The Chronicles of Remember and Nienna
Chapter 4:
The Sickness Within
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o
Dracula: -bursts through the door, absolutely seething. Storms over to Remember who is sitting reading a book- It. Didn't. Work.
Remember: -looks up, brow furrowed- What didn't work?
Dracula: -clenches jaw-
Remember: Oh…
Dracula: -straining to keep temper in check-
Remember: That…I... I don't understand.
Dracula: She's in love with GABRIEL!
Remember: -closes book- WHAT? That...
Dracula: -punches hole in wall-
Remember: That can't be right! Are you sure? -eyes wide-
Dracula: I saw her kissing him!
Remember: -small- …what?
Dracula: -points at Remember menacingly- You lied to me…
Remember: -stands up-
Dracula: -softly- How could you...do that?
Remember: No I didn't. -backs away slightly- I didn't lie to you, I swear it!
Dracula: -looks at Remember with slight disgust then abruptly turns and goes to the plated window and stares out at the night, trying to control his anger and…sorrow -
Remember: Something isn't right...I'm going to call her...-goes to grab the phone-
Dracula: No! –pauses- Why? It's done! She loves him! Not me! I saw it...I heard it.
Remember: But... THAT CAN'T BE TRUE!!! -rakes fingers through her hair- She told me... she TOLD me...Justine wouldn't lie to me about something like that! She wouldn't!
Dracula: She lied to you, Rem, face it.
Remember: -goes for the phone- No she didn't. I don't believe it.
Dracula: -far away look in his eyes, not really paying attention to Rem- It seems like an awful lot of that has been going on lately…lying that is. –pauses with a sigh- I'm going to go out...I need a bite to eat.
Remember: -grabs phone and starts to dial- I'm calling Justine...
Dracula: -defeated- I don't care, do what you want.
Remember: -looks over at him, worried- Are you...are you sure you're alright?
Dracula: -is trying to mask the hurt...betrayal- I'm...fine.
Remember: -shakes head and puts phone down- No you're not...you're a mess.
Dracula: Remember...
Remember: -moves over to him-
Dracula: I'm...fine. I promise. I just need to get out to clear my head…-lowers gaze to the floor and whispers mostly to himself- and my heart…
Remember: -reaches out to touch him- Talk to me...please.
Dracula: -revels in her touch slightly- What is there to say? I went to her...tried to tell her...but she flatly refused me.
Remember: -gently caresses his cheek- Tell me what happened. -sits down-
Dracula: I suspected that it was because she knows you're in love with me...and I with you but then she tells me out right that she loves Gabriel. -slides down the wall to sit on the floor then rests his arms on his kneecaps while his head hangs between his knees- She just...said it…just like that. I...I didn't know what to do so I...left. I wanted her to come after me, I wanted her to burst through that door and tell me it was a lie. I wanted it so bad it hurt. -chuckles- God, I wanted it so bad I think I imagined her crying. When she didn't come I just...left. I was about halfway here when I realized I left my cloak so I went back to her apartment and found it. Just as I was about to pick it up I heard voices. -spits out- His voice.
Remember: -slides off the bed and crouches down in front of him-
Dracula: He said he loved her...a lot. When she said nothing, I...I crept to the door and...I looked in...and -fights off the pain...anguish- they were kissing. It was a slap in the face...but it was confirmation at least.
Remember: Are you sure? Are you sure they were kissing?
Dracula: -looks up and snaps at her- Of course I'm sure! What else would it have been, huh?
