Hope to get this Wednesday by 12! Hope it is that day...
hmm...
Happy Birthday Wishes to my wonderful Mummy! : 3
Enjoy!

(Edit: well it's actually Sunday morn. reeally earlyy Sunday morn. And I Might've subconsciously stolen the name "Mariella" from NoirxHeart. opps!
Dedi to NoirxHeart and Narked Virtuality)

*~Two Years, One Month Previous~*

Howard somehow found himself in an old jazz club on the other side of Dalston. He saddled up beside an old woman in a maroon headscarf, sipping on something dark gold.

"Hello," he nodded, before ordering a bottle of lager. He sighed after thanking the barkeep. The woman was swishing the liquid in her glass as she asked, "Something troubling you young man?"

He gulped down half in one go and shuddered. He sighed, heavier and answered, "Life."

She smiled, kind-heartedly and continued to sip on her beverage. After a moment, she said, "Alright then," She set her glass down and placed her hands in her lap. She smiled kindly at him. "Tell Aunt Mariella all about it."

She called over the barkeep to get Howard something stronger. For some reason she felt this was going to be a long story.

After five glasses and one tear-jerking, slightly slurred, story later, Howard was face down on the bar counter as he mumbled, "I lov'im a drop. I mean a lot. Of course I do. He's ma besfren! Ma only fren, really. Like I live wif an alien ape an' a shamen DJ or sommat like tha'. But they aren' mah real frens."

Mariella took a little sip. Waiting for what she needed to here.

"But I dun deserve 'im," He continued. "I can't keep lying to 'im. I've been holin 'im down since we was young."

And...

"And...I jus wish I 'ad sum kin of...huge excuse to get me out of his life."

And there it is.

She finishes her drink and exhales heavily, a homicidal smile on her face, as she turned to face him.

"Ahh. You want a reason for him to rid you from his life. A reason so great, there would be no possible way for you to stay to stay together?"

Howard sobered enough to answer seriously. "Yes. More than anything I ever wanted."

Mariella's smile grew as she started to loosen her scarf. Howard seemed not to notice.

"But that's just wishful thinking. Anyway, it's a quarter to four now and I have work in the morning. So I'd better be on my way. Nice meeting you." He stood and dropped enough money for both their beverages. "And thanks for listening."

Howard patted her on the shoulder. As he was about to turn away, Mariella jumped up, smacked his hand away and grabbed the back of his head. She latched onto his neck and bit deep into his skin, piercing his pulse point. They tumbled down to the cold, floor. Howard struggled at first, thrashing and gasping screams but she pinned his arms and legs. After a moment, he felt lightheaded but heavy. He felt pure pleasure twisted with immense pain. The air was too thick when it entered his lungs. It stung his chest. He wanted it to stop. He wanted to stop breathing, but what would Vince say if he found out?

What do you care? I thought you didn't want to see him anymore? Mariella's voice rang through his head.

Howard closed his eyes. The spots over his eyes were getting bigger and his heartbeat was slowing.

"Oops," He heard her lilt again. "Virgin's blood always did make me a bit...ravenous."

She let go and straightened up. Howard gasped as his heartbeat picked up and his neck ached. She pulled a white handkerchief from her breast pocket and wiped the corners of her mouth.

"W-w-what did you..?" He ground out, barely a whisper.

Mariella tucked her handkerchief away and tightened her maroon head scarf. She flashed her fangs.

"Wish granted."

She turned on her heels and strolled out of the dark, empty room and into the starless night, leaving Howard frightened and numb on the cold, floor...

For those who thought Mariella was a good guy XD you sure know how to pick em! Reviews for Howie's horrible drunk talk and continues mah peeps!