A.N.~ here we go again! I'm not sure if Mina's eyes are blue or green since it says green in the movie novelization by K.J. Anderson (I'm stealing one of their scenes that was not in the movie for this chapter and the next) but in the movie her eyes seem blue... Oh well, c'est la vie! I hope I am not rushing this fic, I just want to get to the good stuff right away.
Review Responses:
Drucilla: I didn't mean to show off, I just thought it a fitting metaphor since Mina is a vampire (I always like a slight obsession with blood in them) and also because cities are often portrayed as living things.
Graymoon74: Thanks!
elvine wood nymph: thanks!
icewhitelady: thanks!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 2:
Games of Courtship, pt. 1
I was still half-wild and laughing in a slightly insane manner when I got back to my dwelling, so I collapsed on my nest of blankets and pillows with careless abandon and curled up into a ball to quietly allow my system to digest the blood and strengthen my vampiric abilities once more, which could become painful. It would restore my amazing strength, which had become depleted; ripping out the man's heart had *not* been easy. I looked at the still organ lying in my hand and now, as my sanity returned, wondered what the hell I should do with it. I sighed, and with my sharp nails, dug a hole in the floor, lowering it down and then covering it with dirt. Now I felt extremely weary, and willing allowed my head to drop to the pillows surrounding me, staining their white with red as blood dribbled inconspicuously out of my slightly open mouth.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I felt much better upon awakening around noon. I could not say what it was that had awoken me at first, so I looked around bewilderedly for a moment or two before my blue eyes settled upon a small slip of parchment resting on my low desk in the corner. A faint, thin breeze of chilly afternoon air slid through my still-open door, smelling deliciously of the passersby, all innocent and defenseless, with tender necks just waiting to be ripped open by white fangs in the depths of the night... I shuddered. My vampiric side always frightened me. 'Besides, I just fed.' I reminded myself, straightening my mahogany hair. 'I shouldn't be thinking such things.' I took the slip of parchment into my hand and was surprised to find that it was still warm as though someone had recently handled it. It read, in fanciful cursive writing:
Mina,
It would be my deepest pleasure if you would join me at the opera and then at my house for dinner tonight. I am sorry that it is on such short notice and I hope that I have not disturbed your sleep in delivering this as I know you were out late the last few nights, (my apologies) but I wish for you to know as soon as possible that you might be ready when I come to see you this evening. I eagerly anticipate your answer.
Much love,
Dorian Gray
I had a very hard time reading his signature, although I did not need to. Only he could produce such a mocking image in my head! Every word dripped of his mockery as though spoken aloud to me and I almost ripped the parchment in my fury. However I calmed my temper and sat back to think about it. It was time for me to start getting back at dear Dorian for all his teasing, and I was going to play the same game with him as he played with me. A wicked smile curved my voluptuously full red lips.
"How fun this will be." I purred to myself, stroking the parchment lovingly.
If only that night, supposed to be one of games, did not have to lead me spiraling down into the bloody darkness of betrayal.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Dorian came at exactly sundown, dressed to kill in a black suit with a gold pocket watch and a red bowtie. His long cane was tucked into the crook of his arm while a top hat was cocked at a jaunty angle on his thick, dark brown hair. With bravado he swept it off his head and bowed low to me.
"A pleasure as always, dear Ms. Wilhelmina." He purred, taking my hand as it to kiss it. I slid it faster then the eye could see out of his hand and back into my black woolen muff.
"Is it?" I asked dryly. Dorian did not seem the least bit fazed by my quickness; on the contrary, he seemed highly amused and there was a self-satisfied glint in his eyes as though I had proven something he had previously suspected. Or, perhaps, it was a facade, I could not tell. That was what so frustrated me about him. A suspicious frown flickered across my face for a brief instant as I tried to read his expression, but my face returned to its cold splendor before he could catch a good glimpse of it.
"Why Mina, I'm hurt." Dorian said with fake anguish in his voice and pose as he lay his hand over his heart and sank down on one knee.
"Oh, that was never my intention!" I cried in sudden, and subtly fake, distress. "Do forgive me." I pleaded, still faking my attitude. Dorian straightened and replaced his hat.
"If you continue to utilize your acting expertise like this, darling, I shall have no need to see the opera later tonight." He smiled, an enigmatic gleam burning brightly in his eyes. He seemed to be taunting me and daring me at the same time. A competitive fire leapt up from once-cold ashes inside me and I challenged the light in his eyes.
