Hello, usual stuff. Mistakes, please forgive. Drop a review if you like, and thanks to everyone who has, and to the people who read and like it.
Adilyn slept soundly all night. When she woke, she found her cheek sticking to a page of her folklore book that she had managed to read two lines of before she fell asleep. With a grunt, she peeled it off and ran a hand through her mess of hair. Glancing at the clock, she realised she had slept until noon again. This was becoming a pattern of hers, ever since Jessica had been her protector. She stretched out her legs, kicking off the sheets that tangled around her limbs. Visions of the previous night raced through her mind – mainly Holly's safe return. She leapt off of her bed and darted out into the hallway. Pausing for a moment, she glanced up at the steps to the attic. She wondered if Jessica was up there today, if maybe what happened might have made things awkward enough to drive her out. Biting her lip, she decided not to wake the vampire – just the thought of talking about what happened made her stomach flip with nerves. Instead, she padded down the stairs, hearing Andy pottering around in the kitchen. Adilyn wandered in and settled at the table. Andy turned, a rare smile on his face.
"Mornin', darlin'," he said, passing her a plate of toast. Adilyn reached over for it and took the plate, spreading butter on the warm, crunchy bread. Taking a bite, she nodded in gratitude.
"How's Holly?" asked Adilyn through the mouthful of food.
"She had trouble sleepin'. I dropped her and Wade back home a few hours ago. But they're okay. I'll check on them durin' my break. Rocky was there waitin' for them."
"Good," nodded Adilyn, chewing thoughtfully. "Can I drop by and see her in a while?"
"Sure, honey. Just don't hang about in town for too long. People are still a little spooked." Andy finished off his own slice of toast and headed for the door. "Make sure you're home before dark. Oh, and… uhm…"
Adilyn quirked an eyebrow as Andy awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding her eye.
"I came down at dawn to check on Jessica, and she… she seemed upset. You two seem pretty close –" Adilyn interrupted with a fit of coughing, a sharp inhale of air mixing with semi-chewed toast. "Jesus Christ!" grunted Andy, fetching a glass of water and crossing the room. He set it down on the table while placing a firm hand on Adilyn's shoulder, patting her gently on the back with his free hand. Adilyn gulped down the water between coughs, feeling her heart race as she struggled to breathe for a few seconds. For a moment, she had jumped to the panicked conclusion that Andy had seen them together, the shock forcing her to gasp. But now, as she recovered, she wondered why Jessica was so upset. Was it her fault, because of their kiss? Hand clutched to her chest, she hacked a few more times until air flowed into her lungs properly again. She still wheezed a little, drinking the water slowly to ease her scratchy throat while Andy rubbed small circles in her back. Suddenly, they heard a loud thud from above, followed by frantic scrabbling, a door opening and a loud shriek. The phantom door was slammed shut again. Adilyn and Andy looked at each other, their twin startled expressions relaxing. They were both still understandably jumpy from their recent encounters.
"Jessica," they sighed simultaneously. Adilyn slipped off of her chair and moved towards the door, grasping her half-eaten toast in her right hand. It was her responsibility to calm her vampire companion while Andy dumped Adilyn's plate in the sink to clean later.
"ADILYN!" screeched Jessica, the sound muffled by the two storeys between the attic and the kitchen. Both Adilyn and Andy jumped, surprised at how loud the vampire could shout. Taking another bite of toast, Adilyn hopped up the first few stairs, hearing Andy walk up behind her on his way to the door.
"Go make sure she doesn't break anything," grumbled Andy as he marched past. Adilyn mumbled a reply and jogged up the stairs. A loud ringing noise emanated from Andy's pocket as he opened the door. Pausing on the landing, Adilyn leaned out over the bannister as Andy fumbled with his phone and checked the caller ID. He rolled his eyes, a curse escaping his lips.
"ADILYN'S FINE, JESSICA! STOP PANICKIN'!" he bellowed. Adilyn winced at the volume, and wondered if her father and friend would actually have a full conversation just shouting to each other. It was preferable to them shouting at each other, she mused.
"HOW DO YOU KNOW?" was the roaring reply. "SOMETHIN'S NOT RIGHT. I CAN FEEL IT!" Adilyn was surprised to hear how alarmed Jessica was at the thought of her in trouble. Her heart warmed at the prospect of Jessica caring this much for her welfare. "WHERE IS SHE, ANDY?"
