you be either. I love you. Forever."

Days fled into weeks, weeks into months. Time passed slowly in the Castle of her Beloved, and though they were together often, to Mina, it felt like there was never time enough. She had been there a whole six months and in this time, she had switched her sleeping arrangements to fit Vlads, up with the moon and down with the sun, for she never wanted to miss a moment with him. There were times, she stayed up for there were things she too, needed to do about the castle now. Now that Vlad was sure she had meant what she said about staying and had given her more freedom. She had her gardens to tend to, for there was nothing she loved more then working in the dirt, feeling the life all around her as she coaxed the flowers and plants back to life with a gentle touch and a knowing mind. If only coaxing the 'life' out of Vlad was as easy as with the plants. But that took time as well and he had made progress, they both had.

Then there was her painting, for though the darkness was beautiful with the castle and the moon in the background, she loved it even more to paint or sculpt in the light of the sun. She would spend hours out in the gardens, with a sketchbook, drawing whatever her keen eyes saw, or whatever flitted across her mind. She enjoyed the silent times spent resting in the sunlight, and at times, she felt Vlad watching her and she would turn to see him peeking out at her from where he stood in the shadows. She couldn't fully give up the sun...not yet anyway. But it did make her wonder, what it must be like. It was only natural, when one she loved couldn't walk in it anymore, no even look upon it without burning. She had tried it, living without the sun or its light and had made it almost a month before the pull to sit outside and enjoy its warmth called to her. Such wonderings it made her think of, to never feel this small bliss again. She was often, lost in thought, when it looked like she was drawing at times. Her mind ran a hundred miles a minuet at times.

Though they spent every moment they could together, they still seemed to be 'testing' each other. She was notorious for 'pushing' him at times, knowing that that was probably not the smartest thing to do, but knowing deep down that she loved him, trusted him and that is what gave her courage. It wasn't anything big, or major, but she had come to better understand him and his ways by 'testing' him, as he tested her. There were times, she swore he acted or talked a certain way to get a rise or reaction out of her. Sometimes, she swore he smiled or teased her, and she melted for he was at his most handsome when he smiled. He didn't do it enough, and she made it her 'mission' to see he did so. They had learned a lot from each other these last few months. Her memories had all but come back and they had spent many nights, sitting up together, just cuddling and talking. Remembering. They both needed it. He needed to remember the Man he was...is still, and she needed to remember herself and they both needed to remember way they fiercely, deeply, loved each other. It was slow going, and they had their moments where one or the other would 'push' a bit to much. Blowups were common in any relationship, but theirs was different, and yet, it seemed to make them stronger, once they made up. They learned each others tempers, and when to give and when to take. Though they had learned a lot about the other in these last few months, there was one thing Vlad still adamantly refused to do. He refused to 'taste' her...and that made her feel, slightly, rebuffed even though she knew the reason why. That was one barrier they had yet to cross. One she knew that once they had, and she proved to him that he wouldn't hurt her, things would flow more freely between them. She was patient. It would happen one day.

Today, she was curled up on the great sofa, a large tome of ancient history in her lap, reading. She had her memories back, but not of the history of their past and that is what she hungered for, wanted to learn. That as well as the language, for though she remembered it, she botched a few words up still when she spoke and though Vlad had been kind and was teaching her, he sometimes teased her which made her tease him back. Theirs was a relaxed, deeply loving relationship. It made her smile, to think of him, for though he had been busy as of late, she knew he would always return. So it was to the books she turned, while he was away. They opened up doors to another world that was hers as well...long ago.

It was true they had become closer these past months. Learning each other all over again, even though they knew each other so well. It was just things were different now, they had barriers they yet needed to cross. Mina was always the girl who never gave up and wasn't afraid to try something new if given the opportunity. Something he admired about her, she was bold and brave. He loved it. Though, he wasn't so reluctant to rush forward, he never was the type. In fact, their relationship balanced itself out perfectly.

But there was always going to be that anchor in him that wouldn't budge for anything. He needed time. Amusing now that time meant nothing for him but indeed it meant everything. He would never be able to move forward without it. To step forward into the light was only a fantasy he wished to become all too true for them. To watch her so happy under the sun, made him long for all that was living. All that was her.

He held the stem of the rose in his hand, twirling it around as he watched her plant each bulb and rearrange the gardens to her liking. She had an eye for beauty, the gardens becoming such a relevant pastime now in his life. Each day he found himself here, with her as she tended to all the species of plants.