"You don't even need to act, love; you're a Greek tragedy all by yourself." I spat in smug retort. "If you don't mind I'd like to go now." I forcefully said. Feeling triumphant, as Dorian had no evident response to my jeer, I turned slowly away, my thick black cloak swishing around me, disclosing just enough of my gown to entice Dorian. Without warning, he seized me arm and spun me around.
My stomach caught in my throat as he pulled me forcefully to him, putting one arm around my waist to secure me there. Soft and warm, his breath blew against my face. It smelled faintly of sweet tobacco and sherry, a scent I had unknowingly come to identify as his, and I would've closed my eyes and savored the sultry closeness we shared in the winter cold had I not gazed into his eyes. They had a fierce, intense and feral look in them and they seemed as the sky above, dark, clouded and stormy; I grew afraid as I felt myself beginning to fall into them as one who stands on a precipice teeters over the edge, tempted to fall into the paradise they see below but unsure if they'd survive the drop. A very gentle movement began to stir me from my reverie and at first I could not figure out what it was. I looked more closely into Dorian's eyes to see little lights dancing there. I was confused. Why were they twinkling like that? My eyes roved downwards to his full, curving mouth and I realized why. Finally, I regained my sense of hearing.
Dorian was laughing.
He was laughing the stupid, hateful, sardonic laugh that he had probably spent an ungodly amount of time perfecting. I felt like ripping him to shred where he stood, and I felt my face heat up as I jerked away from him and clenched my fists, mouthing a few soundless words of rage. Somehow, this only caused him to laugh more, leaning heavily on his cane for support.
"What is so funny Mr. Gray?" I demanded furiously. He only continued to laugh! I could hardly bear it a second longer if I did not know what it was and my cheeks were heating to a most unbearable temperature. As I came to realize this, I realized what it was that Dorian was laughing at.
I was blushing.
His laughter began to fade and he straightened, his eyes still twinkling. My eyes were still smoldering as he began to walk away, clearly expecting me to follow. When he realized that I had planted my feet, squared my shoulders and set my jaw in a classic look of obvious defiance. Smirking, (how dearly I wished to rip his face to shreds when he did that!) he turned his head toward me slightly.
"Coming?" He called teasingly. Again he was daring me, asking for it...I stormed coolly past him, ignoring his cheeky smile. Two could play at this game.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
We were silent as we walked towards Dorian's waiting carriage, which was a sumptuous black and silver affair led by a team of fine, sleek chestnut mares whose warm breath unfurled in the cool evening air like smoke curling out of a dragon's nostrils. Dorian opened the door by means of a silver handle shaped like a lion running and offered me his hand to help me in, smiling smugly. I threw him a cold glance.
"I have no need of your assistance, seeing as I'm a grown-up, Mr. Gray." I said softly, taking care to add a deadly edge to my voice as I carefully climbed into the plush velvet interior of the carriage. Dorian feigned shock as he ascended to sit beside me, closing the door and signaling to his driver as he did so. I leaned over to pat his arm, being certain to rub noses with him and allow my lips to come tantalizingly close to his as I spoke. "Don't worry, I understand that this might be an advanced concept for you." I purred, icing my words with acidic venom, and drew back before he could lean in to my would-be kiss; he was clearly disgruntled by this, and it was my turn to offer a smug smile.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It took a fair amount of time to reach the opera house, and Dorian and I said little on the way. However, there was an incident when his driver took a rather sharp turn and we ended up in a most compromising position. *Dorian* seemed quite pleased with the arrangement and made a few lewd remarks that i decline to record. While we headed up the innumerable steps that led to our private box seat, Dorian chattered about the opera we'd see and I found myself wearied. My God he loved to hear himself talk! Without thinking I rubbed my eyes as if tired and what transpired after this left me shocked and befuddled.
He turned to me and gently put a hand on each shoulder, willing me, without speaking, to look at him. His eyes were soft and tender, and concern puckered his fair forehead; I felt the sudden urge to smooth away those offending creases.
"Please do tell me if I bore you, I know I tend to ramble." He said earnestly. I looked down, ashamed for my hateful and vengeful tendencies toward him. Perhaps he did care... I nodded in acquiescence to his request. "All right then, shall we?" He asked, sliding his arm around my waist. My feelings of guilt slowly melted away as we continued our ascent, and judging by where his hand ad crept up to by the time we reached our box, I knew I'd have plenty of reasons to tear him apart before the night was over.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The opera was exceedingly melodramatic and boring compared to Dorian's running commentary of it. I found myself fighting the urge to laugh in the middle of the dramatic and morose finale of the first act since Dorian found entirely too much to make fun of. ("Look! As she bends over you can see her next costume change underneath her dress... And some more at that!" "There's no hole after the sword pierced him." "Why is there a crack in the stage?" "Someone burped backstage... Or was that you, Mrs. Harker?) At last the thick red curtains closed and someone announced that there would be an hour long intermission. Still stifling a laugh at Dorian's jokes, I stood to stretch my legs, Dorian watching. At length he spoke.
