Chapter 12: Light and Darkness Combine

January 31

Christine and Blackheart strolled hand in hand down one of many suburban streets. Blackheart had finally recovered from the vampire toxin and, after much begging on Christine's part, agreed to take a tour of her neighborhood. The snow had melted and the sun was shining brightly. Christine pointed out many points of interest as well as quick getaways from the gangs that hung around. She was explaining gang territories when a sudden raindrop hit her nose.

"Well, that was unexpected," Blackheart chuckled, wiping the drop off her nose. Soon, another drop fell. Then another. And another.

Soon, the rain seemed to fall in sheets. Christine tightened her grip on Blackheart's hand. "Follow me." She started to run and he followed suit. She led him to an abandoned building they could take shelter from the storm in.

"We should be able to take shelter here. I don't know how long the storm will last though. They tend to last quite a while."

"Well, it just means we're finally alone. Sss… aah." Christine turned to find Blackheart sinking to the floor, clutching the wound at his neck. She rushed to his side and removed the bandages to see the wound better.

"That rain could not have been good for your wound. It's not as clean as it was three and a half centuries ago. We should try to clean it again. Avoid infection." He smirked.

"I never thought I'd ever need someone else's protection. Guess I was wrong." She blushed.

"I don't think my tiny cross can really be considered protection."

"I wasn't talking about your cross, Christine." Christine, who had begun to search for a first aid kit, turned to him, very much confused. "I was talking about you, my angel."

"M-m-me?" He nodded. "How? Wha-what can I do?" He slowly came up behind her.

"My only weakness is a vampire's bite. And a vampire's weakness is anything holy." He leaned closer to her. "Such as a holy being," he whispered in her ear, wrapping his arm around her waist. She turned to him, confused and blushing.

"Wha-what d-d-do you mean?" His other hand slowly trailed up to her face, pulling her back so he could kiss her neck. Her face and neck grew very hot at this.

"Think about it, Christine." He ran a hand gently down her arm. She shuddered, then tried to escape his arms.

"Please stop. I-I'm not-not…" She got away and turned to him, releasing a deep sigh. "Ready. I'm not ready. Ahem. We need to take care of your wound."

"Of course. Right." She said she wasn't ready but he could read the truth in her eyes. As she pushed his duster off his shoulder to get to the wound, he realized she was avoiding his gaze. She didn't want him to see the longing for him in her eyes he figured.

Christine went right to work in Blackheart's wound She was trying to ignore the strange feeling that had come over her. She didn't understand what is was and it terrified her. The only thing that even more frightening for her was the burning desire she saw in Blackheart's piercing eyes. She started to unbutton his shirt but froze she realized her hand was gently caressing his chest. What made it worse was the look on Blackheart's face. His eyes were closed and he had a smirk of pleasure on. She quickly withdrew her hand, blushing profusely. He opened his eyes, still smirking. He reached for her. "Christine…"

"Y-y-yes?" His hand found her arm and slowly ran down to take her hand. She felt her face grow very hot at the simple act. She shivered.

"Are you cold?" He asked, standing up. His words were soft and gentle.

"A-a b-bit. But my jacket's soaked so…" His arms wrapped around her, gently caressing her sensitive back. She shivered again and tried to get away. She looked up at him. "Please, let go." He released her with a small sigh.

"Do you know where we are?" Blackheart looked around. They seemed to be in some sort of lobby. He watched Christine as she shedded her rain-soaked jacket.

"An abandoned hotel. It's been around since the 1800s, so they haven't torn it down." She looked out a nearby window. "We'll have to sleep here tonight. This storm is not going to let up anytime soon."

"Fine with me." He looked over Christine, thinking.

She's ready. Why won't she just admit it and give in?

She's probably scared. She's still so innocent, after all.

Doesn't matter! She's denying herself as well as you.

I'm not going to force myself on her!! But… perhaps… He started to follow her, still thinking. Her body, movements, even her scent told him she was ready, but something in her told her she wasn't. He couldn't force anything on her, he wouldn't. But perhaps he could gently coax her… help her into it…

She led him into one of the rooms which was still furnished with a bed and everything. "Eww, dusty." She bent down and placed a hand on the floor. Soon, the room was returned to its former 19th century glory. "Much better."

"Perfect hideaway for a young couple. Like us perhaps…" he said as she stood up. He came up behind her and wrapped an arm around her waist. Her hands came to his arm in surprise and she shuddered. He didn't have to look at her face to see what color it was.

"M-m-maybe…" He pulled her closer to him, pressing his face into her hair. "B-b-but I-I don't think… I don't t-think I'm r-ready…" She looked over her shoulder at him. Her face was bright red. "I-I'm sorry…"

"Christine, you're denying yourself and your own body." He gently brushed his lips across the junction of her neck and shoulder sending a shiver down her spine. "This is perfectly natural, even for angels. Why are you so afraid?"

"It's forbidden." He smirked.

"And us just being together isn't?" He began to run his free hand up and down her back, effectively causing goosebumps. "Christine…" he whispered in her ear. "Please…" She looked away. "I need you…" He started to kiss the junction of her neck and shoulder again. She looked upwards.

"Forgive me." She turned and began to kiss, submitting herself to him and her own desires. He reached for the doorknob and shut the door, giving the two more privacy.