Remember: -backs up slightly, knowing his temper intimately-
Dracula: -heaves a large sigh- I'm...sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you...it's just…-eyebrows knit in pain-…Remember, please, I beg of you…make it go away! This pain! This sorrow! -takes her hand and places it over his heart- It hurts, Remember, it hurts so much...right here. I feel like my heart has just been...crushed to dust…like its been torn out and carelessly thrown aside like...like a piece of garbage -voice cracks as he looks away, unable to allow Remember to see him in his weakest state-
Remember: -tears glisten in her eyes- -helplessly- What…what can I do? -tears roll down her cheeks-
Dracula: -is silent for a time-...there is something you can do -looks at Remember, utter agony and grief pouring out of his soul through his eyes-
Remember: -hurts, seeing him like this-
Dracula: Remember...kiss me?-pleadingly- Please? I…I need to know...I have to have some closure…I need to know that someone...wants me, someone that cares…-whispers-...please…
Remember: -kneels slightly between his legs and gently touches his face-
Narrator: Her lips trembled with emotion and nervousness as she slowly descended towards his lips. She didn't know why she was so nervous... maybe it was because he had never asked her before...she was so used to him just taking. Now he was asking...pleading. It hurt to see him like this, so after gently moistening her lips with her tongue, she leaned forward, his face delicately in her hands and she pressed her trembling lips against his.
Dracula couldn't have been more grateful. After so much anguish and betrayal...after so much hurt, there was still one person who needed him. One person who cared...and she was sitting right in front of him...kissing him. Dracula wrapped his arms around her and crushed her soft curves against his angular muscles, loving the contrast between them. He deepened this kiss, gently tracing her full lips with the tip of his tongue, coaxing her to allow him entrance which she did. Unknown to him, a single tear slipped down his cheek and fell on the top of her hand which was resting on his thigh. Remember gently broke away, only to look into his eyes to see tears in his eyes…but he would not allow them to fall. It felt like a knife had been stabbed into her gut and had been twisted... it killed to see him like this…desperate... vulnerable. She wanted more than anything to make it go away. She gently brushed the remnants of the tear from his alabaster cheek
Remember: Is that all you need?
Dracula: -nods head and whispers- yes...thank you, Remember.
Remember: -slightly disappointed, but offers a genuine smile and gently backs away with a soft- You're welcome.
Dracula: Remember?
Remember: Yes? -eyes shift to the floor-
Dracula: -stands up and gently lifts her chin so her eyes are level with his- I love you, Remember. More then words could express at this moment. You saw me at my lowest point and yet, you are still here...I love you for that. -leans in so his mouth is next to her ear and whispers- I love you for that...among…other things.
Remember: -heart picks up pace-
Dracula: -kisses the area just below her ear then moves along her jaw line until he comes to her mouth where he pauses- I love you, (enter Remember's full name). -leans in and softly, chastely kisses her mouth, then backs away slightly- I need to go. I have to clear my head. You...don't mind...do you?
Remember: No, it's alright. -smiles gently- Take as long as you need.
Dracula: I will be back, I promise. -Makes his way to the window then with one last look, takes off into the night air-
Remember: -sighs- I know you will. -glances at the phone- Alright Justine, time to explain yourself. -grabs phone and dials-
-Rings-
Justine: -looks at phone, contemplating whether or not to pick it up-
Remember: Come on, pick it up. -paces- Justine... I know you're there. -still pacing-
Justine: -picks it up on the last ring then puts it to her ear but doesn't say anything in case it's Dracula-
Remember: Hello? Justine?
Justine: Oh, Remember, hey. What's up?
Remember: Yeah... don't ' hey Remember' me... you have a lot of explaining to do.
Justine: -furrows brow- What? What are you talking about?
Remember: Why did you lie to me?
Justine: -is really confused- Lie?? Remember, I never lied to you. I would NEVER lie to you.
Remember: -curses- God damn it Justine, I'm so fucking confused! -sits down-
Justine: You and me both.
Remember: -rakes fingers through hair- I know... I know, but Dracula... he...
Justine: Ah, stop right there. What did he do to you? If he hurt you, I swear to god I'll kick his vampirical ass right down to the seventh circle of hell.
Remember: What did he do to me?? I think the question is what the hell did you do to HIM!!!!
Justine: ...
Remember: -yells- DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU JUST DID TO HIM???
Justine: -silence-
Remember: You love Gabriel?? GABRIEL!!!!
Justine: I...I-
Remember: Justine, you told me you loved the Count...
Justine: -is biting lip...does it out of habit when she's nervous-
Remember: And he was about to talk to you...God Justine, he loves you so fucking much and you go and throw it all in his face. I can't BELIEVE YOU! -is getting emotional- He's...-voice cracks-
Justine: NO!!!!
Remember: ... he's so broken...