"Let's get out of here." He said abruptly.
"But you paid for the tickets!" I cried in shock. Dorian may have driven me out of my mind, but there was still some guilt at such wanton waste of money inside me.
"Well there's plenty more money where it came from." He replied briskly. "Besides I can think of a few games we can play that might repay the debt." Came his seductive comment as one of his gloved hands brushed up my arm.
"Oh really now?" I whispered huskily.
Leaning into his touch, I unashamedly looked into his eyes before standing up and sauntering off, flashing suggestive glances over my shoulder as I continued my sensual mosey down the stairs, hiding teasingly behind the curve of the wall. An eager light appeared in his eyes and he enthusiastically followed me, catching up fairly quickly. He leaned close to me, watching me intently like a cat cornering a mouse. He licked his lips and pressed closer, but then I dove out of the way, reappearing innocently behind him. I smirked coyly and ambled down the stairs, darting quickly away to hide behind a plant or the next curve of the wall whenever he got too close. He began to get frustrated with out game as we reached the bottom of the stairs and I hid behind some curtains. This newest hiding place took him the longest to find, and when he triumphantly peeled back the curtain, I leapt away again, graceful as a gazelle even in my impossibly tight dress. I made sure he knew it was tight on me by adjusting the bodice slightly up and down and letting out a long, low breath like a sigh or a groan made in the night. With another smirk, I slid out the door like fog rolling over the sea and out towards the large gardens outside, laughing softly as I did so, a low and tantalizing sound that came up from my throat. Dorian smiled wickedly as he followed, looking to the night sky
and breathing deeply as he prepared to search for me. Somewhere within the garden, my voice sounded.
"Let the games begin..."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A.N.~ Hate to cut this off where it is, but I don't like my chapters going over five pages and it would've gone waaayyy over it if I had so I'll continue it (hopefully tonight) in another chapter. Reviews are appreciated, and again please no flames!
Review Responses:
Drucilla: I didn't mean to show off, I just thought it a fitting metaphor since Mina is a vampire (I always like a slight obsession with blood in them) and also because cities are often portrayed as living things.
Graymoon74: Thanks!
elvine wood nymph: thanks!
icewhitelady: thanks!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 2:
Games of Courtship, pt. 1
I was still half-wild and laughing in a slightly insane manner when I got back to my dwelling, so I collapsed on my nest of blankets and pillows with careless abandon and curled up into a ball to quietly allow my system to digest the blood and strengthen my vampiric abilities once more, which could become painful. It would restore my amazing strength, which had become depleted; ripping out the man's heart had *not* been easy. I looked at the still organ lying in my hand and now, as my sanity returned, wondered what the hell I should do with it. I sighed, and with my sharp nails, dug a hole in the floor, lowering it down and then covering it with dirt. Now I felt extremely weary, and willing allowed my head to drop to the pillows surrounding me, staining their white with red as blood dribbled inconspicuously out of my slightly open mouth.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I felt much better upon awakening around noon. I could not say what it was that had awoken me at first, so I looked around bewilderedly for a moment or two before my blue eyes settled upon a small slip of parchment resting on my low desk in the corner. A faint, thin breeze of chilly afternoon air slid through my still-open door, smelling deliciously of the passersby, all innocent and defenseless, with tender necks just waiting to be ripped open by white fangs in the depths of the night... I shuddered. My vampiric side always frightened me. 'Besides, I just fed.' I reminded myself, straightening my mahogany hair. 'I shouldn't be thinking such things.' I took the slip of parchment into my hand and was surprised to find that it was still warm as though someone had recently handled it. It read, in fanciful cursive writing:
Mina,
It would be my deepest pleasure if you would join me at the opera and then at my house for dinner tonight. I am sorry that it is on such short notice and I hope that I have not disturbed your sleep in delivering this as I know you were out late the last few nights, (my apologies) but I wish for you to know as soon as possible that you might be ready when I come to see you this evening. I eagerly anticipate your answer.
