Disclaimer: Twilight is the property of Stephenie Meyer
I'd like to dedicate this chapter to Noble, Fadewind, Bibika94, BellaNessieCullen, Justandsimplyme, Skys the limit 7507, Alphabloodwolf, Lsb123, Lauren j and Alexsandra
The night before Halloween, I made love, and although it was but a dream, it was most marvellous indeed. It was not my first such dream, which meant I recognised the signs as the first hints caught my imagination. I had not had a good dream since college had begun; if I dreamed at all it was nightmares. Therefore, when I felt the approach of the dream I allowed myself to enter it, to indulge myself in the glory I knew was to come.
I drifted into the dream, a favourite little fantasy of mine. It began with walking in darkness, trees to my left, the ocean to my right, rocks to scramble over in front of me. These rocks were not obstacles, merely a way for me to reach my destination as I helped my beloved since his footing wasn't as steady as mine.
I smiled, allowing the dream to carry me forth, despite the fact that Simon was out of breath and a little impatient as we emerged onto the ledge for I knew that once he saw the view all his agitation would disappear. And sure enough it did.
"Wow." He gasped as he looked out over the ocean back toward the bonfires on First Beach and the fairy lights that adorned the hotel. I came to his side and took his hand, revelling in the symphony of silence up on our secluded rock. There was the splash of the ocean against the rocks far below and the sigh of the wind through the trees. It was a sacred calm I remembered well and rather than disturb it as I had done in reality, I merely led Simon over to the blankets and pillows and the prepared picnic hamper.
"How did you cart all that up here?" He whispered softly in my ear his voice barely disturbing the calm of the night, although it sent shivers through me.
"Bit by bit." I said with a wicked smile and I looked into his eyes in hope of communicating my intensions.
"Wow." He observed once more.
"Would you care to sit?" I asked, indicating the place I had set up two enormous floor cushions resting against a rock that faced the bay.
Simon laughed slightly as he sat down upon the picnic blanket with his back against the one pillow. I sat next to him and had no qualms in leaning against him, hoping to instigate the fun without being too forward. Simon placed his arm about me and I snuggled in beneath it as I had done in the past. I tilted my head up as the fireworks began, colouring the sky with their glory. A few of the brighter ones illuminated the whole of the sky and I enjoyed Simon's gasp as he realised how perfect this view truly was.
The display ended and I blinked a few times hoping to restore my night vision. Simon was creating memories once more and I smiled and turned to him to comment, but I found his lips so close to mine and in that moment I could not resist and I placed my lips to his.
I pulled away immediately despite the fact that my heart beat with excitement.
"I am sorry." I whispered, watching his eyes, waiting for him to re-initiate the kiss.
"For what?" Simon asked and he frowned.
"It's not right to be so forward." I whispered.
"No one's here but me Baby Doll, and I ain't gonna tell." He said, stroking my cheek gently, but beneath his fingers there was a sensual thrill.
"But I would know." I said in teasing tones. "I would know and it would be…" My words were cut short as Simon placed his lips to mine.
I fell into the kiss, moving my lips against his with a feeling of hunger. This meal had been a long time coming and I was determined to savour every last moment of it. I was feeling the stirrings deep within me as I reached up a hand to place against his cheek although I dared not touch him further.
Simon pulled away, but I was caught for a moment revelling in the lingering feelings with my eyes closed. I opened my eyes and Simon was smiling at me.
"You'll be ready one day." He said softly as he stroked my cheek and I frowned slightly for I usually edited this part from my fantasy. "And that's why I'm willing to wait. But as soon as you're ready, I'll be ready." He said sincerely and he moved his lips to the point below my ear and as I felt the thrill deepen I decided to run with the dream, to see where it would lead me.
"But not tonight." I said, my voice a little unsteady as I guided his head back up with my fingers beneath his chin. "I am not ready tonight." I added in a firmer voice.
"I know." He said and kissed my lips. "But I was only kissing." He said and kissed my neck again.
"Yes." I sighed and I decided that I wished to try this form of kissing and I placed my lips to his throat. I felt his pulse beneath my lips as his scent came to me in delicious bursts with his heartbeat.
I felt the pulse beneath my lips quicken, as did the heartbeat, like a humming bird against my breast. His heat intensified to something that was thoroughly divine and his scent no longer brought hunger, but the thought of safety in the heat of my desire. It was the scent of open fields beneath warm spring skies. The thrill through my body was greater than any I knew as I continued to kiss at his neck and it took all my will to pull back enough to see who I clung to.
It was Mal, his brown hair shining in the moonlight, his eyes so vivid green. I could feel my heart quicken as I looked into his eyes, feeling the draw, and here in the safety of my dream I allowed it to pull me toward him.
"Malachite." I whispered, placing my hand to his cheek.
"My Liza." He said firmly and pulled me to him, kissing my lips and I accepted the kiss with wild abandon.
His hands moved over my body, and I enjoyed their trails as I pulled him with me, until I lay against the cushions, his body pressed to mine in such a thrilling way. I moved my fingers in his soft hair, it was only in that moment that I realised how I'd longed to do that.
"Oh Mal." I gasped as his lips went to my throat and sent a shiver through my body. "I wish you would reciprocate like this in real life."
"I would." He said, lifting his head to look down at me and stroke back my hair gently. "You're just not asking in the right way."
"What is the right way?" I whispered, but my thoughts fled as his lips went to my throat again. "Oh Mal." I sighed, wrapping my arms and legs about him as I began to kiss at his throat. "My Mal."
He hummed as he continued to kiss my throat, then his lips brushed my skin as he said, "Even if this is a dream we should make it proper."
"Pardon?" I murmured, lost somewhere in the sensation.
"Let's start at the beginning." Mal said, and suddenly he was on his feet, pulling me with him.
I stood before him, my head just about level with his chest and if he hoped to kiss me standing this would prove a problem unless he wished to pick me up. However, that may make me feel as a child, and perhaps he did not wish such closeness immediately, he said we were to start at the beginning. Where was the beginning?
I looked to see that Mal was smiling at me in amusement.
"You don't half worry yourself bach." He said, and touched my cheek gently.
"What do you mean?"
"Stop thinking too much into it, and just go with the flow." He whispered, and he removed his hand from my cheek, although I could still feel it there.
Then he moved his right hand up through the air and I felt my feet leave the ground. I was floating for a moment, feeling that delightful roll of weightlessness in my stomach. I was level with his face now and he pressed his lips to mine once before pulling away, and as I wondered what else he planned he flicked the fingers of his left hand and then lowered his right. My feet met with resistance sooner than I thought. I looked down to find that I was standing on the picnic hamper. It added a foot to my height, but that still left six inches between Mal and I.
He stepped closer to me now, his hands going to my waist, and I reached my hands up to his shoulders, marvelling at the fact that I merely had to tilt my head a fraction to meet his lips. The kiss was long and deep as I placed my one hand to his cheek, feeling the movement of his jaw as we kissed. I traced his short sideburns, bristly yet soft beneath my fingertips.
I wanted to feel more of him so I wrapped my right arm about his neck and raised my leg up to his hip. His hand explored my leg cautiously and as his fingers brushed my thigh I felt a deep thrill within. It seemed to awaken something in me as I pulled away slightly and grinned up at him as I placed my hands to his chest, his chest that felt so toned beneath his shirt. I was lost for a moment, following the contours.
"Liza." Mal said softly, taking my hands gently in his, still holding them against his chest as he guided them to the buttons of his shirt. "It's up to you."
I looked at his hands cupping mine for a moment as my thumbs rested either side of his top button, it was not the topmost, for that one he always left undone, but it was the top of the fastened buttons. I looked up into his eyes, knowing there was questions in my own. One of his hands left mine to cup my cheek and he kissed me once more.