Justine: Will you STOP! I don't want to fucking hear it, do you understand! I DON'T!
Remember: NO! YOU WILL HEAR IT!
Justine: NO!!! I SWAER IF YOU KEEP TALKING I WILL HANG UP THIS DAMN PHONE SO FAST YOU WON'T KNOW WHAT HIT YOU!
Remember: -silence- -cries silently-
Justine: -sigh- I...-hesitates- I don't love either of them…
Remember: Justine, what are you talking about...
Justine: I'm sorry, Remember...I guess I...I guess I did lie to you. -shuts her eyes, unable to believe she is doing this to her best friend-
Remember: -Is hurt. In a small voice- You what?
Justine: I'm so sorry. -laughs nervously- But on the bright side, you have him to yourself now. -pauses, then- Gabriel stopped by...he told me ...he said he loved me…
Remember: -is deadly silent-
Justine: I was shocked but...I turned him down.
Remember: -tears are flooding down her face-
Justine: I'm...I'm not in love with him.
Remember: -pictures of Dracula sobbing haunt her thoughts... her head- You lied to me...
Justine: I was going to tell you about it, I swear-
Remember: You... lied to me...
Justine: -Tears are in her eyes…she can't believe she is lying to her friend about lying-
Remember: Why Justine... why... -voice keeps breaking-
Justine: I...don't know -is lying again-
Remember: You don't know? YOU DON"T KNOW???
Justine: NO I DON'T! -bites lip so hard it starts bleeding-
Remember: I TRUSTED YOU! I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO TRUST ANYONE FOR YEARS, JUSTINE! AND YOU GO AND JUST...-sobs-
Justine: -softly- I have to go...I'm sorry Remember, I really am.
Remember: -hangs up the phone then curls up onto the floor and bawls-
Justine: -Allows phone to fall from her hand onto the floor- Oh my God, what have I done? –slides down her wall in a complete daze, the shock…the hurt…the tears overwhelming her-
Remember: -In the dark, whispers- Why God... why oh why...
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o
-A month later-
Narrator: Usually, being outside in the sunshine would improve anyone's mood, but for Justine, watching the people through her camera lens only made things worse…that, and she had a bad cold. She loved her job, loved the people she met, the places she'd seen. She raised her camera up and peeked through the view-finder, searching for the perfect candidate for a perfect picture. She scanned over the park and found two girls sitting on a bench, laughing hysterically at something. A pain shot through her core at the sight. They were best friends from what she could tell; probably chatting wildly about boys they liked, or places they wanted to go. Justine swallowed hard as she took the picture quickly, unable to watch the scene for much longer. Remember's tears that she had heard over the phone still stung bitterly. She couldn't believe that she had lied to her friend…her best friend.
But its for the best, she thought to herself, coughing slightly from her cold as she swallowed her emotions and placed the camera back up so she could look through, scanning over the park once more, searching for another candidate. She had always been the type to put people before herself. She was selfless like that. And oh so stubborn; resolute when she had made up her mind. It hurt, realizing the sacrifice she had made...one she couldn't, no, wouldn't go back on. But was it necessary to lie to Remember? Not only had she lost Dracula, the one man in the world that she believed she could possibly love (which was hard considering her…past), but she lost her friend in the process. She peeked through her camera once more, trying to concentrate on her job...but her next subject stabbed. An elderly couple... sitting beneath a tree on the lawn, in each other's arms and as in love as ever.
That could've been you, her mind whispered as she took the picture, fighting back her tears. That could have been you Justine... you and the count... together forever. But you gave it up, didn't you? She bit her lip in an effort to keep the sob caught in her throat down. Hot tears stung bitterly in her eyes, clouding her vision and threatening to escape the prison of her lashes and run down her face for the entire world to see.
Justine coughed once more as her hands fell to her sides along with the camera as she turned away, unable to stand all the happiness the world was experiencing, where here she had sacrificed for the better of her friend and was suffering from it. She never had expected to suffer this much, that the pain would be so acute…it felt as if her heart had shattered to pieces, as if she had lost everything in the world that was important to her. She wanted to get it back... wanted more than anything... but her stubbornness forbade her to act on her heart instead of her head. A cool breeze gently caressed her face and it was with a heavy sigh that she turned to face the wind.
