A/N: For those reading the story "Where I Stood", I will no longer be continuing it. I'm out of ideas and the characters are both in a good and happy place with each other. To be honest, I'm horrible with writing the whole relationship thing. I'm more intrigued with the complications of getting two characters together and the struggles of letting go of the past and moving on to the future.


Catherine let go of his hand and unlocked the rooftop door. "It's only for tenants and guests," she opened the door and placed a bright pink hair tie with a bow on the doorknob.

"Good rule. Don't want just anyone hanging around here. You don't know what kind of people could be lurking."

"I never thought of it that way. Come on. You have to see this view. It's one of my favorite things about the rooftop," Catherine pointed to the cityscape that always took her breath away. It was her favorite spot in the city after a long, hard week of studying and working.

Vincent closed the door behind them and followed her lead towards the ledge of the rooftop that overlooked the bright and lively city. He set the pack of beer down on the ledge and looked out towards the city. Although the view was much more magnificent than he imagined nothing could ever compare to her beauty as she stood in the midst of skyscrapers and lights. Her smile alone made his heart race. His military jacket made her eyes stand out even more so in the sea of lights and he could stare into her unique emerald eyes all day long.

"Also the tenants have a rule of their own, if you want privacy hang something up on the doorknob. Some tenants are more creative and not so subtle with what they're doing up here. I just like to hang up a hair tie."

"You go up here often?" the tone of his voice changed and the soft brown hue of his eyes turned golden despite of trying to hide his jealousy. He immediately trapped her between his towering body and the brick ledge. "So I'm not the only guy you've brought up here?"

"No," Catherine shook her head as she tried to keep her heart from jumping out of her chest. "I mean yes, you're the only guy I've brought up here. I'm usually up here with Tess or my roommate. Like I said my neighbors throw a lot of party. The rooftop is more quiet and serene after a shift at the bar," she leaned closer and gently cupped his face. "There's no other guy in my life except my father," she said softly as her fingers lightly traced the scar on his cheek. "Vincent, I want you to be a part of my life."

He closed his eyes and willed the beast to let its guard down. The last thing he wanted was to scare her off. Vincent opened his eyes and let his soft honey iris stare into her jade eyes. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I didn't mean to. This is all new to me. I haven't been with someone since," he started to drift off as he looked down and away from her concerned eyes. He wasn't worthy of her. He didn't have much to offer. She deserved better than what he could ever give her and a part of him knew that he shouldn't lead her down the dark path he was on but the other part that needed her couldn't let her go. It wasn't just the beast in him that wanted her. He knew just how much he needed her in his life. Catherine was the only one who could tame the inner monster within him that escaped his control far too many times.

"Vincent, I want you in my life," she softly brushed his cheeks with the pads of her thumb. "You don't have to explain anything to me now but I am here for you whenever you're ready to let me in. Whether we remain friends or become something more, I would like to be a part of yours."

"Sorry," he slowly lifted his head up and looked at her. "I do want to be friends. No. Yes!" his eyes turned golden for a second after realizing his mistake. "I want more, Catherine," his tone was deep and grave. "I want to be more than just your friend."

"I guess I'm not choosing my words wisely either. But just to let you know, there's no ex in my past worth mentioning or to be jealous of. In fact, there isn't a list of ex. Dates for me were very far and few."

"I find that very hard to believe. You're beautiful and perfect."

Catherine immediately blushed. "Thanks but uhm, you're mistaken."

Vincent shook his head and smiled. "You're right. I was mistaken. I actually meant to say you're very beautiful and too perfect to describe in words."

"Oh. Uh..." Catherine continued to blush underneath his intense gaze.

"You look even more beautiful when you blush," Vincent leaned closer until their lips were a hairbreadth away. "You know I can't help myself when you're looking so damn cute. Everything about you is just, perfect. I can't believe this is real and that we're here together. Did I ever tell you how lucky I am to have you in my life?"

Catherine blushed at his words and the way his eyes lit up every time he looked at her. "I can't recall at this moment."

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her body against his. "I'm a very lucky man, Catherine Chandler," he whispered close to her lips. "Not sure if I can put into words exactly how you make me feel."

"You don't have to. I can see it in your eyes."

"I can't help it. As much as I try to control it, I can't when I'm around you."

"Maybe that's just it. You don't have to hide anything from me, Vincent. You don't have to go through this alone," Catherine said, softly. "I hope someday you can trust me and let me in."

"I do," Vincent sighed with relief and it felt as though the burden of his secret was lifted off his shoulders. "I want more than anything to be with you and to have a normal life but what I am," he shook his head. "I don't want to lose you, Catherine. The thought of not having you in my life," he paused and tried to keep the beast from exposing the monster he truly was as he told himself over and over that she would never leave him. He couldn't bear the thought of it. Vincent knew that his life would never be the same without her in it but hers wouldn't be either and that's what scared him the most.

"I'm not going anywhere, Vincent. I want to be with you, too."

"I wish it were that simple. That I could be your boyfriend and take you out on dates but I can't," his bright golden eyes gazed into hers as he fought to remain in control. "Catherine, I don't want to hurt you."

"Then don't," Catherine replied. Without hesitation she stood on her tiptoes and kissed his lips. It wasn't like the soft kiss she'd given him in the diner. A small tease to help him behave but little did she know it helped him keep the beast at bay.

Catherine kissed his lips once more and pressed her body along his as she wrapped her arms around his neck. His heart pounded against his chest when their eyes met. Gold reflecting in green. Hers, searching. His, hoping. Both, needing the other.

The beast yearned for more than her touch as he felt the warmth of her body pressed against his. He wrapped his arms around her waist and crushed their lips together. "Mine," he declared when she returned his heated kiss and pulled him closer.

The kiss quickly became intense. Passion flared as lips parted and breaths mingled. The scent of vanilla and cinnamon filled the space between their bodies. Heartbeat rose in anticipation before tongues collided in sweet ecstasy. Bodies hummed a melody as tongues tasted and greedy hands moved with wild abandonment as it traced the curves of her body and the perfect sculpture of his.

"Tell me," he panted against her lips. "Tell me what I want to hear."

"I'm yours, Vincent."