I took in his scent as he held his lips to mine. I felt a tension fall from me, and I pulled away to begin unbuttoning his shirt slowly. I waited until I had the final button unfastened before I looked down and pushed aside his shirt, the eye of my imagination filling in the detail since I was yet to witness his chest. It was nice and toned and I wondered if this was how he really looked. For some reason I was sure this was a true representation of him, this was Mal and his appearance was true to life.
In that moment I felt true arousal and I looked at him with clear want, something I had never shown any man before. It was satisfying to see the lust settle in his eyes, to see his desire for me solidify in response to my own. I grinned once more before placing my lips to his chest, his skin was smooth and warm and his scent delightful.
I pulled away and growled slightly as I leapt at him, backing him to the blanket until I had him on his back and I straddled him. I smiled at him, keeping his eyes locked with my own as I moved my hands over his chest.
"I thought you'd like it that way." He said with a grin.
"I like to be in control." I said huskily, stroking his nose playfully.
"Oh I know." Mal said, placing his hand to my cheek once more. "But isn't it fun to let go now and again?" He added as his thumb moved softly over my lips where he paused for a moment and I resisted the temptation to suck at his thumb as I felt it against the wet of my lip, before he trailed his thumb down over my chin in a gentle line, his fingers following. He sat up and his hand trailed lower, dipped beneath my neckline and I felt his fingers brush the top of my breast before his hand re-emerged to rest against the left side of my neck. "Give into the call of the wild." He whispered as his lips went to the right side of my neck. My will was slipping away from me, any notion of control was being washed away in a rush of hormones and I delighted in every moment of it.
I took hold of Mal's left hand that was resting lightly against my hip and I guided it to the bottom of my dress. I encouraged his fingers beneath it. He raised his head as he lowered his right hand, then both his hands were riding my dress up ever so slowly, his hands brushed against my skin, building on the sensation. Along my thighs, around my hips, up my waist and abdomen, trailing slightly ticklish beneath my arms before he pulled the dress over my head, my hair falling softly against my back as my skin prickled slightly, adjusting to the temperature as my dress was discarded.
My skin was soon warmed again by the trail of his hands as I pushed away his shirt. My hands trailed over the line of his shoulders and his hot skin was soft and supple over good hard muscle. Although this was hardly surprising since all us dhampir are blessed with a good physique. The reason mattered not, I thrilled as his fingers traced my skin and the fact that his body reacted so delightfully to my own trailing fingers. My trailing fingers that found their way to the waistband of his trousers where I began to fumble with his belt.
As I began to unbuckle it Mal placed his lips to my ear before he whispered, "Are you sure?"
"This is a dream." I whispered back, placing a kiss to his neck as I moved on to the button. "We can do as we please."
"Great." He whispered and his hands trailed up my spine. I straightened for a moment, feeling the tingles in his wake; it was almost ticklish and definitely arousing. I let out a groan that surprised me so much I almost giggled. However, giggling was washed away by the thrill of his fingers as they found the clasp of my bra and he released me.
I allowed him to slip the bra away, but even in the dream I was somewhat shy and I pulled myself close to him, feeling his bare skin against my own, and we were both aflame. Caught up in the inferno of desire I placed my mouth to his, open now, inviting his tongue forth, enjoying every movement of this immensely. I gasped in wondering delight as he placed his hand to my breast, to tease me until my arousal became more apparent than it already was.
His mouth left mine and I found myself leaning away from him in a manner that pushed my pelvis closer so his and maintained a contact between us as his lips trailed down the line of my cleavage before alighting on my breasts, first one then the other, giving equal attention to both. I was lost for a moment in darkness interspersed with a show of colour and light that put the previous firework display to shame.
When I opened my eyes I was lying against a dozen cushions, Mal hovering above me with a smile on his face, the moon a halo behind his head. My hands were still clasped behind his neck, which was why Mal was so close to me, leaning on his forearms so his body wasn't pressing on mine.
"Back with me?" He asked, and he stroked back my hair which made me vaguely aware that the sweat was streaking my forehead, in fact all of my body was glowing, yet I cared not as I pulled Mal down on top of me, feeling his body against mine as we indulged in a prolonged kiss.
Then Mal pulled away, but it was only to kneel up in order to unfasten his zipper, and then he was pushing down his jeans. I leant up on my elbows, watching him intently in the moonlight as he removed first his jeans, and then his underpants. I watched fascinated to see how much he truly fancied me. I pushed at my panties, removing them, ready to know him fully.
I encouraged him back to me, and his nose trailed up my body first, his lips meeting mine and I could feel an odd sensation, a delightful pull as I waited in anticipation. An anticipation, which was heightened by his gentle fingers that insured my readiness ahead of his…manhood. Even in the midst of an erotic dream I found it hard to think such words.
"Please be gentle." I whispered as he entered. "Remember it is…"
"I know." He said, kissing my cheek as he slid in ever so gently.
I had been expecting pain; it was always painful at first; that was what the older girls had told me. Perhaps it was the fact that this was a dream now that I felt no pain, only endless pleasure. A pleasure that grew as our rhythm increased. Our bodies weaved an ancient magic in that night beneath the full moon.
It was hard not to vocalise my pleasure and I found myself calling out his name, singing it to the heavens in my euphoria over and over as each wave of pleasure crashed upon me, combining until I was floating in nothing but a feeling of blissful nothingness with only Mal to cling to. To hold me as I held him, awash in our pleasure as the dream drifted away from me…
I awoke feeling somewhat exhausted, yet oddly elated. The dream had been, it was almost indescribable, I had never known any like it before. The feelings, the memories of those feelings in that wondrous imagining still lingered as if I had experienced them bodily in the real world. I lay in a happy state, warm beneath my quilt as I snuggled into a pillow, unwilling to move for I wished to hold onto the feelings still. To chase the dream, retreat back within it's confines and enjoy time with Malachite once more.
However, there was no sleep left within me so I turned over and I checked my clock. It was only five in the morning. It was hardly time to awaken. But I was awake and now that I had moved from my warm little cocoon I realised that I was soaked through with sweat. My pyjamas were absolutely ringing, and so were my sheets. I would not be able to remain here longer, I would have to rise and shower.
Even my hair clung to me, the curls dragging against my skin as I attempted to move it behind my shoulders. Yes, a shower was in order and then a trip to the laundrette, despite the fact it was Saturday morning.
I gathered my clothes and shower paraphernalia, thanking my lucky stars that I was always so prepared and therefore had no need to search out my belongings in the dark. I left the room, thankful there was no one in the corridors at this time of the morning to see me in such a state.
The bathroom was free too, and despite the early hour the water was hot. I stood beneath the steaming stream feeling it wash the odd fatigue from my limbs. I felt as though I had undergone a light yet strenuous cheer routine that had lasted hours. It was the type that made one feel exhausted; yet satisfied when it was done.
I scrubbed thoroughly, ensuring that I was clean, but I found myself oddly wistful at times, my hands moving lightly, tracing the odd route as I remembered a particularly pleasurable part of the dream. It took all my will to remember that I was showering, in a public shower at that; there were better places for 'quiet alone time' as Dove had put it. The truth was that I had on occasion indulged myself in said activity, but that was nobody's business but my own. Hence the reason why it was quiet alone time, and also the reason I would not do it here.
I finally left the shower and dried and dressed. When I checked my watch it was quarter to six, I had been in the shower for quite some time. I tried not to think of this as I pulled the stool over to the bathroom mirror and used it to see my reflection as I brushed out my hair. Since the hour was still early it would be wrong to use my hairdryer. Instead I brushed out my hair, parted it in two and plaited it into two braids. I noted I would have to cut my hair soon, it was down to my elbow once more, I had not been vigilant in ensuring I did not allow it to grow too long too quickly. Had the humans notice?
I shook my head, now was not the time to worry about that.
