The Chronicles of Remember and Nienna
Chapter 5:
How to Save Her Life
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Narrator: The seconds felt like minutes... minutes felt like hours. Dracula sat there in the dark room, holding an unconscious Justine in his arms, panic creeping its way into his icy veins. She wasn't waking up; he had shaken her, called her named, screamed it a few times. She was dead weight in his arms...and pale, sickly pale. He could feel her body temperature slowly rise and the panic grew worse. Would she be okay? Would she…no, he couldn't think that…not that. He thought it had been years by the time Remember arrived at the photo lab in her car. She had found the Count cradling Justine's body in his arms, looking as though he were on the brink of falling to pieces. And despite the fact that she was still hurt, seeing her usually best friend unconscious and as pale as Dracula himself worried Remember considerably. But she remained as calm as she possibly could, placing her wrist over Justine's rapidly heating forehead.
Remember: -gasps- Oh my God...
Dracula: -looks up, anxiety and worry painting his features- What? What is it?
Remember: We need to get her to a hospital... now.
Dracula: -gets to his feet with Justine in his arms- We'll fly.
Remember: No...we can't do that. Its raining, the cold will only make it worse.
Dracula: -almost frantically- If we don't get her help soon, she'll die!
Remember: You don't think I know that?
Dracula: I...
Rem: -is frustrated- Get your ass in the car NOW!
Narrator: They arrived at the hospital just in the nick of time. The doctor's practically had to pry the unconscious girl from Dracula's arms and it took some urging on Remember's part to get him to let go. It was one of the hardest things Dracula had ever done... putting her on the stretcher and watching as they rolled her down a white, antiseptic hall and out of site. The hospital was quiet that day - very empty, which was odd, but neither Remember nor the Count seemed to mind.
Remember: -takes a seat in the lobby-
Dracula: -is still staring down the empty hallway where the doctor's took Justine, a far away look in his eyes-
Random Nurse: Can I get you two anything?
Dracula: -doesn't hear her-
Remember:-rubs her temples vigorously- Yeah... do have any asprin on you?
Random Nurse: Of course we do! -chuckles- I'll be right back. -leaves-
Remember and Dracula: -silence-
Rem: -after a moment, gets up and moves to a window to stare out at the rain-
Dracula: -his back to her- What took you so long?
Rem: -silence-
Dracula: -turns around- Remember? What took you so long?
Remember: -weakly- I got there as soon as I could.
Dracula: -snaps- WHAT THE HELL IS THE MATTER WITH YOU???
Remember: -is taken aback-
Dracula: SHE COULD HAVE DIED IF YOU HAD TAKEN ANY LONGER!
Rem: I got there as fast as I could Vlad! Its not my fault!
Dracula: -sarcastically- OF COURSE IT ISN'T! You can't do anything wrong? CAN YOU?
Remember: What is wrong with you!?
Dracula: JUSTINE IS IN A HOSPITAL ON THE BRINK OF DEATH! THAT'S WHAT'S WRONG!
Remember: -gets defensive- -is hurt- ITS NOT MY FAULT! I DIDN'T ASK HER TO GO PRANCING AROUND IN THE RAIN! I DIDN'T ASK HER TO GET SICK! IT'S NOT MY FUCKING FAULT!
Dracula: -hands clenched into fists- -straining to keep his anger and stress in check before he does something... stupid- How did you know about her getting sick because of the rain? -is curious-
Remember: I... I called Gabriel when the doctor's were trying to pry Justine out of your arms... he should be here any-
Dracula: YOU WHAT???
Rem: What? He has a right to know! He's in love with her!
Dracula: -veins popping out of head- I'm going to kill that son of a-
Rem: Argh! I don't know what your problem is when it comes to Gabriel!
Dracula: -sarcastically- I thought it was obvious! He stole the woman I loved from me!!
Rem: You know what? I don't think that's a good enough excuse.
Dracula: What would you know?
Rem: -challenge- Why did you go to Justine earlier?
Dracula: What is it to you?
Rem: She's gotten sick before, but not like this... I think you did something... maybe even said something.
Dracula: You're blaming this on me??
Remember: -glares-
Dracula: Don't you dare give me that look! The only reason why she's probably worked herself sick is because of you!
Remember: WHY WOULD IT BE MY FAULT!??
