Hey guys! Updated on time rather than early so I'm sorry for that, but I hope you like the chapter! Things are just starting to heat up and set the stage for part 2 of the story, just a reminder, this is part 1 and it's pre-little vampire plot, so part 2 will run concurrently with the movie so Tony will be a part of it ;)! 4 more chapters to go for part 1! Hang in there!

Disclaimer: I don't own The Little Vampire and all characters belong to their owners

Special thanks to:

CJ: Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy the new chapter!

To my Guest review! Thank you so much always! Your reviews are always so appreciated guys!

- Chapter 16 -

Nancy awoke to the light of day feeling more exhausted than she ever had . Last night had taken a lot out of her. It seemed that in light of everything she was having trouble sleeping as well. 'Being trapped inside of a tree and panicking for twelve hours will do that to a person,' she thought with a grimace. She couldn't have slept for more than four hours she estimated and rubbed her eyes. Her stomach growled loudly at her as she sat up and surveyed the mess of supplies around her. Now she was hungry too. Great.

Taking a deep calming breath she sat up from the floor and made her way over to the alcove in the rock where she kept her stolen food rations. Her fingers grasped at the empty wrappers and ziplock bags as she rummaged through the mess in search of a quick meal. Her fingers brushed a rice crispy treat and she grinned as she unwrapped the tasty morsel and wolfed it down. "Damn," she cursed as she licked her fingers clean of the sugary goodness and frowned. That was her last one. Probably her last bit of food no doubt. She'd been so busy with everything she forgot to stock up. Freaking hell.

She sincerely hoped that the Gravedigger wasn't home.

- O -

Nancy navigated through the cemetery easily. It truly had begun to feel like a home of sorts to her. The sun shone brightly down on her back as she hiked her foot up on a head stone and jumped over it. Her boots sloshing through the mud as she trekked ever closer to the gravediggers abode. She had tried to make her required visits to his home less frequent since he caught her that one time. Partly because she still felt bad and partly because she was smart and knew how not to get caught. She really hoped that he wasn't home. She did not feel like staking out in his hedges and waiting for hours on end. She did enough of that crap yesterday. Who could blame her for feeling a little restless after that awful experience? Not that she wasn't used to it.

She shuddered at the memory of Gregory's face after she spoke briefly about her past. That was bothering her more than she thought it would. Her eyes watered as she remembered his back as he left her wordlessly last night. Fuck. She smacked herself in the face with her own hands. 'Get your shit together Nancy!' She admonished herself with a scowl. He's just a stupid...hot Vampire boy. She frowned as her brain betrayed her. Before she could plummet even deeper into her musings she instinctively lowered into a crouch as she neared her destination.

She peeked out from behind her favorite angel statuette. Good. His car was gone. Time to bring home the booty. She flew into overdrive as she strolled casually up to the funeral home side window and popped the loose latch with the scrap of metal she had left for herself from previous visits. With a lift and pivot she shimmied into the window and made her way into the grave diggers home undetected.

Mission almost accomplished. She strolled to his kitchen and opened her satchel so that she could begin her stocking. Her beads jangled as she climbed up on the counter top to reach the top shelf so she could steal packages of the pop tarts she knew he kept up there. Fruit snacks 'check'. Bananas 'check'. Water bottles 'check'.

Just as she went to reach for a can of baked beans she halted and opened her ears to the muffled sound she could hear faintly in the distance. What the-

Overly curious she carefully placed the can of beans on the counter top and stealthily crept through the Gravediggers home in pursuit. It sounded garbled and strange to her ears. What the hell am I hearing? She rounded the corner of the Gravediggers strangely dusty yet immaculate dining room and found herself staring into the screen of a television. Her own face staring back at her.

"Nancy Ulrich is a highly dangerous and disturbed patient of the Erskine Psychiatric Hospital-If found avoid contact at all cost and alert authorities at 469-78-"

"Shit!" she cursed. The news! Fuck, she didn't even think of that. He could easily watch this and put two and two together and-Damn! She was screwed if the Gravedigger had seen this! Fuck! Shit! Holy shit fuck! Her hands grappled through her hair in distress at her situation. If she left this as it was, he'd surely discover the news somehow. Granted, chancing that he hadn't see it already. Still, she had to have hope, especially now.