I left the bathroom and threw my towel and pyjamas into my laundry basket, the rest of my laundry I would do on Sunday as usual, but this morning I would have to wash my sheets. I stripped the bed quickly, Dove hardly stirred for which I was grateful, I had no patience as of yet to think of a good explanation of why I needed to wash my bed clothes at six in the morning.
I left my room, ensuring that the bedding was safely stowed in my basket as I made my way along the corridor. I was not looking up as I entered the common room and was moving at a swift speed, managing to keep my pace human through dint of sheer concentration. That was why it took a moment for me to realise I was not alone in the common room.
I looked up to see that Mal was preoccupied with a laundry basket of his own. I felt a pull in my stomach and my cheeks burned. I dropped my head and hoped I could move beyond the common room quickly for he was yet to notice me.
"Liza?" He said, with almost a guilty start.
I had to steel myself before I turned to him with a smile; I had to swallow before I could speak through my suddenly parched throat.
"Good morning Mal." I said brightly, not meeting his eyes for every time I allowed my sight to linger on him I had memories of his hands moving in a soft caress over intimate skin and it was all I could do not to cry out his name again. "What brings you out so early?"
"I was…just…" He stopped, looked away from me, looked at the basket in his hands.
"Going to the laundrette?" I suggested.
"Yeah." He agreed. "I just… I'm sorry…" He said, and went to walk past me.
He was leaving the room, hoping to avoid me as I had wished to avoid him. I would have allowed him to go, but I had need of the laundrette this morning and I could not wait for him to return.
I caught up with him and let out a nervous giggle. He looked at me then quickly looked away.
"I feel as if I am being a little unfaithful to you Mal." I whispered.
"You do?" He asked.
"Of course." I said, my heart beginning to race, hoping I would not allow anything from the dream to pass my lips. "We always do our laundry together on a Sunday, yet here I am, sneaking out early on a Saturday in order to do it without you."
Mal laughed, but there was still something nervous in his demeanour.
"However, I felt my sheets could not wait until tomorrow, although I have left plenty to do on our planned trip." I said happily, but it was a brittle happiness covering a gaping pit of nerves.
"Why?"
"Because Sunday is when we do laundry." I said with a frown.
"Why wash your sheets?" He asked as we stepped out into the grey dawn light.
"I…I hit my elbow yesterday as I was getting into bed. I thought it nothing more than a bump, but I must have broke a bone, because my super healing began and you know how awfully sticky that can become. My sheets are soaked through with sweat and it will not do to leave them."
"Right." Mal said as we traversed the campus.
"And you?" I asked after a minuet when it was clear he was not ready to share.
"Oh, I…I left a nearly full bottle of pop on my cabinet. Turned over with my arm out didn't I and I'd only gone and not done the top up tight. It went everywhere, and well, it wasn't such a good wakeup call as one of your breakfasts." He said with a chuckle and I laughed too, until I looked up at him, caught his eyes, and I felt my stomach clench again.
I lowered my eyes and cleared my throat as I sought out a new subject.
Luckily we had reached the laundrette.
"So it is open." Mal observed, sounding relieved.
"It has twenty four hours opening." I said, pointing to the enormous sign above the door.
"Oh-ay." Mal said. "So it is. I didn't notice that before."
I frowned as it occurred to me that his accent was growing thicker, was he nervous for some reason?
"You were unsure it was open yet you still came at this time?" I asked in order to avoid asking him if he was nervous.
"Pop's more likely to stain if you leave it dry." He said and pushed open the door.
I followed him and began placing my load into the washer, too anxious to be rid of the sweat-drenched evidence this morning to separate my pyjamas and the towel from my bedding. Mal was placing his bed clothing into another machine and I felt somewhat relieved not to have to suggest it.
"I thought bed clothes would need a little room." He murmured and I agreed minimally as I slammed the door of my machine and began the cycle.
I moved to one of the stools that were welded to the floor near the furthest worktop. It was rare I used these for they were away from the machines and near the bathrooms, which was not a position I cherished. Mal came and sat wordlessly beside me, we were both bare-armed in our t-shirts and I could almost feel the brush of the fine hairs that lined his arms. There was something about his nearness this morning that made it almost hard to breathe. I most definitely couldn't think, and the silence seemed to be drawing at me, demanding that I fill it.
"Your hair looks nice like that." He said and he tweaked one of my braids, my stomach did a flip once more and it took every ounce of my control not to turn and pounce on him and do things most wicked with him right here on the alter to cleanliness.
"Thank you." I managed without giving anything away in my voice that I was finding it somewhat difficult to keep a coherent thought.
"Why did you choose to wear it like that today?" He asked conversationally.
"I was unable to dry it, the hour being so early." I murmured, looking down at my hands clasped in front of me upon the table, and I found it easier to talk if I focused there. "I braid my hair if I have no time to style it."
"But out at the cabin you just let it…" He trailed off, his hand hovering about my back where my curls usually fell. "They look nice your curls do, when they form on their own. But your hair in pigtails is good too. It's cute in a grown up way. Like make believe, but not really. Um…"
"Thank you?" I ventured, unsure what to make of his speech. "Although if truth be told, I can not cope with my hair when it dries naturally for it does not fall as I would like. In braids it is tied away neatly and will not annoy me."
"I think I understand."
"Not all of us have your hair my friend." I said, regaining some of my own confidence. "To have it fall so haphazardly, yet somehow so right without much effort at all." I added and I turned a smile on him, and reached up, having to stand on the bar of the stool, to ruffle his hair playfully.
It was meant to be a playful ruffle, but as my fingers trailed through those soft brown locks, that glowed with hints of gold in strong sunlight, I was brought suddenly to my dream once more and I almost found myself trailing my fingers down to stroke his cheek before I pulled my hand away and turned from him. I sat back on my stool, clasping my hands upon the dark worktop once more as I stared fixedly at them.
I felt my cheeks burn once more and I wished that my hair was down so that I may use it to curtain my blushes. It had been misfortune to run into Mal so soon after my dream; I had yet to re-establish our boundaries within my mind. I sought for a safe topic.
"Are you looking forward to the Halloween ball?" I asked.
"Yeah. As long as I don't have to dance." He said, and I felt my heart plummet a little. "I was born with two left feet."
"Oh." I observed. "I am sorry to hear that. There will be other things to do besides dancing."
"You like dancing?" Mal asked.
"It is my one true passion." I admitted. "I… Well there is no one else here." I reasoned as I got down from the stool, and of course it meant a distance between Mal and I for a moment. A distance I sorely needed.
"What are you doing?" He asked.
"Demonstrating." I stated, "Although it would be much easier if I had music."
"Here." He said, and he handed his iPod to me. "Maybe there's something in there you can use."
"But then you will not hear." I said with a frown.
"Is it more important for you to have the rhythm?"
I nodded.
"Then use it and show me your moves."
I smiled wryly at his little shuffle atop the stool before I scrolled through his play lists until I found something I could use. It was a song used long ago when I had been captain to the award winning Olympic Muses. I would have to adjust a little to compensate for the fact I had no partner, but I knew I was fully capable of such feats.
I kicked off my shoes for I was wearing moccasins and they were hardly appropriate for dancing. I placed the buds into my ear and chose my track. Since I had no pockets I secured the iPod in my bra for I knew it would be safe there. This I did with my back to Malachite.
I turned to Mal and got into my starting position. I closed my eyes, nodding my head slightly as I counted in the beat. The song began and I launched into the routine. There was a lot of ducking and diving involved, of moving my body into interesting positions I had not attempted in a while and I wondered why I had stopped. I had enjoyed dancing and I vowed I would do so more often, even if I had to join an amateur dance troupe.
I was in my element, moving from one step to the next, my body gliding so effortlessly, my muscles reliable in their memory. As I came to the last measure I remembered why I had enjoyed this routine so much. The last few steps were somewhat complicated.