Dracula: THE ONLY REASON WHY SHE WON'T HAVE ME IS BECAUSE OF YOU!!! BECAUSE SHE THINKS I ONLY LOVE YOU AND NOT HER!
Remember: -stops, tears form in her eyes-
Dracula: You are selfish Rem! You always have been! Jealous and selfish! I think Justine knew that...in fact, I know she knew that! That's why she wouldn't have me! It was because of you! Because she didn't want to hurt you! She didn't mind taking a nice stab at my heart... but yours...-points venomously-I could easily blame all of my suffering and her own on you.
Remember: -tears roll down cheeks, looks at floor- Is that really how you feel? -looks bravely up at him, tears streaming down face- You really think its all my fault?
Dracula: -takes a deep breath, has calmed down a bit-
Remember: Do you really think this is all my fault?
Van Helsing: -suddenly enters- What'd I miss?
Rem and Dracula: -look over at VAN HELSING-
Rememeber: Not much... -tries to shove emotions down- The Count here was just about to tell me if Justine being on her deathbed was my fault. -cynically- CLEARLY he thinks everything that goes wrong in his life is my fault.
Dracula: -groans- That's not what I said.
Rem: -snaps at him- YES IT IS!
Van Helsing: -awkwardly- Do you two need a moment?
Dracula: -sends VAN HELSING nasty look-
Rem: No Gabriel. We're done... -looks at Count- Aren't we?
Dracula: -realizes what he did- No... Rem... wait... we're not...
Rem: -turns to VAN HELSING- You'll give me a call when Justine is allowed to take visitors? I have something I need to take care of.
Van Helsing: Of course. -pats her shoulder gently- You need anything, and I mean anything, let me know.
Dracula: YOU WILL DO NOTHING OF THE SORT!
Remember: Dracula... you know what... just... -gets frustrated- Just shut up. Okay? Just shut up! You've fucked up enough already!
Dracula: -is taken aback- Remember, I...-moves forward, reaching out for her-
Remember: DON'T TOUCH ME!
Van Helsing and Dracula: -step back in shock-
Remember: You've fucked up enough for one day! -tears starting up again- And let me get something very straight with you, Count. -points a menacing finger at him- The reason why Justine turned you down is not MY fault. SHE made her choice... NOT me...
Dracula: -protests- But YOU influenced that choice!!!
Remember: I DIDN'T ASK FOR THIS!!! DO YOU THINK I WANTED HER TO GET HERSELF SICK OVER YOU??
Van Helsing: -awkward...-
Remember: I have done everything you have asked me to...
Van Helsing: -thinks- ah... a quarrel of lovers... awkward, but interesting... wish Justine was here to pull me away...
Remember: I have given you EVERYTHING I have! And you have the gall, the audacity to blame YOUR misfortunes, YOUR problems with Justine on ME?? -screams, and shoves him harshly- I hate you! -goes to stalk off-
Dracula: -grabs her arm- Rem, wait-
Remember: -rips her arm out of his grip- I'M TIRED OF WAITING! -storms out-
Van Helsing and Dracula: -awkward silence-
Van Helsing: -whistles- Well... you certainly have a way with women.
Dracula:-dark, venomous glare- -room temperature drops dramatically- -lights in the lobby flicker slightly-
Van Helsing: What?
Dracula: -says something real nasty in Romanian that pisses Van Helsing off-
Both men: -glare at each other-
Nurse: -is oblivious- Gentlemen, I just wanted to inform you, we've put Justine in the ICU. She's not…she isn't doing so well, however the doctor wanted me to tell you that she's definitely a fighter. He'll inform you when you can go in and see her.
The men: -silent- -still glaring at each other-
Van Helsing: Thank you
Nurse: -leaves-
Van Helsing: Did you hear that Count? You didn't kill her! -sarcastically- What a shock.
Dracula: -eyes darken- -walls are soon covered with ice- I. Didn't. Do. Anything.
Van Helsing: Oh yes... that's right... this was Rem's fault. Wasn't it? -chuckles as he turns around- God, you fucked that one up big time, buddy.
Dracula: -leaps for Van Helsing and tackles him to the ground with an unearthly growl that shakes the foundation- -has Van Helsing by the throat- I have every reason in the WORLD to take your life from you.
