A/N:

Woo. At least one good thing comes from being stranded at college for Labor Day weekend. D|

…well, technically, I was supposed to have this up Labor Day weekend… haha, but, well, I got a really bad case of Writer's Block, so sorry, guys.

Oh.

If you'd all do the wonders of forgetting that Anna is supposed to be younger than Rudolf, that'd be fabulous. Because in my version— I know, blasphemy— Rudolf is the baby. So, basically, Greg's "twenty-five", Anna's "twenty-four", and as we all know, Rudolf is "nineteen".

And Hadrian… yes, it's a real name. Hadrian's Wall in Great Britain. Mhm. No, it wasn't him who built it. I'm just throwing it out there that I've decided his pappy just really liked Hadrian, and therefore named his baby boy Hadrian. The end! Haha, shortest back-story everrr. :D


Monday

When I woke up, it wasn't to my mom shaking me awake for dinner, but rather to a loud crash of thunder. I sat up, trying to get my focus on the world— my glasses must be lost in the depths of my bed… somewhere.

I rubbed my eyes, trying to ignore the growling of my stomach. Geez, when were we going to— …holy hell. I had managed to sleep through dinner and I was supposed to wake up in twelve minutes. This sucked. After running my hands through my hair, with dismay, I spotted all the papers and books left on the end of my bed; groaning, I forced myself out of bed, and slowly made my way towards the bathroom.

After my shower, I wandered back into my room, taking my time getting ready. While putting on my shirt, I couldn't help feel like my window was beckoning me towards it. I stood there, wondering if Rudolf's family ever found a place to live; if they hadn't I'm sure they totally weren't enjoying the weather. And Rudolf… was he awake? I wondered what he was doing, wishing it was already night time; I had so much I wanted to ask him. Even now his unfinished question was still echoing in my mind. Do you think we could ever—

BANG. "Good morning!"

"Jesus Christ, mom!" I had jumped, and had inadvertently hit my forehead against the window pane when she had flung open my door. I rubbed my forehead furiously trying to make the ache go away, "You know there are better ways to go about that?"

She laughed, seemingly unaware of what she had just caused. "Well, I had to make sure you were awake. You didn't even come down for dinner, I was surprised actually."

I glared. "Because I thought you would have got me."

"What happened, Tony?" She asked, a teasing note in her voice. "I thought you were capable of waking up on your own."

"Well, okay, whatever. Is breakfast ready? Because I'm starving…"


I had managed to devour the entire plate of pancakes before I was hauled out the door, my mother unsympathetic to my incomplete homework. At least when I had got to school, there was no one standing by the entry waiting to haul my tired ass to the middle of the soccer field to beat me up. Maybe Rudolf's warning was enough for them to leave me alone for a while.

With that thought in mind, I smiled, entering the classroom; I was met with the sight of Nigel nudging Flint's arm with a horrified desperation, their eyes flickering to my face before they looked back down at the desk.

Aha. Homework problem solved.

"Good morning, girls."

They mumbled something back along the lines of 'please don't hurt us'; this, of course, only made me smile more.

I took my seat, leaning far over their desk. "You see, my weekend was spent with my good ol' buddy," I paused watching them flinch. "So, I haven't had much time to do my homework—" I hadn't even managed to finish my sentence and they had thrust their homework folders at me. "Well, thanks, guys."

To that extent was how my day was— toying with the twins, catching up on my unfinished homework— although half of their answers, I think, were wrong— and just trying to wait out the horror which was school. During lunch, I meandered into the library, recalling that I had promised a family of vampires that I'd help them figure out whose crest that lady had. It was surprising actually, to see just how long the row of books dedicated solely to history, family diaries, and crests was. Although, what exactly was I supposed to be expecting? America was just over two-hundred years old, and Scotland— the UK— Europe— had been around for much, much longer. I just had never really thought about it before; it blew my mind.

From the look on her face, it pretty much blew my librarian's mind too; except maybe it was because I looked practically dazed, carrying an armload of books about Scotland's history and crests. Apparently there was no such project going on to her knowledge.

And apparently, when the American boy comes to class with that many books, it's clearly time for a discussion as to why he has so many books of a culture he could really care less about. So, I just ignored them as I flipped complacently through one of them, hoping I could remember what exactly her crest looked like; there were stags… but, I couldn't even remember the rest. I'd have to ask— ugh, I shuddered— Lord Sackville-I-Hate-Tony-Thompson-Bagg… awesome.

My rest of my day— through class, on the way home, through homework— consisted of looking through those never-ending books; I looked at them for so long, I was beginning to think there was no way in hell we'd ever get around to finding it. What if she wasn't even Scottish? All of the crests were starting to look the same, anyways, what did it matter?

"Tony?"

I looked up from flipping a page and shoving another slice of pizza into my mouth. "Whaf?"

"Why the sudden interest with family history?" My mom asked, taking a sip of her water.

My dad snorted, trying to balance a slice and his architectural designs without letting the two meet. "Whatever it is, it's better than obsessing with vampires."

I shot him a glare.

"Bob!"

"Oh, right, whatever; sorry."

Rolling my eyes, I swallowed, taking another quick glance at the book before looking to my mom. "It's not really an interest. It's for… school. But it is kind of interesting, just because these families have been around about five times longer than the United States," I threw in, in hopes of throwing her from the pause I had created earlier.

She smiled. "You're right; isn't it just amazing?"

I nodded, leafing through a few more pages of the book.

"Well, sweetie, why don't you hold off on that, so you don't end up getting pizza all over it, like your father is going to do…"

I looked up just in time to see the slice of cheese pizza tumble out of my dad's hand and land on his blueprints, leaving pizza sauce and grease markings in its wake.

"Shit—"

"Bob!"

"All right, woman; sorry!"

"Robert Keith Thompson, you did not just call me 'woman'!"

Trying to stifle a laugh, I grabbed another piece of pizza and scooped up my books. "I'll let you two work this out." I chewed on the end of it as I headed up the stairs, mulling over just how ridiculous it was for the things they would get into little quarrels about; it always seemed so silly— like my dad calling mom woman, or when my mom would leave the newspaper on the couch rather than the kitchen table. A smile managed to tug on my lips as I entered my room, only to be met by a pair of ruby eyes.

"Tony!" Rudolf practically yelled.

"Holy shit!" For the second time today, I had a surprise induced mini-seizure, and managed to toss my book.

The vampire laughed, bending over to retrieve the fallen book, although his laughter stopped when he saw what was inside. "You really are helping us search…" He murmured, flipping through a few pages.

I scoffed, hitting one side of the Great Families of Scotland*, so that it closed. "Of course I am. I said I was going to help you become human and I plan on following through, thanks." Taking the book from his hand, I walked over and set it on my desk so that it joined the ranks of the others. "Oh, I was wondering, did you guys ever find a new place to stay?" As I turned around, I found myself wrapped in a tight hug. "Ahm…?"

He released me. "Sorry. That was from my mother; she thanks you from the bottom of her heart. I wish I could say my father shared her sentiments, however we all know how doubtful that is. But, nevertheless, yes, we have found a place to stay," he motioned to a small pile of gray. "And I've brought back the clothes you let me wear yesterday."

"Oh, yeah, that's cool."

With a slight tilt of his head, he grinned, "Are you ready for tonight?"

