Fan Fiction ❯ Kiss Me Hard ❯ Invitations and Realizations ( Chapter 7 )

Chapter Six

Darius had spent the next hour or two cleaning Nicole’s wound. His mind was numb, so he lost track of time.
When Scott came down with the hot water and cloth–along with the bandages–he noticed Darius’ confused expression.
“What is it?”
Darius looked at his brother, before shaking his head, “Nothing, Nothing…Just thinking…”
“Well, you might want to stop thinking,” Scott began as he placed the hot water on a table beside his bed, and dipped the cloth, “And start cleaning the wound. Then we can bandage it.”
Darius nodded, and without another word, set to work on the wound.
He gently wiped the blood that dried, and dabbed the wound softly.
Once he had cleaned the wound completely, he turned to Scott, whom held out the bandage. He took the bandaging, and looked at her again.
‘How could I possibly miss her being a Vampire…?’ He thought to himself as he place some gauze on the wound, then gently started to applied medical tape on the edge so it stayed in place.
He then started to wrap it up.
He was done within half an hour.
Luckily, the brother’s managed to stem the blood flow, and padded it with gauze to prevent blood seeping through.
Scott, checking her over, noted the wounds on her arm, and left Darius alone to deal with them as he vanished up the stairs.

Darius gently washed the dried blood that trickled down her arm, and started to clean the wounds when a groan came from her.
He brought his attention to her face, and smiled faintly, “Hey…” He whispered as he directed his attention from her arm, to her face.
He moved himself so he was closer to her. He reached over and grasped one of her hands, holding it gently.
“Hey…” She whispered, looking at him. She frowned at the gash on his cheek that had yet to be tended to.
“Are you okay–?”
“You’re a vampire…”
Nicole blinked, rather taken off guard by this. She then sighed, “No…I’m no vampire…”
“Then what are you?” Darius quirked an eyebrow, watching her intently.
Nicole slowly sat up, wincing as she did so. Darius quickly moved to help her by wrapping his arms around her loosely, giving her support.
“I have Vampire blood in me, yes…but I’m no vampire…”
When she noticed the confused look on Darius’ face, she continued, “A long time ago, when I was just a little girl, my mother and I was attacked…They killed my mother–so I’m to believe–and I, being only 12, was easily encumbered and…” She shrugged slightly, “One bit me. However, my mother had put up quite the fight, for he had a huge gash on his lip. When he bit me, some of his blood was mingled into my system…”
She licked her chapped lips, “I’m to believe that’s why I can see in the dark and why I burn so easily…”
Darius blinked, “I’ve never heard of someone being turned like that.”
Nicole nodded, “I know…And I’m hoping I’m wrong and I’m just…experiencing something everyone goes through…” She smiled a little, “But hoping doesn’t exactly mean anything when it comes to the truth…I’m a child who experienced a once in a life time ordeal…”
Darius just watched her, before shaking his head, “It’s not just once in a life time anymore–“
“Ah yes. Because you bit me with full intentions of sucking the life out of me.”
Darius winced at her words as if she slapped him. Nicole sighed, placing both hands on his cheeks as he bowed his head, “Hey…I forgive you, Darius…” She smiled softly as he looked up at her, “It’s in the past…I’m…Glad I met you…”
“Even if I put your life in danger?”
“Don’t we all face a period in our life where we would throw ourselves in the face of danger to make sure the one we care about lives…?”
“You just met me–“
“I know. But you also protected me.”
“But–“
“And I returned the favour by protecting you…We’re even.”
Darius fell silent, before smiling a little and placing a hand over one of hers on his cheek. He just looked up at her, before he leaned up and kissed her softly on the lips.
She ran her thumb along his cheek as he kissed her, before she broke the kiss gently and slowly, then looked at him.
“Before I passed out…You said you had something you needed to tell me…?”
Darius went quiet for a moment, before standing up and sitting next to her on the bed, “I don’t remember…” He said simply, wrapping an arm around her shoulders very lightly.
Nicole leaned against him gently, resting her head on his chest as he held her in his arms.
“Oh?” She whispered, looking up at him as she smirked, “I think your lying.”
Darius smirked, “What if I am? What are you going to do about it?”
“Nothing right now…” She tilted her head, “There’s not much I can do right now…”
Darius sighed softly, frowning, “I’m Sorry, Nic…For not helping you…I…I should’ve stopped her…”
Nicole sighed a little, sitting up as she moved closer to him.
She placed a hand on his cheek again, “It’s alright, Darius…I’m alive, and with only a scratch…I’m fairly sure I’ll live.”
Darius smiled a little, though shook his head, “It’s more then a scratch, Nicole…It’s a gash in your shoulder that almost made you bleed to death.”
Nicole shrugged a little, “but I lived.”
Darius smirked, “Yeah. You have a weird ability.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. Avoiding death.”
Nicole chuckled softly, shaking her head as she placed both of her hands in her lap, “It’s always been something I’m good at. I avoided it when I was 12, and to this day, I still avoid it…” She smiled a little, before yawning.
“Someone just doesn’t want me to die yet.”
Darius smiled a little, “Yeah…Well, I think you need more sleep, Missy.”
Nicole smiled as she went to stand, “I will agree with that.”
Darius wrapped his arms around her waist as she stood, pulling her back down onto the bed, “I want to monitor you, so you’re sleeping here.”Nicole smirked, “Is this some scheme you have to get me to sleep with you?”
Darius smiled, “Nah…I’m just worried about you…”
Nicole smiled softly, before nodding, “Okay…”
Darius got up, and helped Nicole stand. He pulled the covers back, and helped her climb into the bed. He then tucked her in.
As he went to turn, he felt her grasp his hand, “Don’t leave me…” She whispered softly.
Darius looked down at her, and raised both eyebrows.
“And here you are complaining about me making a scheme to get you into bed with me.”
She chuckled softly, pulling him towards the bed, “I just don’t want to be alone right now…”
Darius sighed softly, and nodded, “Okay…Yeah. I’ll stay with you…”
Nicole seemed to relax a little at his words. She kept a hold of his hand, and closed her eyes.
He hesitated for a moment, before climbing onto the bed. He moved to the other side, and slipped under the covers. He wrapped his arms around her carefully–yet protectively, and kissed the top of her head.
“Sweet dreams, Nicole…” He whispered softly into her ear.
She smiled, but didn’t reply as she drifted off into a light sleep.

