He's Evil; I Love Him
Disclaimer: I don't own the House of Night series or its characters. Or the poem To the Virgins: to Make Much of Time; I am merely studying it in English class and thought it would be appropriate to put it in.
Summary: Kalona and Heath kept silent of their love. Heath continues to go to school with Zoey who managed to push her way into her previous school with her friends. However their peace doesn't last long when Zoey found out that Heath hasn't been going home. He's been going to the House of Night.
*Author's Note*
This is the sequel to "Stockholm and Lima Syndrome". One of my readers gave me the idea of a sequel.
Thank you for the idea, my dear reader! ^^
I'm not a House of Night fan. Excuse my lack of knowledge on the House of Night and the OOC characters! ^^
*End of Author's Note*
Dedicated to Kavote for suggesting I write a sequel! ^^
Sorry for the late update. I forgot about this sequel after school started.
Chapter 7
Standing in front of the large mirror in their bathroom Heath pulled off his night shirt and tenderly he traced his baby bump. A small ecstatic smile pulled at his lips. He was overfilled with bliss as he looked at himself in the mirror. Slowly he ghosted his finger tips over the bump. His eyes followed every movement through the mirror. A sense of disbelief and explosive happiness swirled within him. It was unbelievable that he had a life growing in him. Never would he have thought it possible. Yet here he was, pregnant eighteen weeks and impatient to meet the new life that had half of him and half of Kalona. He crossed his arms over the bump pretending he was hugging their child.
Warm muscular arms wrapped over his arms and Kalona rested his chin on his shoulder. Heath smiled up at him. Kalona swayed them slightly as if dancing. In response Heath closed his eyes and took a deep breath, inhaling Kalona's calm and alluring scent. One of Kalona's arms moved away from his waist, up his chest and grabbed onto his chin. The ever passionate fingers guided his head back and he obeyed voluntarily. Gently Kalona placed his lips over Heath's. It wasn't a passionate kiss. It was a calm and simple chaste kiss. Heath sighed into the kiss and melted back into Kalona. They pulled away slowly savoring the quiet calm atmosphere.
"Good morning, my love." Kalona whispered as he dipped to nuzzle Heath's neck. Heath laughed at Kalona's dog impersonation. He snaked his hands up into Kalona's hair and hummed happily.
"Good morning, Kalona." Heath greeted back. "Last time I checked, you were still sleeping." He couldn't help but be playful.
"Mmhmm, I missed you." Kalona spoke directly into his neck. The vibration and hot breath making Heath tickle and laugh. "Come back to bed." Kalona suggested.
"I can't, Kalona," Heath wished he could. "I have an appointment with Dr. Kay at ten." He pulled forward in Kalona's arms to grab the toothpaste and his toothbrush. He looked into the mirror only to stop himself from laughing. Kalona was on the verge of pouting. Never in his life would he have thought he would see Kalona pout. Placing the items down on the bathroom counter he patted Kalona's arms.
"It's ok, I'll be back to snuggle by twelve." He couldn't help but crack a smile. He watches Kalona contemplate the idea before letting Heath go. The fallen angel instead sits on the edge of the bathtub to watch Heath get ready. To say Heath was feeling awkward was an understatement. As he brushed his teeth he side glanced at Kalona who sat with a small smile. The mere idea of his lover watching him freshen up was bizarre. It made him feel like a part of some sort of sick fetish. He spit out the foam and rinsed his mouth prior to turning around with a stern look.
"Why are you staring at me?" He asked honestly. Kalona blinked and leaned onto an arm.
"You are stunningly breathtaking," was all Kalona offered as an answer. If Heath hadn't been feeling awkward he would have blushed at the comment.
"Doesn't answer the question why you're staring at me brushing my teeth…" Heath demanded; his stern look morphing slowly into a glare. Kalona produced a musical laugh at Heath's seriousness which only caused Heath to narrow his eyes. "Are you laughing at me?" Anger and disbelief laced his voice. Kalona stopped his laugh immediately. Though he was not fearful of anything he regarded the situation carefully. The room fell silent. Kalona watched as Heath gripped the toothbrush in his hand tightly then lift it slowly.
"Get. Out." The two simple words sounded like a prison sentence to Kalona who as usual didn't heed the warning. It only fueled Heath's anger to see him still sitting there. "I said GET OUT!" Heath threw the toothbrush at Kalona. The fallen angel caught it expertly and examined it. He got up from the edge of the tub and placed the toothbrush gently down on the counter. He spared Heath a calm glance before exiting the bathroom. The door clicking shut behind him. Heath huffed before continuing his morning routine.