Cartwheel! Stance, second position footing, arms in the air! Back flip, back flip, forward flip, bridge! Kick legs up and over in a rudimentary back flip from the floor. It was here that Simon and later AJ would take hold of me, hoist me into the air, I would tumble like an Olympic diver before they caught me the right way. To compensate I decided to bring in some ballet. I landed upon my feet, brought my right leg up behind me until I touched it to the back of my head. I lowered my right leg, pointing my toes in front of me until it was level with my left knee. I lowered my right leg a little more, but not directly to the floor as I rose onto the tips of my left toes and I pirouetted. I felt the thrill take me as I flipped one last time before landing in a jazz splits with my arms above my head.
I opened my eyes and grinned up at Mal, adrenaline coursing through me as I jumped to my feet. Mal gave a strained smile before turning quickly back to the worktop, tucking his legs beneath it. I refused to let it sway my enthusiasm. I always felt elated after a good routine.
"What do you think?" I asked excitedly, bouncing over to him, taking the buds from my ears as I leapt to sit beside him once more.
He turned his head to me, but kept his body forward.
"You…" He paused a moment, having to clear his throat. "You were a cheerleader?" He asked.
"Head cheerleader." I said proudly. "I led the Olympic Muses to victory the three years I was captain, and helped with the victory gained by my predecessor Prue." I declared. "Of course a lot of our success was due to Coach Tulsa, but one cannot help but appreciate a feeling of personal achievement."
"Was this Coach Tulsa performing?" Mal asked and I shook my head, smiling at him. "Was she doing all them…" He trailed off, but indicated my movements with his hands, his body still firmly facing the table.
"Oh no. I was the one doing such things. It is a great joy Malachite, I wish I could show it to you." I said excitedly, placing my hands to his arm and leaning closer.
Mal made a sound I could not quite perceive and he paused before turning to smile at me whilst nodding his head. I thought there was something quite strained about his smile and there seemed to be a tension in his body, but could not fathom it. Then I was aware that I was touching his arm, there was a tingle through me, enhanced by the exercise I had just undergone to show my skills of dancing to my friend.
Suddenly the rushing in my dream took my body once more. My pulse was rising and I knew my face flushed as my temperature grew. I hoped Mal would put it down to my exertion. I felt so unbelievably hot and I realised I would have to get a breath of fresh air, or else act upon my desires.
Mal was squirming beneath my touch, most likely due to the fact that my palms were growing sweaty from dancing and now resting them so long against his arm as my body temperature slowly grew.
Dear god I am on fire! I screamed in my mind, forcing my lips together in case I blurted this out loud. I had to escape the laundrette and give Mal a reprieve so that he had no need to tell me to stop touching him. To remove myself from his presence for I was becoming too needy.
"I need coffee." I blurted out, the first thing that came to mind. "Do you mind if I pop across to get one?"
Mal frowned for a moment before looking at me, then comprehension dawned and he shook his head.
"Would you like one?" I offered for it was polite.
He nodded.
"What would you like?"
He took a deep breath, wincing slightly before saying, "The usual."
"A latte with two sugars?"
Mal nodded.
"Then I will go get them. I shan't be long." I said breezily, kissing him on the cheek before I could stop myself.
I leapt down from the stool and headed to the door. As I stepped through I was sure I heard Mal murmur, "Oh thank god", but I was unsure. I frowned as I crossed the street. Halfway across I looked back to the laundrette to see that the door of the men's bathroom was swinging back and forth, and I was in no doubt that Mal had entered there at a fast pace. If he had wanted the bathroom so badly why not say?
I shrugged, deciding that boys were sometimes too complicated to comprehend. Besides, I had my own worries. Namely the fact that I could not be near him this morning without the memory of the dream interrupting me and compelling me to make my dream a reality, but this I could not do until I knew for definite Mal would reciprocate. I could not open myself to such rejection; I would not handle another one in my life despite what I had decided a week ago. At that time I was almost sure I could handle it, but the sting I felt when he did not return my kiss made me realise I could find a safe haven in not knowing for sure.
My desire was waning out in the dawn air and away from the electric warmth of Mal, I could find a measure of calm now, and I hoped I could carry it with me when I returned to the laundrette.
I had no real desire for coffee, but I would need to buy some since that was my excuse to leave. I entered the coffee shop and bought two lattes and added two sugars to both of them. I carried them across the street and slowed as I found the laundrette door was propped open.
"Thought you'd be down here this morning, washing your sheet o' sin." A boy observed, I did not recognise the voice, but the tone was joyous and conspiratorial.
"Excuse me?" The other demanded, and this voice I recognised for it was Mal and I found myself frozen in the doorway unable to fathom the other's meaning of 'sheets o' sin'.
"I heard you last night. Rocking and a rolling. Grinding and a groaning." I could only see the boy from the back, his dark greasy hair in rattails, I recalled him as being Mal's neighbour.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Mal growled.
"Come on Mal, the walls aren't exactly thick and soundproof, I heard everything."
"Nothing happened last night." Mal hissed, and there was venom in his voice I never imagined he could possess.
"Come on. You were having a hell of a time by the sounds of things. So who was she?"
"I wasn't with anybody last night." Mal growled.
"Hey. I've been known to spank the monkey." The boy said and he gestured with his hand. "But it ain't never sounded like that. She sounded like a right hoot."
Mal was silent and I felt my anger brim over. Or was it perhaps jealousy? Anger or jealousy, it was hard to fathom, but one of them caused my hands to contract into fists, which was not the wisest thing to do considering that I held two paper cups of boiling liquid in my hands.
The liquid spilt over me, scolding my skin, but I bit my tongue not to cry out in pain as I found cover down the side alley next to the laundrette. I dropped the cups and looked at my red raw hands as the taste of my own blood filled my mouth. The pain was unbearable, my scolded hands, my bitten tongue.
I tried to convince myself it was my physical ailments, but they were already healing. My dhampir physiology was better than any soothing balm to my hands that were healing before my eyes. Yet nothing in my dhampir nature could heal the sudden hole in my heart. Had Mal truly found a lover? How did I feel about this? Truly how did I feel? I had not placed myself before him; I had no right to feel angered if he had found someone, I should be happy for my friend. Yes, I was pleased if he had found someone, my annoyance grew from the fact he had not confided in me. Were we not best friends? Was I not his confidant? Then this was something he should confide in me.
I had a right to know for I often called at unsociable hours and I would hate to disturb him, or give his lover the wrong impression. Was it right that I stay in his room now? And perhaps we should not go to the Halloween ball together? His lover should take my place as his bride.
It was better for everyone involved for me to know.
I was certain of this and I looked down to find that my hands had healed. It was with a determined air that I entered the laundrette to find Mal was alone, his head in his hands as he stared at the floor.
"Malachite." I said in my most formal voice as I stood near enough to make clear I was addressing him, but my distance made it clear this was something formal.
He glanced at me, looked me over one more time, and then frowned.
"I thought you went to get coffee." He observed.
"I think we have something more important to discuss than my lack of hot beverages." I said, holding myself tall and as rigid as possible, it was the safest way to traverse this chasm.
"What?" He asked, his eyes narrowing and I think he knew what I was about to say.
"I overheard your neighbour's statement." I said in a cold level voice.
"Goddamn that stupid idiot." Mal growled, dropping his head into his hands once more.
"Then it is true?" I demanded, feeling suddenly sick, but I had instigated this. I had to continue.
"What?" Mal demanded, flashing me an angry look. "Is what true Elizabeth?"
"That you were with a woman last night." I said calmly, and was surprised my voice was so steady. "It would make sense, why you would wash your sheets so early, and try to conceal them from me."