Van Helsing: -grabs the hand around his throat and begins to match his strength with Dracula's- And yet you've failed to do so every single time…-kicks Dracula off of him-
Dracula: -collides with the wall but stands up quickly and with grace as if the impact didn't even faze him just as Van Helsing stands-
The men: -run for each other, ready to tear each other limb from limb-
Dracula: You stole Justine from me...
Van Helsing: You stole Justine from me!
Dracula: You've tried to take Rem!!
Van Helsing: And would have succeeded if it hadn't been for you!
Dracula: I'll kill you, I swear to God I'll KILL YOU!!!! -jumps forward to fight-
Justine: -weakly- No! Stop! -coughs as she leans up against the wall for support-
Van Helsing and Dracula: -stop abruptly and turn-
Dracula: -eyes wide with shock, relief and worry- Justine?
Justine: -gasping for breath-
Van Helsing: -speechless-
Justine: What...what are you two do-doing? -coughs again, holds chest slightly- Why...can't you just...just get a-along!? -slips down the wall, her legs too weak to hold her for long-
Dracula: -moves forward to help her, but Van Helsing shoves him out of the way-
The men: -are ready to fight again-
Justine: No! -coughs, violently, little specks of blood cover the back of her hand-
Doctor: -enters scene- Miss Franklinlin, what in God's name are you doing out of bed?!
Dracula: -sees blood and his complexion pales- -thinks- Oh God, no…
Justine: -breathing hard, ignores doctor- You...two are...acting like chil-children
Doctor: -tries to gently grab Justine's arm and steer her back down the hall- Come with me miss...
Justine: -yanks arm out of grasp-
Doctor: -protests- Miss Franklinlin, you're exciting yourself too much, please-
Justine: DON'T TOUCH ME! -coughs violently once more-
Doctor: Somebody! Get me some assistance!
Justine: I...need to stop them...
Doctor: Miss Franklinlin, please, you are making yourself worse! I need you to come with me -reaches out to grab her again-
Justine: I don't...care! -stands up shakily and walks towards the Dracula and Van Helsing-
Doctor: Miss Franklinlin, you really-
Justine: NO!
VAN HELSING: You better do as she says.
Dracula: -nods- She'll knock you out cold if you touch her again...-thinks- I know from experience…sort of…
Doctor: I'm afraid I can't do that, gentlemen, she is violently ill.
Justine: -coughs more blood up-
Dracula: And that never stopped her before –slight, albeit concerned, smile-
Doctor: -goes calling for medical assistance-
Justine: You...two are...acting like chil-children. Why can't you just leave me...the...the hell alone -is in front of Dracula and Van Helsing...the latter slightly behind Drac-
Men: -silence-
Justine: -glares at them-
Dracula: -concerned and wants to help... but knows she would never allow it-
Justine: This is...no one's -gasps for breath- fault...but my own -wheezes- And I won't...-coughs and then shuts eyes in pain- -clenches teeth, has to get this out-I won't...have you fighting...whether it's ...over me ...Rem...
Men: But-
Justine: or any...anyth...anything -gets dizzy- I won't...YOU won't...-sways slightly-
Men: -both instinctively hold out their arms for her, offering their support-
Justine: -shoves them away-I...don't want to...see either of you...-coughs violently again, more blood coming up- -gasps for air- Until...you s-stop fi…fighting…
Doctor: -reenters room w/ two huge men to help- She's over there
Justine: -sways then collapses to the floor in an unconscious heap-
Dracula: No! Justine! -rushes forward at catches her before she hits the floor, his eyes becoming slightly misted over-
Van Helsing: -also steps forward worried sick-
Doctor and assistants: -take her from Dracula and carry her away-
Dracula and Van Helsing: -silence-
Narrator: The minutes felt like hours as the two friends-turned enemies, stood there in the lobby, staring down the overly clean, bright white hall as Justine was carried away. Neither could speak as they watched the limp body get placed on a stretcher and rolled away, the doctor screaming something about the E.R. Everything around them was moving but the world seemed silent and still as both began to realize the gravity of the situation. How long this silence lasted, neither of the men knew, but after what felt like hours of it, the hunter glanced over at the vampire, a very solemn expression on his face.
Van Helsing: I think we need to talk.