A thought erupted just a second as she lightly pressed the dirt over the bulb. It was almost deja vue as he still watched her kneeling over the garden bed, hands dirty, dress tied tightly to her side as she hummed a very familiar tune.

"Ești o femeie foarte previzibil, știi asta, nu?" (You're a very predictable woman, you know that, right?) He had said walking up to her as he knelt down beside her, a rose in his hand as he handed it over to her, a charming smile as usual.

"Niciodată nu voi ști de ce fetele ca trandafiri, ei nu miros la fel de frumos ca se uita." (I will never know why girls like roses, they don't smell as beautiful as they look.) He chuckled as he teased, joining in to help her.

He stopped twirling the rose as his memories came back, lifting the rose to his nose as his eyes closed and the smell was bittersweet. Earthly, sweet, innocence, blooming love. All things he wished he knew that day. He would have spent the entire day in the sun with her if he could have. But he chose to forget the rest of this memory.

After all, roses bloom and the petals wilt. You can only savor a moment before it is gone.

It was strange, how when he would remember a memory, how at times, she could 'see' it as well, no matter where he was in the castle. She had been reading a rather long passage on the way of life in the 1400s when she heard his voice, gentle in her mind and her eyes had gotten that far away look to them as she saw the memory he remembered.

They had been in the gardens together, her working in the dirt and humming a tune that it gave her goosebumps now to hear, for it was the same tune she often hummed to herself when she was alone, or she did so subconsciously. In this memory, he had teased her, made her laugh with his words as she cast her eyes to his playfully.

"Previzibil? Pe mine? Cred că va trebui să încercați mai greu atunci. Trebuie să vă păstrați pe degetele de la picioare, prințul meu." (Predictable? Me? I guess I will have to try harder then. I need to keep you on your toes, My Prince.) She teased him, giving him a small but loving smile as he had joined her to work in the garden with her. She loved it that he seemed to enjoy it as well, for they both ended up dirty by the end of the day, and had planted quite a few lovely things together. She shook her head at him, in the vision, and chuckled once more.
"Nu este vorba despre miros destul, preaiubiti. Îmi place trandafiri, trandafiri negri pentru simplul fapt că pentru mine, ele sunt un simbol al iubirii. Dragoste adâncă." ( It isn't about smelling pretty, Dearest. I love roses, black roses for the simple fact that to me, they are a symbol of love. Deep love.) She mused a moment, seeming to be thinking before she began again. "Tatăl meu a dat întotdeauna mama un trandafir negru pe brithday ei, și nu vă amintiți? Mi-ai dat o când am început curtează? Ea are un sens profund pentru mine. Pentru mine amintesc de dragostea pe care o împărtășesc, și întotdeauna va fi." (My father always gave my mother a black rose on her brithday, and don't you remember? You gave me one when we first started courting? It has deep meaning for me. For they remind me of the love we share, and always will.)

Where his memory seemed to fade off into nothingness, as if he had simply stopped it, hers went on a ways as she sat there, watching. They had finished up for the day and he had taken her in his arms and gently kissed her, marveling at the work they had done together. Each casting an eye about the garden and wondering how beautiful it all would be once things started to bloom. Just enjoying the moment together. Why would he stop the memory? Why not enjoy it, that sight of them when they were younger? It was only when the memory faded from her mind and she blinked did it come to her. The Sun, the meaning it had for him. That she could enjoy it and he could not. It made her eyes furrow slightly. An intense sadness filled her and this was the reason he refused to see more. She understood now.

Standing, she went to stand by the nearest window, her mind in a whirl, her eyes slightly furrowed. She stopped just in the shadow of the curtains, staring at the sunlight that shown through just a hands reach away. Lifting a hand, she slowly let it rise till it was bathed in the sunlight. Her head tilted as her thoughts took off, feeling how warm the sun felt against her hand, how her hand looked paler in the light then it did in the dark. What must it be like? To never be able to do this simple action? She wiggled her fingers and watched the smaller shadows she cast. How hard it must be for him, to know that this simple action would cause immense pain. It wasn't fair. Perhaps...perhaps there was some way...She shook her head. Such thoughts were for dreamers and fools, but then, wasn't she such a dreamer? Lowering her hand till it came to rest back beside her, she was suddenly upset. The sun. It kept them apart even though they were so close. Giving a soft snarl of derision, she took hold of the curtains and pulled them closed till the room was bathed in subtle darkness. So many thoughts she felt, cast aside. There HAD to be a way, but she wouldn't voice it to him just yet. He might not like what she was thinking of. He had been quite adamant about feeding from her, so there was a good chance he would "lose" it if she asked what it would take for her to be like him. Still, those were the thoughts that plagued her day in, day out. As well as others that might help him to walk in the sun. Such things were best thought of by a scientist and she was a simple medical student/Millers Daughter.