"Would you like me to sign a log book? Would you like me to keep a journal of every single movement so you can make sure I'm living up to your standards at the end of every week. Would you like a progress report like…" He trailed off and looked appalled at himself.
"I do not ask such things Mal." I said gently, placing my hand to his cheek, hoping to instil some comfort in him. "I ask for nothing like that." I added, tears in my eyes. "I just… It is not fair… I need to know if you have a girlfriend because then I would back off somewhat. It would not do for me to share your room of a Saturday for a start."
"Liza, there's no one else." Mal said with a sigh.
I could not be certain.
Mal's hands went to either side of my face and he held me gently in place, his green eyes boring into mine. It said something of my uncertainty in that moment that whilst being so close to Malachite I was not immediately drawn into the feelings of the dream. Although if I were honest the feelings haunted the back of my mind.
"Liza, listen to me. And believe me when I tell you this. There is nobody else. If there was you'd be the first person I'd tell because I know you enough to know you'd need that and I hope you know me enough to pay me the same courtesy. But that aside, there is nobody else." He said in a firm yet gentle voice.
All those colliding feelings within me, but I was certain of one thing. Mal was speaking the truth and there was no one else in his life. There was only me. That was a rather sad thought and I found myself hugging him to me, guiding his head to my shoulder as if he were a baby. I stroked his back and such, wishing I could send him comforting thoughts, as I would have done if it was Tony I comforted now.
"I'm sorry." I whispered. "It is merely that if you did…"
"I know." Mal said as he hugged me in return, patting my back and thinking comforting thoughts to me, or so I liked to imagine.
"What did he hear?" I murmured, it was meant to be an inner thought, but I had whispered it aloud.
"I…" Mal trailed off and felt his cheek muscle bulge against my shoulder for a moment. "I was watching a certain type of film and I might have had the volume up a touch too much."
I frowned, and pulled away from him, sure he was lying.
"You do not watch those type of movies." I said angrily, looking up into his eyes.
"Everyone watches those types of movies." Mal said firmly.
I shook my head, unwilling to believe him.
"I do not." I declared.
"You do." He said.
I shook my head, the growl building in my throat as I realised I would fight him physically over this point.
I had to calm myself!
"You might not think it's porn just cause there's a little more dialogue and a plot that goes beyond fixing the plumbing. But with all those titillating scenes, it's still pornography." He stated.
"Perhaps. But they merely create a warm air of fun, I would not watch them during my… my… my…" I trailed off, wondering why I was admitting such things to Malachite of all people after the dream I'd had of him last night.
"You do?" He asked, knowing to what I referred and he looked genuinely shocked that I would partake in such activity. It made me feel as if he thought me as somewhat of a child still and incapable of such things. But I am an adult, and he should know how adult I am, especially if I wished to make my dream... No, I would not entertain that thought, but I still wished him to know that pleasure wasn't something I was totally opposed to.
"I have been in an adult body since I was seven with no legal means to find fulfilment. What do you think?" I demanded.
"Exactly!" Mal exclaimed. "You pleasure yourself, you admit. But you don't think I do?"
"I know you do." I said. "It is only natural. But I would like to believe your mind has much more to work with to get you going than some woman with fake everything having her pipes checked by a handsome young plumber in a dodgy moustache. I know you too well to know that type of thing would not turn you on."
"And how would you know what turns me on?" He asked, giving me an intense look.
"You're a gentleman Malachite. It takes more than a few visual aides to set your pulse racing. I may be a virgin with no true knowledge of the workings of the male body, but I know you my friend. I know such tawdry visions would not titillate you." I said firmly, for I truly believed that.
Mal went to argue once more, but then he sighed.
"You're right." He murmured. "I mean, you are right. You do have a good read on me. I don't need cheap thrills when I want to pleasure myself. My imagination is more than adequate for when I want to…"
"Spank the monkey." I cut in, hiding my face in my hands as I fell into a fit of giggles that made my lungs feel as if they may explode. "I can not believe he said that!"
"Well he could have used bash the bishop." Mal stated with a laugh and I snorted into my hands, still unable to raise my head.
"Of course if he wished to be truly vulgar he could have said that you were wa…" I broke off in a fit of giggles. "I can not even say it in jest." I trilled.
"Well I guess he was calling me a wanker." Mal said in serious tones and I looked at him in shock.
"Do not use such language." I gasped. "I beg of you please?"
"But that doesn't mean anything over here." Mal said with a shrug.
"But I know it is vulgar and I would rather not hear you utter it. You are too decent for that." I stated, my face still buried.
"You really believe that." Mal said in awe as he placed his hand to my cheek. "I had no idea."
"You are a gentleman Malachite." I said, lifting my head to meet his eyes. "I will always think that of you."
Mal looked at me for a long moment and in that moment I wished for him to kiss me as his thumb caressed the crest of my cheek. If only I could be certain then this would be the moment for me to place my lips to his to communicate my desire of him.
"Do gentlemen dream?" He whispered.
"All the time." I stated. "It is better to live out unearthly fantasy in our dreams."
"What if the dreams are…" He trailed off, searching for an appropriate word that would not offend me.
"Erotic?" I suggested.
"Yes." He agreed.
"There is nothing wrong with that." I said, feeling my cheeks warm as I remembered my dream.
"What if the reason I couldn't tell you was because… because…"
I pulled away from him, and looked into his eyes with a smile.
"You can tell me anything."
"What if it was because I was dreaming of…" Mal began, but his words were cut short by the sound of the timer.
I ignored the timer and willed him to continue.
"What if my erotic dream was about…"
"Liza!" Dove exclaimed as she entered the laundrette and hugged me to her. "Here you are."
"Here I am." I said hugging Dove in return, cursing my short stature that I could not look over her shoulder to observe Mal.
"I'd better switch my things." He said despondently, only managing to contain his accent by the merest thread.
"Me too." I said, pulling away from Dove, and I felt a great annoyance at her interruption as I pulled my damp clothes from the washer and transferred them to the drier. Such was my state of mind that I made no effort to ensure everything was not inside the quilt cover.
I sat in a mournful silence as I waited for my load to dry as Dove blathered on about something I had no interest in. I was in my own little world of seething anger over the fact that Dove had interrupted my moment with Mal. He was about to admit something to me, something that had taken a lot of coaxing and I was sure it would take a lot more to get to that point once more.
I tried not to let my animosity show as I returned to my room with Dove. She was not to know. I made my bed and gathered my things for the weekend. I decided that lingering feelings or no, I would rather be with Mal than jumping every instant Dove took a breath in case this would be the moment she questioned me on my morning excursion to the laundrette.
I was outside Mal's door without too much thought and I knocked. The door opened, but Mal was sat on his bed, and he looked preoccupied. I stepped inside and closed the door, giving him a cursory glance as I attempted to fathom his mood.
"What if I had been someone else?" I asked as I placed my things upon his desk chair.
"I always know it's you." He stated, and he looked up and smiled. "And just come in. If I'm changing or something I'll lock the door anyway. Otherwise you're free to come and go as you please."
I smiled and took a breath determined to gloss over the happenings of the morning and begin with something that I would have discussed with him regardless.
"I have had enough of Dove's scrutiny. Ever since the night I threw my phones in the pond she thinks I am suicidal. I wish I could tell her that if I wished to kill myself it would take more than a jump in the lake." I sighed and shook my head. "But it is neither here nor there."
"I guess not."
"But it means I must call on you earlier since I am escaping her clutches. It is still fairly early in the day. Would you care for a trip to the cinema? My treat." I said with a grin. "Unless there is another activity you would care to indulge in." I added and I felt a strange thrill as I realised I was inviting him to choose sex if that was what he desired. I truly was ready, for him…
"A film sounds great." He said, shooting to his feet. "Have you got any in mind?" He asked, taking my hand and leading me from the room.
"No. But in deference to the season we should go with something scary." I said, covering my annoyance, and perhaps a small flutter of relief, that he had picked the safest option.