Dracula: -still staring down the hall Justine left in- -deep breath- Yes... we do. If we don't...
Van Helsing: She'll die.
-silence-
Dracula: -glances over at VAN HELSING- -deep breath- I... uh... I don't know exactly where to begin.
Van Helsing: Neither do I.
-manly silence-(A/N: Remember and Nienna chuckle)
Van Helsing: What time is it?
Dracula: It's around 6 or so... I can't be sure.
Van Helsing: Can't concentrate?
Dracula: -nods-
Van Helsing: I understand. She means a lot to you.
Dracula: -gives a questioning look-
Van Helsing: Justine.
Dracula: -looks away in slight pain- Yes... yes she does. She means the world and then some.
Van Helsing: I know why. -looks down the hall- She's a remarkable woman.
Dracula: -deep breath- I know... -sighs- -stares at floor-
Van Helsing: There are a rare amount of those in the world today.
Dracula: She deserves so much better than me, Gabriel. I just...-fades off-
Van Helsing: You really do love her, don't you? -is slightly astonished- I never thought you meant it.
Dracula: Yeah... well... neither did she, and from the looks of it, she never will. She's in love with you.
Van Helsing: No she's not.
Dracula: -perks up- What? Yes she is, she told me herself.
Van Helsing: Well, she told me she didn't.
Dracula: Rem said that too, but I didn't believe her. I called her a liar, I--stops- -has an epiphany- Sweet God, what have I done? -panics- I've got to find her... -storm is still raging outside- -stops in front of the door- But Justine...-is torn- I can't leave her...
Van Helsing: I can look for Remember, if you want.
Dracula: -is still torn- Yes, but I should look for her... but I can't leave Justine... I...-is standing in doorway, one foot in the rain, one foot in the hospital-
Van Helsing: -squeezes his shoulder- You look after Justine... I'll look for Rem.
Dracula: In this weather?
Van Helsing: I work better in the rain...
Dracula: -is hesitant- -wishes he could split in half and do both at once-
Van Helsing: If you want, I can just locate her so you don't have to... and then I'll come back, we'll switch, and you can go talk to her while I look over Justine. Fair enough?
Dracula: Alright... we'll do that. -small curve in his lips- Thank you Gabriel... and... and I'm... -doesn't like apologizing-
Van Helsing: -knows all too well- I already know Vlad. You don't have to say it.
Dracula: -sigh of relief- Call me when you find her.
Van Helsing: And you call me if Justine wakes up.
The Men: -deal-
Van Helsing: -races off into the storm-
Narrator: Gabriel ran out into the rain, never really paying any attention to the icy chill of the rain as it pummeled his body while he ran into the parking lot. He quickly realized that Remember's car (a Toyota Celica '91, candy apple red with spoiler, killer sound system, and kickass wheels) wasn't there. Making up a game plan as he ran out towards the curb to call a cab, he decided the first place he'd look was her apartment. It didn't take long for him to get there, but he started panicking when he called her house phone and she didn't answer. When he arrived at her front door, he found it locked. Remembering where the spare key was, he entered the house to find it empty. Empty and dark. It didn't look like she had left, but the moment he knew she was gone, he ran back out, hotwired her neighbor's car and decided to check all the usual places. He checked her work, school, Barnes and Noble, Borders, Best Buy, WalMart, Target, the mall, Starbucks…nothing. Two hours soon passed and he had combed through the entire city, top to bottom without so much as a trace or hint of where she could have gone. He had called her cell phone dozens of times and cursed violently when he realized she had turned it off. He pulled over onto the side of the road for a moment or two to collect himself. He was so used to doing this in the old days versus now. He was used to leads... suggestions... hints! But he had nothing; he had no idea where she was. Part of him wanted to call Dracula, tell him he was giving up, that he couldn't find her. Van Helsing rested his head against the steering wheel, releasing a heavy sigh. Where could she be? he wondered to himself. He glanced over at the cell phone he had thrown onto the passenger seat. Perhaps he could try one more time. He grabbed his phone and flipped it open, grabbing a special kind of cable that could hook his phone up to the GPS system in the car he had 'borrowed.' He recalled how Rem had taught him how to do it... just like she taught him how to hotwire a car. (Remember A/N: -really has no idea how to do that in real life…just sounded cool-) With a prayer in his heart, he dialed her number one last time, praying that she at least had it on. It rang once, he took a deep breath, it rang again...his breath was now caught in his throat. She had her phone on at least... he just needed her to pick it up.