"I'M RIGHT HERE!" shouted Adilyn to the ceiling. A silence fell as Adilyn lowered her gaze to Andy, who shrugged. "I'm alright!" she called, hoping to put the vampire at ease. Finally, they heard a gentle thump as Adilyn guessed Jessica slumped down on the floorboards.
"Oh," said Jessica, much quieter this time. Adilyn felt a small smile tug at the corner of her lips as she gazed up at the wooden ceiling.
"I'm off," said Andy gruffly, noting the smile on his daughter's face as she stared over at the attic. He thought nothing of it. Adilyn looked down at him and waved cheerily before scaling the stairs. "Make sure Ginger-Snap up there doesn't get herself into trouble. You neither, you hear?" Adilyn rolled her eyes and nodded before disappearing from sight.
Despite all that had happened, Andy had to admit he was glad that Jessica had come to them and offered her unwavering protection. Though every time he looked at her, he felt the dull ache of what she took from him, she had also returned Adilyn to him, and sworn to take care of her. That was worth more than brutal, bloody revenge at the end of a stake. The fact that he knew Adilyn would have someone to watch out for her for the rest of her life comforted him greatly. And he knew Jessica was serious about not hurting Adilyn.
Jessica collapsed to the floor, her head resting against the attic door. Her breathing was slow, deliberate as she closed her eyes, relaxing her tense body. When she woke up, she could feel that strange tugging at her heart, the bond forged between them through blood clawing at her, calling to her. Panic like she had never felt since she became a vampire raced through her, blinding her to the fact that a little sunlight seeped through the bottom of the door. Now, she felt her face ache with the burns she had obtained from that brief lapse in judgement. They'd heal soon enough. Through the gloom, she could see her hand resting against the floor, her skin frazzled and tender. Outside the door, she could hear Adilyn's quick footsteps ascending the stairs to the door. Jessica shuffled back, not wanting Adilyn to hit her with the door again. They pattered to a halt outside and Adilyn gently tapped on the door. Only now that the hazy fog that plagued her brain had faded, she remembered everything that had happened the night before. Holly's return, Adilyn's kiss, and her late night wander to Merlotte's, where she had witnessed something… She shook her head, not wanting to think about it.
"Come… come in," stuttered Jessica, her voice faltering due to her sudden nerves. The door opened and Jessica shielded her face with her arm. This was clearly the wrong thing to do, as she heard a loud gasp and the door snapping shut. Lowering her arm, she saw Adilyn sinking to the floor, her slender fingers flexing by her sides, as if debating whether to touch her. Jessica wasn't used to anyone looking at her with fear like that, like she was something fragile, precious and breakable. Something that the faery was afraid to touch – not because she would entice an attack, but because the slightest slip of Adilyn's fingers could cause the vampire pain. The fear in Adilyn's eyes for Jessica's wellbeing tugged at Jessica's dead heart, drawing bloody tears to her eyes. She blinked them back quickly, though she was convinced there were still the caked remnants of her tears staining her cheeks from last night after she saw… Jessica quickly brushed her forearm over her cheeks, ducking her head so her curtain of hair hid her from Adilyn's sight.
Adilyn finally found the strength to reach out and brush her fingertips over Jessica's soft hair, before sliding them down to her chin, tilting her head up so she could squint through the gloom.
"Jessica…" Adilyn whispered as she took in the dark burns over Jessica's cheeks and forehead. Blood dripped down her nose from her eyes as she winced with every minute movement.
"Don't," mumbled Jessica, trying to keep her head angled down, her eyes boring into a chip in the floorboard. She guessed she had ripped it off with her nails during a terrible nightmare. They were always about the same thing, nearly every night. Most nights, it was horrific flashbacks to when she attacked Adilyn and her sisters. Now though, the focus seemed to be on Adilyn; that time she had nearly attacked her in her room, even future events that probably would never happen – Jessica leaning in for a kiss, only to be overtaken by blood-lust and sink her fangs into Adilyn's neck. The mere memory of these made her shiver. "I look horrible."