She moved over to a bench that was a good distance away from the world and cried. It was soft, but her tears were bitter and they stung. With every sob came a twisting stab in her heart when she realized she was alone. No one was here to hold her; all she had now, was herself.
The wind picked up slightly as Justine continued to sit in the park, unaware of the huge ominous clouds that were beginning to loom overhead threatening rain. She never did see the people in the park leaving for their cars and their homes. All she saw was the ground and her feet, the images blurred by the tears that were still coming, despite her silent protests. She couldn't help it, she felt so broken, so alone. Justine started to cough once more as the wind picked up slightly, the cool wind flying through her hair and down her neck sending a chill down her spine. She could smell the rain coming, but she couldn't move...she didn't want to. She wanted to be swallowed up by the rain, that's why, when it came, while other's ran for shelter, she invited it. She knew it would most likely make her cold worse, but she couldn't bring herself to care. She just continued to sit on the bench for a while, letting the rain soak through her hair and her clothes. A strong shudder ran through her body as the chill reached her skin, her wet clothes clinging to her body unable to ward off any of the cold. She started to cough, a little harder this time.
Van Helsing: Justine? What are you doing out here?
Justine: -startled badly- ...huh? -scrambles to her feet, thanking God that the tears she had shed were mixed with the rain- Oh, no-nothing...I'm shooting some photographs –smiles, holding back another round of coughing-
Van Helsing: In the rain? You'll get sick!
Justine: No I won't…and why not?? It gives the picture a fresh look...besides, overcast is the best time to shoot. Not too much light...not too little, its just right. -smiles again- Wanna pose for me -teases-?
Van Helsing: -holds hat over her head- I don't know if you've noticed... but it's pouring, and there's no one outside.
Justine: -shrugs- So? Who said I was taking pictures of people?
Van Helsing: -chuckles slightly- Won't the rain ruin your camera? It's a nice piece of work.
Justine: Nope. It's water proof actually. You don't think I'd come out to shoot in the rain if I didn't have a water proof camera, did you? –the lies came easily to her and it scared her somewhat-
Van Helsing: -places his hat on her head with a teasing smile- Can never tell with you.
Justine: -looks down and chuckles- I suppose...I'm just one big enigma, huh?
Van Helsing: -chuckles- I guess so. So... when you're done shooting pictures, do you want to... I don't know... grab something to eat?
Justine: Um...I can't...I'm way behind on shoots so I have to go develop these right away. Raincheck?
Van Helsing: Oh... of course. Um…yeah, that's...that's just fine
Justine: I'm really sorry, Gabriel. Duty calls. -chuckles-
Van Helsing: Do you mind if I join you? Or do you work better alone? I have absolutely nothing to do. Don't feel like hunting down the count right now and Remember isn't even home.
Justine: -coughs slightly- Um...sure, I guess. It's really boring though, kind of a one-man job type of thing.
Van Helsing: -smiles- I highly doubt that, you always manage to make the most mundane things interesting enough. I though Starbucks was boring... but you proved me wrong. –chuckles, then gives a slight frown when he hears her cough- You're getting sick…come on, lets get you out of here.
Justine: -laughs- I am not! I'm fine, now follow me, my car is parked just outside of the swing-sets.
Van Helsing: -they start walking, not caring that it's fucking pouring outside-
Van Helsing: So... I had no idea you were into photography. -is clearly trying to strike up conversation-
Justine: Yeah, I've been doing it since I was about 13. It's always been my passion…well, that and drawing.
Van Helsing: -eyebrows raise, slightly impressed- Wow...you draw?
Justine: Yes...but I'm really not very good at it.
Van Helsing: You're probably better than me...all I can draw is stick figures and battle plans, that's about it.
Justine: -eyes him teasingly- Yeah, I probably am.
Van Helsing: -raises eyebrow, but laughs lightly- So what do you draw? Landscapes? Animals? People?
Justine: Um...anything. Whatever I feel like really.
Van Helsing: Ah...so you're a freelance, then.
Justine: -shrugs as she fumbles for her keys- I suppose.