Giving a soft snort, she turned and went back to pick up the book to continue reading. If Vlad sought her out, he would find the room dark enough for him to enter, she had seen to that. Still, even though she read, she could not silence her thoughts, as hard as she tried.

He had left shortly after the memory they had shared. Wandering through the halls once again, like always. He knew the Castles secrets by now as he stopped to open a passageway behind a large picture, stepping through as he made his way towards the library, a short cut. Not only was he drawn to her scent, but the connection they shared.

He honestly couldn't even explain something like this, he just knew and she knew. Were they always so drawn together like this? Perhaps. When he was alive, he predicted where she could have gone.

Stepping into the library, he moved the bookshelf back, the slight click echoed throughout the library as he silently stalked through the columns of books. Finding her in lounge area, reading.

"Mina, you read this book already, have you not?" Questioning her choices knowing the story well in this one as he knew she did as well. The book was about the life of a young woman. Fictional yet so realistic, the emotions the author wrote about this particular character left him always with many thoughts and wanting to know this character. A woman who never gave up no matter her many hardships and strife. Typical happy ending yet he craved it more and more.

"Ah, but it is one I do enjoy. Perhaps I find this particular ending enthralling yet saddened. One I wish that the story never ended so I could always live another life through her eyes but alas, we must always return to reality." Taking a seat opposite her as he studied her.

She heard the soft click a few feet behind her and a small smile crossed her face as she continued to read. But she was very aware of his presence. She knew he was near every time. It was their bond, that she had ceased trying to make heads or tails of. It simply was. He knew where she was at all times, and she always knew when he was near. Simple really.

Tearing her eyes from the written words, she met his sea grey eyes and gave him a gentle smile. "Indeed. I know this story by heart, but it is one of my favorites. I guess, I just feel the pull of the woman this story is about. So many similarities, and yet so different." In fact, with the memories that had came back to her over the past few weeks, she knew that she had been...was a lot stronger then she gave herself credit for. She had never backed down from a fight, not now, not then and had gone toe to toe with one of the most influential people of their time at one point, went so far as to claim his heart with her wild and un-tameable ways. She had taken the small steps, to overcome her breeding that her father had instilled in her in this life, to become who she knew she was in her past life.

It hadn't been easy. For ladies of breeding ought not to want to run about, or be so curious as she was. All her life, it felt like she was being smothered. Charms school, elegance classes, training to be a lady when she wanted so much more! Oh how she had her father had fought when she put her foot down and told him she wanted to go to medical school! He wanted her to settle down, to marry well and she wanted none of it, not yet anyway. There was so much to see, to do! Here, in this castle, she might have locked herself within its walls, but every day was something new to see, or to learn. Every day was an adventure, and here, she felt none of the scorn she had drawn from her 'rebellious' actions. Here she was free to be herself, to wander the castle at will, to test herself with all the books she could read, to play or relax in the gardens. She didn't see herself as locked up here as she had in her world with her family. Strange, she felt much freer here then anywhere else, and Vlad seemed to encourage her rather then berate her for her wild ways that showed itself in sporadic bursts from time to time.

She tilted her head slightly as she gazed at him, curious as to his words. "Why is a happy ending sad?" She asked, gently. Sometimes the way he said things made her confused. One moment she thought she understood him, and then he would say or do something that would make her wonder again. "Not all stories have to have a ending." She said with conviction as she studied him as he studied her. What was it he was looking for, she wondered? "Our story doesn't, that is for sure." She cast him a small smile, her eyes lit up in the semi-darkness as she gazed upon him.

"Yet all stories come to an end. Yes? Hm, I would like to think of ours as more of an adventure, an open book that has yet to cease our existence. Happy ending? I would want nothing more. Just like the woman in that book. Her entire life written and finished in a couple hours of reading. I'd like to believe that those who read our story, keep flipping through the pages for eternity."