Minutes later he emerged wearing a casual hoodie with some loose fitting pants. His clothes had become tight when he hit the seventeen week mark. Though they still fit he had traded them in for some loose fitting clothing that would hide his baby bump. He wasn't ready to tell everyone that he was a freak and pregnant with a possible monstrous looking child. Though he would leave out the monstrous looking child part out. He tugged his hoodie down over his stomach and looked around for Kalona. The fallen angel was not in the room. Heath sighed. He felt bad for getting all emotional on him and even throwing something.
Stupid hormones… He cursed in his mind as he pocketed his wallet, cell phone, and his house keys. Though he didn't live at home anymore he felt better if he carried them around. It gave him a sense of security. Patting his keys through the pocket Heath headed out. On his way downstairs he looked around for Kalona. Unfortunately the fallen angel had disappeared altogether. Heath sighed and waved for the gates to open. Defeated he stepped outside and walked his way to town to catch a bus to Dr. Kay's.
Kalona and Heath
Dr. Kay's office was bustling with mothers-to-be talking happily. Their smiles were heavenly as they shared pregnancy tricks and anecdotes. Heath entered rubbing his stomach trying to make himself relax. He was the only male here to see Dr. Kay and it didn't help when all talk ceased upon his entry. The mothers and fathers eyed him awkwardly as he made his way to the receptionist to announce his arrival. The receptionist looked up from her phone. She cocked her head to the side with an innocent look.
"May I help you?" She asked. Heath groaned inwardly. This was a different receptionist from the one he met last time. This meant he would have to explain he was the patient again.
"Hi, I'm-"
"Oh! Mr. Luck!" a voice called from behind the receptionist. Together they turned to look at the head that had popped out from behind the wall that boxed in the reception area. It was the receptionist that he was familiar with. He waved, ecstatic that she showed. She came out from behind the wall and picked up a clipboard that sat in front of the current receptionist.
"Welcome back and how are you doing?" She asked with a bright smile. Heath smiled back. He liked her. She was one of the more decent women around; the rare ones. She wore no make-up and was confident in her own skin and hair. There was nothing superficial about her. Even her personality was pure.
"I'm doing ok, though I created a tense situation this morning." Heath gave an apologetic look even though she wasn't the one he was apologizing to. She sighed in sympathy and reached over to pat his shoulder.
"It's ok, Mr. Luck. He'll understand." She encouraged him. "Just have a seat; Dr. Kay will be right with you." She smiled as she checked off his name from the clipboard.
"Thanks," He smiled back and sat down careful of his stomach. Many of the other patients still stared. They eyed his stomach and he could tell they were tempted to poke at it. To make sure they weren't hallucinating. At times like these, he wished Kalona could have come with him. But he knew it was a bad idea. Kalona would just distract people with his "alluring beauty" as one vampyre once put it. Heath sighed and bowed his head to stare at his bundle of miracle. He tried his best to wait out the stares and hope the patients and their families would just return to previous activities.
"Excuse me," a timid voice called for his attention. Heath raised his head to meet the woman two seats away from him to his left. She had a small smile and was rubbing her stomach. Her eyes were expectant with a hint of hesitation.
"Yes ma'am?" Heath decided to go with the polite approach. She seemed like a nice lady.
"I'm sorry to bother you," embarrassment painted her features as she became suddenly shy. "But I was just wondering…" she eyed his stomach. Heath looked down then back at her with a forgiving smile. He knew her question.
"Yes," he answered her unasked question. The woman looked up startled. "Yes, I'm really pregnant." He clarified.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" She blushed suddenly and covered her mouth with both hands. "I shouldn't have asked!" She became frantic. Her husband, he presumed, placed both hands on her shoulder to calm her. He avoided Heath's eyes and opted to look at the chair in front of him whenever he looked his way.
"It's ok, ma'am, you haven't offended me. I'm quite pleased that you took an interest in asking me." Heath smiled brightly. He wasn't lying. He was actually happy someone has the courage to ask instead of whispering about it. As if he couldn't hear them. She may have been a bit rude to ask but he liked her honesty about her curiosity. That itself nullified any angers towards her asking him.
"Oh…" her shame and embarrassment deflated instantly. All that was left was the slight blush. He watched her get up carefully and sat down next to him. "So, how far along are you?" She smiled. Her mood doing a 360 flip.
"Eighteen weeks," Heath answered happily. She squealed softly.
"Oh! You're going to feel him kicking soon!" Her words were delightful.
"Him?" Heath asked.
"Yes, him, I have a feeling yours is a boy." The woman smiled happily.