"Course we have to." Mal observed. "I think I might know just the right film."
It was just the right film. Its horror was reliant on atmosphere and it allowed the ghost to creep the skin in increments until you realised you were truly terrified. It was much more horrifyingly enthralling than ghastly blood and guts colouring every nanometre of the screen.
It was time for lunch when we left the cinema, and then time to change into our costumes. I made a show of changing in front of Mal. Platonic or otherwise; this was something he would have to accept. If it was platonic, I held no attraction to him then it was as if I were changing in front of a female friend. If he wished to make it something other, well look at what I have to offer and accept me fully.
Before we left his room there was something important I had to do. There was an e-mail I had to send, for regardless of my current opinion, I would always send my well wishes on this day. Regardless of my current anger, I still loved Mother dearly, and I was thinking of her this day. I always thought of her, but on this day I would wish her well. It was her Birthday, and I could not be angry with her on her birthday.
"Who are you e-mailing?" Mal asked, standing ready at the door. "You're taking ages."
"It is a very important e-mail. I am almost done." I stated.
"Who to?" He asked.
"Someone who's very important to me." I said defensively as I shut down my laptop, I had no wish to discuss if this meant I was decided on going home or not tonight.
"Oh. Right." Mal said, with a slight frown, enhanced by the thick black arched eyebrows he'd drawn on with face paints.
"Shall we go dear Count?" I asked as I stood and held out my hand to him.
Mal still frowned for a moment, but then he took my hand and leaned down to kiss it with a flourish of his cape.
"Let us depart our crypt my midnight bloom and paint the town red." He said, adopting a Bela Legosi accent.
"However did you know that was my favourite colour?" I asked.
"It was a guess." He said, and twisted my hand gently as he pretended to nibble at my wrist.
I giggled and kissed his cheek before taking his hand and pulling him out of his room.
My mind was rather chaotic, but it added to the thrill of Halloween. I had managed to regain my equilibrium where Mal was concerned by the time we were heading down to the Union in our costumes. We were friends, we may have the odd moment of joking, but it was merely joking and I should read nothing more into the fact that he held my hand and almost refused to let it go as delightful tingles spread through me.
We were friends, best friends perhaps, but friends none the less. Friends who had purchased the best costumes, I decided, as the gossamer of my dress flowed in the wind about me in a white haze. Mal's opera cloak flowed too, but not like my pretty dress. I thought our costumes were superb and I hoped we would win the prize. We had the best costumes. I would like to win a prize with my friend Malachite.
I must say the ball was tremendous fun, even if Mal declined to dance, but he showed no animosity when I chose to dance for half an hour with Dove and Annis. He merely played a round of pool with a werewolf from his psych class. Mal lost, but only because he allowed the wolf to win. I wondered why Mal would play down his ability. I would have to ask him about it.
He drank too, quite a bit I must say, and I had not thought it possible of him. Not to excess at least, but he did indulge a little on the alcohol and he was well and truly, what word had he applied to me…steaming, by the time we were going home. However it was not too extreme, we were both still mobile and had our wits about us. We were merely caught up in that jolly stage, and it was wonderful.
"I can't believe you're drunk." I scolded Mal playfully as we crossed the bridge.
"Yeah. Well I haven't got a hollow leg like some people." He replied as he swayed slightly although it was deliberate but I felt my mischief mood settle in as I decided to play along.
"Mal bach, you let it go right to your head." I sang, and I gave a little pirouette and watched the gossamer costume float around me.
"I don't usually drink this much." He muttered.
"You have to pace yourself bach." I stated as the alcohol in my system made me feel light and I leapt up onto the handrail of the bridge and began to balance upon it.
"Liza, you're gonna fall." Mal said, beckoning for me to come down.
"How much would you like to bet?" I asked, and I did a cartwheel to the centre.
"I'm not gonna bet on your life." Mal said in agitation as he reached the centre of the bridge and had to look up at me for once.
"I am not going to fall." I said firmly. "For I am going to jump in." I added as those cool waters seemed suddenly so inviting. It had been ever such a long time since I had been swimming and I wished to do so in that moment.
"Don't!" Mal gasped. "The water's not that deep."
"I can make the jump." I said and without another word I allowed myself to drop into the water.
At least that was the intention, but I felt myself suspended in midair as Mal looked anxiously over the railing, his hand flung out toward me. I smiled and made swimming motions in the air.
"Leave me drop." I called.
"No." He said firmly.
"But there are humans coming this way. Can you not hear them?" I said urgently.
There were no humans coming toward the bridge but in that moment Mal lost his concentration and I fell into the water. It was cold on my skin but so thoroughly refreshing. The dress was of little hindrance as I swam to the bank and climbed out of the pond dripping and laughing as Mal was quickly at my side looking extremely angry.
"You could have died." He growled.
"No." I said firmly as I hugged him. "Come, I want to run."
"Liza, you could have died." He repeated.
"We are dhampir bach, it takes more than a ten foot drop to stop us." I said firmly.
"What if you had drowned?" He demanded.
"I can hold my breath for a very long time, at least half an hour. Most dhampir can. Have you never tried?" I asked with a frown.
"Can't say I've ever wanted to." Mal said with a glower.
"Come, let us forget the water. I want to run. I want to ghost." I said excitedly, hoping to make him smile again.
"We can't. Not around here." He said sadly.
"We can in the trees." I said, pointing to the ones that covered the nearby hill. It was hardly a stand of trees, but it would give us the cover we required.
"Come on then." He said, taking my hand and making sure no one was looking we ghosted toward the trees where we were free to run as we liked.
Running at such speeds meant my dress was soon dry and I felt in such high spirits to be running through the trees on Halloween night with Mal at my side. His cape billowed out behind him as we wove through the trees and I laughed at the thought that he did indeed resemble a movie vampire now.
Or perhaps he was a hapless Victorian gentleman about to be prey to a vampiress in a ghostly dress. I grinned widely as I forced myself to speed enough in order to turn on him and leap into his arms. He staggered backwards chuckling as I pretended to bite his throat in the classic movie style until he came up short against a tree and fell upon his derriere.
I lifted my head, looking into his green eyes, waiting for him to chastise me on my behaviour once more, but he was amused. I could feel his hand move softly over my back until his arm was warm against my shoulders and I was enveloped in his cloak. The embrace was divine and I felt moved by his presence. My head was swimming in so much pleasure as I moved closer to him, my hands moving to rest lightly against his cheeks.
Our lips met and parted as we both deepened the kiss, his arms drawing me nearer as I pushed my body closer to his. My hand left his face to trail down his body and come to rest against his waist. I knew I longed to trail it further down, but I was nervous to do so, I wanted to kiss him. His left hand alighted on my leg and found the hem of my skirt. I felt his fingers brush my thigh and I experienced moving within me that immediately recalled my dream of the night before. I was somewhat shocked that out here, in the real world merely his hand could elicit the sweet rushing.
I found confidence to trail my hand lower, and now to trail across…
"Liza, this is wrong." Mal murmured against my lips.
"No it's not." I replied, lifting my hand back up to his cheek.
Mal managed to push me away slightly and he gave me a serious look.
"Would you be doing this if you were sober?" He asked.
"I… would you?" I countered.
"Only if we were both sober and in complete control of our actions." He said.
"What if this is the thing I need to forget my inhibitions and make me realise the feelings I am not ready to acknowledge?" I asked hopefully.
"And what if this has released your inhibitions enough to want a little fun and you'll want to forget it tomorrow?" Mal asked a little sadly. "If we're going beyond friendship I'd rather us both go into it with our eyes wide open, otherwise I can only be your friend. Things would get too weird if we were 'friends with benefits'."
