"Rashel? Are you okay in there?" Quinn's voice called to her through the bathroom door. The first thing Rashel had wanted to do when they got to Thierry's mansion was shower. She was covered in dirt - no, even worse. She was covered in grave dirt. From her grave. She shuddered, leaning her forehead against the tile wall. The water pooling at her feet was a muddy brown, and she stayed that way until it finally ran clear. She was dimly aware that she hadn't responded to Quinn - but, since she could still feel him through their bond, she knew he was still on the other side of the door waiting for her.
Yet, she took her time. She couldn't bare to see the look in his face - the look that hadn't left since she'd emerged from the ground earlier that night. She hadn't seen anyone else in the mansion, other then those vampires she crawled out to. Something told her they had been told to stay away for now. As she stepped out of the shower, she spied her silver switchblade sitting innocently on the bathroom counter. Sure, it wasn't wood or anything, but she was certain it could do the job. She lifted it, stroking the soft, metal surface almost lovingly.
No. She couldn't kill herself yet. Well, she COULD kill herself. But she couldn't do that to Quinn like that. She wrapped the towel around her body, and hesitated only once before she reached out to open the door. She pulled like she normally would, but it whipped open, surprising her. Quinn was staring at her, waiting like she'd knew he would be.
"Come sit down," was all he said, and he walked over to their bed. She followed him, still wrapped in only her towel. She didn't care. As she sat, she whispered, "I should feel numb."
"What?"
"I always thought, that if I got turned, I would feel numb at first. But I don't feel anything. Not a single fricking thing," she almost laughed, and Quinn sighed, pulling her closer, "You'll feel, Rashel. It just takes a little time for your body to adjust." He would know, since he was made a vampire too, once. Her mind wandered back to a conversation they'd had once. He was going to turn her - but she told him if she was made a vampire, she'd kill herself the moment she woke. Quinn sensed what she was remembering, and scowled, "Don't even think about it, Rashel."
"I don't WANT-"
"I don't care!" Quinn exclaimed, shaking her lightly, "Don't you ever think like that. Your my soulmate. I'll help you."
"Help me what? Learn to use humans as nothing better then food?" She exclaimed in frustration, feeling a rush in her chest. It was almost like adrenaline - but she felt her body crouching, and was now standing on the balls of her feet. She knew, instinctively, that she could move in a split second from this position. Quinn eyed her warily, and said, "That's a natural reaction. You'll move past that too." She slowly straightened again, and felt the tiny points that were half-emerged from her mouth with her tongue.
She buried her face in her hands.
Quinn was at her side in a second, wrapping his arms around her. He pulled her close, and whispered, "You can love, can't you? If I can be a vampire, and still love you, then you can still love me. We're in this together, Rashel."
"I don't want this!" She said, her voice muffled by his chest. He stroked her hair, mumbling soothing words. After awhile, he unwillingly said, "I think Thierry wants us to see him. When your ready." Rashel pulled back, and nodded, "I guess I'm as ready as I ever will be. How.. how do I look?"
Quinn smiled. He'd always found her beautiful, but now that she had vampire blood in her, she was breathtaking. Her skin was smooth and flawless, her eyes dark and enticing. Even her hair shone brighter. But there was something different in the way she held herself, too - almost feline in nature. He took her hand, kissing it tenderly, mumbling, "Incredible." She smiled - the first smile he'd seen from her since she came out, he realized. He considered it a small victory.
They left their room, walking in the silent, empty hallway. Rashel was thinking again about how all the Daybreakers who weren't vampires were probably locked away, safe and sound. Quinn caught the tail end of that thought, and nodded, thinking, 'They are. It's just a precaution. Don't take any offense.' She nodded, and tried not to.
Quinn led her straight to Thierry's large office, which was furnished with grand, lavish furniture. The vampire arm of Circle Daybreak was all there, lounging in some way or another. Jez offered Rashel a grin, and said, "You look great."
"Thanks," Rashel said, in a small voice. She winced - even she knew how defeated she sounded. She threw herself into a chair, still trying to get used to the speed and agility now available to her.
