Heartlessly Humane
By wired2damoon
Chapter 8: Drinking Up And Dumbing Down
- Annie's POV -
"Shut up."
"But he did-"
"-I said, shut up!" I scolded Violet half-heartedly as we waved Jack off at the doorstep.
"Annie, for God's sake, he so liked you! The way he kept grinning at you and looking you! I'm sure he was going to ask you out!" Violet grinned, whispering excitingly into my ear, not wanting Mitchell and George to hear.
"Yeah? Well if he wanted to so badly, how come he didn't?" I asked, from the side of my mouth, taking one last look at Jack's little smile and half-wave as he got into his van before closing the door with a dignified snap.
Violet opened her mouth and looked like she wanted to say something but thought the better of it. I raised my eyebrows, waiting for her to reply.
"Well…he-he probably didn't want to ask you on front of…Mitchell…and George," she finished, not looking me in the eye.
I frowned, I knew it made sense but I couldn't accept it.
"No. That can't be it. He just wasn't into me that's all…or-or he already had a girlfriend or wife or partner, or…maybe he was gay. That's always how it is, with me anyway…I remember when I was fourteen I was madly in love with Brian from my Biology class and-"
"-So sorry to stop your little trip down memory lane, but don't you think we should get back to the matter at hand?" Violet asked, cutting across me and folding her arms over her chest with an air of determination.
"And what's that?" I asked in a continued hushed tone, almost dreading the response, or risk the guys over-hearing.
"Your lack of love-life…" she mumbled, walking into the living room and sitting down on the couch.
I snorted, loudly…probably too loud in fact.
"Violet, in case you haven't noticed…I'm dead. I'm not all that sure that the dead are meant to date…" I murmured, sitting down beside her.
Violet rolled her eyes, "yeah well, Mitchell dates and he's dead…has been for a long time too…" she replied, a smug smirk across her face.
"No, Violet, Mitchell does not date. He meets a girl at a club, or at work, or wherever, has a drink with her, goes back to her place, shags her, and leaves. Somehow, I don't think that constitutes as dating," I snapped, softly, making sure that they guys' over-sensitive hearing wouldn't pick me up, and not knowing why I sounded so bitter.
Something seemed to pass over Violet's eyes as she digested my words, but she said nothing.
"Yeah, well, regardless to being dead or not, I think it's time that you got back on the dating wagon, and I think the perfect way to do that is to call Jack up and ask him out yourself," she said matter-of-factly, making it sound like the easiest thing in the world.
"Okay, I can think of at least five reasons why that would be a terrible idea," I scoffed, standing up off the couch and beginning pace.
Violet tilted her head to the side, "alright then Ms Awkward, what are they?"
I took a deep breath, not stopping my pacing, "well…" I started, making a clear, mental-list, "one, he's human. Meaning that's he's at risk to me suddenly disappearing if my confidence gets knocked or, I lose my control and send something flying across a room or God knows what else. Two, I cannot change my clothes. I know men aren't all that perceptive, but, I think he may notice that I seem to only have one outfit if we were ever to go on more dates.
"Three, I cannot eat or drink - as of yet anyway. That too may cause a problem, especially if we go to a restaurant or pub and I don't touch anything. Four, even as an alive human I was terrible at dating. Seriously, I'm not even sure how I managed to get Owen, even though now I wish I hadn't. And finally, there's a little problem that's a little embarrassing…" I trailed off, biting my thumb-nail nervously.
Violet raised her eyebrows as I paused.
"Oh come on Annie, I'm in the same boat as you, I'm not going to sit here and judge you, just spit it out!"
I sighed, pinching my nose, wondering if it was possible for a ghost to get a headache. She was right, she was in the same situation as me, there was nothing to be embarrassed about.
"I-I'm worried that if I-I started dating someone that-that when the time goes to…get more…physical…I-I won't be able to…you know…" I trailed off again, turning to look at her.
Understanding dawned on Violet's young face, "oh…" she started slowly, "you're worried you won't be able to have sex…"
I started hissing and making frantic arm movements as she said that. "SHHHH!!!! Keep your voice down! I don't want the guys to hear!"
