A/N: Sorry the last chapter was kinda short but hey (shrugs). I don't have too much to say so I'll just cut to the chase.
Warnings: Usual stuff. OK you might hate me for this chapter but believe me this will actually do some good in the long run. So please just kindly put down the rocks and spears.
Pairings: Same old, same old.
Disclaimers: Standard disclaimers apply.
Chapter 14:Goodnight, Babe
I couldn't believe this. Apparitions were causing chaos and they had only been here little over 2 days. Evanescent (1) the leader of the healing and air apparitions had a slight clash with those of the darkness. The vampire and cubi subjects have already started attacking pedestrians, whether it be physically or mentally.
I know I probably should've come up with a better strategy but I figured in order to ward off those who would inevitably snoop around looking for answers to the cause of the recent casualties, that I would have those of the darkness set up a curse barrier. This curse barrier has stricken a number of our more.....un desirable visitors ill.
Even now I am surviving on borrowed patience and have little tolerance for much of anyone at this moment. All everyone has done since they've arrived is bicker and cause issues to pop up everywhere they go. Some of the more logical ones have headed for Zechs main quarters or been summoned in order to establish themselves as something of import besides scouts. This includes Ambience and the other head apparitions, minus Charisma and Dante. I sent word to Zechs who said he was too busy and that I would know how to "handle them". I sent our best Double A after him and was pleased to hear that the capture was successful. A number of ice apparitions were caught along with Dante. I will attend to him as soon as possible and have him left in Meiran's possession, detained, until the time comes for me to speak with him.
An incident on 189th street tipped us off as to where to begin our search for Dante. A scout in the area just so happened to be in passing when the building exploded into a shower of hail. Of course damage control has been taken care of. All witnesses were met with a few "unfortunate accidents" before the next morning and promptly enchanted with fevers no mortal immune system nor any doctor could cure. I feel that I had a bit of mercy on them, sending them to the next life, seeing as how things aren't going to get any more pleasant around here anytime soon. Our business is one that involves ruthlessness and there is no room to be compassionate. Those people just so happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time and payed the price with their lives.
The building itself was demolished as soon as possible, thanks to the possession of the head of the demolition corps. I think this situation has been handled quite well. Though there shouldn't have been a situation in the first damn place.
And to make matters worse I'm on a blood lust, and a very insatiable one at that. I think about Duo and it only makes things even more irritating. I crave him at this moment and he's just too far away. I can't wait to be out of this hell hole. It's getting colder and colder by the day and the chill rolling off the sea isn't helping much. The air is foul and the "troops" are grating on my nerves. I want to slaughter them all.
I need a replacement. Any living soul with blood running through their veins is qualified. It would be nice if they carried themselves accordingly too. Most would say I'm betraying Duo, but that's not the case. I wouldn't say it aloud but I hold Duo above all, except my current mission. But I care for him in a strange, curious way. But I have learned that you can't put off life for things your fond of. The situation never ends well.
I know if I don't so something about this hunger over taking me that it won't be too good for much of anyone, so why deprive myself of life? Duo should know what being a full blood requires sometimes and so without hesitation I'm off to find someone to satisfy my needs.
I'm about to grab my jacket when I realize that Trowa has been quietly staring out the window from a small corner in the room. He seems content, but his skin has an unhealthy pallor to it. He too is craving but instead of satisfying himself and indulging in what little this city has to offer to us, he chooses to ignore and squelch it. This is a very unhealthy thing for him to do. I'm not even going to go into the details of the legends surrounding vampires who tried to fight their demonic nature. Their souls were devoured from the inside out..........
I worry about Trowa, though I wouldn't admit it. He hasn't eaten a thing since we've arrived at this god forsaken motel. He just sits quietly making quiet comments and inquiries from time to time. He misses Quatre. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out, but he's being ridiculous. I miss Duo, lust after him even, but you do not see me moping in a corner pitifully, looking like a kicked puppy. I turn to look at him as I pick up my leather jacket.
"You won't be joining me tonight?" He shakes his head and smiles slightly.