Vlad let his thoughts out for a moment, something he only did occasionally when the opportunity was open to him. Though, with Mina, he was always open with her, finding that she always welcomed his point of view as he did hers. Rarely did they argue, but had many deeper conversations than most would dare to share. Speaking so freely like they did would be considered blasphemy in their days but they loved it.

"Spune-mi ce te gândești, dragostea mea." (Tell me what you're thinking, my love.) He says a little more slowly, knowing that she understands well but sometimes her tongue forgets her old language. He honestly found it amusing, 'cute' in a way.

His stormy orbs capturing hers as he's getting better at controlling the way he stares at her. Learning to mute the sound of her blood in her veins as her heart pumps to an erotic lure. Tongue pressing against his sharp fang as he clenched his jaw. There was nothing more that he wanted than to lick every curve of her body, taste the sweetness of her skin and savor the crimson liquid that will flow with the tip of his fang.

Breathing. In. Out. Repetition, he learned to breath like a mortal. Listening to hers made his erratic sometimes but he controlled it so well. What a perfect actor he had become as he just sat there appearing normal when in reality he was nothing more than a predator, staring at it's prey. Yet, it was more than that, she was never his intention to hurt at all, he couldn't. He just wanted to love all that she was, her soul, her heart, her body. He felt so complete with her.

" A happy ending is what we both wish for, but who says our story has to end at all?" She carefully worded her words, all but sidestepping what she truly meant. She enjoyed it that they could discuss the things they did together, but she had yet to venture to that unknown territory where she would dare suggest a thing. It wasn't fear that held her tongue, more like uncertainty. She had learned his moods and though he seemed 'human' more and more frequently now, she had to always remember, he wasn't.

He might seek to hide his thoughts from her, by changing the way he looked at her. She had noticed that right at the first, since she had offered to feed him when he had need. Instead of that intense gaze that had often made her heart trip over itself, he gazed at her now with more not detached look, but not as...passionate. Which made her want to scowl and stare at him in the way he used to look at her. She poked and 'pushed' him in subtle ways. When he would turn his gaze upon her, she would stare boldly back at him with such intense heat that she could see it took him a moment to compose himself. She would on purposely lean closer to him when they talked, as he sought to keep a small distance between them. Acting as if she didn't realize what she was doing. Her soft hands, turning calloused from working outside, would give him quick gentle touches as they talked as well, her eyes lighting up playfully each time she did so. That was normal for her anyway, as she was very expressive with not just her words but her hands as well. She just overdid it whenever he was around. Knowing that her touch inflamed him!

She knew he hungered for her, more her body and heart then her blood but he sought to hide it from her and that made her want to push him, to let him know that yes "I KNOW" with each of her actions. Her eyes swiftly took in his form as she tilted her head to hear his question. He was doing it again. She could see the way he clenched his jaw, could almost see his tongue pierce the teeth she knew were fangs more often now since he had yet to feed...from her at least. She noted the way his shoulders seemed to go up and down as he breathed. It called a swift smirk on her lips before she concealed it. He was trying so hard for her, and she loved him for it, but changing things, when she knew he was doing it annoyed her. She was surprised at how much it annoyed her. But how to put that into words.

She laid the book down beside her and scooted closer to the edge of the chair, closer to him. Her smile predatory as well, letting him see the Hunter within her as she on purposely placed herself well within arms reach of him. She was growing tired of this. Of him distancing himself from her at times, so she purposely set out to pester him.
"Cum pot să-ți spun ce mă gândesc, Iubiților, când nu mai sunt eu sigur." ( How can I tell you what I am thinking, Beloved, when I am not sure myself?) She paused and caught his eye, staring into those dark pools as if she would drown in them. Perhaps she should explain her thoughts, or at least try. Either he would understand why she thought such things, or he would 'explode'. either way...she always wanted to be honest with him.