Violet put her finger to her lips and gave me a shrug of apology.
I sighed and sat back down beside her.
"So you see? There are many problems with me dating…or a ghost in general dating. So, I think we should just…drop it. Alright?" I turned to look at her, hoping a look sincere enough.
She slowly nodded, "alright, okay, I'll drop it. For now…"
I closed my eyes and sunk my head back into the couch. I suppose 'for now' was the best I could hope for.
- George's POV -
I rolled my eyes for what felt like the billionth time in the last ten minutes.
"I don't know why you're making such a big deal about this Mitchell, I mean, he seemed like a nice guy to me," I said, folding my arms and leaning back in my chair, watching the vampire pace back and forth in front of me.
He had been like this since yesterday when that repair man, Jack, had come to fix our bathroom door. He seemed oddly suspicious of him, and kept insisting that he somehow done us out of money.
"Really George? You think he was nice? Well, no offence, but you haven't been on this earth as long as me, therefore, I have a better judgement of people and I'm tellin' ye, that fella is shifty. His whole…way of goin' on, it's just…there was somethin' not right, somethin' dodgy, that's all I'm sayin'," he mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck as he walked back and forth in front of the sink.
I struggled not to roll my eyes again, "look, I already checked with other companies online, he charged us the going price for a new door and fitting. He didn't do us out of any money," I said determinedly, somehow getting the feeling that it wasn't anything to do with what the man charged us that got Mitchell so worked up, but rather, it was with to do with the man himself.
"Yeah well, I still didn't like the guy. I mean, did you see how he kept braggin' on about how his father owns the business? Or how he was boastin' that he works his own hours? And I mean Jesus, the way he was all over Annie…"
I smirked then, as soon as I heard Mitchell's last excuse.
"Uh huh…" I said, a grin on my face, "right…so…really what you didn't like was not how he was bragging but more than he had an obvious interest in Annie?" I asked, the pieces suddenly falling into place.
I can't say it came as a shock really, I mean, ever since I heard about their 'accidental' kiss, I sort of suspected something might come about. Even if neither of them did.
Honestly, they think I'm socially stupid when it comes to these types of things. They should look in the mirror…well…Annie anyway, wouldn't really do much for Mitchell seeing as he doesn't have a reflection…
"What? No! No! That's not it at all! I mean, all I'm sayin' is that, ye know, he was a bit full on wit' her, ye know? I mean for all he knew she might have had a boyfriend or somethin' I just thought that it was…disrespectful, especially seen as he only knew her five fuckin' minutes. But I know Annie can handle herself…and ye know, it's-it's none of my concern…" he trailed off, sounding more like he was trying to convince himself more than he was trying to convince me.
"Uh huh," I repeated, deciding to let it drop for now. There was no point trying to talk to him when he got like this, and besides, I'd have to leave soon enough to go to Nina's.
"Right, well, shouldn't you be off to Nina's?" Mitchell asked, jerking his head towards the clock that now read 6:40, obviously wanting a change of subject. I took the bait, and stood up, fixing my shirt.
"Yeah, yeah I should be going. I'll talk to later mate, yeah?"
"Ugh…maybe, as long as you don't call me your 'mate'," he replied, disgust laced within his tone.
I smirked, somehow I knew he'd respond like that.
"Right so…see you later," I smiled, walking out of the kitchen, shouting a "bye Annie, bye Violet," over my shoulder, up the stairs, before opening the door, stepping out into the cold, March air, and closing the door with a snap behind me.
Glancing at my watch, I saw that I saw I'd still fifteen minutes to get to her house. Just enough time to stop by the shop and buy her some flowers and a bottle of wine.
Perfect.
I know it's cheesy, but I was just so glad I'd get to see her again soon. Five days apart, felt like an eternity.
There was just one thing that was bothering me all afternoon. I don't know why, but I kept getting the feeling that there was something wrong…something I was missing.
Shaking my head, I began my trek.
I was just being stupid, that's all. Same silly George.
I hope.
