Reversed

Chapter 9 – Complications

First of all I have a few comments to the reviews. I will start with the not so pleasant ones. I am not a member for so long but I actually thought I wouldn't delete a review- ever. I did though. It was from a 'guest'. I am going to criticize a bit. It is only fair. You criticize my story, I criticize your reviews. Some people probably won't like me much after that but I don't mind. I have always been direct and I will continue even if it sounds arrogant or absolute to you guys.

First of all I really don't mind you pointing mistakes to me, it is helpful. I did however write in my last chapter that I have myself spotted a certain number of mistakes and would correct them as soon as possible. My reason for deleting is the rudeness of this person, though. I don't know about you but I don't think it is acceptable to begin a statement with 'a few things as you don't know how to fix them yourself'. Maybe it is just me but you don't just assume that someone is incompetent in any way. It doesn't sound helpful but arrogant. He or she had some points though.

I will now answer to this review, if not interested skip to the marked sentence.

First is my punctuation in direct speech. I already knew that I had to look up how the commas are placed as English is not my mother tongue and one gets rusty if not using a foreign language too much. Unfortunately, although I am an admirer of the English language and managed the C2 level in ESOL examination offered by Cambridge, I lately don't have the time to practice. My time is so limited that I only can afford watching an English episode while eating but, that doesn't help with written language. I am not trying to boast. I just wanted you to know that I am not just someone who attempts to write an English story without having any knowledge or respect for this language. I sincerely apologies if I have offended those of you who grew up to this language.

I didn't manage to look up the grammar rules mentioned above until just now. I will correct these mistakes as promised. I don't understand the second issue though. I have learned that one can use either one of these symbols ", 'or even a plain single quote mark (not the curly ones). I even looked it up right after I read it. This person practically demanded that I change them into these ". If it bothers you guys I am willing to use other quotation marks in the future but seriously I even have English books that don't use these particular ones.

Second is using capital letters to emphasize. I know I shouldn't, I do though because of the phone thing as it is easier. It personally never bothered me in fan fiction if only single words were concerned. I will stop now that I know it bothers others. When it is a whole sentence the character is actually screaming and JT does that a lot.

Third, the mistakes I already pointed out in my last chapter. I am really out of time. I mostly write while riding the bus or waiting somewhere. So of course mistakes happen because of autocorrect and touching the wrong space. I re-read my stories but often don't catch all the mistakes as I have the correct sentence in my mind. There are two options. Either I take my time on my laptop- it will probably take me weeks to upload (sorry, university first) - or you don't mind a few errors. I just thought it would be the second one. If it is the first just let me know.

By the way, anonymous friend, if you insist on offering your help in such an arrogant manner please make first sure that you can distinguish between "you're" and "your". I think this is probably a more major error than the ones I did. ;)

Continue reading here.

There was though one point that made me furious. It is ok if you don't like the characters I develop. It really is. But I don't enjoy people to list my characters as a mistake. Catherine appears to be hotheaded and careless and obviously this is a mistake that deserves death penalty (sarcasm, yeah). Catherine is a beast. A beast that has attacks of witch she thought they were long gone. In addition she has been alone for five years and now she meets Mr. Gorgeous. Do you honestly expect me to make her look like a composed angel in the first chapters? You can always write a review telling me that you would prefer some other characteristics. If you want me to change something drastically than please sent me a private message. But always suggest never demand and don't see your opinion as the only possibly correct. It is about personal taste not a spelling error. It is my story after all.

Sorry for this long text but the reviewer was anonymous as I said so I hadn't any other choice. I would never delete a review without explanation.

Now how about the pleasant ones? Thank you for your reviews. I was thrilled. Some people told me not to expect too many reviews as people lose interest in BATB. Believe me I don't. As long as 1-2 people comment positively once in a while, I will continue posting. It makes me happy though if more than one or two people show interest so don't be shy.

Further my comment to a review from another guest.

'I really don't think cat should be going boy crazy at this point. Or sleeping with so many people. It's not realistic and not in character.'