"Oh, I see…" Heath felt awkward. This woman was weird. He rubbed the back of his head with a small laugh. She smiled back before looking down at his stomach again.
"I'm sorry if this seems a bit much but… can I touch?" She asked.
"Honey-" Her husband protested but she waved him off as if he didn't exist. He sighed and gave Heath an apologetic look. But the look didn't reach Heath's eyes. It settled on his collar bone.
"Sure," Heath didn't mind. He was happy someone was comfortable with him pregnant. She shook with excitement before reaching out and pressing a palm to his stomach. It felt weird having someone touch it. Not even Kalona has touched it yet.
"It's wonderful." She pulled her hand back. "Being pregnant, that is. Having a life grow inside you is the best feeling you can have."
"I'm not so sure about that." Heath laughed. "I love the idea of a new life but I'm creating tense situations around the house." He said embarrassed. She waved him off with a "whatever" look.
"Don't worry about it dear. They deserve it, for getting us pregnant. If we have to suffer then they have to too." She justified it with a confident smirk. "I suggest you do it as much as you can while you're still pregnant. Because when you start giving birth you're going to regret holding back and feeling guilty and not doing it constantly." She snickered.
"Ok, honey, I think that's enough." Her husband pulled her back slightly. He was obviously uncomfortable with the talk. She pushed him away as if he was some annoying cockroach that just won't die.
"Oh, this isn't your first time?" Heath asked.
"Nope, this is my third time. I have two healthy ones; the older one is four years old and the other two." She smiled proudly.
"Mr. Luck," the receptionist called. Heath looked up. The receptionist had the door opened for Heath to enter. "The doctor is ready to see you now." He bid the woman good bye but she accompanied him standing up and gave him a hug.
"I can tell you're going to have immense luck, Mr. Luck." She giggled at her little joke. Though she seemed a bit drifty and floating between reality and the next world Heath couldn't help but chuckle with a bright smile. She seemed so sure of herself that it rubbed off on Heath. He bid her good luck in return and entered the inner office. The receptionist led him past other empty rooms to a room near the corner. Inside sat his doctor, Dr. Kay. She sat with her legs crossed and scribbling some notes down on another patient's file. Her twirling red hair cascaded down the front of her shoulders. She was a woman in her early thirties with a remarkable shine of a mother. At least she is to Heath.
Upon his entry she swiveled around in her chair and smiled warmly. Dr. Kay had been a bit hostile to their first appointment, thinking it was a joke. But after several more appointments the ice had melted between them. Heath found he was slowly becoming fond of Dr. Kay. She never judged him nor did she ask him insulting questions willingly. Heath sat on the chair next to her small corner table. She pulled his file from under the file she was writing on.
"Ok, let's see." She skimmed through the more recent notes. "We've passed the morning sickness stage, so that's good. You're in good health and the baby's healthy… hmm…" She tapped the paper with her nail before looking at Heath.
"How are you feeling, Heath? Anything abnormal these days?" She asked. Heath thought back to this morning in the bathroom.
"Are my emotions supposed to be all over the place? I mean, I was brushing my teeth this morning and my partner was looking at me. I grew angry and started screaming at him…" He trailed off, examining her for any reaction.
"That's normal, Heath. You'll probably be a lot more stressed and your emotions will slip your control. It's all normal." She smiled reassuringly. "Now, since I see you more frequently than the others, I don't think there's a need to do the routine so soon. I'll just jump to asking you the question." The way she said "the question" reminded Heath of those fantasy novels where it spirals into darkness uncontrollably and leaves you lost and doomed.
"What question?" He dreaded asking that.
"During your eighteen week we can give you a test to see if your baby has any abnormalities; defects. It'll better prepare you for what's in the future and, god forbid, help you finalize your decision in keeping the baby." Her words sunk in, especially "abnormalities; defects". Heath had assumed that his child was normal since she hadn't said anything about it being not. She had listened to it several times and did some ultrasounds but nothing seemed shocking. Now she was proposing a test for defects in the baby? Could there really be something wrong with the baby?
"Is there something wrong with my child?" Heath panicked. Dr. Kay placed a gently hand on his own.
"No, no, god forbids that happen Heath! I'm just suggesting it to be safe. I don't want any unwanted surprises when you give birth. It wouldn't do anyone good for that to happen." She explained exasperated. Heath looked at the floor.
"I-I don't know, I know most people would probably say yes but, I'm sorry, I have to discuss this with my partner." Heath stuttered nervously. It was a simple matter to tell the truth but it gets complicated when the sperm contributor is not human.
"I understand you should consult with your partner… why don't you bring him next time if you decide to do the test?" She asked. Heath smiled kindly.