"Never," breathed Adilyn as she bent down, firmly but gently placing her fingers under Jessica's chin and pushing her face upwards. Jessica acquiesced and reluctantly looked into Adilyn's eyes as the faery shifted closer, kneeling close enough to brush her knee against Jessica's thigh. Jessica shifted, her legs curled beneath her, but she maintained contact with the faery. She watched Adilyn's face crumple slightly as her eyes adjusted to the dim light. The air felt heavy with tension as Adilyn's eyes slowly passed over Jessica's face. She winced as her skin knitted together slowly. Jessica expected Adilyn to look away as she healed – it can't be a pretty sight. But the faery simply watched, fascinated. Jessica had never been looked at in wonder before. Not like this. Finally, Adilyn's eyes returned to Jessica's, the air around them seeming to stick together in a thick, heavy cloud of fog. At long last, Adilyn broke the spell.
"Daddy said you were cryin' last night," she whispered hesitantly. Jessica pulled away, refocusing on the floor.
"It's nothin'," muttered Jessica. Her lips tugged upwards a little as Adilyn's hand clasped her own.
"Tell me," asked Adilyn softly.
"Last night, I went to Merlotte's. Only for fifteen minutes or so. I needed to eat because… you know," she shrugged, ashamed. Adilyn squeezed her hand. "But after I had eaten, I was in the parkin' lot, and…" Her voice petered out. "I saw James with…"
"With someone else?" prompted Adilyn gently. She knew James was a concern. She had wished he wasn't, but she hadn't expected it to actually happen. Still, the fact Jessica had been hurt in the process made her feel equal parts guilty, for thinking it, and angry that it happened.
"With Lafayette," corrected Jessica darkly. Adilyn's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"Oh," she said, unable to think of anything better to say. "It's his loss," she said quietly, rubbing her thumb over Jessica's knuckles. "You're pretty," she smiled, reaching over to brush Jessica's hair out of her face. Jessica didn't fight her. "You're kind." Jessica felt Adilyn's hands rising up to her face, brushing away the last of the caked blood from her tears. "And you're the bravest person I know." Adilyn leaned forwards without hesitation or fear and wrapped Jessica in her arms. For a few moments, Jessica didn't respond. "You deserve to be loved," she whispered.
"Thank you," replied Jessica in a shaky voice, but she didn't cry. Instead, she returned Adilyn's hug. They remained locked in the embrace for much longer than a normal hug, but neither cared, both relishing the closeness. Soon though, Jessica pulled back, a question burning on her lips. Though her stomach swooped with nerves, she forced the words out.
"Listen, about that kiss –"
"I'm need to go," blurted Adilyn, jumping to her feet. Jessica quickly reached for Adilyn's hand, but felt it slide from her grasp. She stared up at Adilyn, seeing the emotions swirling in her eyes; longing, coupled with fear and mixed with guilt. "Don't want you gettin' the bleeds and all that," she said quickly as she backed out of the room and closed the door, avoiding Jessica's gaze the whole time.
Adilyn emerged from her room after an hour or so with an itching need to be outside again. She dressed, showered and left the house, planning to go over to see Holly. She walked through the woodland, slipping her shoes off and flexing her toes in the warm, sun-baked earth. Her mind was whirling with thoughts of Jessica. Why she had chickened out and run away, she had no idea. It was just too much for her to handle at the moment. How had Jessica morphed from the monster that killed her sisters and haunted her nightmares to the girl who made her heart skip and graced her dreams? It scared Adilyn.
"Hey, Ad," said Rocky, standing by the door. He couldn't meet her eye, and she shifted her arms nervously.
"Hi, Rocky. You doin' okay?" she asked politely.
"Fine," nodded Rocky with a small smile. Though he didn't say the words, Adilyn could tell he was sorry by the expression on his face. "You want to see Wade? He's out right now, but you can wait –"
"Holly, please," corrected Adilyn.
"Ah, sure." Rocky stepped back and admitted Adilyn entrance. Adilyn ventured inside, still a little apprehensive being around Rocky, but willing to let the past go. "She's in the kitchen." Adilyn nodded and paced into the kitchen, moving her bare feet silently, her shoes clutched in her right hand. Despite her quiet approach, Holly seemed to sense her presence and turned, an anxious look on her face. However, when Adilyn smiled sheepishly, Holly relaxed and walked over to her. Adilyn opened her arms and fell into Holly's embrace, grateful to see her again. She was still pale, but looked much better than the night before, wrapped in her white dressing gown.