She squared her shoulders and knew what she had to do. 'I hope he's got a warranty,' she thought with a grimace as she ran to his bathroom and tore down his shower curtain so that she could get to the shower rod. Brandishing the newly acquired weapon she all but destroyed his television set. Leaving sparking wires and broken shards of glass in her wake. The room was a decimated mess when she was through.

Well, that was oddly cathartic. Breathing heavily from the exertion she wiped her forehead of sweat and ran back to the kitchen so that she could make her leave. Taking the time to wash the kitchen, shower rod, and sink of her fingerprints she made her way back out the morgue window and sprinted back to her cave dwelling, heart racing wildly all the way.

- O -

Waves of unchecked anxiety crept up her back as she made her way through the dark cave passages. It was hard not to focus on the what ifs since her life wasn't the only one at stake here. Literally, they were Vampires, they could be found and staked if their whereabouts were revealed to the right source. Damn. She really had wound up in quite the predicament. With a twist of her nose ring she tried to dispel her thoughts since they really weren't getting her anywhere. Her pale hands dug into her pocket as she turned another dark corner and reached into her jacket for one of the poptarts she had stolen. She groaned in contentment as her teeth sunk in to take a bite. Chocolate fudge. Fuck yes. She savored the flavor.

"Miss Nancy?"

Nancy nearly choked on her poptart at Freda's sudden voice.

"I didn't mean to startle you dearest," her curly hair bouncing as she emerged from the dark corridor beside her.

Nancy swallowed her bite. Freda. Shit. She definitely wasn't ready for whatever this conversation would entail. She was probably still worried about the whole hex incident. Or what if Gregory had-?!

Freda interrupted her before she could catapult even further into despair. "The stone of Attamon," she gestured her arms regally. "How does your progress bode my dear Witch."

Freda's voice was filled with warmth and the barest tones of motherly concern. Nancy repressed a shudder of nostalgia. She swallowed once more before chancing a reply. "It...well, it bodes well I suppose." Nancy shrugged noncommittally. She'd already mentally decided somewhere between being trapped inside a tree yesterday and going ape shit crazy on the grave diggers television set that she was going to put all her cards on the table. "Once I invoke, I'll be more than able to not only tell you the date of the comet but I'll be able to locate the amulet as well."

Freda smiled widely at her in clear relief at her words. Her hands clasping in front of her in excitement over the news. "Oh dear, that does bode well." Her forehead crinkled in sudden confusion. "Invoke, what does such a thing require?"

Nancy steeled herself for the comment. "Nothing you need to concern yourself with," she smiled hugely and forced a chuckle.

Freda's eyes flashed with concern but the Vampire mother chose wisely not to comment further on the issue. She could easily see the strain the Witch was under and sincerely hoped that she could truly deliver on these promises. The other night had been hopeful and terribly concerning. But there was little she could do but offer her support. From the very beginning Freda could tell that the Witch looked to be in desperate need of it. "I shall leave it to you then."

Nancy's face fell a bit in relief. Her nose twitching with the stress of the moment.

Freda turned to take her leave, but a single thought halted her. "I trust that my son Gregory has been a perfect Gentleman for you?"

Nancy blinked in alarm. Was that a-Did she know about-? Damnnit, freaking Vampire moms! Her voice cracked as she answered, "Y-Yes, of course!"

Freda smiled in understanding and turned at last to leave Nancy to her rushing thoughts.

Well that took her off guard. Freda must be incredibly observant. Here she thought they had been careful. I mean, geeze, she didn't even know what she and Gregory were half the time. Most of the time actually.

Damn. Gregory was honestly lower on her list of importance right now, although her hormones were screaming at her for that. She honestly just didn't know where they stood after last night and she didn't have the time to figure it out. She hoped they were still good, they'd been through enough together by now that it had to count for something right? She still found him to be obnoxious and just as equally attractive. But there had to be more to it right? Otherwise she wouldn't keep thinking about it like this. Shit. She was so tired.