Van Helsing: I like a woman who isn't afraid to take a risk. -realizes what he just said and stops-
Justine: -blushes, chuckling nervously-
Van Helsing: -chuckles- I have... no idea where that came from. -rubs his face nervously-
Justine: -opens car door and climbs in- Nah, its okay. I understand
Van Helsing: -leans against the car slightly, staring at nothing in particular-
Justine: -raises eyebrow- You can get in, you know...the car won't bite
Van Helsing: I didn't think... I know, I just...-laughs- All right. -gets in the car-
Justine: -starts up engine and peels out of parking lot towards her work where the dark room is- So, what were you doing in the park?
Van Helsing: Just getting some fresh air... clearing my head. -looks away and thinks to himself- Hoping I'd run into you…
Justine: -raises eyebrow, echoing his earlier words- In the rain?
Van Helsing: It wasn't raining when I left!
Justine: Ah, I see. -After a few moments of silence, pulls into the parking lot and climbs out- Okay, Mr. Van Helsing. If you'll follow me please -smiles-
Van Helsing: lead the way
Justine And Van Helsing: -walk into the building, Justine leads him to the back of the place where the lab is-
Justine: Here, let me have your coat. I'll put it in the air dryer. We usually use it for film, but I think it'll work just fine.
Van Helsing: -removes his coat and hat and hands them to her- If you insist.
Justine: I'm going to run into the bathroom and get changed. I always have a spare set of clothes for just this type of circumstance...getting caught in the rain that is.
Narrator: Justine leaves with a smile and makes her way to her small office where she grabs a change of clothes then heads to the bathroom. Once in there, she peels off her wet clothes and puts on the fresh ones, loving how dry and warm they were. She uses some paper towels to dab her hair dry, then pulls out a comb and combs it, getting slightly aggravated when she found her blonde locks were fairly well knotted. As she stood in there fixing herself up she noticed the coughing had lightened up a bit but she felt slightly dizzy, even a little hot. Hm, maybe I am getting sick. I'll have to remember to take some of the gross medicine mom always gave me when I get home, she thought. Once she finishes, she grabs Van Helsing's jacket and hat as well as her wet clothes and makes her way over to the film dryer. She neatly hangs them up then shuts the door. After she checked to make sure the dryer was set to the correct temperature, she turns it on then makes her way back to van Helsing.
Justine: -smiles- All right, I'm finished. The clothes should be dry in about 15 minutes
Van Helsing: That was quick.
Justine: -chuckles- Well, I don't like to waste time on little things like make-up, so I'm a bit faster then the average girl I suppose.
Van Helsing: Ah, I see. So... I've never developed film before
Justine: -excitedly- Really?! Oh, this will be a treat. C'mon -grabs his hand and her camera pack and heads into a room- This is what we call the 'lab'.
Van Helsing: I figured that.
Justine: -sends him a look-
Van Helsing: Er…so how does all this work? Rem told me about it once when she was taking it in High School, but that was ages ago.
Justine: -gestures to the room- Well, we develop the film in here and when we're done, we look at the film on that light table over there to look for specks of dust, water-spots and what-not. Then after that we develop the photographs.
Van Helsing: What's this room called? Is it the dark room?
Justine: Yup! But we don't go in there quite yet.
Van Helsing: Okay. What do we do first then?
Justine: We go into the film loading room I pointed out earlier.
Van Helsing: Well then... lead the way.
Narrator: Justine and Van Helsing were at the lab for over an hour. She tried to teach him how to load the film and how to develop it but they ended up laughing most of the time since Van Helsing proved to be Camera/photo-developing illiterate. It was strange, but Justine felt all her feelings of depression and guilt and loneliness vanish during those few hours with the Roman. Something about him made her smile. She could talk to him and enjoy herself, never having to worry; she certainly wasn't falling in love with him though. Her heart belonged to the Count, despite the fact that she believed he loved another. However within those hours together, Justine soon realized why Remember had befriended the hunter... made him her 'back-up muse'. He was easy to be around. Someone she could trust... he was a good friend.