My eyes widened. "What are we doing?" I couldn't help but wonder what it was, considering it was one of the few things I had been thinking about over the course of the day. There was so much I had come up with, but they were all lost as my gaze focused on his lips, waiting for him to form the words I was dying to hear.

Rudolf's mouth opened, then closed, much to my dismay, before finally, "Tony…"

Distraught, I met his eyes. Wait. We were doing me? I blushed, trying to shake the thought. "What?"

"It's my birthday today. I am officially three hundred and sixty nine." He smiled, but it didn't look as if he was happy.

"Dude, what! You should have told me sooner, so I could have gotten you a present!"

At my comment, his smile became more sincere. "Oh, no, I wouldn't have that. You've already done so much for me; it should be I giving you gifts. Which, leads me to tonight."

"What are we doing?" Oh, sweet Lord, please say something other than my name again. I don't think I'd be able to handle that a second time.

"We're flying down to Edinburgh," he said, now grinning. "I wanted to go to London, but we tried to do that for Anna's last birthday, and that took far too long."

I shot him a skeptical look. "What are we going to do in Edin…" Even after a month of listening people rave about what they did in Edinburgh on the weekend, I still couldn't pronounce it right. "Whatever."

"Anna, you, and I will of course go to parties. My parents need to visit some of the other vampire families that live there, so they won't be with us."

It didn't escape my attention that he failed to mention what Gregory would be doing, but, considering that he scared me anyways, I was totally okay with that. "You mean like clubbing?"

He blinked, not answering.

"Oh, right, yeah…" I held up my hands, shaking my head. "It's called clubbing now… but…" I looked at my alarm clock. "It's already seven forty… doesn't it take like three hours to get there? And then it'll be like three hours partying and three hours back? That's really early, Rudolf, that's like five in the morning… I don't know if I can…" Motioning to the books on my desk, I sighed. "I have to help you guys find that, I mean the comet comes, what, Saturday? And I have so much homework, I didn't really even finish the homework I had from yesterday…"

His face fell, "You aren't going to come with us?"

Okay, damn homework, damn finding the crest, and damn everything else that would keep me away from him. "I don't know… I don't really think I can; I already told you I have a lot to do, plus I have school tomorrow. I mean, I really, really want to… I just… I don't know if I should."

"Oh, yes, of course…" Rudolf's lips pressed into a hard, thin line until he sighed. "I understand. I should have let you know earlier." He turned back towards the window, stepping out onto the balcony. "I should… I should go now, I suppose I can't keep my family waiting."

"Rudolf…" I whined, following after him, tugging on the back of his shirt. "Don't be like that."

Glancing over his shoulder, he shot me a look before looking out over the lawn. "Like what?"

I stood next to him, frowning, "The way you're acting… I'm sorry; I really am. I want to come—"

"Then come with us."

"But I can't."

Rudolf then tried to pick me up and carry me off, but I flailed around, trying to shove him away from me; he wouldn't budge. Why were vampires this stubborn?

"Rudolf… really, I can't. Let me go."

He placed both of his hands on my head, leaning down so that his forehead touched mine. "Tony…" He gave a defeated sigh, but smiled nonetheless. "It's… all right."

I stared back into ruby eyes, my eyebrows raised, as I skeptically asked, "It's all right? Really…?"

A curt laugh was the initial answer; "Of course it's not all right. I'm drawn to you, Tony Thompson. I find myself at a loss when I don't see you. I abhor the thought of losing you to homework and a restful evening… but I understand."

Already, I was blushing, but as he finished the sentence, he leaned in towards me, and in a heart stopping, wonderfully mind-numbing moment, I thought he was going to kiss me. With my stomach dropping, he ruffled my hair, pulling away.

"I hope you can excuse my pessimism, but the comet comes in six days, and as much faith as I have in all of us, I highly doubt things will go as well as we all hope… so, have no fear, I'll have another birthday, and you can make it up to me then." He hopped up onto the balcony wall, giving a brief wave of his hand. "Take care, Tony. Until the night."

And with that, he was gone.

What. The. Hell. I turned, ducking back inside, yanking the curtains closed before I flung myself on the bed, immediately yelling into my pillow. What the hell! He was going to kiss me! I didn't know what was worse— that he didn't or that I wanted him to. Holy shit! How was I even going to be able to focus on my homework now? Bull shit that he was just going to take this with a simple good-bye. I bet he did this on purpose. A nice little move— or lack of one, I wanted to scream— to set me off, to keep me thinking for hours. Hell, I'd probably be up until five in the morning, anyways, trying to force myself to write all the damned homework, but nooooo, because he knew. Jesus, he probably knew. Even if he didn't know, he probably used his stupid vampire powers or something…

Who does that? I rolled over, glowering at my ceiling. Stupid manipulative vampire. Now I'd go with him. I'd go with him in a heartbeat. But, no. I had homework. I had to sleep. Of course, yay me with my stupid human needs. I groaned, forcing myself off the bed, towards my desk; I better start pretending that I can get something done… Sighing, I opened one of the crest books, and practically jumped out of my seat and to the window when I heard a soft tapping.

"I thought you said I could make it up to you next year—" I had pulled back the curtains and my jaw fell as I saw Anna standing there in one of the tightest little black clubbing dresses I think the world might have ever created. It hit the lower part of her thighs where black tights continued on, disappearing into black heels. Wow. And for whatever reason, she managed to pull off a high class sexy rather than an easy whore— maybe it's one of those weird vampire gifts…

"Tony dearest, whatever is the matter?"

I shook myself from my thoughts, letting her step into my room. "Oh, I just thought you were Rudolf…"

"Don't be surprised, I only want you to have this." She handed me a handkerchief— although I had no idea as to where she had been keeping it— and watched me smile uncertainly.

Slowly, I lifted one of the edges to reveal a preserved medium, brownish-gray mouse. I looked at her for a moment before looking back to the mouse. "Um… thanks, I think?"

"It's from the old country," she explained as she sat on the end of my bed, grinning at my obvious lack of appreciation for this three-hundred year old rodent. "It will bring you luck. And if you ever need me—" she coughed lightly, correcting herself, "Us, just whistle. You know how to whistle, don't you?"

I nodded, puckering my lips together, letting out a pathetic airy exhale of air. …okay, so I thought I knew how to whistle. I sat down next to her and sighed.

Anna let out a soft chuckle, letting out the most amazing sound I had ever heard; it wasn't very loud, but it was long and it left my ears ringing.

"Damn, you mean I have to whistle like that if I ever need you guys?" After she shrugged, I pushed it out of my mind. "Okay, so, you and I both know that you aren't just here to give me a dead mouse. I thought you were supposed to be clubbing with Rudolf."

She gave another causal shrug as she began toying with the ends her blonde hair. "I am. He was over here, wasn't he?" She didn't wait for me to answer, "He probably is on his way home, he'll change into something more appropriate and start to wonder where I am…" The blonde vampire gave a flippant wave of her hand, continuing. "Then I suppose he'll ask mother, and she'll tell him I'm here, and before you know it, he'll be here, having a positive fit finding you and I alone. So," she grinned, "We must get this over with as soon as we possibly can. Do you understand?"

"Uh… sure?" And it was then that I wasn't very sure about anything we were about to talk— or not talk— about.

"You should not be involved with our family, Tony."

I blinked. "Um, what?"