"It wouldn't feel right to me." I look at him, perplexed by his words.
"How is that?" He looks up at me and frowns.
" I feel as if I'd be betraying Quatre. I don't want anyone else." I gave a loud sigh.
"Trowa if you continue to starve yourself like this, your going to get sick and be of little use to anybody." I gave him a stern look as I slipped my arms into the sleeves of my jacket.
"We were meant to be somewhat promiscuous by nature. There are those of us who are lucky to find that someone who we can depend off of for needs such as this but then there's those like us who don't have it like that. Right now we are in the time of blood lust. The situation is out of our control." I looked at him waiting for an answer and snorted as he got up and threw his jacket on. I gave a smirk as he followed me out the door, into the hallway, down the stairs, and into the calling night.
Trowa was always one for logic.
(X)(x)(X)
I recall Duo calling places like these "Rave Joints". I can assure you that a majority of club goers are of vampire descent. It's perfect. It's dark, filled with people whose blood is rushing due to their exertions, and the place itself radiates large amounts of heat. What Zechs called the vampire smorgasbord. I knew my limitations, that's what made me different from most. I didn't delight in killing people who were kind enough to be my meal. Regardless of what others thought I actually had courtesy for those I drank from.
The place in itself was vile, filled with a majority of people who had no morals whatsoever. Especially on this end of town. This was one of the smaller rave establishments and I gave a some what toothy grin as I got out the car. This place would suit my needs just fine.
(X)(x)(X)
Inside Out
Journal Log: 12/17/04 Time: 7:03
Entry # 5
Subject: Am I going crazy?
What I'm about to record in here can never be sen by the eye's of the public: On the night of my apartment's destruction, I heard a voice and it caused my apartment to become a mega pack igloo, NYC style. And on top of it all I fainted on the sidewalk somewhere only to be rescued by WUFEI! He tried to convince me that I didn't know him, but I mean c'mon, I wasn't born yesterday.
I left Wufei's house that afternoon, seeing as how my strength had returned to me. I still didn't buy the undercover story he had given me in order to explain his steady appearances all over the place. I still couldn't believe what that reporter had said about my building being taken out by a fire. I wish I could run back to it's ruins and point it out to everyone. Tell everyone it couldn't possibly be fire. People were there. They were hit by fucken chunks of ice for CHRIST SAKES! I checked out of Wufei's humble abode and crashed with Quatre until I could get in touch with my mom. Wufei said we should keep in touch and I agreed. I mean you never know when voices can just start attacking you these days.
The subway had some problems so my mom hadn't gotten in until they day after the destruction of our apartment. I called her and when she learned about our apartment she had a heart attack. We relocated to Aunt Ophie's apartment. She doesn't even really live there. She's one of those sitcom aunts who sends pictures of herself on postcards from exotic places with things written on them like "Wishing you were here!" and "No fun in Monaco without you!" just to make sure you know she's having a good time and could care less about your existence. It's a really sweet gesture though (gags).
Heero still isn't back if you must know. I feel sad. I'm sad about having to redo my homework. I'm sad about me coming down with a cold. I'm sad because my dad is on an extended vacation. I'm sad because I never go to finish my frappuccion. I'm just really really sad.
I'm supposed to be leaving to do the coming out at Anthony's club opening. IT's supposed to be a real big event and it seems that Anthony has a couple of ins with a few of our world's more Famous socialites. I also have to sign a contract with him, now that Zech's no longer employs me. I can't say I'm to saddened by the guy sudden leave. He was just there. Nothing special to me. Not as special as say.....Heero. Oh and did I mention that on top of that I'm incredibly 'frustrated' if you know what I mean. I mean it's killing me. I wanna have fun tonight. I wanna feel wanted. I wanna sing like crazy and have everyone want me, just like before.
Well I'ma go get ready.
Later.