She is not. She has been alone for five years. Now she met Vincent and he obviously appeals to her. How is that any different from Vincent's situation in the series? If you have read carefully you would have observed that she slept with many men while on missions. I hinted that she felt awful about it but it wasn't really her fault. Remember how she always says that she wouldn't lose her freedom again? I have only mentioned two relationships- the one with Evan and the one with Gabe, whereas the one with Gabe is still clouded. You can't call it your average relationship, it is more complicated. Not realistic? According to what, your opinion that it isn't possible for a 25 year old woman to have slept with several men? Out of character? Don't even go there. It is fan fiction. I am not obligated to copy the character from the series. If you wish to see an identical Catherine you should probably stop reading. I don't mean to be rude but you only will be disappointed. Not only by my story but of every story that doesn't copy the series. "My" Catherine is not the same. How could she? One is human one is beast. She has the character I give her not the one that suits her in your opinion. I am trying to portray a troubled young woman. Single actions and mistakes in weak moments don't define the character of a person completely- only a part of it. Catherine has a lot to balance. An overprotective best friend, staying away from family and friends, loosing Evan, Gabe showing up, hiding to protect her life and the life of others and Vincent to whom she is obviously attracted and trying to resist. How do you expect her to be perfect? And why does a perfect woman have to be a virgin anyway? You can say you don't like what I make out of Catherine but you can't say that my writing is out of character.

What I am trying to say is that I also start reviews with "I think you should/could" but I never write "your ideas are wrong because in my head the character has to be like that-period". Seriously where is the point of fan fiction if the character has to act in a certain way? People who think like that should write one story for themselves and read it over and over again.

I don't know if this is against the rules. If it is, just tell me and I will erase the following part.

As announced I started a new story. It is a crossover between BATB and Smallville called "Second Chance". As expected the first chapter didn't go nearly as well as the one of this story. I don't mind, I will continue. I would appreciate it though if you gave it a shot and commented on it. The first chapter is short but there is more to come. If you are intrigued with Catherine as a beast you might like the other one. Catherine from "Second Chance" has an even more complicated background. There will be some drama and some love triangles maybe even some fights to claim the partner. Just let me know what you think.

Now some words to this story. I don't really have much to say at this point, only that this chapter will be longer in order to make up for my babbling. There will be some VinCat but not too much as it is quite soon.

Catherine's point of view

I made my way to the warehouse. Gabe had surprised me. I didn't expect him to go there right away. I managed to escape his questions though. I needed to talk to JT first. Man he would be furious. He never liked Gabe. He was an obvious Evan fan. Well he actually only met Gabe once. I dragged him along with some people from my training program. I was trying to make him more outgoing. He didn't mind him back there apart from the fact that he was obviously interested in me and I was taken. But after my escape I told JT everything and Gabe didn't make it to his 'Favorite people' – list. I couldn't blame him. But I couldn't blame Gabe either. He was actually a quite nice guy. He did try to flirt with me back then but it was very subtle. And it also was partly my boyfriend's mistake. I begged him to come along with me so he could meet my school buddies. He was a very busy man so he cherished our time alone, thus he never really joined. He always said that he would make time for the important people in my life, like my family and good friends. The people from the program obviously didn't belong to these people according to him. 'Focus, Catherine. This is not the time to think about the past. You have to concentrate on the Gabe issue and what to tell JT,' I ordered myself and entered the warehouse.

'Oh my God, Catherine,' a very anxious JT greeted me, 'you are ok. Don't to this to me again- ever. I was just going to call you. Where have you been?'

'Sorry, I didn't realize you were looking for me. Did something happen?' I asked confused.

'Well, you were out for quite a long time, so I called Vincent. He told me that you never showed up,' his worry was easing away. I could sense the angry tone becoming more dominant.

'What time is it? Oh wow. I have been away for 5 hours hour, huh. Well it could have been a long visit for all you knew. You didn't have to worry. Wait, you called Vincent. Why would you do that?' I demanded. I was irritated. Why would he drag him in?

'I figured it was better than calling you. How was I supposed to know that you never showed up?' he defended himself.

'Great, now there will be questions. "Why didn't you stop by after all? Why didn't you call since hour last meeting? How am I supposed to prove myself if you are not around? " Thanks, JT- a lot,' I sighed.