"There are so many things you don't know about us— not to say that I don't want you to be with us, because I think you've done our family a world of good—… the way our family does business… we are not the safest group of people for you to be around." She waited me for to object, to react, or anything, I guessed, but I said nothing and she sighed. "I am sure you are already aware of my father's dislike for you, and, I'm afraid, Gregory does not think very highly of your association with us. My mother and I are concerned for your safety."

"Don't you think that I am fully aware of all the crap that might happen if something— anything— bad was to happen? I get that, Anna. And I don't care. I want to help you guys become human again."

For a while, she studied me, before giving a sad smile and nodding. "Very well, then. Then there are things you should know."

"Like what?"

"There are many, many things…" She leaned towards me, slipping my glasses off my face before gently placing her palm over my eyes so her fingers rested against my forehead.

Everything was black.

But then, through the eyes of who I assumed to be Anna, I could see a pair of boys fighting with wooden swords, before the sight returned to a rosebush where thin, pale fingers coaxed little buds away from the smothering thorns and overpowering blooming roses.

"Ow! Anna, ow!" She turned and I spied a little Rudolf running away from his older brother into the arms of his sister, who glared at Gregory. I could feel him as if I were her, his little crying, shaking body, clinging onto his arm; I think part of my heart broke.

"I told you to not hit him that hard, Gregory! Look, you made him bleed!" The twelve year old Anna chided.

Gregory folded his arms over his chest, rolling his eyes. "You cannot baby him, Anna! He needs to feel pain and suffering, so he can learn to conquer that and become a man!"

"He's seven, Gregory!"

I heard Anna's voice through the vision: Even though we were the children of a Lord and we had plenty of servants at our disposal, we often found it was easier to just be with each other. We had become our own little family because our own parents were too busy socializing with other aristocrats. It was only when we all changed they found themselves with nothing to do but tend to their children, but, I'm afraid that's another story for another time.

The world around me slowly faded and it was suddenly alive with music, laughter, and dancing. Anna was in the midst of several young men, all hoping to persuade her into a dance. With causal indifference, she just laughed, lifting a champagne class to her lips before someone touched her shoulder. She turned, her eyes alight, "Ah, Gregory, dear."

He shot a half-lidded look to those around her, and grinned with slight contempt, "'m sorry, ge-gentlemen, but I would like a word with m' sister."

When Gregory was old enough, he and a few of his close school friends went off to Cambridge, to study at the university. He and his dear friend Benjamin came home for the first time when he was twenty; Benjamin's parents were so pleased, they threw a grand ball and, of course, we were all invited.

I could tell from the way Gregory spoke and acted, he had more than his fair share to drink, but I could not fathom just all that would happen when he steered me out into the courtyard, asking for me to accompany him on his walk…

"So, dear brother, where exactly are we going?"

"F' a walk, sister, darling…"

They continued walking, her arm laced through his, further and further away from the brightly lit manor. Anna, who probably sensed something wasn't quite right, often glanced over her shoulder, clearly longing to go back to the party. As she was looking, I could feel fingertips glazing over her skin, before she was shoved roughly against a tree.

"G-Gregory?"

I shuddered under Anna's hand; this wasn't new, he had already tried to do this to me in the graveyard. I completely understood the horror of what she had gone through.

She struggled to get her brother away from her, but I could feel skin being exposed to the cool night air, and in panic, she began crying, begging him to stop. "P-Please, Gregory… s-stop…"

"Anna!"

For a brief moment, they stopped their struggling and their pursuing and turned; my heart fell. Oh, God, no. Don't let him come any closer. Rudolf stood, mouth agape, staring at the horror in front of him.

"Gregory! What in God's name are you doing to Anna? Get off of her!" The young Rudolf rushed to his sister's aid, trying to yank his brother off. "Let her go!"

Gregory shoved Anna aside, and she stumbled away, finally hitting the ground as her heel caught on a tree root. The dark-haired, twenty year old whirled around, grabbing Rudolf roughly by the collar. "Do you have a problem, brother?" He hissed into Rudolf's ear, pinning him against a much larger tree.

I watched in horror as Rudolf's eyes widened as his brother's fist connected with his stomach, not just once but several times before I watched a trail of blood emerge from the corner of his mouth. Stop it, I wanted to yell.

"Are you s' des'p'rate t' save her that you are willing t' take her place?"

Clothes were torn from him and he cried, trying to look for Anna, as Gregory began raking Rudolf's now partially naked body with his nails. "A-Anna! Help me, please!" He twisted around, but he was no match for the older boy.

"P-Please, Gregory, p-please, please stop… Anna… help me, Anna… A-A— ahhhhh!"

"This 's what 's like t' play hero, little brother."


I yanked away from Anna's hand with such desperation, the back of my head collided with the wall. "Wh— …you… why… you didn't help him?" I yelled, anger and rage boiling inside of me.

Anna wasn't smiling. "Both he and I punished myself enough for that, Tony."

Despite her words, my heart was still breaking. Was that his trauma?

"He was only fourteen when that happened… he didn't speak to me for three years. He rarely spoke to anyone and we hardly ever saw him. When he was seventeen, the first chance he got, he left for Oxford. I feared he would never come home and I would never be able to forgive myself. But then he did… he came home." She looked at me tentatively, holding her hand up. When I nodded, she covered my eyes again.

Through black I could hear a voice, "Lady Anna," it called.

"Yes, what is it?"

"Master Rudolf has returned home and has requested an audience with you in the ballroom."

Her head snapped up from a book, which she quickly flung aside. She rushed out of the room, down into the ballroom where she could hear voices. "Rudolf?" She called, giving a hasty curtsy as she entered.

Before she knew it, arms were around her— arms that I was rapidly becoming acquainted with— twirling her around. "Ah, my dear sister! How I've missed you, please forgive me for what wrong I may have caused, because there is no need to fret," He set her down gently, placing a soft kiss on her forehead, "Because I forgive you."

The sheer shock of the moment had left her crying and clinging to her younger brother, and for a moment, I wondered why he would give her that, but it was Rudolf… not to say that I knew him well enough to know he would do that, but, it seemed like he would.

There was a temporary fade to black before Anna sat facing two young men, Rudolf, looking much like he did now, and a honey blonde young man. Rudolf looked completely at ease, a slight smile playing with the corners of his mouth. The stranger simply looked contented to be there, waiting patiently for some one to say something.

"I really do beg your pardon. I did not mean to cause such an outburst, I was unaware we had a guest." Anna said softly, looking down at her hands.

He hummed, before giving a dismissive wave to his hand, "Nonsense, it was a touching moment. I apologize for catching you off guard," he smacked Rudolf in the arm. "I told him to write home and inform you all he and I were coming, but," he turned, half glaring, half grinning, "Rudolf insisted that it remain a surprise."

"I also apologize, but you are…?"

"Oh," Rudolf, finally said, as if forgetting none of this had happened, "May I introduce—"

"I am quite capable of introducing myself, I am not at home, so let us please forget for a day that I need an introduction." He leaned forward, extending his hand. "Hadrian. Hadrian Winthrop of Essex; pleased to make your acquaintance, Lady Anna."

Tentatively, Anna let him kiss her hand before looking pointedly at him. "You are, by chance, the same Hadrian Winthrop whose father—?"

Again, the blonde gave a dismissive wave of his hand, "Yes, yes, that would be me, but I would like to request that we ignore that while I stay. Would that suit you, my Lady?"

"Whatever his Lord wishes."

"Ah, ah. Hadrian, please."

Things faded to black. Already, I was pretty sure I wasn't going to be a big fan of Hadrian.