Van Helsing: One more ring Rem, you have one more ring...
Narrator: The last ring came and he was about to curse when it stopped halfway through and he heard someone on the other end pick up.
Van Helsing: Rem? Are you there? -watches GPS system-
Remember: -silence-
Van Helsing: Talk to me... where are you?
Remember: Leave me alone Gabriel -click-
Van Helsing: Damn! -snaps phone shut, then glances at GPS system and notices a nearly complete fixed route to her location-
Narrator: He stared at the highlighted path on the screen, his heart fighting its beat again as the thrill of a chase crept into his veins. He didn't have an exact location, but he had a good amount... something to go off of, which was really all he needed. According to the GPS system, she was out of town... somewhere in the middle of nowhere. The outside of the city was mostly mountainous, the ocean just a half our to an hour drive through the pass, depending on traffic and weather. The GPS told him she had gone through there. Racing against the elements, he drove as fast as he could, the rain pounding against the car as he flew down the dark, abandoned roads, the lightning and thunder hardly fazing him. He was close... he could feel it.
(Transition)
Narrator: Dracula stared at the door Van Helsing had just been vacating not a moment go, this feeling of being torn never leaving him. He knew he couldn't be in two places at once, the law of physics told him that...but that didn't keep him from wanting to find Remember, his foundation...his first love. But Justine, she was sick...possibly dying, at least he knew (or maybe he HOPED) that Remember was okay - that she was safe. Justine, he thought. Dracula's thoughts turned to the girl who had collapsed in his arms mere hours ago. He needed to go to her. He went to the receptionist's desk and asked the nurse if she was out of the ER. The nurse replied she'd be in there for at least another hour and that he could wait in her room if he wanted. Dracula gave a curt nod and left, repeating Justine's room number in his head like a mantra. 239...240...241...242. Dracula opened the door to room 242 and walked inside. Everything was so white, so tidy…clean and he instantly understood why Justine hated hospitals so much. Dracula furrowed his brow at a numbing feeling of pain in his undead heart...it hurt to even think about her. With a heavy sigh (and a heavy heart), he sat down in a chair in the corner of the room. Crossing his legs, he rested his chin on the heal of his hand, which had been propped up on the arm rest. What a mess he had made of things - it was so bad, he wondered if he would be able to fix it. The time passed surprisingly fast as he sat and thought about how he had, in Remember's words, 'really fucked up'…as he thought about how he could convince Justine that he was in love with her. How would he convince her? When Remember said this would be hard, he had never in his wildest dreams thought it would be this hard. Dracula chuckled, Remember was right...I AM getting lazy (A/N: ain't that the understatement of the century). Before another thought could escape, Dracula heard the door opened and looked up to see a stretcher with an unconscious and very pale Justine lying in it, deathly still. Dracula shot up from his chair so fast it nearly fell over. He was at Justine's side in an instant. Once they had her settled, Dracula looked at the doctor expectantly.
Doctor: -sighs heavily- You are Mister…?
Dracula:...er...Drake
(A/N: -Remember and Nienna are Laughing their Fucking asses off-)
Doctor: Uh huh...Mr. Drake...I am Dr. Nielson (Remember A/N: oOo…sounds hot…unless he's an old, perverted geezer)
Dracula: -looks at him, his look clearly saying 'get to the damn point'-
Doc: There's no easy way to put this, so I'll just have to come out and say it. The strain Miss Franklin put on herself earlier took a toll on her. She isn't doing well. She has a severe case of pneumonia.
Dracula: -is getting more and more worried by the second-...why did she cough up blood? Last time I checked, patients with pneumonia didn't do that.
Doctor: -sighs- That's not why she is coughing up blood. In addition to having pneumonia, Miss Franklinlin had an ulcer on her stomach. It was large, and hadn't been treated. We didn't know about it until she was talking with you and the other gentlemen...when she began coughing up the blood, that's when we discovered it.
Dracula: -is feeling something he hasn't felt in a long time...sick- H-had?
Doctor: That's the good news, we were able to operate and take the ulcer out.