- Annie's POV -
I heard George leaving and Violet and I turned to yell a loud "goodbye" to him, before turning back to face each other, two cups in our hands.
"Okay, you first," I smiled, nodding at Violet.
She frowned, "why me?"
"Because, you've been dead longer than me," I replied matter-of-factly.
She tutted, "yeah, but only by like a month Annie. I don't think that matters!"
I rolled my eyes, "well, you've said you've done it before, so, just do it again!"
Sighing, she resided to the fact that I wasn't going to give up, and hastily brought the cup up to her lips. Slowly, she raised her eyes to me, before snapping them shut, obviously concentrating greatly. I waited patiently, my eyes glued on her face, watching frantically as she tilted the cup ever so slowly and splashed the water against her lips. Softly, I heard her take a sip and immediately glanced down at the floor to see if it went right through her.
It didn't.
I waited in pure silence as she gradually she set the cup back down on the windowsill, her eyes still closed and I gaped, mouth hung wide open as I saw her swallow. Again, I glanced down at the ground.
"OH MY GOD! DID YOU DO IT?" I yelled, my own hands shaking uncontrollably, so much so that a little water splashed out over the cup.
Her eyes snapped open, and I saw with delight that she looked absolutely shocked.
"YES! YES I DID! I felt it run down my throat!" she laughed, "oh wow! Annie it was amazing! I mean, I know it was just water but it was…it was brilliant! Cold and brilliant! I-I can't believe it…" she trailed off, obviously as shocked as I felt.
"It's your turn!" she told me, gesturing to the cup in my hands.
Suddenly, I felt fear run through my veins. I knew it was ridiculous, to be afraid of drinking a glass of water, but, I just…I didn't want to fail whilst Violet had succeeded. I wanted to feel as happy as she did that finally…finally we could actually, possibly eat and drink again. I didn't want to give myself that false hope.
Violet, seemingly realising my discomfort, cooed encouragingly, "come on Annie. You can do it! All you have to do, is concentrate really hard on feeling the moisture, remembering how it feels…tastes…and believe in yourself. Be confident. Know you can do this…"
I nodded determinedly, my jaw set. Slowly, I lifted the cup to my lips, ignoring Violet's gaze, and tilted it back, my eyes automatically closing as I felt the rim of the cup sitting against my bottom lip. I jerked a little as the wet, cold moisture splashed against my top lip. It felt familiar. Maybe I could do this after all…
Yes. I can do this… I told myself.
Confidently, I opened my mouth a fraction and took the tiniest sip, concentrating greatly on feeling the cup and the liquid and remembering how it feels to drink.
Suddenly, I felt the cold moisture slip down my throat and my mind automatically told my throat to swallow. And there it was…the familiar taste, or rather non-taste, of pure, fresh water.
My eyes burst open and in my excitement I dropped the cup which instantly smashed to bits as it hit the floor, but I was already too busy practically jumping on Violet and enveloping her in a massive bear-hug.
"OH MY GOD! I DID IT! I DRANK! OH MY GOD!" I screeched at the top of my lungs, knowing how stupid I must have sounded, but not caring in the least.
Violet hugged me back, a huge smile on her face, "Annie that's-"
"What the hell's goin' on in here?" came a familiar voice from the door, effectively cutting her off.
I released Violet immediately, turned, raced to the door and flung myself at Mitchell with all my might, wrapping my arms around his neck and squeezing him as strongly as I could muster.
"Whoa, Annie, what-"
"-MITCHELL! OH MY GOD!" I yelled, clinging to him for another moment before releasing him and gripping his arms, standing back to stare into his face.
"You never guess what…" I paused, knowing that a gigantic, silly grin was plastered all over my face.
"Uh…what?" he asked, looking extremely confused.
"I DRANK WATER! I MEAN I ACTUALLY FELT IT SLIDE DOWN MY THROAT! I CAN DRINK NOW!" I yelled triumphantly, knowing that this probably sounded very peculiar to the vampire and could be construed as something very sexually dirty to the right type of people. (A/N: When I was writing this I was thinking to myself that it sometimes sounded a little wrong, then again, that might have been my overly dirty mind…)
A smile broke out on his face then, "wow Annie, that's so cool. Congratulations!"