X)(x)(X)
I took the subway down to the club's new location and was amazed to see the throng of people waiting outside like it was opening night at the damn Oscars, only more sinful and heathen looking. I could swear that it was almost below zero degrees outside but maybe it's just me because I mean these people look like their going to a wet t shirt contest in Miami. Unbelievable! I raised my eyebrows as I read the words "Live Wire" emblazoned across the front of the building in blue, green, and yellow.
)People can take everything away from you
But they can never take away your truth(
The bouncers had let me in with no problems and even held back the people in the line who tried to grope me as I passed through the door to a whole new realm of rave. I smirked at the hateful and envious glances cast at me as I walked through the turn style, blue, fiber glass doors.
)But the question is..
Can you handle mine?(
)They say I'm crazy(
I looked around suspiciously as I dodged wandering hands and other limbs.
"Hey buddy, hands off will ya?!" I shouted indignantly at no one yet everyone. Of course no one heard me. I grumbled something to the effect of the world being the fifth ring of hormonal hell and continued to stare at the place as I moved through the masses.
Anthony had done a job on this place. Zechs had run a quite amiable establishment even if it had been a gay club... but this place..... This place was just out of this world. The lights flashed here and there and a number of scantily clad woman were dancing about the stage and working the crowd. I listened to the grounding bass that seemed to fit the scene perfectly.
)I really don't care
That's my prerogative
They say I'm nasty
But I don't give a damn(
I was really considering walking right out the door. This place was in a league all it's own and radiated nothing but negative vibes. But the thing about it was........ that it was actually exciting. You couldn't help but be drawn towards it like a moth to a flame. The line of curious rejects trying to bum rush the door should've been a sign enough.
I tried my best to ignore the men and women alike whose leering eyes glowed through the dark setting of the club. I had picked up something in the last week or so. I could sense when a majority of a population was immortal. I could pinpoint other vampires without the help of telltale fangs and gold tints.
I made my way towards where I thought the bar would be and was glad to see I wasn't disappointed. I listened to the sinister rhythms of the song and noticed it as yet another one of Britney Spears little jingles. I didn't care for her that much but I could admit that her last couple of songs hadn't been too bad.
)Getting boys is how I live
Some ask me questions
Why am I so real?
But they don't understand me
I really don't know the deal about my sister
Trying hard to make it right
Not long ago
Before I won this fight(
I turned to one of the bartenders and took a minute to examine her before making my presence known. She was clad in a white belly shirt with the statement "Sticks and stones may break my bones but whips and chains excite me." written across the front in bold black writing. She had short red hair streaked black and had a small silver stud in her nose. I was about to get her attention when the loud chanting of the crowd stopped me, causing me to roll my eyes in exasperation. The girl swayed along jauntily with the crowd as she went about her task of mixing drinks, cleaning glasses, and mixing more drinks just to clean more glasses.
)Everybody's talking all this stuff about me
Why don't they just let me live?
I don't need permission, make my own decisions
That's my prerogative(
I flattened my head against the bar as the crowd continued the chanting of the chorus in time with Ms. Spears. I then shook the sudden headache I had off and looked up to see the energetic little vixen twirl around with her hands- and glass- in the air closing her eyes and swaying about. I continued to flatten myself against the bar wondering if interrupting her little dance would cause me some kind of peril or decapitation in the future. She finally paused-mid step- and opened her eyes to look at me before a light blush spread across her cheeks. I grinned and she let out a shaky breath which might have been categorized as nervous laughter. She had light cornflower blue eyes and smiled sweetly.
"Can I help you?" I scratched my head.
"Yea, could I get a tequila shot please?" She twirled around and winked over her shoulder. Tequila shots were the most simple thing to order. They hardly had any alcohol, if any, and it would take huge doses of them, not to mention large sums of money, to even attempt to get drunk off the damn things. I thought it over and checked my surroundings. I was feeling a bit down about my week so far and decided that tonight would be a night to be a bit daring or frisky. Whatever sounds better.
"On second thought.......make that an Alize Bleu." She raised an eyebrow and then grinned broadly.
"Comin right up!" I sat down tapping patiently on the bar singing along with song and taking in the heated atmosphere. I watched as the crowds bodies melded together, illuminated in the colorful strobe lighting of the club.