Dracula:-swallows hard, knowing he had to ask but not wanting the answer he was sure he'd get-...and...the bad...news?
Doctor: She lost a lot of blood during the operation and because she has pneumonia, her body is too weak to re-generate blood cells fast enough.
Dracula: And what does...that mean?
Doctor: -solemnly- Mr. Drake, Justine is dying.
Dracula: -roars- WHAT!?!?
Doctor: -backs up slightly when he sees 'Mr. Drakes' eyes turn black- I...I'm sorry. We...we've done what we can, but there isn't much else we can do.
Dracula: WHAT ABOUT A BLOOD TRANSFUSION!?
Doctor: Her blood type is O negativeJK...it's known as 'null blood' and is extremely rare to come by. Less than 10,000 people have it. We are trying to locate someone with it, but none of our records indicate anyone in the area. I'm sorry Mr. Drake. But we can only do so much.
Dracula: -pitiful sigh-
Doctor: You may wish to prepare yourself sir... she won't last the night. -leaves-
Dracula: -looks down at the pale and unconscious form that was Justine-
Narrator: He never thought he'd live to experience a moment like this...being forced to watch the one he loves die as he stands aside... helpless. He couldn't do anything for her, he knew this. The reality of it all was like a knife wound in the stomach- painful, and slow to kill. He stared down at Justine with her deathly pale complexion and golden hair, the waves and curls she had had in it earlier, now flat... lifeless. Crimson blinded his vision for a moment as he sat there, staring helplessly at her, unsure of what to do, and what his options were. It didn't take him long to realize that he was crying, and the moment he accepted it, it hit him full force. The stress of having to win Justine's heart, the rejection, the refusal, the betrayals, recalling how much he had screwed up... it hit him like a wave in one brutal force, mercilessly crashing down on his body and he sobbed, reaching for Justine's cold hand, searching for some source of comfort. He was going to lose her... he didn't want to lose her. He couldn't. His heart broke into pieces as he kissed her cold hand furiously, bathing it with the blood tears that stained his porcelain cheeks. He had never cried aloud before, not once, but he was now. It was a sign of weakness to him…but he suddenly realized that…he already had a weakness, and she was lying on a hospital bed, wrapped in bandages and sheets. Justine…he wished more than anything that if someone had to witness this second weakness, this crying, it would be Justine. He wished more then anything that she would wake up and comfort him, soothe him. He squeezed her hand fiercely with his own, whispering words that were defused by the back of her hand, his lips pressed against the skin. He pleaded with her to wake up...to forgive him for everything he had done, to let him love her, to love him back. With the power of his will, the door to the room shut quietly as he moved to lie on the bed with her, taking her in his arms as he kissed her hair, his tears not as loud and painful but soft, breathless pleas escaping his lips.
Dracula: Please forgive me Justine. I never wanted to hurt you... to leave you like this. I just wish... I wish you knew... I wish you believed...-deep, shaky breath- I love you Justine, and I can't go on living without you. I just…I can't. I won't survive. I need you to keep me in line, I…I need you to...-cries as he buries his face into her hair, unable to handle this- Please... please wake up. Please…tell me everything will be alright, even if you have to lie to me, just tell me. -takes her hand in his and whispers- Why can't you say you love me? –Is sobbing now, the pain and anguish taking a toll on him-
Justine: -squeezes his hand and mumbles something in her sleep-
Dracula: -stops crying and stares wide-eyed at their joined hands-
Justine: -squeezes his hand a little harder and mumbles again, this time clearer- Vlad...?
Dracula: -gets excited- I'm right here Justine... I'm right here...-gently caresses her face with his fingers-
Justine: -eyes flutter open slowly- Vlad...is that...what are you doing here? –furrows brow, trying to remember everything- I…I told you I didn't want...to see you until...you and Gabriel...made...made up
Dracula: We did.
Justine: -weak, hopeful smile- You…did? –turns her head slightly to look at him, suddenly noticing that he was in bed with her, but chooses not to say anything-…Really? You did?
Dracula: -smiles softly as he continues to caress her face- Really.
Justine: -lifts hand with IVs in it to his face, a questioning look in her eyes- Why…why is there blood on your face? -furrows brow-
Dracula: -says nothing-
Justine: Are you...sure you made up? -caresses his face, wiping the slowly drying blood off-
Dracula: Would I lie to you? –pauses, then chuckles- Wait... don't answer that. Just... just trust me.