"How're you doin'?" asked Holly, once she had released Adilyn, her arms still lingering on the faery's forearms. Adilyn sensed Holly didn't want to talk about what she had been through, so she got to the second reason for her visit.
"Good, thanks," nodded Adilyn. "I… I was wondering if maybe I could talk to you about… since you're all spiritual and all…"
Holly smiled knowingly. "You want to know about your powers?"
"I thought you'd know more about it that Daddy," mumbled Adilyn. "But if you need time, I can come back later –"
"Don't be ridiculous," laughed Holly. Though the sound was different to her usual laugh – slightly emptier and more hollow than before – at least she could laugh at all. "I'm no expert, but I've learned a few things. Talk to Sookie too. She can help."
Evening was falling by the time Adilyn walked back to the house. She strode with a light bounce, happy that Holly had managed to explain a lot. For instance, the fact that it was a full moon tonight might explain why she was restless and needed to be around nature. Her telepathy had grown stronger, she noticed, as she sneaked through town. Though she had a greater degree of control over it, this many thoughts swirling around her was overwhelming, and she was forced to consciously block them all out. Holly had suggested a technique where Adilyn imagined each thought as a door, and she could calmly close it with her mind, effectively blocking it out until she wanted to unlock it. It had worked, though she needed to keep practising. She clambered over the fence and jogged across the lawn. Standing on the porch was a figure with a shock of flaming hair, arms folded and foot tapping angrily. Adilyn took a deep breath and slowed her approach. She didn't want to have the inevitable conversation about the kiss, and was determined to avoid it for as long as possible.
"You're up early," she commented coolly as she padded up the steps, dropping her shoes by the door.
"And you're late," replied Jessica, her tone steadily neutral.
Adilyn exhaled sharply, she just wanted to be alone to think clearly. "I was with Holly," she snapped, brushing past the vampire.
"And you walked home alone?" growled Jessica, holding out her arm and snatching Adilyn's wrist, preventing her from walking away into the house.
"The sun's barely down!" cried Adilyn, gesturing to the darkening sky above. There was still a golden haze over the horizon.
Jessica let out a humourless laugh, drawing Adilyn closer with her steadfast vampire strength. Adilyn struggled but couldn't free herself. "These vamps are insane, Adilyn! A few burns won't stop them if they're already dyin'! If they find you, they'll just want to experience ecstasy before they meet the True Death!"
"Oh, believe me! I know what vampires can do!" Adilyn spat venomously, letting all her pent up frustration out in a simple sentence. She froze the instant her words tumbled out of her mouth. Jessica's stern expression seemed to melt, her jaw hanging open a little. "No, I didn't –" Jessica let go of Adilyn's hand, her arm dropping limply to her side.
"You're right," mumbled Jessica quietly, turning on her heel and drifting down the steps, wandering into the middle of the lawn.
"Wait!" called Adilyn, leaping down the steps and landing on the soft grass. "Don't leave!"
"I ain't leavin'!" snapped Jessica over her shoulder. "Just go inside," she sighed, loud enough for Adilyn to hear.
"Jess, I'm sorry –"
A sudden snap from nearby made Adilyn's blood freeze. Jessica felt her terror and her head snapped up, straining her senses for the source. Then she saw it, as soon as the rank, rotting smell hit her; an ominous, dark blur racing towards her across the lawn.
"Get inside!" yelled Jessica, blurring to the faery's side and shoving Adilyn back. Adilyn stumbled a few steps with the force of the blow, struggling to find her feet. She heard a shriek from behind her but ignored it. She leapt up the steps, only to feel a chilled hand grab her ankle and pull. She hit the wooden porch hard, scrabbling to get up again. With a snap, the hand released her and she was able to scurry into the house, grabbing the door and hiding behind it. Her hands shook with terror as she watched the tussle outside. "Fuck off!" roared the vampire at her new adversary as she hurled the vampire across the grass. The intruder landed heavily as Jessica tossed their severed hand away. They rolled and stumbled to their feet. They said nothing as their eyes focused on Adilyn, a wicked grin forming on their face. Then they disappeared into a blur. Jessica darted out to meet them. Adilyn's jaw fell open at the speed of their fight – this was nothing like she had expected. The last time, the pair of vampires just stared at each other all night. This was brutal; predatory growls and cries escaping both figures as they darted around the lawn. Adilyn felt her heart racing, her hands tingling again as she struggled to keep up with the exchange of blows.