She frowned down at her half eaten poptart and put it back into her pocket for later and traveled in contemplative silence the rest of the way to her cavern.

- O -

Nancy twirled a lock of her short curled hair around her finger as she dog eared a page in the old spell book she was reading. She'd stolen the thing long ago during her freshman year of high school from a used book store near her home. She recognized its power immediately. She had no doubt the store owner did too. So she pocketed the thing and got the hell out of dodge. Best thing she ever did. She couldn't count the number of times it had saved her butt. She hoped it still had some ass kicking left in it. She was going to need all the help she could get.

"Nancy?"

For the second time that evening Nancy nearly choked on her own saliva. She snapped the book closed and turned her head to see the littlest Vampire boy come her way. His cute little cherub face lighting up as Nancy smiled at him in greeting.

"Rudolph, what brings you tonight?" She smiled genuinely at him. Not realizing how much she had truly missed the little Vampire children. She'd been so occupied she nearly forgot how adorable they both really were.

"Well, I suppose it's quite practical really," he scuffled his feet awkwardly. "I tore my coat you see," he turned his back so she could see the large jagged hole behind him. "I have had this coat for centuries and it really won't suit me to look like brother Gregory."

Nancy laughed loudly at that. Her face filled with warmth for the Vampire child. "Turn around Rudolph, I can definitely help you."

Rudolph beamed up at her as he followed her instruction.

Nancy smiled to herself and pulled her satchel close so that she could fish out a needle and thread. Best not to use magic so soon after her escapade last night. Plus, she was going to invoke soon. But Rudolph didn't need to know that. Either way, she had always liked hand stitching up her own clothes. Little skills you learn on the run.

Rudolph huffed in surprise when he felt the prick of a needle on his back. "Ouch! Are you not using magic Nancy?"

"Sorry Rudolph," she patted his back and paid closer mind not to poke him again. "Just the regular Nancy today I'm afraid, but no worries, I'll stitch you up better than my magic ever could."

Rudolph wrinkled his face in confusion, but ultimately accepted her answer.

- O -

Gregory watched from the shadows as Nancy carefully stitched up the back of his little brother's coat. Flashes of last nights conversation came to him. He didn't know what to believe anymore. He knew that the Witch had a fondness for her secrets but he never anticipated that they'd be that great. Her pained face flitted through his mind. She was just trying to survive. Her own mother had tried to send her to bedlam. Gregory sighed and crossed his arms over his chest. He truly knew nothing of magic folk struggles. Thinking back to his own time, he couldn't recall a single Witch or Warlock that wasn't given the utmost of respect. Nancy's predicament went beyond anything he'd thought possible. He found himself sad for her.

Nancy smiled widely in response to something Rudolph had said.

Gregory found his own lips twitch up at the sight. She really did have a nice smile. Gregory exhaled in acceptance. His heart had made his mind up for him. Nancy was a good Witch. He believed that she would do what she could to protect and help his family. Hard as it was for him to allow her into his trust, he had to admit to himself that she had wormed her way in some time ago.

Gregory kicked his buckled shoe off from the wall, and finally revealed his presence to the pair.

- O -

"What? No magic?"

Nancy looked up from her nearly finished work on Rudolph's beloved coat. She scowled at Gregory out of reflex and replied, "Geeze, you and your brother seem to think I'm made of the stuff."

"Well, are you not?" Gregory leaned against her cave wall and smirked at her.

Nancy blinked in surprise for a moment before going back to her needlework. "Of course not, I'm a conduit, or like," she paused, seeing his confused expression and tried to find some better jargon for him to understand. "Think more, I'm like-a lightening rod in a thunderstorm-unpredictable, sometimes dangerous, usually dangerous."

Rudolph wriggled beneath her fingers as he turned his head to her. "That's really interesting Nancy," he smiled at her. "I did not know magic was so difficult, you truly are a wonder."

Nancy stared dumbfounded at Rudolph's side profile and blushed at the compliment. "Psssh, it's nothing," she brushed him off but couldn't keep the smile from her face as she finished the final stitches on him. "There, all done!"

Rudolph turned fully to her in glee. "Thank you Nancy," he smiled at her warmly. "Let me know if there is anything I can ever do to repay the favor."