"Am fost cea mai mare parte gândit la tine azi." ( I was mostly thinking about you today.) She began. "Soarele fiind la cel mai înalt, mi-am gândit. Știu cum se pare încă ne ține în afară, chiar dacă nu am fost niciodată mai aproape ... si nu am putut să mă gândesc ..." (The sun being at its highest, got me to thinking. I know how it seems to still keep us apart, even though we have never been closer...and I could not help thinking...) She paused and leaned closer, laying one of her hands lightly over his, "De ce ar trebui să ne lăsa să ne despartă? Trebuie să existe o cale. Pentru fiecare să meargă din nou în lumina ei ... sau ... pentru mine să fiu ca tine ..." ( Why should we let it separate us? There has to be a way. For either you to walk once more in its light...or...for me to be like you...) *she said that last part in a rush, almost hoping he wouldn't catch her meaning. Almost.

"Nu știi ce-mi ceri!" (You don't know what you ask of me!) His voice was elevated, anger hidden in it's echo as his gaze shifted away from her once again, almost ashamed that he had spoke to her in such a way but he told her once before he couldn't bare to think about that subject yet. To become like him, was to become a monster. Mina was no monster.

"Forgive me. I see what you desire yet it is something that can not be." Lifting a hand, he stroked her cheek, knowing that he couldn't give her what she truly wanted. Not yet anyways. She needed more time. She wasn't ready. He wasn't ready.

Why was it becoming harder to resist her? Fingers tangling through the loose strands of her hair as he brushed through them. The tender moments only acknowledging the caring side of him. But there was something deeper, it lingered on the edge; waiting.

"Just one drop and I'll give you, eternity." A voice so cold it held no more remorse for the living as his thoughts shifted. This time, he was looking upon a field of corpses. His beastly form reaching out to caress the only breathing soul left.

"Ce ai devenit fratele meu?" (What have you become, my brother?")

"You're Savior."

He blinked, caressing her hair one more time as he peered into her eyes, "Memories never seem to cease, even when we try to hide them. They turn up in our weakest hours."

Whether he cared to elaborate more, he was lost again. She had triggered his memory of the first one he had changed to become like him. Over time, he had become easier but never had he changed anyone who was so willing. Especially the one who held his heart.

She expected his anger, and tried not to answer it in kind. "Atunci explica-mi?" (Then explain it to me?) She said gently as she could. She didn't want to push him, or hurt him but this was something they had to talk about. One way or the other, they would be together. Thinking otherwise, made her feel sick. They were bonded, more ways then one and being separated from him made her feel ill.

She knew, in a sense, what she asked for...or thought she did. If he could not walk in the sun with her, she wanted to be with him forever, and the only way she saw was to become like him. "Why can it not be, Vlad?" She asked gently. "In time, whether by disease or accident, we will be parted. You can't protect me from everything. The only way for us to be together, is to change me." He had asked her thoughts, and now she voiced them. She wasn't trying to force him into anything, nor demand that he do so, but was trying to explain to him, her thoughts. Gently as she could, for she knew inside that they had not reached that point yet. She wasn't ready to say goodbye to the sun just yet, and he wasn't ready to accept that she wanted to be like him. but they still had to talk about it. For it was a fact that worried her. He was ageless...while each day, she grew one more day older. "What will happen when I am old? Grey? One day, the heart you love so much will cease it's beatings. Death will reclaim me once more and there may not be another chance to be together again." She paused in her thoughts and stood, walking over to the curtains and pulling them aside just enough to place her hand in the tiny beam of sunlight that appeared through the sheets. It wasn't enough to cast over Vlad, but it was enough to prove her point. "This is what I mean, Beloved. This...this doesn't hurt me, and yet it burns you. How is this fair?" She dropped the curtain and came back to sit near him once more. "I want more for you, Love...more for me too. Why should we be separated, when we are so close?"

She looked away, noting the feeling of his fingers in her hair and nuzzled into his touch. She heard the coldness of his voice and knew memory had taken him once more. The man he had changed had been like his brother. A solider in arms, one he had changed and one he had destroyed. She 'saw' it as he saw it. It gave her more insight into his life, with each memory he shared with her, whether he meant to or not. She turned and embraced him, laying her forehead lightly against his as her hand came to play with the ends of his hair as he held her gently. "Nothing need happen now, just know that I am willing." Her words were soft, yet passion filled. "You are my life now, Vladimir. I have no desire to be without you, ever ever again." She sighed and pulled back to lightly kiss his forehead. "Memories are there so we do not forget our past. There is nothing weak about remembering. Why do you try to hide them from me?" She let her hand trace from the back of his neck, to his cheek slowly, tenderly. "I am stronger then I look, as are you. There isn't anything we can't do...together. We are stronger, together. Always."