)Don't get me wrong
I'm really not souped
Ego trips is not my thing
All these strange relationships really gets me down
I see nothing wrong in spreading myself around(
I noticed some guy across the bar staring in my direction but chose not to pay it attention. I also noticed that the club not only catered to gay couples now but also straight. Much variety. I like. The music got cranked up a good couple of decibels and the crowd came in with a vengeance on the chorus. The girl came back with my drink and I downed it just before shouting along with everyone else.
)Everybody's talking all this stuff about me
Why don't they just let me live?
I don't need permission, make my own decisions
That's my prerogative
That''s my prerogative(
My throat burned as I tried to adjust to the sensation of the new drink. My vision wavered a bit before clearing up and allowing me to nod my approval. I liked it..... I asked Mariemeia for another and she obliged, much to my satisfaction.
The girl sat down in front of me, giving a small smile. I grinned. She looked incredibly young to be working at a place like this. But who was I to talk? I was just as much of a minor as she probably was.
"So what's your name?" I shouted casually over the music. She twirled a black lock of hair around her finger.
"Mariemeia." She produced a tequila shot for herself and returned to sit in front of me.
"That's a nice name." She shrugged.
"Yours?" She asked.
"Duo." She blinked at me and smirked.
"That's very.... unique." She raised her eyebrows as she said the word unique. I crossed my arms.
"Hey, leave my name alone!" I shouted in what I deemed humourous defense of my strange name. She giggled a bit.
"Hey can I can get another one of those doo hickeys?" She gave me a questioning glance.
"You sure?" I snorted.
"Hell yeah!" She poured another which I downed, feeling self righteous enough. I made incoherent conversation with Mariemeia which slowly seemed to fade out, victim to an insistent, pulsing clock, a deadline of sorts. I shook my head as Mariemeia seemed to disappear for a few seconds.
"Hon, where you at.......?" My own words running away from me into the throbbing pulse that I'm pretty sure was in my head.
I noticed the tick-tock beat in the background that seemed to drive everyone to be in even more motion than they already were involved in. Not to mention the lighting had changed to that of red and blur which if I remember correctly, seems to make things appear as if there vibrating. Gwen Stefani's voice spanned over the masses of the club, singing a song that to me was slightly hypnotizing.....
)tick tock
tick tock
tick tock
tick tock(
Maybe three of those drinks wasn't such a good idea. I could feel myself lurch slightly to the side and noticed my vision starting blur at the edges.
)tick tock
tick tock
tick tock
tick tock(
I looked up as the crowd of people seemed to morph before my eyes. Transforming themselves into winged demons and Halloween special goblins. Their eyes glowered at me beckoning me to join the frenzied ceremony.
)like a cat in heat stuck in a moving car
scary conversations,
shut my eyes, can't find the brake
what if they say that you're a cutter?(
My fangs pulsed and seemed to burn by own tongue as it glided over the taloned edges. The taste of the alcohol still sat in my mouth, intoxicating my senses. The elf next to me smirked and gave a small wave before downing it's goblet of blood and laughing, as if mocking me.
)naturally i'm worried if i do it alone
who really cares cuz it's your life
you never know, it could be great
take a chance cuz you might grow
oh... oh ohhh(
The masses warped back into people..........well all except for the fox making out with the gargoyle beside me but then again....I was on some real shit....
"You okay?" I shook the ringing out my ears and frowned. Mariemeia wore a look of concern on her angelic features.
"Never been better..." I replied before a wave of nausea swept over me. I rubbed my temple, pushing my bangs up some.
"I need air." Christ. Only five minutes in the place and it was already too much for me.
I threw myself into the crowd of people hoping to find some place to sit quietly. I must really be on some strong stuff if I'm even considering that to be possible in a place like this. I weakly turned down the propositions and offers to dance and continued to stride, well not stride, but, well.... stagger through the crowd. My condition obviously wasn't too un usual in this establishment and of course went on ignored. In sensitive bastards.