'Well I kind of told him that you were really looking forward to visiting him,' he mouthed probably hoping I wouldn't hear it. Sometimes he forgot about my super senses I guess.

'Come again,' I glared at him. I had understood his words perfectly. I was just giving him a chance to give me a reason not to explode. He knew that.

'Come on, Cat,' he pleaded, 'I was worried. I just wanted to make clear that it was serious so he would call me immediately if you showed up. Don't worry, he was excited to hear. Poor guy tried to hide it but failed dramatically.'

'That is what I am worried about. What if he likes me? What if he now gains courage and shows interest? How am I supposed to resist then?' ' sighed once again.

'I didn't think about it that way, Cat. I am really sorry. Look, I know that this must be very hard for you. I mean, look at you. You are gorgeous. You were used to men hitting on you all the time. You had always options. Now you are supposed to stay here most of the time. And if you meet a man despite that you are supposed to shut him down. I can't start to imagine how your life has changed since then. I see the obvious, no parties, no work, no gym etc. But I truly believe that the change inside is even bigger. I wish I could help. I wish I could find a cure. I hate to see you being miserable, Cat. I hate to see you suffering. So I am really sorry that I probably made it even harder for you,' he sincerely apologized.

'It is ok JT. It is my fault. You are not used of me taking off for five hours while you are still awake.' I joked to ease the tension 'I should have called you. It won't happen again. I promise.'

'We can't chance it now so let's stop talking about it already. I have one question though. Why didn't you visit him and where have you been instead?' he wondered.

'Well it is time then I guess,' I thought.

'I ran into somebody,' I confessed. I didn't say any more. I just waited for the words to sink in. And they did.

'What do you mean you ran into someone? As in you weren't looking and crashed into them? That is not a big problem right? I mean you had your hood as always?' he asked insecurely one question after another.

But I knew JT. He knew exactly what I meant. His questions were only hope. Hope that he mistaken. He basically begged me to tell him he was wrong. But he wasn't as I didn't just push some random person by accident. So I just looked him in the eyes. And I saw that he recognized my intention. My glance wasn't reassuring. It was my silent was of telling him that he got it right. That our greatest nightmare became real. Someone recognized me.

'Come on, Cat!' he desperately pleaded once again 'You are just messing with me. It's not funny. Tell me you are joking. Please, Cat. Tell me you are not in danger.'

Once again I just looked at him and he understood. I wasn't joking.

'Who?' he simply asked.

'Gabe', I managed to breathe in a rough voice.

I heard JT stop breathing. He was in shock. His eyes were wide. In them I could see his desire to have understood me wrongly. He didn't want to believe it.

'JT, say something,' I pleaded while my voice became even harsher.

Just as he opened his mouth we heard a knock.

'Don't tell me it is him,' he panicked.

'No, I was careful. It is Vincent,' I assured him.

'How do you know?' he asked confused.

'His heartbeat,' I didn't bother saying more.

Just as he was about to comment on that Vincent spoke, 'JT?'

I hurried to get the door.

'I thought we had an agreement,' I firmly pointed out.

'I thought so as well,' he said glancing at Vincent.

'Sorry, I kind of got sidetracked by Catherine,' he apologized.

'What happened?' he Vincent asked.

JT shot me a glance. He obviously didn't want to tell him.

'No, JT, I think he has to know- at least a part of it. Things might get dangerous around me. He has to be warned,' I shook my head. JT sighed but knew I was right.

'Catherine, I am dying over here!' Vincent grew impatient.

'Take a seat. Both of you,' I motioned them to couch before continuing,' for your sake it is going to be a long story.'

And with that I started. I didn't tell any specifics about my condition or what caused it. JT knew, but for Vincent it was too much information for his own good. I simply told them that I ran into an old friend while on my way to his place. I told him that this friend was like me. I also mentioned that there were some people who wanted to exploit us and that's the reason I didn't tell him, to protect him from them. I portrayed how I used to work for them and how Gabe still does. That I am afraid they might find out that I am still alive and try to use me again. I even told Vincent about my relationship with him. How our two other sides were attracted to each other and how I was afraid that for this reason he wouldn't leave me alone until I gave him what he want- an explanation.