"Anna, darling, what on earth are you doing?"

Anna turned so she saw her mother, standing in the doorway, but turned back to the window she was sitting at, looking down on the courtyard where the two young men were. They sat under a large tree, surrounded with a few books, leaning up against the trunk.

Rudolf would grin and lean over, whispering something that would make his companion smile, the kind of smile that lit up his face. He was a little shorter than Rudolf, and had his honey blond hair pulled back at the nape of his neck, making a small pony-tail. The blonde nudged Rudolf's arm so that Rudolf leaned in closer, and whispered something back, which left the dark haired boy flustered and blushing, and me relatively annoyed. I wish Anna would pick a different memory.

"I am so glad he has found a friend at the University. That Hadrian boy seems to be doing wonders on our Rudolf."

"Yes… it seems that way, mother."


I pulled away, glowering. "Is there a point to this?"

However, this time, there was a smile on her lips. "Yes, Tony, I think you've given this a truly valid point. And as much as I wish it didn't, it relieves me."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Shh! We have no time for talking, Rudolf's probably on his way back over here by now." Without any warning, she smacked me into another vision.

"Anna, I don't see why we're doing this…"

Hush, my love, I'm showing you something important!

My love? Okay, then.

A faint scent of burning wood filled my nose, and then I could feel Anna's arm looped through someone else's. Another hand gently brushed her shoulder. "It will be all right…" The familiar voice chanted.

I noticed now, they were pressed up against a wall, and Rudolf was clasping a sword, protectively standing in front of Anna, closer to the door.

"What happens if they come, Rudolf?"

"It will be all right, no matter what happens… keep faith, Anna."

Anna jumped as a part of the floor above them gave out, sending a little piece of raging fire into the room. She clung tighter to Rudolf, burying her face in his arm. "Rudolf," she hissed, "I can hear them coming…"

"I know, I know… but it will be all right." He gently pulled away from her, positioning himself at an angle. "I just need to react. As soon as they come in, I have to fight. There's no second thoughts— I will protect you, Anna, trust me."

There was banging on the door— Anna shut her eyes— before finally, there was a loud crash.

"To your death, vampire!"

There was a sickening slurp of blood, before a vicious coughing fit. "R-… Rudolf…"

Panic rose up into both Anna and I. Holy shit. He didn't. Please, God, don't let that be his trauma, please, don't let it be him…

"Ha-Hadrian!"

Anna's eyes flew open, just in time to see Rudolf fall to his knees, grasping Hadrian's arms, sword clattering to the floor. She pressed her hand to her mouth; I could feel the overwhelming need to cry swell inside her.

Tony, you're crying…

"That's because you're crying, damn it…"

He loved him. He told me later that Hadrian got him over hating me… Hadrian helped him move on and become happy… this tragedy is his trauma.

"Why… i-it's so unfair…" I watched, my heart breaking again as I watched Rudolf slowly break into pieces, holding onto the blonde, begging him softly— I could hardly hear him over the now roaring fire— for him to forgive him, he was so sorry, he didn't know that he was there… don't go…

"Let me die with you, I beg of you, do not leave me here alone…"

Hadrian smiled, his eyebrows furrowed as he reached up, his fingertips brushing Rudolf's cheek. "Do not s-say such… things… Promise me, you will never consider taking your life is an option…"

"Ha—"

"Promise me."

Well, that sounded familiar. No wonder he was that adamant about not letting me kill myself.

Rudolf nodded, letting a laughing sob escape him. "H-How is it… that you… you're dying…. and you still…" He cradled the blonde closer, "You still can be such a demanding ass…"

Smiling, "B-Because… I love you and I-…" he coughed, blood bubbling between his lips. "I… I want… to… see you live…" He pressed a chaste kiss to Rudolf's lips, smiling. "P-Please live… I love you, Ru…" Hadrian coughed again, his hand falling back down to his side. "I love you, Rudolf…"


I pulled away, rubbing my eyes, although the inner feeling of just needing to sob wouldn't go away. "Why… why did it happen?" I asked, trying to swallow the lump rising in my throat.

She shrugged, holding her arms open.

I found myself hugging her, her cold skin cooling my heated face.

Anna ran her fingers through my hair as I felt the tears finally give way, onto her shoulder. "Shhh, shh, it's all right. Hadrian's father was the Lord of Essex, one who publically denied following Oliver Cromwell, and actually had a great part in helping Charles the Second to safety. However, when our father heard about this, of course he wanted to meet him. The Winthrops stayed in our second home for a time. Not that Rudolf nor Hadrian minded in the slightest. Yet, I'm not sure how it came to be, a vampire managed to get into the Winthrop Manor while our parents and Gregory were visiting. Some of the servants managed to escape, and they came to warn us… however, our household was already in panic because lightning had struck our house and it was rapidly catching fire." She hesitated, holding me just a little tighter. "Hadrian also managed to escape, however, mother, father, and Gregory were changed… Hadrian's parents were killed. And he ran… he ran all the way to tell us what had happened. All of it was such a big misunderstanding…"

"I-It's so un-unfair, Anna… he was s-so happy."

"I know, Tony." A curt, bitter laugh escaped her, despite the trembling in her voice, "And even then, when I had finally managed to coax Rudolf outside, we were only met with this fate…"

We stayed that way for what seemed to be an eternity; I wanted to go with them now. I didn't care if I was tired tomorrow. I had pulled all nighters before, so why would this be any different?

I sat up when I remembered something. "Oh my God, Anna. Yesterday, when you interrupted him in the middle of that question… you were talking about Hadrian? Oh, holy hell, please tell me you did not actually say that to him. How could you do that to him?"

She looked at me, frowning some, trying to wipe away the rogue tears that fell from ruby eyes. "Because it was true, Tony. If he can't forgive himself, it will only make him feel guilty." Her voice became serious, as she took my hands in hers. "Can you even fathom what he was going ask you? He wants to be with you, Tony. For the first time in three hundred and fifty years, for the first time since then, he is happy. He loves you. You are all he talks about. His face lights up every time he tells us he's going to see you. You have changed him, Tony."

My cheeks were warm, and the overwhelming feeling of sadness was replaced by with anticipation and excitement. "What? Are you sure?"

"Yes, Tony, yes. He's acting like he did around Hadrian; he's truly happy and he's truly in love. That's why I couldn't let him ask you. Because I couldn't bear watching him fall to pieces again. And now that I've shown you this, I've seen you cry… I know you love him too. Maybe it's not as monumental for you, but I feel reassured. I feel relieved." Her smile faltered some as she let go of my hands. "I hate it, though. I seem to have fallen for you too, but I want him to be happy. He deserves it. So, please, Tony Thompson, please don't hurt my brother."

I was left slightly gaping. This was all too much. "What? How can you just—"

"Tony?" Rudolf was at the window, dressed in a pair of jeans, a black button-up top, with a few left unbuttoned, and a white vest. Damn. Damn, damn, damn. "Anna?" His eyebrows rose. "Have you both been crying?"

I launched myself towards the vampire, flinging my arms about him momentarily, before pulling away. "Um, um," I sniffed, rubbing my eyes. "I want to come with you."

Forgetting his question, his face lit up. "You do? Oh, Tony, I'm so glad." He looked to Anna, beaming. "You've convinced him to come… thank you, Anna."

"Anything for you." She smiled back, dabbing at her eyes.