Justine: -notices that the trail leads to his eyes…then notices the blood on her hand…it wasn't hers…realization hits her- -eyes wide with disbelief- You...were crying
Dracula: -silence-
Justine: -whispers-...you were crying...blood...tears of blood. -looks into his eyes, hers filled to the brim with confusion, pain at knowing he had cried blood tears, sorrow, compassion- Vladislaus?
Dracula: -tenderly brushes a lock of hair out of her face and behind her ear as he takes an unnecessary deep breath- They were for you -whispers-
Justine: -goes deathly still, unable to believe her ears- -whispers- what?
Dracula: -even softer- Every single one…they were all for you. -touches her slightly dry lips- I love you Justine.
Justine: -searches his eyes for anything false but finds only truth in them-...why?
Dracula: -smiles slightly, but doesn't answer-
Justine: -furrows brow as her lips part slightly. She looks down, unable to hold his gaze-...Why Vlad?? I don't understand…
Dracula: -caresses her cheek, allowing his hand to glide down until it was under her chin, then lifted her gaze to his- What's not to understand? -rests his forehead against hers-
Justine: -opens mouth then closes it, unsure of what to say-
Dracula: -thumb gently brushing over her lips- I love you Justine...-is very gentle- I always have, and no matter what you do or say, I always will. I need you.
Justine: -can't look at him...is getting more and more afraid...of what, though, she is unsure-
Dracula: -thumb runs down her jaw- Why won't you look at me? -moves his head back slightly-
Justine: I...I can't.-bites lip, then opens mouth to say something, but unsure if she could say it-
Dracula: -really wants to kiss her... she can see it in his eyes- Do you want me to go? So you can rest?
Justine: No...It's not that
Dracula: I'll respect your wishes.
Justine: I...don't want you to go, I just...-bites lips again-
Dracula: Then what is it? -very gently- Tell me. Please?
Justine: -bites lip harder, drawing blood-
Dracula: -touches her mouth- don't do that...you can't afford to lose any more blood -gently heals the cut with his fingers-
Justine: I'm...I'm...afraid….
Dracula: Afraid of what? –whispered with a very patient, loving look in his eyes…something he knows she's never seen before-
Justine: I don't know how...I've never -is struggling-…I'm afraid of the unknown.
Dracula: -takes her hand in his, entwining their fingers- So am I, but maybe we can go through it together.
Justine: -raises eyebrows, totally not expecting that one-
Dracula: It's easier... if you have someone to hold your hand, -kisses her knuckles-
Justine: -gives half smile, runs her free hand's fingers through his hair-...Vlad?
Dracula: -is distracted by his task of lavishing kisses on her knuckles-Hmm?
Justine: -blushes slightly-...will you...kiss me? -turns bright red-
Dracula: -stops abruptly at his pleasurable task and looks up at her, not sure if he heard her right. He searched her eyes and saw that it's what she wanted. Gently, he runs his thumb over her mouth- I've wanted to for so long...
Justine: -soft smile-
Dracula: -gently lifts her up in his arms and rests his forehead against hers for a moment as he breathes her in and sighs-
Narrator: His cool breath gently fanned her face as he prepared himself...taking his time. He knew she had always wanted something like that... something slow... gentle. He would give it to her... that and more. Gently taking her face in his large hand, he brought her towards him and then gently caressed her lips with his. He held it for just a moment or two before pulling back and repeating the action again. His kisses were gentle... sweet... timid even. The tip of his tongue gently ran over her lips for a moment, moistening the passageway to her mouth before kissing her lips once more, a bit more firmly this time. His thumb tenderly ran across her cheek when he pulled back, staring thoughtfully at her mouth, wondering what it would be like to plunder, to take everything she had and more... but he paced himself, recalling how sick she was, not wishing to pressure her in her weakened condition. He gently ran his thumb over her bottom lip and her mouth opened just slightly, doing exactly what he wanted her to do. Before she could close her lips, he kissed her again, this time slipping his tongue in her mouth, probing lightly, cautiously. A fire ignited within her weak and gently trembling body; there was nothing fervent or overly passionate about their set of kisses... Justine's first. Only hope. And the deepest amount of love. For a brief moment in time, Dracula forgot about everything...he forgot about Van Helsing, about Rem, about how sick Justine was... he couldn't even hear the storm raging on outside. Where he was sitting, he was in heaven, with Justine's soft, trembling lips pressed against his. If the doctor's couldn't save her... maybe love could.