Cassia swung open the doors of a small church.
She walked down the aisle, arms at her side, face calm and collect. Her foot steps were heavy, however, and her breathing quick.
‘How could he?!’ was her only thought as many occupants in their seats turned their head to look at her.
Finally, one stood up and ran to her.
“Cass! It’s good to see your back–what happened?” The young man quirked an eyebrow as she turned her gaze upon him and stopped dead in the middle of the aisle. Her eyes flamed with a dark hatred.
“Darius.”
“What about him?”
“I know his whereabouts.”
The young man quirked an eyebrow, “Is that so? I thought you killed him, Cassia.”
“So did I.” She mumbled as she continued down the aisle. She turned a corner and started down a long corridor, the paused as she heard voices. She pressed herself against the wall and slowly moved to a door. She leaned over slightly so she could see the occupants in the room she was heading to.

“And what about my children? What will be the fate of them…?” The figure, cloaked heavily, had a slight hiss to their voice.
The man behind the desk smirked, his shaggy brown hair falling about him as he tilted his head and narrowed his sky blue eyes upon the man in a casual, ‘business-man’ manner, “Your children. I promise they will not be harmed.”
“Am I to believe this? You sent an agent to go and kill one of my sons at least a year or so ago–and she almost succeeded.”
The man sighed, leaning back in his chair and lacing his fingers together.
“Cassia Turcotte and your son had a relationship. From what she told me, he betrayed her, and she was simply taking her revenge.”
At this, Cassia gasped, quickly pulling back and letting her back rest against the wall as her eyes widened and she just stared at the wall opposite to her.
‘That’s his father?! He told me his father died! That…that…That bastard!
Everything fell silent, till she heard the man labelled as Darius’ father smirk.
“Our conversation is no longer private, Joseph. Do all your slayers eavesdrop on conversations such as this?”
“No…No, not always.”
“I see…Well, before someone pulls a gun on me again, I’ll be on my way.”
“Our deal?”
“I’ll think about it.”
She then heard heavy footsteps heading to the door. She moved from the wall and stood patiently to await permission to enter the room.
The man stepped out of the room and paused to look at her.
He had deep yellow eyes, and a pale complexion. He had long black hair, and wore a heavy hooded cloak.
He looked like he was only in his 30’s–and was fairly attractive.
‘All Vampires look attractive in their dark way…’ Cassia kept this in mind as she caught his gaze. When she caught his deep yellow…gentle gaze, her thoughts vanished.
She just stared at him in surprise, captured by the eyes that stared down at her. After a moment, he smiled charmingly, before bowing to her, “I hope you heard what you intended to hear, Cassia…Please, in future reference,” He grabbed her hand, and brought it to his lips while he was still in bow, “Learn to not eavesdrop.” He kissed her hand delicately before turning and walking down the hall, vanishing.
Cassia blushed lightly, just staring down the hall and watching his retreating steps. Her heart beat quickened when she felt his lips brush against her skin lightly.
Finally, she shook herself out of it and turned to look at the door.
“Come in, Cass.”
Cassia walked into the room. Her breathing calmed down slightly, and the blush still remained on her cheeks–and her heart beat was still fast.
Joseph chuckled softly, “Quite the charmer that man is, Yes?”
Cassia nodded, trying to find her voice, “Y-Yes, Sir. But why were you making a deal with a vampire–our enemy?”
“Mr. Val’core is a very powerful man. He is a lord now, and has the control to end the war in our area. Would you not prefer a year of peace?”
Cassia hesitated, before shaking her head, “I wouldn’t.”