"Hold on, I'm gonna go change and let my parents know that I'm going to bed…" With a new found feeling tingling through me, I left the vampire's side, running downstairs and skidding into the kitchen. It looked as if my parents' fight was finally over, because they both sat there, talking in soft voices, drinking after-dinner coffee, my father's hand resting on my mother's on the table.

"I think I'm gonna go to bed. Those books are so tiring."

My mom glanced over at me. "Good night, honey. Sleep well."

"G'night, Tony." My dad said, smiling.

I couldn't help smile a little too. "Good night." As quickly and quietly as I could, I made my way upstairs, and back into my room. I saw the two of them waiting on my balcony, and I ducked into my closet. What was I going to wear? What did people wear clubbing? Shit. I wasn't even eighteen yet. "Hey, Rudolf?"

"Yes?"

"Is me being seventeen going to matter?"

This time, it was Anna. "No, Tony, dear, we're friends of the club owner and they know we're bringing you, so it's fine."

Well… that took care of one problem. "Shit."

No sooner had I uttered the word, Anna was at my closet door, beaming. "Let me guess, Tony, dearest… because you've never been to a club, you haven't the slightest idea what to wear…" She waited for me to nod, although I think she already knew what the answer was, "Have no fear, I will help you solve this." The blonde vampire went rifling through my closet, occasionally tossing things to me.

"What…?"

"Put them on."

"I didn't even think I still had these things… I don't want to wear them."

She rolled her eyes, "Wear them and my brother and I won't be the only ones who think you're attractive."

"Out," I hissed, shoving her out of my closet, blushing even harder when she started laughing. When I had shut myself inside, I sighed, looking at the clothes in my hand. Emily had drug me to the mall, where she coerced me into buying them— she had gone through a scene phase and had taken me with her. Black skinny jeans? Tight blue shirt? Egh, I was going to look ridiculous. But, what did I know? I'd never gone to a club before… Sighing again, I stripped, pulling on the skinny jeans. Jesus Christ— there was no room— for anything. I shuddered, ahhh, this was so weird feeling!

There was a soft tap on the door. "How's it coming Tony?"

"Well, for starters, I hate your choices."

Anna laughed. "That's quite all right. Just so you know, before we leave, I want to do your hair, too."

"How the hell do you know so much about all of this?"

She just laughed again.

Reluctantly, I pulled the shirt on, frowning. It was tight too. I opened the door with a grimace, now partially afraid of the grin Anna was giving me.

"Perfect!" She grabbed my arm, ushering me out of the closet and towards my bed where a mass of hair-styling items lay. Where the hell did they all come from? "Now, hold your breath." Grabbing a can of hairspray, she looked mildly annoyed that I hadn't done what she had said, so she slapped her hand over my mouth and nose, spraying my head with an over-zealous amount of hairspray. Before I had a chance to protest, she began raking a comb through my hair, brushing it up and then holding it and brushing it down.

"What the hell are you doing to me, Anna?"

She studied me for a moment, "Do you have a bandana?"

I frowned. "It's in my closet with the rest of these stupid clothes."

For a moment, she disappeared, and when she came back, she tied it around my forehead before coming back at me with a handful of make-up.

"Woah, woah, woah… what are you doing?"

"Just stop asking questions, Tony."

"Where's Rudolf?"

She sighed loudly, grabbing my jaw in a vice-grip as she put stuff on my eyes. "He went to go get the car."

I tried to worm out of her grip, but it felt like my jaw would dislocate if I tried any harder. "What? You guys have a car?"

After a few more minutes of smearing goop on my face, she swung her arm around my waist, so I couldn't protest, sending us both out the window. "No, we don't generally have use of a car, but my friends, they live in Edinburgh, drove it up here the other day, because they knew it was Rudolf's birthday, and they know how much he likes to drive. He may be pretty naïve on several things of the world today, but cars are not one of them."

"How do you know so much, though?"

"Again," she suddenly swooped down, and I shut my eyes, willing my stomach to not come up through my throat, "My friends. They were much more recently changed and unafraid of being out in the world because Edinburgh is much more populated. You'll meet them when we get there." She set me down, giving me a little shove towards the car, seeing me stagger as my feet met the ground.

I shuddered; she was a much scarier flyer than Rudolf. Slowly, I climbed into the backseat, my arms wrapped around my stomach.

"Tony?"

I looked up, spying Rudolf, turned completely around in the driver's seat, his eyebrows raised. "What?"

At first he said nothing, but then he shook his head, "N… Nothing…" He looked to Anna, but Anna had the rear-view mirror facing her direction as she applied bright red lipstick, trying to also fix the slight mascara smear from earlier.

"What?" She asked, without looking at him. "Why are we still here?"


The drive to Edinburgh was rather uneventful; Anna was the only one who talked, filling me in on some things about her friends, other things about the club. Like how it was owned by another vampire, and many of the young, or young at heart, vampires— most of who were on the same strict regimen of animal blood— would mingle with humans in hours worth of techno music and booze.

"Well, what happens if some one decides to bite a human?" I finally couldn't help but ask. Sure, I trusted Rudolf and Anna… but this sounded like it'd be a ton of the undead bustling around me.

She twisted around in the seat, so she was facing me. "It has actually happened before; I hear they cover up very well, and— oh." Her eyes widened a little with the realization. "No, no, Tony, you will be fine. You have a bite-proof guarantee, one might say." As she turned back around, she sent Rudolf a teasing look, "And, of course you'll have us; no harm will come to you, darling."

"Anna," Rudolf warned, not taking his eyes off the road.

"What?" She asked, her eyebrows raised in mock innocence, a soft giggle accompanying the question.

Only a few minutes later, we were weaving through the tight streets of Edinburgh, trying to dodge those crazy enough to dart out of nowhere and then Rudolf took a sharp turn and we wound up in a parking lot.

The two vampires in front turned to look at me, then to each other. "Do you think he's safe here?"

"Don't ask that in front of him!"

My stomach fell a little; that didn't exactly sound promising. However, I didn't get much time to tell them that I'd be just dandy sitting in the car until they decided to come back, because they had managed to pull me out, linking arms with me, hauling my human ass past a long line of people waiting. Since I didn't have to focus on walking— I was practically being dragged— my eyes fell onto the people. Some looked normal, some looked pale; some looked like they were goth enough to be vampires, others wore bright neon. Any number of these people could be vampires, and I would never be able to tell which were which, especially in the dark.

After walking around the corner, we reached the front of the club, and Anna temporarily let go of my arm to go whisper something to the bouncer, who gave a low, throaty chuckle before scanning me over and waving us in. Ehh, I wish I had some idea of what I looked like to these people.

The moment we walked through the doors, I was met with a smoky, alcohol-y force that hit me in the face all in due part to the blaring bass of the techno music; I coughed. Wow. Everything was pretty dark, save for the occasional blinding light of the strobe and color lights, then, of course, there were the black lights. I could feel the low thumping and burring throughout my body, which is why I jumped when I felt some one's lips near my ear.

"Are you all right, Tony?"

I looked up to spy Rudolf, watching me with slight amusement. Nodding, I gave a little smile, "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just this is all kind of new to me."

As my eyes adjusted, I spied a boisterous group that suddenly approached us, all flashing a grin, their canines prominent. These were Anna's friends? I swallowed; unafraid? Pft, try shameless. They looked like the people to go waltzing out in the middle of the street, scaring people just for the hell of it.