Justine: Okay, well, I believe we're done here. And don't tell me I-told-you-so, but I think I might be getting sick so I think I'm going to head home. Thanks for all your help, Gabriel, it was really sweet of you!
Van Helsing: -frowns slightly at hearing her say she thought she was sick, but decided to refrain from commenting- Hey... any time. -smiles-
Justine: Oh! Let me go grab your coat and hat.-leaves to get said articles of clothing, after a minute returns and hands them to him- Well, I'll see you around??
Van Helsing: Yes, I'd like that. Just... give me a call or something...
Justine: -gives him a sweet smile- Sure, definitely.
Van Helsing: -quickly kisses her cheek- Good night, love. -leaves before she can say anything-
Justine: -touches cheek and smiles softly, then heads back into Dark room to clean up the chemicals, all the while trying hard not to allow the feelings she had felt earlier in the park to seep back into her system-
Justine: -thinks- enough...no more of this, I can't handle it…its tearing me apart! -places the various devices in the sink and begins to clean them.- I have to shield myself somehow...not let it bother me-
-Suddenly, there's a crash in the dark room-
Justine: -turns around, getting really dizzy for a moment. Once she settles herself, she glances around the room- H-hello? -heartbeat picks up- Gabriel? -walks cautiously to the dark room- Gabriel, did you forget something?
-Silence-
Justine: -is getting Nervous- Gabriel, this isn't funny.
-door to dark room slams shut with Justine inside-
Justine: -whips around, stumbling slightly with dizziness- What the-
-red light flickers-
Justine: -is freaking out-
-temperature drops-
Justine: Okay, Van Helsing…REALLY not funny! -makes her way to the door, tripping a few times as her eyes aren't adjusted to the dark yet-
-Suddenly from behind her, a voice speaks- You know, I never could seem to scare you before.
Justine: -freezes, then slowly turns around and sees...nothing. Bites lips- Who...who's there?
Voice: Are you scared Justine?
Justine: -turns again, but sees nothing. Bites lip even more- Yes.
Voice: Sweetheart...
-Suddenly she is grabbed from behind, her body colliding with another's…a man's, whose lips were now pressed against her ear-
Justine: -stiffens-
Voice: Darling...
Justine: -is trembling- no...-struggles, finally figuring out who it is- Let go of me!
Dracula: -lets her go, but door remains locked so she can't escape- Very well...if you insist. -smug grin-
Justine: -backs up against the wall, unsure of what else to do-
Dracula: I find it curious that you fear me so. I never could strike terror in you before. Why the sudden change? -pauses- Could it be that you're hiding something? -takes a step forward-
Justine: You have a slight ADVANTAGE, Count -shifts down the wall away from him- And I do NOT fear you...just what you did. -walks briskly to the other wall, trying to stay away from him...or at least keep some distance between them-
Dracula: -grin widens- How is dear Gabriel? I've been meaning to sit down and have a chat with him-
Justine: Leave him alone!
Dracula: -narrows eyes- So defensive, are we? -pauses 'thoughtfully'- Oh yes... that's right... you're in love with him -is clearly disgusted- You are quite the little actress Justine.
Justine: -bites lip until it bleeds-
Dracula: You had me convinced that you felt otherwise...-smells her blood and his eyes glow a dangerous neon blue as he moves towards her-
Justine: -eyes widen...seeing his eyes glow that insane blue. Shifts down the wall even more-
Dracula: What did he offer you, Justine?
Justine: Wh-what are you doing?
Dracula: -ignores comment as he continues to advance on her- The world? His love...devotion...
Justine: -mouth opens and closes-
Dracula: -quickly pins her to the wall, his hands on either side of her head- Or maybe it was sex...after all, he's a warrior.
Justine: -tries to push him away but fails- You sicken me. I'm not you…
Dracula: -eyes her bleeding lip-
Justine: I don't fuck people just because they're there…
Dracula: -licks his own lips slightly-
Justine: -tries in vain to push him away again-
Dracula: Yes, but you lie an awful lot... don't you...-stares deep into her eyes-
Justine: -looks away, slightly ashamed-
Dracula: Look at me...