"I would love to but I'm afraid it's not convenient… you see… he has a condition…" He left the sentence hanging for her to determine whatever her imagination has conjured up. She sighed, defeated but accepted his response.
"Well, I guess it can't be helped, I'll see you again in a week, same day, same time?" She asked.
"Yeah, thanks again, Dr. Kay." Heath got up, accepted the appointment card she handed him, and left the office. He waved good bye to the receptionists when he walked by them, the pregnant woman too. The afternoon sun seemed much more glaring to his solemn sensation. He had no idea that there was a test for checking abnormalities in unborn children. If he knew… who was he kidding? Even if he knew he wouldn't have known what to do.
Quietly he ventured into a coffee shop. He ordered a small cup of coffee and sat down dazedly. No one bothered him even when he didn't even take a sip out of his coffee in half an hour. He just held it till it grew cold and distant to his touch. The coffee stood forgotten between his hands as he stared out the window at the passing people. Society was moving without him. He was locked in a constant spiral of fear for his child. He was afraid he'll have to keep it hidden if it turned out like the raven mockers. He was afraid the world will find out and want to kill his baby. He couldn't let that happen. But he didn't know what to do. As he pondered that thought the hours ticked by from noon to night. He watched the sky tint orange as the sun prepared to descend. Yet he hasn't touched his coffee once. He just stared, lost within his fear, and hoping this would all just go away. Even if it seemed cruel to Kalona and his child, he couldn't help but think that would solve all his problems.
"Disappearing won't help you know?" A voice spoke across from him. Heath jumped from the table knocking over his coffee. He stared at the barista girl sitting across from him. She immediately responded by straightening the cup and wiping away the coffee with a towel in her apron. She smiled apologetically at him.
"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you." She said.
"It's ok… It was half my fault. Being dazed, that is." Heath sat back down once she was done mopping up the coffee. "What did you mean 'disappearing won't help'?"
"Sorry I couldn't help but notice you sitting here for the entire day. You looked just like what I looked when my parents divorced, my mom became a workaholic, my brother became undisciplined, and I fell into a spiral of depression." She smiled as if that was an everyday thing. Heath stared at her like she grew two heads.
"I'm… sorry that happened." He said awkwardly. She waved him off.
"It's ok, I'm over it. But you…" She gave him a critical eye. "Back then I wanted to disappear as well. I thought if I just dropped from the Earth everything would be better. My mother would be my mother again. My brother would come home and talk to us. But that's not how it works." She gave him a sympathetic smile and clasped her hands onto his.
"…" Heath didn't know what to say.
"I don't know what you're going through but disappearing won't solve anything."
"I… I…" He didn't know how to start. Should he tell this strange girl the truth? Or should he just pretend to get offended and stalk off? But he didn't have the heart to do that. She may have been strange but she was kind enough to talk to him. He probably seem stranger to her then she did to him. A weird fat man sitting for hours without touching a coffee he paid a couple of bucks for. For all she knew, he could be a serial killer looking for his next fresh kill. Yet here she was, sitting and talking to him.
"Do you believe in… miracles?" He asked her.
"Miracles, as in getting a life changing experience that you thought you'd never get?" She asked back. He nodded. "Yeah I guess…" She shrugged and leaned back against the chair.
"I… you know what, this is going to sound strange but…" He trailed off and stared at the silver table top. She sat there quietly waiting for him to continue. Eventually he did.
"You're going to think I'm crazy but I met this guy and we got together. It was all peachy and fun but then I found out I'm pregnant." He placed a hand to his stomach. "Yeah I'm not fat. Big surprise," he chuckled awkwardly. "Did I mention this guy isn't human and I think my baby is going to turn out abnormal and people would want to kill it?" He started babbling uncontrollably. The words spilled from his mouth the minute he mentioned his relationship with Kalona. The more he talked the more he knew the girl was going to call him a freak and walk off but sh just sat there. Without an expression on her face and listened to him intently. She sat so still that he thought she became a life sized doll.
"So what if your baby turned out abnormal?" She asked with indifference. Her demeanor changed from warm and confident to indifferent and cold. Her gaze locked onto his eyes and she crossed her legs.
"What?"
"So what if your baby turned out abnormal? Does it change the fact that it's your baby? Would you not love it? Would you not protect it?"
"No! What are you talking about? Of course I'll love it! Of course I'll protect it! It's my baby!" Heath shouted at her.
"Then why are you so afraid to see it? There are many babies that are born different from us. And I promise you that the minute they did that ultra sound and found out the parents fought to keep the child. And now they are loved each day and have the brightest smiles. If they can do it then what's stopping you from fighting for your child's right to live?"