Suddenly, they froze. Everything was still. Jessica was pinned to the ground, struggling with all her might under the much larger vampire. She swore and growled, but he punched her hard in the face. Then he bared his fangs and sank them straight into Jessica's neck. The faery's eyes widened in horror.
"NO!" screamed Adilyn. The vampire looked up at her cry and grinned, his mouth covered in Jessica's blood. He ducked down again and tore off a chunk of Jessica's flesh, ripping a horrific scream from the vampire's throat. Again and again he clawed at her, bit her, all the time checking to see Adilyn's reaction, a sadistic leer plastered on his bloodied face. "Get the fuck off'a her!" Adilyn roared with a fury she had never felt. She felt a mixture of adrenaline and faery magic course through her veins as she sprinted to Jessica. The vampire snarled and darted forwards, but Adilyn felt a strange wave of tingling wash over her. Glaring at him, she found she could see the vampire moving in slow motion. On top of that, she could not quite feel, but somehow sense Jessica's pain. Not only her pain, but also her desperate desire to protect Adilyn, her anger and frustration that Adilyn had left the house. A twinge of fear lingered in the back of her mind. She had been infected. Adilyn felt a torrent of rage crash into her as she raised her shimmering hands and directed a bolt of purple light straight at the bastard vampire who was surging towards her. The vampire screeched like a banshee as, instead of flying away like she expected, he was… the only word Adilyn could use was obliterated; his limbs, skin, organs blowing apart until his body exploded into a dark sludge. Still, the light shone from her hands as his insides were quickly evaporated until nothing was left but a pile of dust to be blown away on the wind. With a sound like thunder, the light snapped back to Adilyn, knocking her to her knees. She threw out her now normal hands, bracing her weight on trembling limbs as she forced breath into her lungs. A pained moan drew her attention back to the wounded vampire.
"Jessica!" Adilyn breathed, crumpling to the ground beside her. Her cold flesh was covered in blood. She was slowly healing, but it didn't seem to matter – she was infected. Adilyn felt tears prick at her eyes as Jessica coughed weakly on the ground, blood oozing from her neck, and pouring from the deep slash wounds.
"I'm sorry, Ad," Jessica smiled before coughing again, blood pouring from her mouth. "Fuckin' bastard got lucky." She spat a mouthful of blood into the grass. Adilyn tore her eyes away from the wounds and focused on what had to be done. In Adilyn's panicked mind, there was only one thing to be done.
"You need to feed," urged Adilyn, holding out her wrist to Jessica.
"No!" said Jessica forcefully, shoving Adilyn's arm away. "Get inside! Others might still smell you!"
"Drink!" ordered Adilyn, holding out her arm steadily. "I ain't leavin'!" shouted Adilyn over her shoulder. "The only way I'm goin' back inside is with you," she promised. "So just drink and get it over with!" With that, Adilyn got to her feet and scanned the ground. Finally finding what she was looking for, she picked up the stone and took a breath.
"Adilyn, don't –" Adilyn sank the stone into her skin, wincing in pain, but no blood escaped. Crying out, she ran the stone across her skin until the hard material cut through her skin, fresh blood welling up on pale flesh. She could hear Jessica's groan as the scent wafted over her.
"Please," begged Jessica, genuine terror in her eyes as Adilyn knelt next to her holding her arm in front of Jessica's face. "I can't –"
"I'll stop you," promised Adilyn. "I trust you. So trust me."
Jessica fought against the urge, but finally the pain and the overwhelming scent took over and she dipped her head, lips locking over the cut and sucking desperately. When Adilyn began to feel woozy, she glanced down at Jessica's body. Her top had been torn, the thighs of her jeans too. Blood coated her completely. Adilyn wondered how long this blood could sustain Jessica if she was infected. If she was, then Adilyn didn't know what she would do. For now, she would focus on getting her well enough to walk back into the barely even occurred to her that she too would be infected – not that it would matter. If vampires attacked her, they'd drink her dry. At least now, she could leave them a parting gift. When she sensed Jessica had drank enough, she focused on her right palm and conjured a handful of purple light. Carefully, without too much force, she eased it to Jessica's face. Quickly, Jessica shied away from it, compelled to move backwards.
