Chapter Seven:

Later that night, Nny awoke. Devi was still sleeping, and he carefully slipped out of her arms without waking her. He wanted to stay forever, but if he did she would eventually get hurt. This was his battle against Bloodman, and he didn't want her to get involved. If he was going to die, he didn't want her to die too.

Nny snuck into the other room, getting some things he placed under Devi's bed earlier. Then he came back. He placed a red rose in Devi's hand, and leaned down and kissed her lips softly.

"I'll try to come back someday," he whispered. And then he left the room. He stopped by the kitchen and placed a note on the counter, a short note so that she wouldn't think he'd run away for no reason. And then he picked up his jacket off the chair by the front door in the living room, and after one last look back at Devi's sleeping form he unlocked and opened the door, and slipped out, locking it behind him.

Nny stole out of the apartment and across dark streets, reaching house 777 in moments. He didn't go inside. He only leaped into his car. The keys were still in the ignition from the time he'd gone to get a brainfreezy a week ago. He started up the car, and drove away. He couldn't stay here. Devi would find him. He couldn't let her find him. She'd get hurt. He wouldn't let her get hurt. Not again. Especially not after all the pain she'd already gone through, all the pain he'd caused her. He didn't want her to get hurt anymore.

Nny drove out to the hill overlooking the city. The sparkling lights were beautiful. The last time he'd been here was on his first date with Devi. It brought back painful memories. He wished more than anything that he was still back in her house, in her arms, unafraid. But now there was no one to protect him. He was only going to be here for a little while, until he was killed by more convulsions. He wanted to cry, wanted to return to Devi, wanted to see her again. But he couldn't. Until he died or Bloodman somehow gave up, Devi was in danger every second he was near her. He couldn't put her wellbeing at stake.

He climbed out of his car and sat on the hood, pulling out his die-ary and pen. He began to scribble on a page.

Dear Die-ary,
I miss Devi tremendously. It feels like my heart is being ripped right out of my chest. Right now, I'd give anything to be able to see her again. But I can't. If I put her in danger, I'll never forgive myself. I can't believe I've gone and fallen in love with her. Even just loving her can endanger her. But I can't control my heart. It's become even more uncontrollable than my mind. And I find that arduous to accept as true. I fear I'll go insane if I can't see Devi again. But I can never see her again.

*/*/*

Devi awoke, and was aware of the absence of Johnny beside her. She sat up.

"Nny?" she called.

No answer.

She went into the kitchen and switched on the light, looking around. She noticed a piece of paper on the counter, and picked it up. It said something on it.

Devi, I trust you would understand where I went if you knew the full horrors of what drives me away. I can only say that it is for your safety that I leave. I still love you, but I can't put your life in jeopardy. I hope you won't forget me, but I hope you will go along with your life, and try to live it as full as possible. I know I won't forget you. You're an angel, if there is any word to describe you.

-Nny

Devi looked at the note in horror. Nny was gone. She knew that if he had left, he probably had a good reason, but she wasn't just going to let him leave. She had no idea where he had gone, but she had to go after him. She grabbed her coat.

*/*/* On the overlook cliff thing, Nny sat on the hood of his car. The wind chilled him, and he hopped inside the car. He lay back in the driver's seat and closed his eyes.

"Here I am. I'm ready. Just kill me. There's nothing to stop you now," he muttered. But no pain came. No more convulsions shook him. He kicked the glove box, frustrated. "Kill me!" he screamed, "Just get it over with! I'm ready!!!!!! NOW!"

He heard the sound of a car driving up.

"Oh no," he muttered. The car stopped near his, and turned off or whatever you call it when the car gets stopped.

Somebody got out of the car. The dark figure walked over to Nny's car. Nny got ready to grab his knife out of the glove box where he'd been keeping it. His door opened and he looked up. Devi was standing outside of the car, staring at him. He had mixed feelings when he saw her there. Part of him was terrified for her safety, and wanted her to leave. But the other part of him was so relieved and overjoyed to see her again that he wanted to throw his arms around her.

"Devi? How did you find me?" he asked.

"I had a hunch. I remember this place. Our first date, remember"

"Yes."

"Why did you leave?"

"It's a long story. But it has to do with your safety, and I didn't want to put you in danger."

"I don't care if I'm in danger. I just want to know why you left."

"Devi, I can't tell you. It would take longer than I have. I don't have long. I just need you to understand that it's entirely for your protection. I don't want you to get hurt again."

"What do you mean you don't have long?"

"I..I have to leave."

"Again?"

"It's for the best. I need you to understand."

"I'm not going to let you leave again."

"I have to leave. Devi, if I stay with you, you're going to die."

"I don't care."

"what do you mean you don't care?"

"I don't care if I die. I don't have anything left. I don't want you to leave again."

"Devi, listen to me, I can't tell you why. You won't like it."

"I have to know. Please?"

"Alright. You won't like it, but I'll tell you. I'm going to die. I'm sort of being..possessed. If I stay with you, you'll get killed too. You're too important to be lost. I won't let you get killed too."

"Johnny-"

"No."

Devi leaned forward and hugged him.

"Devi don't. You're just going to make it harder for me to-"

"I'm not going to lose you. You're the only thing I have left."

"Devi, please get in the car. I need to talk to you."

"Fine." Devi said, and climbed over Nny into the passenger seat.

"Devi, I have to leave. I can't let you get hurt. I care about you too much to. Please understand what I'm saying," Nny said. Devi took several deep breaths. She was trying not to cry. She had to hold them back. She was strong enough not to cry. But she could barely keep the tears in. She leaned across the seat and slid her arms around him.

"I can't let you go," she whispered. Nny closed his eyes. He didn't think he COULD leave her again. It might just tear his heart right out of his chest.

*/*/* They didn't move for a long time, and Nny almost dozed off. Then he shook himself awake, and saw that Devi was sleeping again. He kissed her forehead.

"Sleep well, Devi. Please forget all about me and go on with your life," he whispered. And then he got out of the car as quietly as he could. He took off his jacket and lay it over Devi. Then he shut the car door gently, making little sound. He set off on foot into the night. He looked over his shoulder, sad for what he was leaving behind. But he had to let her go. He couldn't endanger anyone else because of him.*/*/*