"Oh. It would." I agreed. "And I had not considered that implication, I was merely kissing you. But then my hand had other ideas." I stated as I looked at the offending appendage. "I should not have allowed it to do so."
"Not that my hands were behaving any better." He said, holding his hands up in front of me with a laugh, before he placed his arms about me once more and dropped his head to my shoulder with a sad sigh. "This could get very messy if we're not careful." He murmured.
"Indeed it could my friend." I agreed as I returned his embrace. "Perhaps we should retire for the night and discuss this in the morning?"
"I think that's for the best." He said, releasing me and I stood up and away from him so he could stand too.
Once he was on his feet he grabbed the edge of his cloak and stooped down, wrapping his arm around my shoulders so that the material fell around me too.
"Come my little night bloom." He said adopting his Bela Legosi voice once more, "Let us return to the crypt before the sun rises and we're burnt to a crisp."
I giggled before I clutched at his arm.
"Oh please dear Count, not that infernal orb. Will we make it in time?" I said, deliberately over the top.
"Let us hurry and we will make it." He declared and he threw me over his shoulder before he started ghosting through the trees.
"Put me down." I laughed. "This is ever so undignified."
Mal slowed and placed me on the floor.
"Let's see how you like it." I said and I lifted him over my shoulder easily, however movement was made impossible because of how much taller he was and I had to put him down. "Damn."
"I'm sorry for being so tall." He said with a laugh and I scowled at him. "Well, what do you want me to say?"
I shrugged and then I felt my feet leave the floor until my head was above Mal's. I was speechless for a moment, my stomach swimming as it had in the dream. He had raised me thus and then we made love. If this part of my dream could become reality, then…
No. It was wrong to draw parallels. Mal was merely trying to make me feel better. I had put my mind right in under a second. I now viewed this scenario as if he were a teasing friend.
"See, you're taller than me now." He said with a grin as he held me in the air.
I tried to maintain my look of disapproval, but it did not last long as I fell into fits of giggles as Mal lowered me to the floor.
"Thank you my friend." I said as I hugged him. "Let us return now."
"Let's." Mal agreed, taking my hand and we ghosted to the edge of the trees, but we slowed to a walk once we were out of the cover and strolled toward the dorm buildings swathed in the gentle breath of night.
Poetry aside the walk back was marvellous even though it took us twenty minuets. We bought food and took it to Mal's room in order to eat it. This time it was Mexican and I thought of Maria as I ate. I found myself telling Mal of the time we had visited her and she had wanted to keep me as a pet. Mal went into a long speech denouncing vampires everywhere and declaring that this was among one of the many instances where vampires tried to exploit dhampir.
It took a while for me to argue that not all vampires were like Maria, she was the only one who had wanted to keep me. In the end I changed the subject, realising that it was not a wise thing to bring up vampires with Malachite while we had little time to discuss them fully for there was much I wished to know. I wanted to know exactly how they had mistreated Mal, other than the fact the Volturi had killed his parents. I had come to realise that although the death of his parents was a factor, there was something in the greater vampire community that had strengthened his mistrust in carnivores.
It was true that most carnivores could not be trusted, but there were a few who I have met who other than their dietary preferences have been most trustworthy. Some who spring immediately to mind are Mr Sam Ransome JR and his mate Miss Jolie Hill. But it would be impossible to argue my case without having them here as evidence.
We managed to reach a point where we both agreed it was the perfect time for sleep. Before I settled I realised I would need a shower since I had spent time in the pond and it was not the same as swimming in the pristine lake back near the Res, this water was mostly polluted, an unofficial dumping ground for the college that only kept its clean appearance because anything that floated was fished out. Mal had told me that I'd be surprised how much rubbish was in there for he'd sensed every little thing whilst searching for my phones. I realised in that moment that wanting to swim in the pond had not been the brightest of ideas.
I walked back to Mal's room feeling cleaner, but I decided I would require a longer shower in the morning to feel at my most clean. I knocked on the door before I turned the handle and found him already sitting in his bed, but he was waiting for me to come back.
"I said to just walk in." He stated. "If I'm changing I'll lock the door."
"I know. But it seems improper not to at least announce my presence before entering." I replied.
"I suppose." Mal said with a shrug.
I smiled and said nothing more on the matter.
"I will switch the light off." I offered.
"No need to Liza." He stated. "I feel like showing off a bit, so you cwtch down and I'll show off."
I laughed as I went to cwtch down, but on the air mattress since I thought it might not be the best idea to cwtch in with him after my dream of the previous night.
Once I was safely under the covers I said, "Well show off then bach."
Mal chuckled before he closed his eyes and moved his hands and I heard the door lock. He moved his hands once more and the light switched off.
"Very impressive." I said. "Although it is not a patch on your holding me up earlier."
"Thanks. But really it's easier to throw out my mind and stop someone falling like that than to try and manipulate something fiddly like a lock or a light switch."
"It is?" I asked.
"Yeah. Takes more concentration see. It's not just throwing my power at it and hoping it sticks."
"That does make sense in a way." I conceded.
"Yep." Mal replied. "Time for sleep now?"
"Yes. Goodnight Malachite." I said, smiling a little at the rhyme he liked so much.
"Night Liza."
I soon drifted to sleep, but was awakened not more than two hours later as something nudged into my shoulder. I batted it away irritably and looked to see a running shoe flying into the wall opposite where it bounced off and began a journey to the other side of the room.
I looked across to Mal, the furniture wasn't floating this time, but smaller objects were floating about with a lot more velocity than before. Mal was thrashing in his bed and shouting at some invisible foe. I crossed the room quickly and placed my hand to his head, he felt hot, even for a dhampir, was he ill? No, it was most likely to do with his distress.
"Malachite." I whispered in soothing tones.
"Liza, get away." He shouted.
"I will stand beside you." I said, taking his hand.
"They'll kill you too. They haven't seen you yet, go." He said urgently and I felt something nudge me, it must have been his telekinesis.
"No." I said firmly as I climbed up onto his bed and I pulled him to me, hugging him tightly as I willed him to find peace.
"No…" He muttered, but he seemed to calm somewhat.
I placed a kiss to his forehead and stroked his hair. Finally his breathing steadied and he began to snore. I smiled but I was exhausted, having been roused so soon from my sleep. I manoeuvred myself against his pillows, cradling his head against me as I continued to stroke his hair, despite sitting I felt comfortable and I was asleep before I knew it.
When I awoke I was still sitting up against the pillows with Mal's head cradled in my arms. His fingers were playing in my hair since the curls had fallen somewhat looser by drying naturally, but he was still asleep. I tried to move, but how we were positioned I would hurt him if I tried too hard. I placed my hand on his shoulder and shook him gently.
The hand in my hair stopped for a moment, then the fingers moved again, but this time it was with a more inquisitive air. The hand then trailed to my shoulder and down my arm as if investigating.
"Liza?" Mal whispered.
"Yes." I replied.
"What happened?" He asked, sitting up.
"You were having another bad dream." I stated. "I came to wake you, but you settled when I was near and it was still fairly early in the morning and I fell back to sleep."
"Oh god, I'm sorry to have disturbed you." He said sadly as he dropped his head.
"Mal, we cannot help our dreams." I said, placing my hand to his cheek. "Now I know you will need time to gather your thoughts and I was intending to take a long shower this morning after my swim in the pond last night. Shall we shower first and talk later?"
Mal nodded.
"Then I may be an hour." I stated.
"An hour?" He asked.
"Possibly not an hour, but I do intend to wash thoroughly this morning." I stated.
I smiled, kissed his cheek and gathered together my belongings for the shower.
I was not as long as an hour, possibly half an hour at the most. Although by the time I had dried my hair it had been an hour. Mal and I made our way to the laundrette and kept our conversation topics light. It seemed that it was becoming our custom now, to wait until we were eating ice cream in the park before we discussed what ailed us.