"I want more!" she growled, blood dripping from her mouth and smeared over her face.
"No," said Adilyn firmly, shaking her head. She was tired of being afraid. She was done with being defenceless.
"More!" roared Jessica, darting forwards. Adilyn held out her glowing hand, which burned brighter as Jessica drew closer. The vampire cowered back, shielding her eyes. Some unknown force urged Adilyn to step closer to the vampire and press her fingers to Jessica's temple.
"…Need blood, need blood, need blood…"
"No, you don't," thought Adilyn. Jessica did a double take, her shaky hands twitching. Adilyn could see the vampire's pupils were wide, like she was high on a drug. Which she technically was, Adilyn mused silently.
"I don't?" asked Jessica, her pale lips parting slightly. Adilyn could see that her wounds were healing, but such extensive damage would take a while to repair completely.
"No."
"I don't…" sighed Jessica. Adilyn stepped back, aware that Jessica had lost the hungry glint in her eyes. How she had managed that, like some kind of glamour, she didn't know. It was instinctual. Jessica had not, unfortunately, become immune to the other effects of fairy blood. The vampire stumbled slightly, falling into Adilyn's arms. Adilyn tried to hold her steady as Jessica clung to her, swaying unsteadily as if she were drunk. Jessica looked up at her, giggling. "You're pretty," she grinned, reaching up and caressing Adilyn's cheek.
"Let's get you inside," sighed Adilyn, guiding her back to the house.
"Like, really pretty," she said with a chuckle as Adilyn half-dragged the vampire into the house. Jessica's strength made it difficult to get her into the living room, but Adilyn managed, sitting her down on the sofa. Jessica leaned forwards to kiss Adilyn, taking the faery by surprise. Adilyn was frozen in shock for a moment as she relished the feeling of Jessica's lips on hers, her tongue swiping softly over her lower lip. Jessica drew back a few moments later, a happy laugh climbing up her throat as she gazed into Adilyn's eyes. "Nobody's ever been as nice to me as you have," she said quietly. Adilyn could hear the sincerity in her tone. Adilyn chose to address this when Jessica was sober.
"Maybe you should sleep this off or somethin'?" suggested Adilyn, amused at the situation despite herself. She kept an eye on Jessica's wounds, though they now looked several days old. She hoped there wouldn't be much blood on the sofa cushions – that would be difficult to explain to Andy.
"I ain't sleepy," sighed Jessica contentedly, raising her arms above her head and lying back on the couch, propping her feet up on the cushions. She tilted her head as Adilyn sank to the floor, exhaustion creeping up on her. Adilyn watched as Jessica opened one eye, pointing a finger at Adilyn and poking her lightly on the nose. "You really forgive me for all that shit I did?"
"Of course," said Adilyn immediately. Jessica smiled and tapped Adilyn's cheek.
"You care about me?" she asked, a little more timidly, but still maintained eye contact.
"Yes," nodded the faery, inching closer. Jessica's finger dragged down to Adilyn's lips.
"That kiss was real?"
Adilyn took a deep breath, feeling her heart fluttering. She had been fretting over this very conversation all day, but now that it came down to it, she found the answer easily formed on her mouth.
"Yes," she breathed, her lips moving against Jessica's cold finger. She knew that Jessica's vampire hearing would pick up her answer, even though it was barely a sound. Jessica's face lit up with a bright smile as she leaned over to kiss Adilyn. Adilyn closed her eyes and dipped her head slightly, but instead of feathery light lips on hers, she felt the weight of the vampire fall against her as Jessica fell off of the sofa and into her lap. Jessica erupted into a fit of giggles while Adilyn tried to suppress her exasperated grin. Adilyn rolled her eyes and grabbed Jessica's arm, pulling the still chortling vampire upright. They recovered for a few seconds, before Adilyn slipped her hand to the back of Jessica's neck and pressed her lips to the vampire's, thrilling in the cold shock of her flesh. Jessica's arms looped around Adilyn's sides, holding her closer as she lifted the faery easily, placing her gently against the cushioned sofa frame.
