Rating: M
Disclaimer: I do not own True Blood.
Apply some Pressure
I sat on the couch, staring at my folded hands worriedly. Tara was sitting next to me, she had gotten dressed during the phone call and hasn't even asked who it was. I guess my expression kept her silent. I didn't know what to tell her, I could barely believe it myself. I thought the call came from Russell when it first ranged, but it wasn't him. It was someone with less power than him, but more than me. I can't believe that he actually called me, and at a time like that. Damn it all why?
Finally, probably because she couldn't take the suspense anymore, she asked me who had just called. I was silent for a long time, not sure how much I should reveal. I couldn't be sure if it was safe for Tara to know about him.
"Franklin who called?" Tara asked in a demanding tone.
"I can't tell you, not yet." I answered carefully.
"Why not?"
"Just try to understand that there are some things about my life I'm not able to tell you yet."
Tara clenched her fist and sighed,
"Fine I'll accept it, for know, but you will tell me what these 'things' are." The conviction that was in her voice wouldn't even let me think of keeping my dark past a permanent secret. Tara relaxed a lot more, and her face took on a worried look.
"Franklin if I'm going to be apart of your life you have to share it with me, the good and the bad." she whispered.
I was completely taken aback. Tara wanted to be apart of my life? I already knew I wanted to be with Tara, more than I ever wanted to be with anyone, but I didn't know if she wanted a real relationship. Yes she said she was happy with me and we had had sex twice (would have been three times if the phone hadn't ranged) but I was afraid to let all that get my hopes too high. Hearing Tara say she wanted more of me than sex and company made me want to wrap her in my arms and spin her around. Instead I just embraced her as gently as I could. Tara wrapped her arms around me in response and moved her head into my shoulder. Tara whispered something into my throat but I was too caught up in the moment to hear her. I pulled away from her slightly and what I saw made me gasp. Tara was utterly glowing from happiness, as if sadness had never touch her in her whole life.
"Your beautiful." I breathed. Tara smiled and kissed me gently, acting like my lips were a butterfly's wing. I closed my eyes and exhaled into her slightly parted mouth. I wanted nothing more than to make her mine at that moment, but I couldn't because there were more urgent matters to attend to. So painfully, reluctantly I pulled my lips from Tara's. Surprise and hurt intermingled on her features.
"Tara I have to leave." Just saying the words made my ribcage constrict, threatening to pierce my still heart.
"Leave? Why?" Tara said unwrapping her arms from around me, and moving away. The look of happiness on her face vanished completely. At that moment I hated myself for bringing her more pain.
"I'll explain eventually," I said hollowly. "Please Tara just wait for me, and the moment I return I'll tell you why I left."
"I'm going with you." My eyes widened. I didn't expect her to say that.
"You shouldn't Tara it's too dangerous." I pleaded.
"If it's too dangerous than don't go!" Tara yelled and I could see she was fighting back tears. I couldn't stand the thought of hurting her anymore, but the thought of her getting killed felt worse, much worse.
"It's not dangerous for me I'm a vampire, and I can't be hurt that easily, you on the other hand can be killed like that." I snapped my fingers.
" 'Can't be hurt easily'?" Tara snorted. "If someone found you sleep and they had a stake ready you be gone like that." Tara snapped her fingers back at me mockingly.
My temper was rising, not with her but with myself, how could I protect her and not break her heart in the process? I had no idea.
"Tara," I said slowly. "I'm leaving and you're staying here, if you argue or try to follow me I will glamour you into forgetting that you ever met me." I paused to see if my threat had sunk in and did its job. Sadly it wasn't a bluff, if Tara was intent on putting her life in danger I would alter every recent memory involving me, and make it seem that I was never there. I would steal Tara's love for me, which would kill me slower than any disease, if it meant she would live. I refused to let Tara follow Thalia's footsteps into the grave.
Tara was shocked, blinking and looking deeply into my eyes to make sure I meant what I said. She wanted to find some sign that I wouldn't be able to do such a thing, but she couldn't.
"You can't." Tara said, her voice breaking. "You wouldn't."
"I would, and I will, if you won't gain sense and stay here." I said harshly.
"You would do that to me?" Tara whispered tears in her eyes. I stared at her intensely until finally, closing her eyes and letting the tears flow, she turn away from me.
"Then go then!" Tara yelled, hatred and sorrow mixed together in her cry. It took every ounce of strenght I had not to take her in my arms at that moment. Thankfully I was strong enough to resist the all too human urge so, without a parting word, I left to Jackson to see the only person who could possibly help me. My boss, my king, my friend Russell.
To be continued...