"I don't know." What she said made sense. Whether his child was a freak or not, it had the right to live; no one can take that away from it. He knew that but…
"You won't know until you choose a path and take it. Sitting here and pondering on what would happen if you chose this path or chose that path won't solve anything. You have to choose and live that path and fight for what you believe is right. The ending may not be ideal but at least you fought and your child knows that. He or she won't blame you. As their parent you did your job and they'll be grateful for it." She patted his hand. He thought about it for a moment.
"I want this child. I want it to feel loved. I want to know what this child is going to look like, going to be like. I want the world to know my child may have a possible chance of being abnormal but it will be more loved than any normal child in the world. I won't let my child leave before experiencing the world." Heath said with confidence.
"Then what are you sitting here for?" She asked him finally.
With a new resolve he bid her good bye and headed back to the House of Night. The sky had fallen dark by then and he was sure Kalona was ready to tear someone's head off. Yet he couldn't keep his excitement of meeting their child contained. He walked through the gates with a smile. Even when Kalona's anger lashed out and the entire hall darkened with his mood. The angel had his arms folded over his chest and his legs planted firmly to the ground. Heath was sure he stood there for hours since many fledglings just walked around him like it was normal.
"Good evening, Kalona." Heath smiled. Kalona's eyebrow twitched at his happy tone.
"Do you know what time it is, Heath?" He asked through gritted teeth and extreme self control.
"Dinner time?" Heath asked a bit skittish. After hearing Kalona's tone he wasn't so sure a smile was the best way to go.
"No, its hours after the time you said you'd come home!" Kalona shouted. The walls of the castle shook violently. Heath gripped onto a column for support trying not to fall. Kalona didn't even help him. He just stood stoic and still watching him with scrutinizing eyes. Heath huffed before standing after the building stopped shaking.
"I'm sorry I needed some space to think." Heath apologized.
"Think? About what?" Kalona asked more out of curiosity then interrogating him. Heath looked around at the others then back at Kalona.
"Can we go to our room? I'm tired." Heath started heading for the stairs. He yelped when Kalona swept him up from behind and settled him onto his shoulders. Instinctively he wrapped his arms around Kalona's head.
"Don't strain yourself; it's not good for the baby." Kalona spoke softly. Most of his anger dissipated. He walked Heath to their room and set him down on the bed. Heath bent to take off his shoes but Kalona pushed him back against the head board gently. He watched as the fallen angel bent down and untied his shoes for him. With care he took them off and placed them by the bed. Kalona sat down next to him on the edge of the bed and caressed the side of his head.
"I was worried when you didn't return." Kalona whispered. "I wanted to go out and find you myself but you told me to stay put. So I did in respect for you. Yet you never returned until hours later. I was ready to charge out there and find you." He leaned forward and pressed their foreheads together and breathed in Heath's scent.
"I'm sorry, Kalona. Dr. Kay told me that I was at the stage where we can do an ultra sound to see if the baby had any abnormalities. I kind of freaked about what would happen and needed some time to think." Heath smiled softly.
"And what have you concluded?" Kalona asked.
"I want to do the ultra sound. I don't care if the baby isn't normal. It's still our baby and I'm not letting anyone take our child away from us." Heath pulled back with a full blown smile.
"Are you sure?" Kalona asked him.
"Of course," Heath confirmed.
"If that is your wish then I support you, Heath." Kalona nodded. As if waiting for their moment to end, someone knocked on the door that exact moment. Kalona turned around and called for the person to enter. A fledgling entered and whispered something to Kalona. The fallen angel nodded and stood.
"I have some business to attend to, my love. You've had a tiring day. Get some rest." Kalona patted his hand and kissed him good night. Heath smiled and snuggled into the warmth of his blankets. The door clicked shut and he lay there, waiting for sleep to take over. But he had no such luck. Several minutes later his phone rang loud and obnoxiously. He dove for his phone and flipped it open without looking at the caller ID.
"Heath!" Zoey's voice screamed over the phone. Heath cringed and rubbed his ear.
"What?" He answered back making sure it was evident he didn't want to talk to her.
"I know you're still mad at me but can you meet me at that tunnel that we hid in?"
"Why should I?"
"Please, it's important."
"…" Heath looked around at the room. His mind raced with the two choices he had. Then he sighed. "Fine, I'll be there in twenty."
A/N: Thank you for reading my story!
Another chapter done brings us closer to the end. Please review. I really love reading them. They make me so happy. :D
See you all next time!
Bye Bye!