I thought I had finally reached the end when I fell into someone babbling miserably to myself about how much of a klutz I was. I looked up and saw two brilliant amber eyes staring down at me light heartedly.
"Alexxxx...gott g'home...." Alex brought his hands to grasp mines before leading me back into the sea from which I had just been washed up. He used his body to support me and his eyes seemed to hold nothing but sheer compassion and slight adoration as he began to move against me.
"Come dance it off..." I followed, spell bound...
)What you waiting
what you waiting
what you waiting
what you waiting
what you waiting for!?
What you waiting
what you waiting
what you waiting
what you waiting
what you waiting for!?(
(X)(x)(X)
)Another night again
Another journey without friends
Another a fight to wish away the loneliness I live(
She was a lively one. I took in her scent as we sat pressed against each other in some corner of the building. The music blared around us and I could hear the blood rushing through her veins as I nipped up and down her neck. Her moans only increasing my need and egging me on. Our hands roamed over each other. My knee pressed between her thighs as she pressed her foot against the opposite wall to support herself.
)Another circus show
Another face that I don't know
Another night of people asking what I have to give(
I felt bitter as I was vaguely reminded of the days I spent traveling before and after Lynx. The encounters were always stimulating even if a bit......disturbing. This one was no different. It had always been this way for me.
)I thought that I would drown
But it's okay by now(
In the beginning I remember I had resisted my nature, my self..... Alex had pulled me out the slump and back into old habits though saying I needed to get back on the "band wagon". What did Alex know? He was a first class man whore in my book. His libido was always on overdrive. Inhumanely so. But then something had gotten to me. Who was Lynx that she could just fall off the face of the earth and leave me to mope about it? I had pulled myself together and came back with a vengeance.
)And all along the way I feel a part of me I have to fight
Buried somewhere deep beneath my skin(
Our clothes were getting stifling but we found ourselves to impatient to remove them. I leaned my head down to devour her mouth. Her nails scratched at my back and I pulled away not even bothering to study her face. I tilted her head, pushed her hair to the side, and sucked at the skin that was the only thing standing between me and the coursing vein beneath. I could hear it beating in my own ears.
)The emptiness in me is fadin'
I can see my life is waitin'
Our hearts were both pulsing violently and everything else around me seemed to disappear as took a delicious plunge into her life stream. I heard her cry out slightly and gave a throaty groan as I felt the liquid slide down my throat. Her nails froze in my back as she tried adjusting.
I felt myself burn inside out as I continued to drink from her deepening my fangs. I could hear small moans and cries coming from her. She held me to her moving beneath me and moving a hand from my back to scratch at the wall behind us. I found myself needing to be detached. All I wanted to feel was the feeling of liquid sin...
)Now I know I'm livin' for who I am(
No one could ever change this part of me. Darkness-as some would call it- was a permanent part of me. No one- not even Duo- could free me from what I was. Who I was.
)Now I know I'm livin' for who I am...(
(X)(x)(X)
I moaned into the kiss feeling myself unravel as he threaded is hands through my hair, sliding his tongue against mines. I could drown myself in this feeling. This elation. Euphoria. I needed to forget, to stopped being stressed and to just let go. I know I could always blame it on the drinks but I knew this was more than that.
)I'm gotta get through this
I gotta get through this
I gotta take my, gotta take my mind off you
Give me just a second and I'll be all right
Surely one more moment couldn't break my heart
Give me 'til tomorrow then I'll be okay
Just another day and then I'll hold you tight(
He pulled away from the kiss as he tugged at my pants, trying to unbuckle them. I continued to needily kiss at his neck and the underside of his chin, letting my hands hook around the back of his neck. When he finally removed the jeans he pushed me back against the couch and lowered himself to kiss me hungrily. My shirt had been unbuttoned and I wanted the same for him. I needed to feel his skin against mines. I wanted to just give in to the weird spell he was weaving over me. I was tired of fighting everything, I really just didn't care anymore.