Justine: No -hair covers her eyes- Get off of me
Dracula: -struggles with himself, as he leans forward slightly, intending to lick her mouth... but recoils just before he does and forcefully lets her go- I'm not going to sink to your level.
Justine: -sprints for the door but stops just short of it, suddenly feeling quite weak as a hurt gasp leaves her lips… those words cutting her deeply-
Dracula: I never lied to you Justine! -shouts- NOT ONCE! I WAS ALWAYS HONEST WITH YOU!
Justine: -turns around to look at him, unbearable pain emanating from her hazel eyes-
Dracula: -With quiet, barely contained anger-And how am I repaid? -he loses temper slightly- BY HAVING MY HEART RIPPED OUT OF MY CHEST WHILE ITS STILL BEATING!
Justine: -grabs her own chest as a phantom pain pierces it-
Dracula: AND BY THE VERY PERSON I TRUSTED WITH IT! -points at her, his emotions are getting the better of him-
Justine: -shakes head, backing up to the wall again, her legs slowly slipping out from under her and she slides to the floor-
Dracula: It's pointless with you, isn't it? You will never bend... never admit... always... -sigh-... deny. -looks at the ground-
Justine: -still holding chest as a sob escapes her lips-
Dracula: I don't care what you think of me Justine...although it hurts, I will not trouble you with my sentiments. But you have the right to know what your lies did to Remember. -looks up at her-
Justine: -shoulders are racking with silent sobs and some coughing-
Dracula: The guilt you have shoved into the chasm where her own heart once was. She doesn't eat, she rarely sleeps…all she does is sit in the corner of her room and cry. I...I can't do anything! I can't fix it! Do you have ANY idea how difficult that is? Watching someone you... -voice breaks-
Justine: -winces-
Dracula: She trusted you...I trusted you...I loved you... I still do, despite what reason tells me... -softly-
-moment of silence-
Justine: -wants to give in...but she can't. She knows it's for the best in the end, even if it...kills her- I'm...sorry. I don't know what to say...to do...
Dracula: -sends her a nasty look- Yes you do...-sneers- you're just afraid to do anything... I can see it in your eyes.
Justine: I can't...you don't understand! -looks up, eyes red and puffy-
Dracula: You'd rather stay silent than help, let alone save your best friend! You think you're being selfless but you're not Justine! YOU'RE NOT!
Justine: It would only hurt you both even more in the end!
Dracula: -growls- WHO EVER MADE YOU THE ONE TO DECIDE MY DESTINY?
Justine: WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO!!!!!! ITS DONE! ITS OVER! -is literally screaming-
Dracula: -sobered up a bit-
Justine: WHY CAN' YOU JUST BE HAPPY!!!
Dracula: -glares-
Justine: BE HAPPY AND LEAVE ME TO DIE OLD AND ALONE!
Dracula: I CAN'T BE HAPPY WITHOUT YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Justine: WHY!!
Dracula: -grabs her by the arms and hauls her up so she is eye level with him- BECAUSE I LOVE YOU, WHY CAN"T YOU SEE THAT???
Justine: YOU LOVE HER!
Dracula: WHY ARE YOU SO BLIND TO IT? WHY ARE YOU BEING SO STUBBORN??
Justine: YOU CAN'T LOVE US BOTH!! I CAN'T DO THAT TO REM! -weakly- She's...my best friend.
Dracula: I CAN LOVE YOU BOTH! I DO! SHE'S ACCEPTED IT...SHE...she... -tears burning in his eyes as he shoves her away slightly-
Justine: --stumbles and falls to the floor in a heap, utterly drained, but weakly gets up again with a cough, her vision slightly blurred as she gets dizzy-
Justine: -faintly- I...I'm not. -puts hand to head, feels that it is burning up- I'm not...st-stubborn -gets dizzier and starts cough harder-
Dracula: -realizes that something is wrong- Justine...
Justine: I'm...not -sees black spots, then suddenly collapses-
Dracula: -catches her before she falls- Justine? Justine! Wake up!
Narrator: Dracula becomes alarmed as he shakes her slightly but gets no response. Out of instinct, he feels her forehead only to find she is burning up really fast. Fear and panic well up inside him as he tried to figure out what to do.
