Chicago

1929

Her hair was shorter now, her locks pinned up about her cheeks. A feathered headband was wrapped around her crown, long beaded necklaces coiled around her throat as the layers to her dress jumped to the beat. She was in the arms of some laughing boy; his hair gelled back from his face as he swung his dance partner round, their legs kicking in time to the music.

Hal smiled; finally after years he had found her again, he hadn't been looking for her of course. But the vampire always found the universe had a funny way of throwing things into lap. This time it was Portia, the girl he had convinced to run away with him. He was surprised she had lasted this long and not for the first time he wondered if she had changed.

As Portia's partner spun her outwards she turned to face Hal, and across the crowded room their eyes met. In that moment the world stopped. The band ceased to play. And for a second Hal was convinced he was about to be crushed under the weight of everything. The looks of disappoint and disgust Portia had once thrown at him were brought sharply to mind, and Hal had every intention of turning away. He wasn't sure if he was ready to face the truth. Not when she would be his accuser.

Hal was ready to leave just as Portia was pulled back towards her partner, the boy placed his hand on the small of her back and Hal felt a stirring. Walking through the crowd he wondered if she'd let him interrupt, they had parted on bad terms after all.

"May I cut in?" Hal questioned, his hand resting firmly on the shoulder of the boy.

"Sure," the boy shrugged carelessly, acquiescing to Hal's request.

Portia however was not as easily accepting, there was a visible tension sitting across her shoulders.

"Just one dance, for old times sake?" the vampire questioned softly.

"Fine," Portia nodded stiffly her hand landing in Hal's proffered one.

Turning to face each other the music quickly shifted as a singer took the stage, the slower tempo requireing them to adopt a closer stance, Hal felt Portia stiffen.

A choked laugh escaped from Portia's throat as she pressed herself against Hal, silent tears coursing down her cheeks.

"Am I blue?" Portia echoed the words of the singer, as Hal lead her around the dance floor with assured skill.

"Portia?" Hal questioned, doing his best to meat the woman's eyes.

"Ain't these tears in my eyes tellin' you?"

"Portia…. I didn't meant to…"

"Didn't mean to what Harry?"

"Hal, Harry's a little antiquated."

Portia let out a snort despite herself, "I suppose you have to keep up with the times."

"I try my best," the older vampire gave her a rueful smile.

"Stopppit, just stoppit Hal."

"Stop what?"

"Stop being your charming self, I forget how lovely you are when you want to be." Portia rushed out in one breath.

"And why can't you forget?" Hal questioned, his grip tightening around her hand.

"Because it's not supposed to be that easy," Portia replied firmly.

"And I suppose you've never slipped?"

Portia swallowed, "I couldn't help myself…. But I never reveled in it."

"Whereas I did." Hal's voice was hollow, resigned to the realization that he harbored some dark creature in his chest that continually inched its way to the forefront of his conscious.

"I was afraid," Portia offered meekly. "I was afraid you'd drag me down with you. I didn't want to see myself become you."

"You wouldn't," Hal quickly reassured, his eyes searching for hers. "You were always stronger than me. Better."

"What about now? Are you...?" Portia didn't have to finish the question.

Hal remained silent, racketeering and blood were his trade now, the others knew of his appetite, but he didn't want to flaunt it in front of her. A wave of something akin to regret was churning in his chest, every once in a while he was gripped with devastating need to purge himself of every sinful act. But the blood washed away all manner of deeds and all would be forgotten.

"You're not ready to try are you?" Portia whispered.

"I'm 30 years in, "Hal swallowed. "They have me for at least another 20."

"And I don't."

Portia's arms dropped from around his. Slowly walking away she left Hal in a crowded room, the weight of their past too much for either of them to bear.

A/N: Hope you liked this one! A little bit sad that BH is nearly over, at least I'll have fanfic to sustain me.