)When your love is pouring like the rain
I close my eyes and it it's gone again
When will I get the chance to say I love you
I pretend that you're already mine
Then my heart ain't breaking every time
I look into your eyes(
I was growing a bit lightheaded and noticed how my mind slowed down as my heart sped up. I held Anthony to me letting him, travel his lips over my skin, leaving small trails of fire.
Heero wasn't here. This wasn't Heero. It wouldn't be Heero no matter how much I tried to make it so.
Heero......
Heero......
Heero........
)If only I could get through this
If only I could get through this
If only I could get through this
God, God gotta help me get through this(
I couldn't do this. I couldn't use loneliness as an excuse to betray Heero. Just as I felt Anthony about to lean into me I pushed him away. He grunted a bit but complied to my resistance. It was silent for a minute as I sat up and looked away. In the distance I could hear the thumping music of the club environment outside this room. I brought my hand to rub my shoulder and finally found enough courage to speak.
"I'm sorry." I rasped out. I heard a small snort come from Anthony.
"Shit, Duo you have to be kidding me." I turned my head slightly to look at him as he rubbed his hands through his hair, shaking his head. I felt like shaking my head at me too. Who the hell just stops right when their about to do it? As in all he needed was two more minutes before he would've been screwing me into that couch doing it. I really had some issues. I was a trite and true slut in my book. I looked off into the dim lighting of the room and blew out a shaky breath.
"Me and Heero have something. It'd be wrong of me to jeopardize that. I-" I brought my knees up to hug them to me as I rested my forehead against them, mumbling the rest of my sentence.
"I am so screwed up....." I felt Anthony rub his hand over my back in a somewhat soothing gesture. He traced his finger lightly over my spine and brought them to my neck where he played with the small tendrils of loose hair.
"People get confused about what they want all the time Duo. You can't be an exception to the rule." He said, not unkindly. I blew out a breath.
"Your stressed, it would have been good for you if we did. But I know you care about Heero in some way, shape or fashion so I'm not going to press you. I want you to trust me Duo." He gazed at me intently, his eyes shining with confidence.
"I know I'm not doing a good job because Lord knows I want you. But I shouldn't let that get in the way." I lifted my head to look at him and didn't bother to stop him as he brought his lips to mines. The kiss was long and tender. He brought his hand to caress the side of my face as he deepened the kiss, tucking loose strands of hair behind my ears. He broke away and stared at me, letting a smile tug at his lips.
"Just know I'm always here if you need me." He then got up and began to straighten himself up, buttoning his shirt and fixing his pants. I did the same.
"Well Duo we have a coming out to do. Let's go." He gave me a grin and I couldn't help but smile back in response. I walked towards him and was surprised to feel an arm slither around my waist.
"They'll love you." I grinned up at him.
"Of course. I'm Duo Maxwell."
Even though I tried my best to seem certain on the outside I was anything but. I couldn't believe I had come so close to giving in and betraying Heero. I couldn't believe how unbelievably stupid I had been. Anthony obviously had some real patience because what I did back there was ridiculous. Like a little chicken shit kid. I mentally groaned and tried my best to look forward to the evening ahead.
"Duo c'mon." He held is hand out to me and for the second time that night I took it, spellbound. The night was young and I had a feeling it wouldn't be getting old anytime soon. I stared in wonder as I came out on the bright stage knowing that this is where I belonged.
)I gotta get through this
I gotta get through this
I gotta make it, gonna make, gonna make it through
Said I'm gonna get through this
I gotta get through this
I gotta take my, gotta take my mind off you(
(X)(x)(X)
(1) Yes like the mountain Dew drink. SO sue me. (Holds up sign in defense) It's not mines!
Note: OK there's the chapter. Kinda rough around the edges but there none the less. Credit for lyrics goes to Gwen Stefani, Daniel Beddingfield, Britney Spears, and Smile Empty Soul. And that's it folks! Woo hoo!
(1) I thought that if their were to be a leader of the air and healing apparitions then his/her name would be Evanescent. Just like Ambience means surroundings and environment; all around you. Evanescent means tending to vanish like vapor, transient. But yeah enough of that.