"Rudolf, mate, happy bloody birthday…" One of the females stepped forward dropping a kiss on his cheek, before flinging her arms around Anna. "Annaaaa, you really need to stop by more." If she had hung onto Rudolf like that, I might have been tempted to shove her off— the kiss had been bad enough. Aside from the air she seemed to carry— you know, the I'm-a-Vampire-and-I'm-Going-to-Eat-You-air—, she didn't seem all that threatening. She was shorter than I was, her chocolate brown hair flared out, miscellaneous bright colored bobby-pins, barrettes, bracelets, necklaces, tank tops and shorts— and paint splatters?— only seemed to emphasize the paleness of her skin.

Anna giggled, grabbing her friend's waist, trying to shove her away. "You're being rude dear, introduce yourself."

The other vampire gave me a lazy grin, once again, unabashedly brandishing her canines. With an arm still draped around Anna's neck, she reached out, giving me a pat on the cheek. "So you're the infamous Tony? 'lo, there, boy-o. Looks like Rudolf is quite the cradle robber." She mumbled, the last part, scanning me over. "But never mind the details, right? The name's Ashlyn." She pulled my face closer, examining my eyes. "Y'know, I think my eyes were that color once… What color are they now?"

"Ah… like a red-black?" I answered, wishing she would let go of my face.

"That's because I'm hungry."

"Ash!" Anna squealed, giving her a playful punch in the side. "She's kidding, Tony! Her eyes are always that color."

The brunette scowled, sticking out her pierced tongue. "Way to ruin the fun, Anna. Anyways, yes, they're always this color, so no need to wet your pants, boy-o." She straightened up some, finally addressing the rest of her party. "Right, well, maybe as Anna may or may not have told you, we're relatively new to this whole vampire shin-dig. I've got sixty-seven years under my belt. But I've always loved to travel, so, naturally, I'd move around… picked up this lot along the way. We settled here about twenty-six years ago." She pointed to a taller, wavy-haired sandy blonde female, who gave me a smile, much less menacing than Ashlyn's had been. "That's Larissa. She'll be real nice to you, so if you get lost just find her, and she'll keep you safe."

A laugh escaped Larissa as she stepped forward, "Sorry for all this. Ashlyn just likes to hear herself talk; but she's right, if you get lost in here, I'll make sure you stay safe."

I couldn't help but smile. These people were so nice! It was a big change from school and Rudolf and Anna were nice too, but it was different because they were around so much. "T-Thanks," I stammered, feeling a little like I was a protected invaluable asset to the vampire community— or I hoped I was, at least. Feeling Rudolf staring at me, I turned, beaming up at him; he laughed, ruffling my hair as Ashlyn continued.

"Bloody hell, of course I like to hear myself talk! But all that aside," she then pointed to the two that seemed like they were connected at the hip. "That's Mariah and that's Brian. Brian's new. Only twelve years, he is. So, if anyone was to eat you, he'd be the one to do it."

"Ash—"

"Right, right, so I'm only partially serious; they've been together for… about… what, four years now? They're fuck buddies."

"We're dating, you harpy." Brian shot back, his eyes narrowed into a dangerous glare.

Ashlyn rolled her eyes. "And I don't really care, Brian." She leaned in, whispering, "I don't much care for him; bit of an ass, he is."

I laughed a little, shivering as Rudolf slipped his arm behind me, giving us all a nudge. "Why don't we step out of the doorway?"

"No, no, no, we'll step out of the doorway; Anna," pointedly, Ashlyn looked back to the blonde, her forehead resting on her friend's, "Go take your brother to see everyone… we'll take Tony; then you can bring them over to meet him once you're done warning them not to eat him."

"Eat me?" I asked, turning to look at Anna. "I thought you said I had a bite-proof guarantee?"

Anna's eyebrows furrowed as she gave me an apologetic smile. "You do, dear, well, sort of. They knew, but the others aren't going to jump on humans here, that rarely happens, we just have to make certain—"

"You'll be fine, Tony." Rudolf smiled, squeezing my side.

I blushed, looking away.

Grinning, Ashlyn looked between me and Rudolf, something that sounded a lot like a cackle escaping her. "Well, now that that's settled, let's go, Tony." She grabbed my arm, as did Larissa, while Mariah and Brian followed after Rudolf and Anna.

"Ah… how long do you think it's going to take them?"

They both shrugged, leading me towards the bar. My stomach dropped; well, this didn't look promising. Before I knew it, Ashlyn had effortlessly picked me up and set me up on the bar, leaning onto the counter, grinning as she shouted, "A couple of Jamesons** for us and Tony!"

A large group around us looked in our direction, some lifting their drinks and cheering "Ay Tony!"

After these strange rituals had subsided, Larissa sat on a barstool, laying her arm on the bar. "So, I'm sure Ash has done a terrific job of scaring you to death; d'you have any questions for us?"

"Uh, sure… you know, neither of you… well, actually, Mariah too, none of you look very Irish."

Larissa shrugged, "Well, that would be because we're not. Except Brian. He's from here."

"She and Mariah are from Berlin, I found them when I left Ankara."

"Ankara?"

"It's in Turkey, boy-o." She handed me a glass filled halfway with amber liquid before reaching around me and handing a glass to Larissa.

My eyebrows shot up as I stared at the glass. "You're from Turkey? But isn't Ashlyn an Irish name?" And I knew that why? Maybe because I spent a good portion of my day going through hundreds of Irish names.

She took a long sip of her drink, nodding her head. "Yep. I changed m' name. Figured I'd least change who I was since the Leyla part of me pretty much died when I was changed."

"Well, that's depressing."

She shrugged. "But true."

Scanning me over, Larissa cleared her throat, getting my attention. "Have you ever drank, Tony? You keep looking like it's going to try to eat you."

"Drink it," Ashlyn said, not giving me a chance to answer. "Drink it, or tonight will be one of the worst nights of your life."

I was never one to say no to new things, but as I took a cautious sip of it, the desire to spit it out was blocked when Ashlyn slapped her hand over my mouth.

"Swallow it."

"That's what he said."

They smirked as I swallowed the burning liquid, trying to not gag. Holy hell, that was disgusting. Finally she moved her hand and I coughed, shuddering. "Can I be done with this?"

"Next question, deary."

"Why the hell are you two drinking this… this stuff?"

"'Cause it's good."

Larissa laughed, "It doesn't really affect us anymore, and I drink 'cause I like the taste of it. Ash does it 'cause she likes to act shamelessly drunk and get away with it."

Ashlyn hadn't said anything, but when I turned to look at her, she was taking another drink, trying to stop herself from smiling.

As I continued looking at her, I couldn't help but notice just how dark the half circles under her eyes were. "Did you put some kind of make up on under your eyes? Like, is that really bad smeared eye liner or something?"

She eyed me, pointing a finger towards my face. "You know you've got smeared eyeliner. Did Anna talk you into that one?" With her thumb, she ran her cool finger under both my eyes. "And to answer your question, no, it's not make-up." Ashlyn gave a wicked smirk. "I just shoot up heroin."

"Wha—"

"She's joking, Tony." Larissa said, laughing.

The brunette leaned over me, poking Larissa in the forehead. "You are such a buzz-kill! Fuckin' a…" She leaned her head back, finishing off the drink before hopping over the counter, grabbing the bottle of whiskey, and gracefully hopping back over. "Now finish your drink, there's underprivileged children all across the bloody world who don't get to drink such damn good whiskey."

