Dracula has some news for Zoe. :) Please R&R! Hope you all enjoy!
~~~~~~~~~~~7 Weeks Later ~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was business as usual for the Jonathan Harker Institute. However, there had been rumblings of it closing its doors for good. With Dracula studied, and eventually, subsequently released. It held no actual purpose, however, research in a newly developed Vampire Serum, did seem promising.
Its function was to counteract with the effects of a recently bitten victim. Only issue being, it had to be administered within 30 seconds. Being so new it was still in the trial phase, and not yet, released to the public. There was still clearance from the MHRA, in addition to other red tape. Public availability could take 5 years, if not more.
Meanwhile, on the other side of England. The poor vampire was holed up in his small bathroom, feeling like life warmed over. No sooner did he think he was fine enough to lift his head from the toilet bowl, another merciless wave of nausea struck him down.
"God, just kill me!"
He dramatically lamented. Frank couldn't help but hear the commotion from outside the door, and rather inanely, decided to throw his two cents in.
"I thought you didn't believe in God, sir?"
This said in a sort of tone. Almost as though he found humor in it. Or, just simply a glutton for punishment. He growled under his breath, momentarily flirting with the idea of sending Frank to meet with him personally.
But, it was so hard to find good legal help these days. And over a 100 years of being an, otherwise, upstanding client with Hawkins & Wentworth. May not look very good on the legal circuit. He agitatedly spit out a glob of blood into the porcelain.
"I don't believe in throwin' ambulance chasers under emergency transport, either. But there's 'ah first time for everything"
This shifted Frank's tune almost immediately. Whatever was ailing the brazen vampire, he supposed it was best to keep his distance. Instead, choosing the wiser route, and retreating to his study to make corrections and adjustments to his client's paperwork.
The miserable Count finally emerges from the bathroom several minutes later. Just in time to hear the key of the main door lock, turn. It was Zoe. Slipping her shoes off in the foyer, a small plastic bag in her grasp. Her face breaking into a wide smile as she approaches Dracula and gives him a small peck on the cheek. When she stepped back, however, and actually studied his face for a moment. She became concerned.
"Are you okay?"
He sluggishly nods his head. However, this did little to sway her being convinced. He knew she would just ask again a short time later, it was a powerless battle on all fronts. She proceeds in throwing her jacket over the back of the dinning room chair, laying the bag out on the polished marble. A waft of Chinese takeout carried over, into the vampire's range of smell. Threatening another manic dash to the bathroom. He shuts his eyes, inhaling and exhaling slowly.
" 'An I picked you up some AB-Negative. (chuckling) It was sittin' in storage at work, didn't want it going to waste. Being so rare 'an all"
She was about to toss him the bag when his right hand arched over his mouth.
"Please, don't mention food"
He replies almost breathlessly. Simultaneously, holding the palm of the other up and out. It was then he knew he lost the fight, not even getting the chance to clamber to the toilet. Littering the once nice carpeting with deep-red blood. Zoe gasped.
"Oh, my God! What's wrong!?"
Racing over and delicately placing her hand on his back. The vampire hunched over. Breathing somewhat heavily and erratic, wiping the last traces of remaining blood from his mouth with the sleeve of his formally white dress shirt. She applied a bit more pressure, transitioning over to rubbing in circles. Dracula gives deep sigh, eventually finding enough strength in his legs to stand upright.
"Don't tell me you're in love"
She jests with a grin. Brushing a couple fingers over his forehead to move the damp, short strands of hair from his face. He chuckles softly, finally taking back control of his breathing. The answer seemed so obvious. That even despite his supernatural nature, when it came to this particular sequitur. It may as well be on par with a human's. His nostrils flared slightly, giving an abrupt, forceful sniff in contemplation. He reaches for her hands, gently taking them into his.
"I can assure you, it isn't that.."
-"Well, that's a relief"
Her response in a sort of witty nuance. He chuckles softly.
"Do you remember the night you asked me why I got sick from your blood?"
Zoe stood there for a few moments. Attempting to recollect and salvage any memory she possibly could. It wasn't long afterwards, her bright eyes went wide with realization. Her mouth breaking into a grin, followed by an almost breathy-like laugh. The vampire was unsure if this signaled she was overjoyed...or something else. Her expression swiftly morphing to deadpan.
"You..you're serious?"
It became immediately obvious, even to those with half a brain cell. That this completely life-altering event did not set too well with her. His face falls, lightly nodding his head, almost as if he were ashamed. Expecting her to follow this up, she instead, simply gathered her purse and keys and left back out the main door. The vampire's heart felt as though someone drove a stake through it. He exhales somewhat shakily. Ever so gently brushing a hand over his still-toned stomach and whispering.
"She'll come around, love. I know she will"