Dracula: -desperate- No…no, not now… come on Justine, wake up! -suddenly notices her shallow breathing- No! -scrambles for something to do…then remembers the cell phone Remember had given him a few nights ago…he wasn't sure exactly why he'd need it, but now seemed like a good time to have it so he whips it out and calls Rem…- Remember... I need you to get over here really fast.-Looks at Justine- Its Justine... she's... something's really wrong. I'm at the photo lab...
-- To be continued…--
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A/N: Wow…now THAT was long…REALLY long…
Dracula: -finishes reading the chapter- Hm, I'm still not sure if I like the fact that you are sick…pretty much dying (or at least, that's what it feels like) in my arms…well, the last part isn't that bad, only I'd prefer us both to be-
Nienna: -sends Dracula a glare that would have made ice seem hot- I wouldn't recommend finishing that sentence, Count.
Dracula: -crosses arms, then challenging- Or you'll what? Hurt me? Threaten to -winces slightly at the thought- cut off 'Draccy Junior' as you say?
Nienna: …
Dracula: -advances on Nienna with a look in his eye that she does NOT like I hate to break it to you, my dear, but you've use all those threats (none of which you've followed through with, by the way) and are running out of options now. But don't worry, I'm sure that I can think of somethings you can…do to me.
Nienna: -backs up, cursing violently when she hits a wall- -thinks- Oh how convenient…there just HAPPENS to be a fucking wall behind me NOW…
Dracula: -reads her thoughts- Actually, my dear, if you'll look around, we are no longer in your office. –dark smirk-
Nienna: -looks around and mouth drops- What the--? How the hell did…WHY ARE WE IN YOUR BEDROOM!
Dracula: -is less then a foot from Nienna, his eyes, which were starting intently into hers, pinning her to the wall- My dear, I'm not the King of Vampires for nothing, you know.
Nienna: -curses violently-
Dracula: Watch your tongue, young lady, or I might have to silence it for you -suggestively-
Nienna: -scoffs- I beg your pardon! Sunday is my birthday and I'm turning –enter Nienna's age here- I think I am old enough to do and say whatever I damn well ple-
-stops abruptly when a pair of lips crush against her own, effectively silencing her-
Dracula: -pulls away with a smug grin- I know it's your birthday and I have a few…special gifts for you. –sends Nienna a smoldering look-
Nienna: -is quite dazed from the kiss, but is able to concentrate on Dracula- No…I don't think so. Knowing you, you probably- AHH!
-Nienna squeals slightly in surprise when she is literally (and quite unexpectedly) swept off her feet by the Count her had materialized behind her-
Dracula: -finishes her sentence as he looks in her eyes with a smug grin- …won't give you a choice? That's correct, love. You're coming with me, like it or not. –heads towards a door on the right-
Nienna: -tries to struggle but can't as her arms are trapped between her chest and his- Damn you, Dracula! Why can't you just…GAH!! Where the hell is Rem and Van Helsing!! Some friends THEY are. –suddenly hears snickering from the doorway and looks over in time to see two heads disappear behind a door- YOU JERKS!! YOU HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THIS, DIDN'T YOU!! OH MY GOD I SWEAR YOU BOTH ARE GOING TO PAY FOR THIS, YOU-
-is once again silenced by a pair of lips-
Nienna: -once she is able to speak- Will you please stop doing that?!
Dracula: -kicks open door with a grin- What? It's the only way to shut you up…that, and I enjoy it…
Nienna: -rolls eyes, then notices some things in the room, particularly the filled bathtub, candlelight and chocolate covered strawberries- -gulps- Uh oh…
Dracula: -smirk sensually- Oh, this is just the beginning my dear…I have a lot more planned for you…its not everyday one turns –enter Nienna's real age-…
CENSOR!
Sorry guys, rating still isn't high enough for that. Give us some reviews and…we'll see ;-D. Really quick, we'd like to thank the following person for their lovely reviews…
Star4sailing: Drama and emotion are our specialties!! Haha…considering we are COMPLETELY winging this….we're kinda proud of it. As for the Count's nicknames…haha…well…I'm afraid we can't comment on that right now as a certain vampire is sending icy glares our way.