"How are you feeling?" Thierry asked, looking at her with concern. She shrugged, and Quinn explained, "She doesn't feel yet."
"It may take a day or two..." Thierry trailed off, and Poppy said, "That's how long I took. Really, Rashel. It won't take much longer then that, I promise." Rashel gave her a half-smile. She had liked Poppy when they were at her and James's place, and because Poppy was a made vampire around Rashel's age, she felt a sort-of kinship to the girl. Beside Poppy, Ash lounged on a day bed. He piped up, "At least your sturdier now."
"Excuse me?" Rashel asked, her voice cutting like ice. Ash shrugged, "Your harder to kill. Faster. Not.."
"Human?" Rashel growled, barely recognizing where it came from. Quinn put a hand on her back, and mumbled, "Control." Rashel took a deep, very unnecessary breath, and said, "Sorry, Ash. Yeah, I guess that's a good point."
"You don't look too happy," The regal vampire - Delos, she picked up from Quinn's head - observed. He was he leaning against the wall with his arms folded, and Rashel shrugged in his direction, "I'm supposed to be? Do you know what happened to Lily Redfern, Quinn?" Quinn glanced over to Thierry for a second, then looked back at Rashel as he sighed, "I staked her."
"What?" Rashel burst, almost laughing. She fought with herself, trying to control her sudden happiness. She was NOT this bloodthirsty. She looked down at soulmate, and said, "Why didn't you tell me before?"
"I figured you had other things on your mind."
"So, what? Now you all get to babysit the poor, new vampire?" Rashel asked, looking at all her fellow Daybreakers levelly.
"No one is babysitting you," Morgead said, his arm slung around a comfortable Jez, "We're trying to help you, kid."
"I don't want your help! I don't want ANY OF THIS!" Rashel exclaimed, the sound reverberating off the walls. Quinn stood too, thinking, 'Rashel. Please calm down. I know your not happy about this. Hell, neither am I. You think I want a miserable soulmate? But we can all help you!' His mental lecture made Rashel feel guilty, and she felt her anger ebb away. A little embarrassed, she said, "Sorry. Look. I think I just want to go to bed. I don't want to think anymore." Thierry nodded, and said, "Okay. We'll talk again tomorrow evening."
"You really do look good," Ash grinned, sauntering over, "Sure you don't want to swap soulmates, Quinn?"
"I think Mare would behead you if she heard that," James snorted, taking Poppy's hand as they slipped out the office door. Jez shot Rashel a fierce smile, and said, "When your ready to learn how to track and hunt, come see me. I'm the best." She tossed her hair, and Morgead pulled Jez closer by the hip, giving her an elbow to the side, "WE, are the best." Rashel couldn't help but smile - at least she didn't get their indifference anymore. Thierry left with Delos, discussing a contact Delos's soulmate Maggie made with the human world. Finally, she and Quinn were alone.
"Do you want to go up? I just need to stop at the kitchen." Rashel frowned, following him out, "Why?"
"You need to eat," he said bluntly. Rashel stopped walking, grimacing. Quinn glanced back, and stopped as well, turning, "Rashel. It's either blood from the nice, clean bags in the kitchen, or blood from someone's neck."
"Well, when you put it THAT way.." Rashel sighed, "But I'll come. I don't want that... stuff, in our room."
"That stuff?"
"Blood."
"I know what you meant. Honestly, Rashel. I promise this won't be all bad. At least..." Quinn trailed off, digging through the vampire-only refrigerator. Rashel jumped gracefully onto the counter - something she'd never been tall enough to do before - and said, "At least..?" Without turning around, Quinn pulled out two bags, grabbing the nearby scissors. He kept his back to her as he softly said, "At least we can always be together now." He continued to open the bags, and Rashel stared at his back, surprised. She could always hear the tender things Quinn thought about her - but he rarely voiced them. Then again, they'd only been together a handful of days. They hadn't needed to voice those things yet. She felt a pang in her chest, and she rubbed it, frowning. When Quinn looked back at her, he asked, "What's wrong?"