I laughed a little, looking back to the drink in my hands. I wondered if Rudolf had ever been in my situation— it probably wouldn't have bothered him; it wasn't like he was a prime candidate for becoming a roaring drunk. Well, it'd make for an interesting story— I pinched just under the bridge of my nose, downing the rest of the drink. When I made a face, they laughed.

"One down," Larissa began, smiling.

Ashlyn tipped the bottle into my glass, filling it up. "Two to go."


"Fuuuuuck," I growled, trying to shove the green bottle away. "I can't fuckin' do this anymore." Three half-glasses had turned into finishing off the bottle while the two females around me watched in light-hearted spirits. …with their own spirits. Haha, funny…

Ash grinned, nudging me in the side. "This is nothin', kid. Absinthe. That is some fucked up shit."

"I hear you actually see a green fairy."

The two on both sides of me stared at each other before they broke into a fit of uproarious laughter. Trying to regain control of herself, Ashlyn began waving her hand towards the ceiling, "Aha, oh— oh my God— you, d'you remember— the," she waved her hand again, laughing even harder.

Having a little more success with breathing, Larissa continued, "Son of a— oh, look at the moon!"

With that being said, whatever it meant, they laughed harder, but Ashlyn suddenly stopped, straightening when Anna approached us.

A slight worry line appeared between her brows and she was smiling uncertainly, but put her hands on her hips. "What are you all laughing about?"

"No ideaaa." I said, shrugging.

Her eyes widened. "Tony, are you drunk?" She took a few steps towards me, grabbing my face before pulling away. "Good God, you are!" Looking to both the brunette and the sandy blonde, she shook me, making my head spin. "What did you two do to him? He's only seventeen! He's never had alcohol before— What is Rud—" Stopping, she bit her lip, pinching the bridge of her nose, trying to regain her temper. "Right, I came to ask if you have seen him?"

Larissa shook her head. "Not since you left with him earlier."

"All right, then I probably should keep looking for him." Anna turned to go, but Ashlyn grabbed her arm, frowning.

"You're mad at us…"

Anna turned, pointedly looking at the brunette. "He's so far gone that he probably won't even remember this tomorrow. Of course, I'm mad. I promised him and Rudolf that he wouldn't get himself hurt, but if he's this drunk then who knows who is going to try to take advantage of that."

I watched as Ash's lower lip was practically raped by her teeth. "I-I— we're takin' good care of him… we aren't gonna let anything happen, Anna…"

Shaking off her grasp, Anna turned around. "You better hope that nothing happens, but I still have to go find Rudolf." All three of us watched as the fair blonde stormed off back into the massive blob of people, off to search for the person I wanted to see.

"Mn, I believe that's the… eighth time she's blown you off?"

"You mean Anna? What?" I looked between the two, the idea finally hitting me— ohhhh. "So, you're like a lesbian?"

Ashlyn's mouth pulled down in an incredulous look. "Bisexual, boy-o. When you've been alive as long as we have we just stop caring so much. I had a husband once." She nodded slowly, giving a dismissive wave of her hand. "But now, I think Anna is about as much as I want right now."

A smile was pulling over my lips as I patted her cheek, much like she had when we had first met me. "'S'okay, keep trying. I to'ally understand."

She laughed, smiling back. "Great Iss, I'm gettin' love advice from a bloody human."

"I have to agree with him. Keep tryin'. I love to see her shoot you down."

Ashlyn gave her a backwards peace sign***, and I found myself giggling.

"Tha's sooo weird."

"Oh, no, boy-o, let's not get off subject here. You understand, eh? And why is that? Maybe it's because we all saw how yeh were eyeing Rudy. It's like you were tryin' to undress him with your eyes."

I smiled, blushing, the bottle touched my lips and I savored the liquid in my mouth before swallowing. "Mmmm. Wha's your point?"

Larissa leaned onto my leg, smiling up at me. "Aww, you like him."

Nodding, I finished up the rest of the bottle setting it on the counter with a little too much victorious emphasis, because it wobbled, falling, but Ashlyn let it hit her leg, so that it rolled more gently onto the floor instead of shattering into a mass of green glass.

"Y'know, it's his birthday."

"Yesss, I knooow."

"Sooo," Larissa added, smiling, "What are you going to give him?"

That, however, had me thinking— or at least thinking as much as one impaired with alcohol could manage. "I don't really know…"

"Well, why don't you go turn him on or something."

I shot Larissa a look. "If you haven't exactly noticed, 'm not goin' to be the man in the rela... relationtip... ship... shiiiiit. 'M the chick." Well, that sounded fucking fabulous. Ahaha… fabulously gay. My lips pulled upwards.

"Tony, you could definitely top Rudolph. Definitely."

I couldn't help laughing. "Only in my dreams, Issyyy."

Ashlyn's eyebrows shot up as a smile appeared on her lips. "So you've dreamed about it, have you? You know what to do, then." She helped me off the counter, grabbing my chin in her hand. "Go make us proud, doll."

"No, no! I can't!" I said, trying to cling onto Larissa. "I wouldn't know what to dooo!"

The wicked smirk was truly Ashlyn's trademark, I had learned, and she wound her arms around my waist, gently prying me from the blonde, "Let's close our eyes, Tony… and imagine me to be Rudolf… to feel his body against yours, coolin' your flushed body and givin' you that tightening in your stomach."

I wormed around, facing her, a blush on my face. "Jesus fuck, that was the sexiest thing I've ever heard."

"I'm a porno director—"

Before she could say anything else, I smiled, again patting her cheek. "'M sure you are."

As I staggered my way into the mass of people, my stomach churned, oh geez, what was I doing? There were so many people, it seemed like I would never find him… but then, I heard his laugh, and saw part of his face— there were dimples in his cheek. I found myself longing for the coolness of his body— I wanted to just touch his face— it was so warm and everything was begging to blur together. "Mmn… Rudolf," I frowned at the slur in my voice, still reaching for the dark haired vampire in front of me. My fingers brushed the soft fabric of his vest, and he turned, his face lighting up. My lips lazily pulled into a smile, one that eventually matched his.

"Tony, is there anything I can do for you?"

Still smiling, I let my eyes trail down to the buttons, the miniature devils hiding the creamy marble body I was dying to touch. Undoing buttons with a bottle of Jameson in my system proved to be quite the task, but once I had undone the vest, I felt cool hands on mine, staying them.

Ruby eyes met mine, an incredulous laugh passing through his lips. "What in God's name are you doing?" He asked, letting me go.

"'M hot…" Suddenly, just slipping my hands under his shirt seemed like the better approach. I could feel him tense under my touch, but Jesus, the contours of his muscles made it all worth it.

"Tony," his voiced sounded like a warning, but he was doing nothing to stop me. "W-What… are you doing?"

As focused as I was, I caught the falter in his question and I grinned up at him, trying to do my best Ashlyn grin. "Rudolf," I said softly, slipping my hands out so I could attempt to free Rudolf from his shirt, but before my fingers had touched the next button, it was undone, and the vampire had guided my hands back to his body. The action softened my smile, and I slid my arms around him, pressing my face against his chest; he was so cold…

Sliding my hands down his back, I stopped when I reached his hips, looking up at him with what I thought to be innocent eyes. His eyebrows furrowed and I smirked, grinding my hips into his. The breath catching in his throat was the most beautiful thing I had ever heard; he tensed, his hands entangling themselves in his hair.