“Oh?” Joseph quirked an eyebrow, “And why is that?”
“Because–what lives would we have to return to? Sir–Vampire hunting…This church…This is our life. Take it away, and we’ll waste away into nothing.”
Joseph smiled softly, “Leave it up to you to turn everything bitter-poetic…Cassia, many of us want at least a day where we can walk out in the street, and not be attacked by a gang of vampires.”
“But Joseph! Do you really think they will stop? If we stop hunting them, they will continue killing! Val’core may be a lord–but not everyone looks up to one of such power.”
“Do you look up to me?” Joseph leaned back in his chair once more, watching her through half lidded eyes.
“Only because I owe you my life–if not more.” Cassia whispered softly.
Silence fell over the two, before Joseph nodded weakly, “I know what you mean. But…Cassia. We need to end this…This war.”
Cassia shook her head, “Sir, This is merely a battle. That lord has control of a battle. Winning a battle will not win this war…”
Joseph went quiet, before standing up slowly. He moved around the desk, and placed both hands on Cassia’s shoulders, “But it’s a start.”
Cassia shook her head, “No…This is surrendering to the enemy…I won’t let you. Joseph. Please, See. You’ll be killing hundreds.”
“And if we continue this war, we’ll be killing millions.” He whispered softly.
Cassia just shook her head again, bowing it.
Joseph sighed, placing two fingers under her chin and gently tilting her head upwards to meet her gaze, “If refuse this, then Val’core will storm our church…”
Cassia went quiet, before speaking, “Then take the two things that mean everything to him…Take them hostage. Threaten their lives…Scare him away…Promise him that if he storms this church, Darius and Scott will die with us…”
Joseph went quiet, before smirking, “You are a dark woman at that, Cassia. You must make everything involve blood in one way or another.”
Cassia shook her head, “I’m just trying to save those I consider family.”
Joseph nodded, smiling a little, “I see…I’ll go to the council. We’ll decide upon it. But keep in mind, most of the members want this the peaceful way, Cassia…”
Cassia nodded, “If you do take it to the council, then at least I’ll be able to retreat, knowing that I tried.”
Joseph nodded, placing his hand back onto her shoulder. He paused for a moment, before squeezing her shoulder gently, before turning and walking to his coat rack and taking his long coat off it, “I’m going to the meeting, and then out to a banquet…”
“Yes? Am I to be left to be in charge again?”
Joseph went quiet as he turned to look at a mirror as he fixed his black jacket. He then turned to look at her, “I would like to know if you would like to join me, actually…At the banquet.”
Cassia blinked. She certainly wasn’t expecting such a request. When she fell silent, Joseph bowed his head slightly, “If it makes you uncomfortable, you don’t have to come–”
“I would love to.” Cassia said softly, smiling faintly, “It would give me a chance to escape from my life for a night.”
Joseph smiled, looking at her, before walking to the door, “It’s formal, so…Wear something nice? There will be vampires there, though…”
Cassia quirked an eyebrow, “Why?”
“The lord wishes to meet some of the council members.”Cassia nodded slightly, “How many Vampires?”
“Only him, one of his Sons, and his body guards.”
“Which son?”
“He didn’t say.” Joseph leaned against the door frame, “Are you still going to come?”
Cassia nodded, “Of course.” She smiled, “See you then, Joseph.”
“See you, Cass. I’ll come by later to pick you up.”Okay.”
When he left, Cassia just turned and looked at the mirror. Her thoughts returned to the vampire that kissed her hand.
His eyes.
She blushed lightly again and shook her head as she turned from the mirror.
As she left, her last thought was, ‘what will I wear?’