Justine: -slowly opens eyes and looks at Dracula, she is silent for a moment, before allowing a soft, gentle smile to grace her lips-
Dracula:-pulls back slightly with a thoughtful smile, tracing her smile with his fingertips-
Justine: -whispers- Thank you -hoping he catches more meaning behind those words-
Dracula: -nods-
Justine: ...Vlad?
Dracula: -continues to finger her mouth with a thoughtful expression- Yes?
Justine: -lowers her gaze for a moment, then looks in his eyes, slightly hesitant- How...how sick am I?
Dracula: -his smile fades into a pained expression- The…the doctor's don't believe you'll survive the night...-eyes clench shut to fight the tears-
Justine: -heart nearly stops beating as her stomach drops-
Dracula: -he squeezes her hand-
Justine: -looks away- Oh…
Dracula: -almost pleadingly- But I want you to prove them wrong Justine...
Justine: -a tear falls down her cheek-
Dracula: -his pained expression turns even more painful as he gently kisses off her tear. The sight of the one he loved crying, Justine crying…he'd never seen it before and it broke his undead heart to pieces-
Justine: -offers a weak smile- I will try, Vlad…but tell me, what is wrong with me, exactly? What is it I am fighting?
Dracula: -lips reside on her cheek- Pneumonia and bloodloss; you had an ulcer on the inner lining of your stomach... the doctors were able to remove it, but not without taking a lot of blood. They said you're body is too weak to…to regenerate the lost blood in time...-holds her tighter- I won't believe it. I will not lose you to a stupid illness.
Justine: -furrows brow- they can't do a transfusion?
Dracula: -takes her hand and kisses her palm-Your blood type is rare. I hardly even remember what kind they said it was...
Justine: -looks at him now, realization dawning in her eyes- Its called Null Blood...I have Null blood. –chuckles nervously- Silly me, I should have remembered that.
Dracula: -his expression becomes a mixture of awe and pain at seeing how brave she was trying to be- Yes... that's it. -holds her hand in his-
Justine: But...why didn't they call my...my fa...father -is clearly hard for her to bring him up-
Dracula: I don't know if they have or not, I've been in here for the past few hours.
Justine: -looks at her hands which are fidgeting in her lap-Vlad, he…he has the same blood as I do
Dracula: -looks at her with surprise and hope- He…he does?
Justine: -nods- Yes, he does. The only thing is...-stops-
Dracula: Tell me Justine...-kisses her temple and whispers in her ear- please?
Justine: -shakes head vehemently- I…I can't.
Dracula: If there's a way to save you...
Justine: -shakes head- I can't, Vlad...-lets out a quiet sob-...I...can't.
Dracula: -holds her tightly, rocking her back and forth gently- Shh... don't get worked up...its alright...
Justine: -lets out another sob, her shoulders shaking with the effort to hold it in as she buries her head in his chest, seeking comfort from the pain she'd tried to keep buried for so long-
Dracula: -holds her tightly, wanting so desperately to know, but unwilling to push it out of her- Justine...
Justine: -takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself but starts coughing violently-
Dracula: -doesn't know what to do, so moves to get up to get someone, but stops when he feels Justine grasp his arm-
Justine: -weakly- no...-coughs- stay with...-coughs- me...next to...-wheeze- me.
Dracula: -lies back down on the bed and brings her closer to him-
Justine: I...-coughs slightly, is calming down-...I don't want to be...alone.-pauses as a tear slips down her cheek- Hold me? Please?
Dracula: -smiles gently then situates themselves on the bed so she's leaning against him, his body behind hers with his arms wrapped tightly around her- Justine... what would you have me do? Apparently there's something wrong between you and your father... whatever it is, put it aside you please... I... I can't lose you...
-- To be continued…--
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A/N: Wow…now THAT was long…REALLY long…No convo today, though….not enough reviews to inspire me….that and I'm waaaaaaaaaay too tired, heh heh.
Thank you to those who DID review, however, you all ROCK!!!!!