"T-Tony… d— mmngh—"

You know how when people get a reaction they like, they're pretty much going to do any and every thing in their power to elicit the same response? Oh, damn, I'd do anything to keep him looking like this. His lips were trembling, trying to form my name, dark, ruby eyes half-lidded, glazed with lust, leaning towards me, daring me to close the distance.

I slipped my hand down lower, meeting the bulge in Rudolf's pants, watching his eyes disappear behind the desperate fluttering of his eyelids.

"Mmn— don—"

I pressed a little harder and he gasped. Oh, this was just fucking beautiful. Finally, I tip-toed up, moving so my lips would meet his—

But he moved. He fucking moved. He had stepped away from me, digging his fingernails into his palms, biting down on his lip. "No, no, no, no—" He chanted for a moment before ruby eyes locked onto me. He suddenly grabbed me by the wrist, pulling me through the crowd, seemingly oblivious that I was tripping over my own feet just trying to walk. When we stopped, we were at the bar, and he yanked up on my arm, holding it above my head— it felt like I might have been just barely touching the floor, but I had felt like that for the past ten minutes, so haha, whateverrr. "Did you two do this to him?" Rudolf demanded, trying to ignore my giggling as I began twisting around under his grasp.

"We didn't do anythin', mate."

"He's drunk."

Ashlyn laughed. "That didn't seem to bother you a few minutes ago."

Looking embarrassed, Rudolf put me back on the ground, giving me a gentle nudge towards Ash and Larissa. "Keep him here— I need to go find Anna. We need to get him home."

Saluting him, Ashlyn wound her free arm around my torso, lassoing me back towards the safety of the bar. "Aye aye, Cap'in."

"That was the best, Tony," Larissa slung her arm around my shoulders. "And how d'yeh feel?"

"I feel…" I paused. Shit. What was I feeling? "'m I in trouble?"

"Trouble—?"

"You!" Anna had stormed up to us, waving her finger in my face. "Don't you dare move again, we need to get you home right now, or your family is going kill all three of us!" She whirled around, scanning the dance floor. "Where's Rudolf? I just saw him!" The frantic blonde yanked Mariah away from Brian long enough to shake her and tell her to hunt down her brother. "Tell him we'll be at the car." And before I knew it, she had hauled me up and flung me over her shoulder.

It was the fastest I had ever moved and it felt like I had just gone down a rollercoaster. Haha, fuck, I felt like I was going to puke. Just as it was getting unbearable, Anna had placed me in the car, and I laughed at the exasperated look on her face as she watched me. "Tha' was fun! Le's do it again!"

Anna whirled around, smacking Ashlyn in the arm. "I cannot believe you let him drink the entire bottle!" She raked her nails down her face, leaning her head back, groaning. "You two aren't the ones who have to ride all the way back with him! Now where is Rudolf?"

I smiled, tilting my head. "Tha's riiiight. He said he was looking for youuu. But you're riiiight here."

A roar of laugher came from Larissa and Ashlyn. "I can take a guess. If you saw how Tony was handling your brother, I'm pretty sure Rudy is havin' a nice long conversation with his right hand, if you know what I mean."

Anna's eyes widened as she looked at me, then back to them. "Wha—"

"Never mind that, Anna. A man's got to do what he can when he's got such a cutie for a love interest." Ashlyn scooted around Anna so she was standing in front of me, once again patting my cheek. "You did such a goog job. He won't be forgettin' that any time soon. D'yeh have a phone, boy-o?"

I nodded, smiling, trying to pull my cell out of my pocket.

She laughed, helping me pull it out. "You're going to sleep well tonight. But if you ever need anythin', just call me, and Issy and I'll be there in a heartbeat."

Larissa stepped next to Ashlyn, reaching out to ruffle my hair. "Keep in mind, you are completely able to top him."

The two smirked as I laughed, throwing my arms out to encompass them both in a hug. "Yessss! An' one day I shaaall prevail!"

"That's the spirit, boy-o."

Pulling Ashlyn aside, Anna stared down her friend until finally, she sighed, placing her hands on her shoulders. "You are such an idiot…" Slowly a smile formed on her lips and she kissed Ash's forehead. "And despite all of that, you managed to get him to show Rudolf that, somewhere, despite how drunk, they are into each other. So, thanks."

"Whoooooo! Yeaaaaah, you kiss her like you mean it!"

The two both turned to me, eyes wide, their mouths agape. Larissa just laughed.

When Rudolf finally showed up, he gave the two a weak glare, hopping into the driver's seat and slamming the door.

Even through the window, I could hear Ashlyn. "No need to be sour, Rudy; you'll thank me for it someday."

Rudolf just shook his head and the car roared to life.

After Rudolf had taken a sharp right turn, I had careened over and couldn't find the energy to get back up, so I spent the return trip on my side, curled up in the backseat, fading in and out of the world— even on my side the world was spinning. I should try drinking alcohol more often.

But I was so disoriented when the car stopped; I felt so cold, my head was spinning, and I could only make out blurs. Then, I was on something soft, and hands were on my face, something was wiping at my face, and people were talking in low voices.

"You can't be upset with him…"

"I'm not. I-I… it's," a sigh. "He wasn't thinking right and I don't even know if he was serious about any of it." Cold hands helped me sit up and I could feel the tight shirt leave my body to be replaced with a loose, clean-smelling shirt.

For a moment, there was nothing. "He had to be serious about part of it, even if he doesn't remember anything tomorrow. He wouldn't have done it if he didn't feel that way. Maybe the alcohol just helped him lose his inhibitions. You're kind of intimidating."

"I am not."

"I meant in the aspect of— oh, never mind. I think I'm going to take the car back down tonight and just spend the day with Ashlyn."

"You like her, then?"

A sigh. "No, but I think we need to do a great deal of talking."

"Well, drive safe."

"Ha."

Things were quiet again, but cool hands were on my face— I forced my eyes open, he was still blurry, but he was still Rudolf. I tried to smile. "Ruu—"

He let out a little laugh. "Good God above, this is such sick punishment."

When the mattress moved as he stood up, I frowned, blindly reaching towards him. "Nn… no… stay…" The mattress dipped as he came back, laying up against me, sighing into my hair. I smiled, snuggling into him, beginning the descent into darkness.

"Good night, Tony."


* — I don't actually know if The Great Families of Scotland is a real book, but if it is, then credit to whoever wrote/assembled it, but if it's fictional, then we can all just get on with our lives. Yay.

**— A Jameson for those of you who don't know, is an Irish Whisky.

***— i.e. the bird, the middle finger, a big ol' fuck you. C:

Heyyy, darlings, well, two more things.

Uno.

Haha, I don't know if you've ever tried, but writing first person for a drunk person is… challenging, so I'm sorry if Tony came off as too sober. I actually wrote and re-wrote and deleted and re-deleted like three times… so… haha, this is as good as it's going to get.

Dos.

This is one of the longest days, and there's kind of a ton of stuff that went down… and, I hate to sound like I'm begging… but, look. I'm begging. PLEASE TELL ME HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS. D: Even if it's like "Great." Or… like "Omg, this sucks!" …tell me. Please. I put a lot of effort into making this seem tangible from the tragedy to a Tony being a little horny tease… so please, please, pleaaaaaaaaase. Just do this one thing for me. If you never want to review again, that's fine. But do it for this one. Please. -lovelovelove-

TuT twenty freaking pages... mngg... -dies-