I let go of his arms and went over to the window sill, holding up Violet's cup and holding it out in front of me.
"Watch," I said confidently, before lifting it up to my mouth and taking another sip. After I'd done, I placed it back down on the windowsill and jokingly took a bow, which Mitchell very kindly applauded.
"Oh! And Violet can do it too!"
Mitchell congratulated her, shaking his head amusedly.
"Well, that's a huge steppin' stone for both of you Annie, you should be proud! What do ye say about comin' downstairs and join me in havin' some tea?" he asked, gesturing to the door.
I smiled at him, "sure, we'll be down in a minute…"
He nodded, and left, closing the door behind him.
Slowly, I turned to Violet, and saw that her smile had gotten even bigger.
"…What?" I asked, suspicious upon seeing her strange expression.
"You know what this means don't you?" she smirked, her green eyes twinkling with mischief.
"No…what does this mean?" I asked, feeling a little stupid and confused.
She stepped forward, her smirk the most mischievous than ever, "well…if you can start eating and drinking, who knows what else you can learn how to do again…with a little bit of practice…" she raised her eyebrow cheekily.
My jaw dropped as I realised what it was she was implying.
"You…you mean…more-more physical stuff?" I asked, my voice growing small.
She chuckled, "oh yeah Annie, the most physical…"
I gulped.
Drinking water was one thing…but snogging? Shagging?
Now that's a whole other story…
- Mitchell's POV -
I almost gasped as I stood outside Annie's bedroom door. I had heard what Violet had said, and definitely knew what she had implied.
Suddenly, I felt ill…just like I had the day before, when I overheard the two of them talkin' about that eejit, Jack.
Yeah, I know, I shouldn't of been ease droppin' but, well, George was talkin' to Nina on the phone in the kitchen and well, I can't help it if I tuned out his sappy romantics and instead tuned my attention and ahem…sensitive hearin' into what was goin' on in the living room and accidentally overheard what the girls were talkin' about.
It was just my natural, vampire abilities, my completely involuntary abilities, it's not like I've any control over them…and besides it wasn't like they were talkin' that lowly…
I'll admit, a part of me wishes that I didn't accidentally ease drop, it did sting a little when I heard what Annie had said about me dating. She made me out to be some sort of…Casanova.
I snorted. Me being compared to Casanova? I'm old and 'womanising?' Great...
And as for hearin' them talkin' about sex…well…for some reason that made me feel a little, uncomfortable. Maybe it was because Annie and I are such good friends or I never heard her broach the subject before (aside from accidentally watchin' that DVD) or…
I dunno why. It just did.
And now, hearin' that she could actually drink, maybe even eat…well…it was like Violet said, who knows, with a little bit of practice (I shuddered to think what that meant) what else she'll able to do again.
I just couldn't for the life…death of me…understand why that unsettled my nerves.
This is not good.
The cool, calm, collected Mitchell unnerved? Over a little sex talk?
This, is certainly, a first.
- George's POV -
I leaned forward and captured Nina's lips with mine. I smiled against the kiss and brought my hand around to the back of her neck, pulling her closer to me.
I could feel her gripping my arm gently as I leaned forward and slowly tilted us back onto the couch. The night was going splendidly so far, we'd had a nice reunion, rejoiced in her mother's good health, shared a nice meal and now were enjoying some…dessert…
But, even with the evening going without a hitch, I still couldn't hold back the feeling of worry that was creeping into my veins. Even with all the light-heartedness, I could sense that something was different about her.
She was a little quieter than usual, and seemed to be deep in thought whenever I was talking.
I tried to put this at the back of my mind as I snuck my arms around her waist and under her blouse, gently caressing her scarred stomach with my finger tips. Slowly, I took one hand and softly clasped her forearm. This, it seemed, was the wrong move as she suddenly sprung away from me, pushed on my chest and sat up.
"George, George we-we have to stop," she muttered breathlessly, pushing me further away and standing up off the couch.