Gregory watched the exchange closely and rolled his eyes at Rudolph.

Nancy beamed at the little Vampire and ruffled his unruly black hair. "Sure thing Rudolph, and it really was no trouble." She sat up and stretched her arms over her head. Needlework always did give her a stiff neck.

Rudolph looked dazed at the casual contact and smiled at Nancy one last time before taking his leave. He stopped to regard Gregory curiously before leaving.

Gregory sneered at his younger sibling in greeting and growled at him warning. "Leave us, I have something to discuss with the Witch. Alone."

Rudolph scoffed at Gregory's brusqueness and waved to Nancy one final time before disappearing down the corridor.

Gregory watched his brother go with a frown.

"You jealous?" Nancy teased from beside him.

Gregory recoiled from her sudden closeness in surprise.

Nancy's face fell at his reaction. Maybe he was just pretending to be alright with her for Rudolph's sake. That hardly seemed Gregory's style but she really thought they were-

Gregory reached out and grabbed hold of her shoulder. Her expression had been so pitiful, he wondered what was going on in that strange brain of hers. He made up his mind. "Should I be?" He grinned toothily at her, his fangs peeking out from his condescending smile.

Nancy's eyes bugged out at him in surprise. Wait what?! Gregory was touching her. She turned her head to verify that yes, he was in fact, still gripping her shoulder. Not only that, but he was joking with her like everything was fine, smiling even. What the fuck?

Gregory smirked as she blinked at him in a daze. Well, no time like the present. If Nancy was truly being hunted by bedlam, he wanted to act on his attraction. He'd spent more than enough time ruminating on his feelings. Morals and upbringing be damned if he allowed this opportunity to pass him up again. Much was chaotic around them, but he cared for her. Centuries and lifetimes had passed since he'd been changed. Even before his Vampire life he'd never once been close with a girl. Plus, he was tired of her initiating their closeness. His clawed hand tightened his hold on her shoulder before trailing up her neck. His pale hand ghosted gently at the back of her nape before he slowly brought his head down so that he could capture Nancy's lips in a tender kiss.

Still feeling very unsure of himself, he moved his lips experimentally over Nancy's and tried to remain mindful of his sharp fangs on her soft lips. Dead heart nearly beating, he reached up and took hold of her wild dark hair.

Nancy felt frozen as Gregory carefully kissed her. She didn't think he had it in him to ever be this gentle. She was shocked to say the least. Here she thought that he'd never speak to her again. This was honestly the last outcome on her radar. Her eyes fluttered closed when she felt him tangle his hand in her hair.

Shit.

Losing herself in the moment she allowed herself to let go of her stress. Both her hands came up to grab hold of Gregory's face and she turned his head so that she could intensify their kiss. Her mouth moved over his with purpose and before she knew it they were furiously making out against the cave wall. Her back strained as Gregory pushed her up against it and trailed kisses from her mouth down to her neck. Nancy opened her eyes warily at the sensation. Her pulse spiked when she felt the sharpness of his fangs against her throat. She had honestly forgotten he was a Vampire and not just a normal hormonal teenage boy.

He breathed hotly on her neck for a moment before seeming to regain his wits. He pulled away and looked into Nancy's frightened eyes.

Nancy struggled to maintain her self control. Shit, that had scared her more than she cared to admit. "H-Haha, you gonna bite me after all?"

Gregory frowned at her and shook his head. "No, I just, sorry, it's hard to explain." He withdrew from her and released her from his hold.

Nancy kept her eyes on him as she righted her jacket and wiped her smudged lipstick off her face. He seemed just as out of sorts as she was over he whole thing. Whatever, she supposed she could let it go for now. She really did have bigger fish to fry. The way she saw it, he definitely owed her after pulling that weird shit just now. She cleared her throat. "Well, remember last night?"

Gregory glanced up at her through his haze. Looking at her as if to say, 'How could I not?'

She took that as a sign to continue, "Feel like doing me another favor?"

Gregory sighed and rubbed his hand over his face. "...What type of favor?"

Nancy sighed already exhausted at the conversation they were about to have. "...I need your help...I'm...going to invoke."