Darius opened his eyes and blinked, blushing lightly as he found himself face to face with Nicole. He just watched her sleep, before raising a hand and gently moving some hair from her face before placing a hand on her cheek and caressing it gently.
At his touch, Nicole opened her eyes a little so they were but mere slits of emerald green. Her gaze met his, and she smiled softly.
“Hey stranger.” She whispered softly.
“Hey.” He replied, his thumb running over her cheek softly. His other arm was still around her. He pulled her close to him, a hand running up her back gently, before running down it again and coming to rest on her lower back.
“How’re you feeling?” He asked softly.
“I’m doing okay…My shoulder stings, though.”
Darius frowned slightly, sitting up carefully.
“Sit up.”
Nicole hesitated, before struggling to sit up. Darius, seeing her trouble, placed a hand on her side and gently offered support. When she sat up, she became aware of the fact her shirt was open.
She blushed immensely and looked at him, “Why is my shirt open?” She asked weakly as she used a hand to close it.
Darius chuckled softly, “I had to open your shirt to get to your shoulder…Which reminds me. I thought you were wearing a tank top when you came here.”
Nicole nodded a little, biting her lip, “I, uhm, snooped around my room and found a wardrobe…”
“I see…”
He looked at her, smirking a little. She wore a long sleeved, white blouse that was stained with blood.
There were cuts on it, some on purpose, and some from Cassia.
Around the shoulders, there were slits that were part of the design, allowing the sleeve to literally drape down her arms.
The main part of the blouse that covered the torso hugged her curves elegantly–and perfectly.
The back had a ribbon appearance to it, showing some of her back.
Nicole suddenly became aware of his eyes trailing down her body, and she blushed more–if possible.
“D-Darius?” she stammered.
Darius laughed and brought his gaze back to hers, “You look good.”
“T-Thanks?” She stammered again, blinking as she clutched her shirt closed with her bad arm.
He smiled a little, “You’ll have to open it again though, dear.”
Nicole just stared at him, “Uhm…”
“It’s just so I can see your shoulder.” Darius added
Nicole hesitated, and Darius gently reached forwards and grasped her shirt, “I promise I won’t look else where.”
“Okay…” She whispered softly.
Darius waited a moment, till she dropped her hand, then he gently opened the shirt. He was tempted to look down her exposed body, but he managed to resist all temptation, and keep his concentration on her shoulder.
He opened her shirt completely, revealing her bandages.
He sat up completely, moving both hands to the bandages and gently unravelling them.
He then removed the gauze.
The gash was still there, but it didn’t look as bad as it did before.
“Is it itchy at all? Or does it just sting?”
“It itches slightly…” Nicole whispered, looking down at the gash.
Darius smirked.
“It’s healing.”
Nicole blinked, looking at him, “What do you mean--?”
“I mean, that because of the vampire DNA in you, there isn’t enough to turn you, but there is enough o effect your system. You heal faster, burn easier, hear better…And love rare steak.”
Nicole blinked, blushing lightly, “Uhm…”
Darius chuckle, looking at her, “It’s not necessarily a bad thing, Nic…You don’t have to be ashamed…”
Nicole sighed, frowning, “I blame myself everyday for my Mother’s death…”
“Why?” He whispered softly.
“Cause if I hadn’t gone with her, she would’ve been able to run…Instead, she stayed behind and fought…”
Darius fell quiet, before raising a hand and placing it on her cheek as Nicole bowed her head, closing her eyes tightly.
“Your mother was brave, Nic…Don’t be ashamed of this…She tried to protect you. Be glad your mother was there for 12 years of your life…”
Nicole looked up at him, leaning her cheek into his hand gently, “What of yours…? I know nothing about your family…”
“Well…My father killed my mother when I was 5. When I turned 13, he turned me. I was only half vampire. So even though I was 13, I was really 18…So, after he turned me, he took care of me till I reached the age of 19…then he…vanished. Much like your mother…”
Nicole frowned, “I’m sorry–”
“I’m not.” Darius cut in bluntly, “He killed me. It’s because of him, I’m like this…Because of him, I’m constantly worried that I might hurt you any given moment.” He sighed, “I love my father because he is who he is. He’s my blood. But beyond that…I would kill him without a seconds thought…”
Nicole fell silent, before she suddenly embraced him tightly, “You won’t hurt me if you hold me. You won’t cut me if you kiss me. You won’t scratch me if you run you hand down my back…Darius…You won’t hurt me…” She whispered this into his ear softly.
Darius blushed lightly when she embraced him. He hesitated, before wrapping his arms around her, and holding her. He was careful of her shoulder, however.
He didn’t say anything, but merely closed his eyes slightly.
Silence fell over the two as Darius ran his hand down her bare back gently and lightly.
Despite what she said, he was still scared of touching her. He thought of what he told her in her room.
“… For to me, you’re also delicate as those roses in my chamber. I’m afraid of hurting you by simply running my cold fingers along your cheek, or by keeping my arm around your waist…

…I’m Scared of Myself…”