I frowned up at her as she began to pace back and forth in front of me, looking anxious.
"N-Nina what's wrong? You-you look…" I trailed off, failing how exactly to describe her. She seemed antsy, shook up.
"I-I have to tell you something….something that's extremely important," she rambled quickly, her pace speeding up.
My hands clamped together. I knew it. I knew there was something wrong. Oh God…she's going to break up with me. I knew this wouldn't work, knew it would be too much. I'm so selfish to have put her in this position…how could I have done that? No matter how much I love her she doesn't deserve-
My thoughts were put on hold as I realized she had begun talking again.
"I'm sorry it's taken me a little while to get it out, but, I've done a lot of thinking and realised that it's stupid to keep putting it off. I mean, I knew I'd have to tell you eventually, otherwise it would just hurt you more… I mean, I couldn't just keep stringing you along could I? I mean, we should just say how we feel right? Tell what's on our minds? Not have secrets…not after everything that's happened…"
She seemed to be talking more so to herself rather than to me. I stood up and walked to her, gently putting her hands on her shoulders, fearing the worst.
"Please, Nina, whatever it is, just tell me…don't-don't put it off any longer. I promise you, whatever it is, I'll understand completely and won't judge you for it. I'll-I'll just leave after if you want me to and we never have to see each other again and you can forget this whole thing if you want, just please, don't put if off any longer…" I mumbled, tears already stinging my eyes but I blinked them back.
She looked up with me then, eyes full of confusion.
"What the hell are you talking about George? You're-you're not going to leave me are you? Wait…are you breaking up with me?" she asked, wrenching herself out of my grip and glaring at me.
It was now my turn to be confused.
"What? No! I thought you were breaking up with me. You know, you said that you didn't want to put if off anymore, that it'd just hurt me more and you wanted to say how you feel and what was on your mind…" I mumbled, my frown growing deeper.
I look of realization passed over her beautiful face then, before another grimace.
"No George, no. That's not what I meant. I-I'm not talking about breaking up with you…but…there is something that you have to know…"
Oh thank God! I almost yelled but somehow managed to stop myself at the look on her face. Something told me that I should sit down.
"You should sit down," Nina mumbled and I obliged, again clamping my hands together and looking up at her, trying not to look as desperate and worried as I felt.
"What is it?" I asked quietly, unable to stop myelf.
Her eyes snapped shut at the sound of my voice and I saw her take a deep breath.
"Before I tell you, I want you to know, that what I say doesn't change how I feel about you," she said softly, her eyes still closed.
"Okay…" I replied, worry still eating at my insides.
"And I want you to promise me, not to go completely off the wall and run off on me, okay?" My stomach did a weird flip as I heard that. What the hell could be bad enough that I'd run off on her?
"Promise me." she pressed, her jaw set, her eyes still tightly closed.
"I-I promise," I whispered, suddenly finding that my voice had almost disappeared with worry and anxiety.
"Okay…well…I'll just…I'll spit it out then…" she mumbled, taking another deep breath, opening her eyes, her gaze locking with mine immediately.
I stared back intensely as she walked forward, sat down beside me and took my hand in hers.
"George, remember when…down in the basement when you were…transforming?" she asked, her voice sounding small, like a child's.
I nodded, my mouth going dry at the vague memory.
"Well…well…when I-when I rushed to you…I-I didn't understand what was going on and…and you accidentally pushed me back and…" she trailed off, adverting my gaze.
My heart was beating a million miles per second, my pulse pumping in my ears. The suspense was killing me.
"And…and when you pushed me…you…your nails they…they scratched me…" she finished, taking her hand out of mine and slowly brought it out to pull up the sleeve, revealing four, deep, red scratches.
I gasped, my breathing growing heavy as I stared at the wound, noticing how familiar it looked to the one on my shoulder.
Oh. My. God. Please, this can't be happening to me. To her…
That was my very last thought, before I closed my eyes and let the darkness engulf me.
A/N: And there you go. Hopefully you enjoyed! If so, let me know! ~wired2damoon~ x