'I think I feel again,' she thought, taking the bag he offered. He smiled, not his usual smile, but a full, brilliant smile that used to make her heart skip a beat. He said, "I knew you'd realize you can feel still soon. I'm glad."
"How come?"
"Because kissing someone who doesn't feel isn't nearly as satisfying," he mumbled, lifting her chin gently. He placed a soft kiss on the corner of her mouth, moving in to kiss her deeper after a second. She put her hand on his chest, returning the kiss eagerly. As he pulled her hips closer, she made a small, contented sound as their bodies aligned. As his tongue swept over her bottom lip, she parted hers eagerly, and-
"Ouch." Quinn leaned back, looking momentarily surprised. Rashel frowned, but lifted her fingers to her mouth. Two fangs protruded fully from her gums. She looked down quickly, thoroughly embarrassed.
"Don't," Quinn said, grinning, "I'm not used to feeling them, is all. After time, you can control them a lot better. It's frustrating at first, though." Rashel nodded, sitting back with a sigh. The moment was over.
"Well, drink up," Quinn said, taking a sip out of the glass he'd poured his bag into. He'd purposely grabbed cups that weren't see through, and Rashel grimaced, fighting the urge to plug her nose as she took a tiny sip. And promptly turned and spat it out in the sink.
"I can't," she said, shaking her head quickly, "God, I just can't."
"You have to," Quinn reasoned gently. He looked thoughtful, and then said, "Close your eyes." She wrinkled her nose at him, but she did as she was told. She could feel this burning ache in her throat, and she figured that meant she really did need this blood. She heard nothing for a minute, and then felt a straw touch her lips. She jerked her head back, but Quinn's hand was there, holding her in place.
"Trust me." She did, opening her mouth and drawing tentatively on the straw. The coppery tang of blood was still there, but it was masked by.. something. She took another drink, then opened her eyes, taking the cup from Quinn's hand. All she could tell, what that the liquid in the straw was a dark red, almost a brown color.
"Worcestershire sauce," Quinn said proudly, "Sometimes, in Night World clubs, they spike blood with different flavors for a change. I remembered trying this kind and thinking it barely passed as blood." Rashel nodded, her lips slowly spreading to a smile, "Thanks, John." He touched her cheek, then said, "Tomorrow morning, I want to go to the forest."
"What for?" She asked, as they made their way towards their room. Rashel was still taking tiny sips from her cup - ever one felt like a little boost of energy. She still wanted to sleep, but she felt.. refreshed.
"I want to start teaching you a few things. You being a vampire could have its upside." He opened their door, locking it behind them. Rashel raised an eyebrow, "Upsides?" She climbed into their shared bed, resting her head on Quinn's chest as he turned off the light. He had taken his shirt off as they spoke, and his soft skin made Rashel rub her cheek against it gently. Quinn, after taking a minute or two to think, said, "You've know more technique and strategy then anyone else here. If we can master your new abilities fast enough, we can do a lot more for Circle Daybreak. Who says we couldn't convince Hunter we want to join him? Imagine. Getting on the inside. I don't think he would believe any other vampire here then me. But I'm too close to being his immediate family for him to not listen. I think this is the chance Circle Daybreak was waiting for." They went upstairs, discussing Quinn's idea until they'd worked out all the kinks and problems that were likely to come up. Having a plan helped Rashel sleep easier - she knew she wasn't just going to be sitting here, wasting away her never ending life in a mansion. She'd be with Quinn. That's all that mattered right now.
The next day was cool, but Rashel didn't feel the need to wear a sweater. Why bother, if you barely feel the elements? She had sprung out of bed faster then expected when she woke, and ended up tangled in the blanket on the floor. Quinn, doing his best not to laugh, had promptly left the room for breakfast, leaving her to discover just how fast she could put herself together now. All of her non-vampire friends were still absent, which made her both happy and sad. She didn't want them to be scared of her, but who knew how she might react to a human the first time? Quinn had asked her to meet him at the entrance to the forest at am, so Rashel ate breakfast quickly, and walked outside, spying him leaning against the gate. He smiled at her from across the yard, and though he was still far away, she heard him say in a regular voice, "Try running."