After we finished discussing his dream we came to the conclusion that we would avoid conversations about his past when it was near bedtime. It seemed this trawling of his distressing youth was the trigger to his nightmares.
With this new rule in place we continued through the next week and on to the next weekend. Since it was the Saturday he was due to rise early once more I made him breakfast and he seemed pleased, I had feared I was over stepping my bounds to do it a second time but Mal accepted it as if it was part of our routine now.
I met him from his lesson and we went to see a movie again, I liked watching them with Mal. If the film was awful it mattered not, for he would regale me with a review of what made the film so utterly dreadful as we walked back to our building in the darkness that was coming earlier with the advent of winter.
We kept the conversation away from the past after we had studied for a few hours. Instead we discussed the film we had seen in a little more detail before opting to order one on line.
That night Mal didn't dream, or if he did, it was not so distressing as to make the furniture float. It made me feel happy as I made my way to the girls' bathroom the next morning in order to shower. I was lost somewhat in my thoughts as I considered the fact we had managed to control his dreams without resorting to dream walking. I almost did not notice the police officer at the end of the hall until he stepped in front of me.
"Excuse me miss." He said, in a friendly yet official greeting.
"Can I help you officer?" I asked.
"Maybe. This is just a door-to-door thing. Just trying to build up a picture. Do you know this man?" He asked and showed me a picture, it was Malcolm in an undeniable yearbook pose and I felt a shiver through me since I hadn't seen his face since the night he touched me.
"That is Malcolm Donaldson." I stated.
"So you know him." The police officer said as he took out a notebook and pen.
"Yes." I stated.
"When was the last time you saw him?" He asked.
"Four weeks ago." I stated.
"Can you remember what he was doing the last time you saw him?"
"Looking somewhat pained after I applied a little self defence upon him." I said without thinking.
"Self defence?" The officer questioned.
"He touched me where I wished not to be touched and planned to go further. Should I have allowed him to?"
"Not at all." The officer said. "And you reported this?"
"To the warden the next day. It should all be on record." I stated.
"Did the warden follow up on it?"
"He merely touched me, I had no expectations that he would be prosecuted or even cautioned for such an act. I merely wished for it to be on record so that if he went further with a girl in future then there would be a previous allegation to help her." I explained.
"Ok." The officer said, writing most of what I said down.
"May I ask what this is in aid of?" I asked.
"Mr Donaldson hasn't been seen since the night of Saturday the tenth of October. We're just trying to build a picture of his last known movements so we know where to start looking."
"He's missing?" I asked, feeling somewhat shocked; when Gobbo and Trick had questioned me on his whereabouts I thought it was possibly some form of ploy.
"Yes. His friends only reported it yesterday, seems they thought he might have took off somewhere, is he prone to that?"
"I only knew him for a month and not at all well. I misjudged his character. Although he did decide to drive all the way to San Jose in order to visit the Earthquakes' stadium. Does that count as evidence to show he's prone to going off places without telling anyone?" I asked.
"He told you." The officer stated.
"He took me with him." I said darkly. "It was not the most joyous of trips."
"Right." The officer said with a frown. "When was this?"
"On the tenth." I said, and it suddenly hit me that I was possibly the last person to see him.
"Can I take your name please miss?"
I considered giving a pseudonym for a moment, and then thought better of it. If I gave a false name and they were to track me later it might look worse on me. Besides, Malcolm was merely missing, most likely keeping a low profile in case he was arrested.
"Liza." I said. "Sorry, it is Elizabeth Summers, but most call me Liza."
"Right. And that's your room up there?" He asked, pointing to Mal's room.
"No. That is the room of my good friend Mal. I stayed there last night on an air mattress because my roommate has sole use of our room on a Saturday." I stated, being sure to note the separate mattress.
"And this is every Saturday since the beginning of the semester?" He asked.
"Yes."
"Ok." He said as he wrote further. "So what is your room number?"
"Five zero nine." I said promptly.
"And do you have a contact number we can use?"
"There's the phone in the room, but I have no idea what that number is." I stated for it was the truth.
"How about a cell?" The officer prompted.
"I am currently in the process of purchasing a new since my last one was damaged." I said, feeling no need to elaborate on how it was damaged.
"Ok. Well thanks for your help Miss Summers. Please get in touch if you can think of anything else that might lead us to his whereabouts." The officer said, handing me a card.
"I will." I promised and then walked on to the bathroom.
It transpired that the officer had also accosted Mal when he emerged from his room to shower. It was simply preliminaries and I was certain Malcolm had merely absconded somewhere. He would turn up after causing everyone worry and he would show no remorse.
I paid no thought to it for an entire week, after all what concern was Malcolm's whereabouts to me? I was merely happy that there was no need for me to look upon his face. Seeing his picture had been bad enough, how would I have felt if I had to confront him face to face? I shuddered to think.
That Friday Mal and I set off early for a hunting trip once more. I liked the little cabin and would not be averse to stay there longer, I considered asking Mal if we could stay on until Sunday the next time we came up. Of course it would mean changing our Sunday routine a little, but as I grew more content in my life I realised it was somewhat easier to let go of some of my compulsions.
I decided to allow a couple of days to go by before I would broach the subject with Mal.
However the matter went completely from my mind on the Wednesday when I arrived home from my day's lectures to find two men waiting outside the door of my dorm room. I was already feeling a little disturbed for I had awoken early that morning and had not been able to return to sleep because something I could not fathom was troubling my mind. It had put me in a bad frame of mind for the day and I felt wary at the sight of the men.
"May I help you gentlemen?" I asked.
"Detective Skip Johnson and this is my partner Detective Howard Johnson. We're with the Polk County Police." The taller and bulkier of the two said.
"Polk County? Is that not in Florida? You're a little out of your jurisdiction Detectives." I said with a sudden feeling of ice in my stomach.
"We're here to look into the disappearance of Mal Donaldson." Detective Skip said flatly.
"Oh. You came all the way from Florida for that?" I asked, for it seemed a little ridiculous for two police detectives to give up who knew how many days of Police work to fly to the other side of the country and look into a disappearance that happened out of their jurisdiction.
"The police here don't seem to be taking it seriously." Detective Howard stated.
"And you are friends of the Donaldsons and thought to come and investigate for yourselves?" I surmised.
"Yeah." Skip agreed.
"Then how can I help you detectives?" I asked.
"Are you Elizabeth 'Liza' Summers?" Howard asked, checking his notes and I felt that this should have been the first question he asked.
"Yes." I replied, folding my arms, as I felt suddenly very defensive.
"You're the last person anyone remembers seeing Mal with, do you mind if we ask you some questions?" Howard asked politely.
"Do I have a choice?" I said, unable to stop the sarcastic remark from leaving my mouth.
"Of course you have a choice Miss Summers, but a suspicious cop would wonder why you wouldn't want to help track down a missing person who might be hurt or dead." Howard said, a little tersely for my liking.
They were right of course, and I had to tread carefully. They had come all this way for a simple missing person's case; they must be close friends indeed with Malcolm's parents.
"Shall we go to the common room?" I asked.
"Is there somewhere more private?" Skip asked.
"I will not ask you two into my room, how can I be sure you are real police officers?" I countered.
They showed me their badges.
"I'm sorry but I am wary of men I don't know and would rather remain in public view. Besides the common room is fairly empty this time of the day." I said firmly, allowing no room for argument. I was merely providing them with a witness statement, I was not under arrest and therefore I could choose my own place of questioning.
Without waiting for a response I turned and walked to the common room. They had no choice but to follow me and I felt a little relief that I wouldn't be trapped in my room with them. They were officers of the law, but they had travelled the breadth of America for this one boy. I was under no illusions that they were going to dismiss me as a lying whore. But in public they could not say so.
I sat at the central most table and the detectives sat opposite, and thus the interview began…
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