Much love,
Dorian Gray
I had a very hard time reading his signature, although I did not need to. Only he could produce such a mocking image in my head! Every word dripped of his mockery as though spoken aloud to me and I almost ripped the parchment in my fury. However I calmed my temper and sat back to think about it. It was time for me to start getting back at dear Dorian for all his teasing, and I was going to play the same game with him as he played with me. A wicked smile curved my voluptuously full red lips.
"How fun this will be." I purred to myself, stroking the parchment lovingly.
If only that night, supposed to be one of games, did not have to lead me spiraling down into the bloody darkness of betrayal.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Dorian came at exactly sundown, dressed to kill in a black suit with a gold pocket watch and a red bowtie. His long cane was tucked into the crook of his arm while a top hat was cocked at a jaunty angle on his thick, dark brown hair. With bravado he swept it off his head and bowed low to me.
"A pleasure as always, dear Ms. Wilhelmina." He purred, taking my hand as it to kiss it. I slid it faster then the eye could see out of his hand and back into my black woolen muff.
"Is it?" I asked dryly. Dorian did not seem the least bit fazed by my quickness; on the contrary, he seemed highly amused and there was a self-satisfied glint in his eyes as though I had proven something he had previously suspected. Or, perhaps, it was a facade, I could not tell. That was what so frustrated me about him. A suspicious frown flickered across my face for a brief instant as I tried to read his expression, but my face returned to its cold splendor before he could catch a good glimpse of it.
"Why Mina, I'm hurt." Dorian said with fake anguish in his voice and pose as he lay his hand over his heart and sank down on one knee.
"Oh, that was never my intention!" I cried in sudden, and subtly fake, distress. "Do forgive me." I pleaded, still faking my attitude. Dorian straightened and replaced his hat.
"If you continue to utilize your acting expertise like this, darling, I shall have no need to see the opera later tonight." He smiled, an enigmatic gleam burning brightly in his eyes. He seemed to be taunting me and daring me at the same time. A competitive fire leapt up from once-cold ashes inside me and I challenged the light in his eyes.
"You don't even need to act, love; you're a Greek tragedy all by yourself." I spat in smug retort. "If you don't mind I'd like to go now." I forcefully said. Feeling triumphant, as Dorian had no evident response to my jeer, I turned slowly away, my thick black cloak swishing around me, disclosing just enough of my gown to entice Dorian. Without warning, he seized me arm and spun me around.
My stomach caught in my throat as he pulled me forcefully to him, putting one arm around my waist to secure me there. Soft and warm, his breath blew against my face. It smelled faintly of sweet tobacco and sherry, a scent I had unknowingly come to identify as his, and I would've closed my eyes and savored the sultry closeness we shared in the winter cold had I not gazed into his eyes. They had a fierce, intense and feral look in them and they seemed as the sky above, dark, clouded and stormy; I grew afraid as I felt myself beginning to fall into them as one who stands on a precipice teeters over the edge, tempted to fall into the paradise they see below but unsure if they'd survive the drop. A very gentle movement began to stir me from my reverie and at first I could not figure out what it was. I looked more closely into Dorian's eyes to see little lights dancing there. I was confused. Why were they twinkling like that? My eyes roved downwards to his full, curving mouth and I realized why. Finally, I regained my sense of hearing.
Dorian was laughing.
He was laughing the stupid, hateful, sardonic laugh that he had probably spent an ungodly amount of time perfecting. I felt like ripping him to shred where he stood, and I felt my face heat up as I jerked away from him and clenched my fists, mouthing a few soundless words of rage. Somehow, this only caused him to laugh more, leaning heavily on his cane for support.
"What is so funny Mr. Gray?" I demanded furiously. He only continued to laugh! I could hardly bear it a second longer if I did not know what it was and my cheeks were heating to a most unbearable temperature. As I came to realize this, I realized what it was that Dorian was laughing at.
I was blushing.
His laughter began to fade and he straightened, his eyes still twinkling. My eyes were still smoldering as he began to walk away, clearly expecting me to follow. When he realized that I had planted my feet, squared my shoulders and set my jaw in a classic look of obvious defiance. Smirking, (how dearly I wished to rip his face to shreds when he did that!) he turned his head toward me slightly.
"Coming?" He called teasingly. Again he was daring me, asking for it...I stormed coolly past him, ignoring his cheeky smile. Two could play at this game.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
We were silent as we walked towards Dorian's waiting carriage, which was a sumptuous black and silver affair led by a team of fine, sleek chestnut mares whose warm breath unfurled in the cool evening air like smoke curling out of a dragon's nostrils. Dorian opened the door by means of a silver handle shaped like a lion running and offered me his hand to help me in, smiling smugly. I threw him a cold glance.