She frowned at him, but did as told. She started up into a jog - something she had done daily, before she was turned. Full of energy, she picked up her speed, pushing her legs into long strides. Slowly, the scenery around her began to blur, until she could only sense where objects were around her. She came up to Quinn, digging her feet in to slide to a stop. She wasn't even breathless. Her eyes were wide, and in her mind, she whispered through the bond, 'Wow.' He gave her a grin, and said, "It gets better. Keep up!"
He took off, and Rashel raced after him, trying to follow his trail. She found it much easier then when she was human - his scent and their bond left such a strong trail that she didn't lose him once. He was fast, but she didn't fall very far behind him. They ran, dodging trees, rocks, plants. It made her feel free.
Quinn, after reading this in her mind, thought, 'This is what being a vampire is, Rashel. Feeling this way.' Too absorbed in what she was doing to think something back, she just sent him what she liked to call a mental hug - she sort of squeezed her mind around his end of the bond. She knew he smiled.
They had come further into the forest then she'd ever been - it would have taken them all day, at human speed. Quinn stopped, where a cliff edge met the start of the large lake that Thierry's estate bordered. She gave Quinn a big grin, and jumped on him, sending them tumbling back into the long grass. Laughing, she said, "What next, professor?" He stared up from underneath her, and smiled, "We're going swimming."
"Okay, how do we get down?"
"We jump."
Silence. Rashel raised both eyebrows, and said, "You want me to jump off a cliff? Maybe you aren't such a good teacher.."
"Trust me, you'll be fine. You did great in the forest - I know your ready for this," he insisted, getting up and helping her. She eyed the edge with a frown, peeking out and leaning back quickly, "No way."
"What if I go first?"
"No. Way." Instead of backing up like he thought she would, she took his hand, looking determined, "I'm a vampire. Let's get this over with." She laughed, which surprised her, and gave her a sweet kiss on the cheek, before he pulled her over the cliff.
For a split second, Rashel felt a scream work its way into her throat. She hated heights, and this cliff was easily fifty feet high. But, her body seemed to know what to do. She felt that same rush she had before - not adrenaline, but something more vampire-y. Her arms pointed forwards, the rest of her body following until she was in a diving position. Quinn had mirrored her movements, and as they neared the water, she forgot to be afraid. Instead, she felt a wild excitement blossoming in her mind.
To a human, the water would have been ice cold. To Rashel and Quinn, it was body temperature, so as they hit, she felt like she hadn't left the air. They dove deep, and she arched her body, going parallel with the approaching lake floor. Quinn was pushing his strong arms to swim ahead, and she followed. It felt strange, at first, not to surface for air. But she got used to it.
By the time they'd reached home later, she felt like she'd accomplished the basic vampire skills she knew all vampires had. Running and swimming were easy. She tracked fairly well, but Quinn pointed out that she would always be able to find him well. They would have to practice with someone else. On their way back, they had come across a deer with a large gash in its side. She had scented the blood from miles back, but as they found the poor creature, she couldn't bring herself to want to drink. Instead, she made Quinn wait as she slit its throat, to put it out of its misery. When Quinn wondered why she hadn't drank, she had defensively explained that she had enough human left in her not to want to. Instead, they made sure to grab bags from the kitchen, spiking Rashel's heavily with Worcestershire sauce. They had been gone all day, and as Rashel held her cup close, taking sips every minute or so, they went into the common area. This was there most of the Daybreakers spent their time while staying in the mansion.
As they entered, Rashel felt a jolt in her stomach, her throat muscles tensing. Blood. It was all she could smell. Looking around, she could see that it wasn't only vampires out now. They had all been given the okay. Which meant this was Rashel's test. She took a larger sip out of her cup, and Quinn glanced back, waiting patiently. He thought, 'Their friends, Rashel. I know you'll do fine.' She gave him a quick smile, trying to appear much braver then she felt. Of course, the bond quickly gave her away, and Quinn took her hand, walking with her. She looked around again, aware that all eyes were on her, whether it was direct or not.
Well, she thought. Showtime.