'I don't want to go back. I first thought they were good men who wanted to protect the citizens. Now I know I was wrong. They are only interested in their benefit and they are powerful,' I finally came to an end.

'We won't let this happen!' JT assured me.

Vincent was kind of overwhelmed. He looked at me through different eyes. I saw anger, confusion, compassion and a hint of inner conflict- anger that they had used me like a tool, confusion because he didn't understand how they did or what I was, compassion as he clearly saw how bad I felt about the things I did and conflict because he sensed that he wouldn't like the things I did and didn't know how to feel about it.

'I know it is a lot to wrap one's mind around,' I started trying to make him respond somehow, 'but...'

'I just need a minute to collect my thoughts,' he assured me.

'Look, Catherine, I have class in a few hours. Don't do anything before we talk about this. I don't trust him. We need to look at hour options first,' he urged. Message delivered. If it weren't for Vincent he would probably talk to me for the rest of the night or better morning and go to university without sleeping.

'It is ok JT. Go sleep. I won't do anything. I promise', he reassured him.

After telling goodnight he left for his room.

'Catherine,' Vincent breathed as soon as we were alone.

'I am sorry for all of this. I didn't plan to drag you in. It would be for the better if you stayed away for a while. I won't be able to go outside for a few days at least anyway. Extra precautions,' I smiled weakly.

'No, I have to see you! Don't apologize, I don't mind. If it weren't for you I would at least lie in a hospital right now. I want to stand by your side,' he argued. He now was standing in front of me. We were just inches apart.

'Vincent, I,' but before I was able to continue he crushed his lips on mine.

After the first shock I pushed him away gently. 'Vincent, don't.'

'Why? I really like you. And I know you do, too. JT told me that you couldn't wait to see me. So why not? Tell me one good reason,' he insisted.

'Because one should seek a companion in their one species', I grimaced at my own words.

'You are human, Catherine. You are different but you are human', he tried to approach me again.

'Vincent, please,' I begged looking away, 'I don't want to hurt you'

'You won't,' he assured me.

'I have been alone for five years now, Vincent. I didn't do it because I enjoy being alone. There is a reason behind it,' I couldn't help but let the pain I felt ooze into my words. He caught it.

'Catherine, I know that you have been through a lot and I know that you have done things you aren't proud of. But I haven't liked someone so much in a long time. I know that you think that I should run for my life in fear. But I am not afraid of you. I can't tell if it is because you save me or if it is because I am suddenly going reckless. It is probably both but honestly? I don't care. I haven't felt so alive in such a long time. We are doing your way. I will wait, I will give you time- time to decide if you want me in your life, time to decide when you want to open up to me. I will take what you are able to offer right now and won't push for more. Just promise me one thing. Don't deny that there is an attraction between us. I don't care if we kiss again right now or in one year, just let me be a part of your life and we will see where it takes us. Let me visit you if you can't come out. I promise to always ask for permission before showing up. I promise to only visit at night and to be careful. But let's face it. I am just a doctor. Who would follow me?' he said with a passionate and at the same time gentle voice.

During his little speech I was fighting my own desires. I would be strong. I wouldn't get involved with him. But as he continued a tear escaped my eye. Who was this man? And what could he possibly see in me to make him want to stay no matter what?

As he gently brushed my cheek to wipe away that single tear I decided on my answer.

'You may visit if you call JT first,' I allowed in a throaty voice, 'but that is the only promise I am making. Don't hope, though. There won't be anything between us other than friendship. And remember that this promise is valid only as long as it appears to be safe for you.'

'That suffices for now,' he said warmly, his eyes melting in mine.

Once again I am sorry for the endless speech. I hope you liked this chapter enough to forgive me.

Please don't let my words intimidate you. Feel free to express your opinion through reviews. I don't mind criticism. Once again I want to stress that I was bothered by the parlance and not by the fact that someone caught some of my mistakes. I have a small request. To those of you, who have an account; please try to log in before posting a review. I like to answer to questions as well as to especially positive and especially negative reviews. This way it is easier and I won't have to bother anyone else. I might though still post the answers in the next chapter, if I believe that people don't understand the hints between the lines. They will probably be shorter though if I can address the person concerned directly. People who don't possess an account are of course welcome to review as well.