"I have no need of your assistance, seeing as I'm a grown-up, Mr. Gray." I said softly, taking care to add a deadly edge to my voice as I carefully climbed into the plush velvet interior of the carriage. Dorian feigned shock as he ascended to sit beside me, closing the door and signaling to his driver as he did so. I leaned over to pat his arm, being certain to rub noses with him and allow my lips to come tantalizingly close to his as I spoke. "Don't worry, I understand that this might be an advanced concept for you." I purred, icing my words with acidic venom, and drew back before he could lean in to my would-be kiss; he was clearly disgruntled by this, and it was my turn to offer a smug smile.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It took a fair amount of time to reach the opera house, and Dorian and I said little on the way. However, there was an incident when his driver took a rather sharp turn and we ended up in a most compromising position. *Dorian* seemed quite pleased with the arrangement and made a few lewd remarks that i decline to record. While we headed up the innumerable steps that led to our private box seat, Dorian chattered about the opera we'd see and I found myself wearied. My God he loved to hear himself talk! Without thinking I rubbed my eyes as if tired and what transpired after this left me shocked and befuddled.
He turned to me and gently put a hand on each shoulder, willing me, without speaking, to look at him. His eyes were soft and tender, and concern puckered his fair forehead; I felt the sudden urge to smooth away those offending creases.
"Please do tell me if I bore you, I know I tend to ramble." He said earnestly. I looked down, ashamed for my hateful and vengeful tendencies toward him. Perhaps he did care... I nodded in acquiescence to his request. "All right then, shall we?" He asked, sliding his arm around my waist. My feelings of guilt slowly melted away as we continued our ascent, and judging by where his hand ad crept up to by the time we reached our box, I knew I'd have plenty of reasons to tear him apart before the night was over.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The opera was exceedingly melodramatic and boring compared to Dorian's running commentary of it. I found myself fighting the urge to laugh in the middle of the dramatic and morose finale of the first act since Dorian found entirely too much to make fun of. ("Look! As she bends over you can see her next costume change underneath her dress... And some more at that!" "There's no hole after the sword pierced him." "Why is there a crack in the stage?" "Someone burped backstage... Or was that you, Mrs. Harker?) At last the thick red curtains closed and someone announced that there would be an hour long intermission. Still stifling a laugh at Dorian's jokes, I stood to stretch my legs, Dorian watching. At length he spoke.
"Let's get out of here." He said abruptly.
"But you paid for the tickets!" I cried in shock. Dorian may have driven me out of my mind, but there was still some guilt at such wanton waste of money inside me.
"Well there's plenty more money where it came from." He replied briskly. "Besides I can think of a few games we can play that might repay the debt." Came his seductive comment as one of his gloved hands brushed up my arm.
"Oh really now?" I whispered huskily.
Leaning into his touch, I unashamedly looked into his eyes before standing up and sauntering off, flashing suggestive glances over my shoulder as I continued my sensual mosey down the stairs, hiding teasingly behind the curve of the wall. An eager light appeared in his eyes and he enthusiastically followed me, catching up fairly quickly. He leaned close to me, watching me intently like a cat cornering a mouse. He licked his lips and pressed closer, but then I dove out of the way, reappearing innocently behind him. I smirked coyly and ambled down the stairs, darting quickly away to hide behind a plant or the next curve of the wall whenever he got too close. He began to get frustrated with out game as we reached the bottom of the stairs and I hid behind some curtains. This newest hiding place took him the longest to find, and when he triumphantly peeled back the curtain, I leapt away again, graceful as a gazelle even in my impossibly tight dress. I made sure he knew it was tight on me by adjusting the bodice slightly up and down and letting out a long, low breath like a sigh or a groan made in the night. With another smirk, I slid out the door like fog rolling over the sea and out towards the large gardens outside, laughing softly as I did so, a low and tantalizing sound that came up from my throat. Dorian smiled wickedly as he followed, looking to the night sky
and breathing deeply as he prepared to search for me. Somewhere within the garden, my voice sounded.
"Let the games begin..."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A.N.~ Hate to cut this off where it is, but I don't like my chapters going over five pages and it would've gone waaayyy over it if I had so I'll continue it (hopefully tonight) in another chapter. Reviews are appreciated, and again please no flames!