Dark Nights

[One Eyed Jack]

Garm let her rant on, and make gestures at him with her hands – obviously a habit that only came out when excited. He sat, and listened dispassionately until she was done, to include her accusations.

And then he out of the couch like a cat on its prey. Grabbing a fistful of hair, and yanking her down to her knees looking up at him. His fangs showed and that animal growl echoed in the room.

“When I speak, you will hang on every word. You will cherish the fact I saw fit to tell you anything. I can run this with trust and respect, which you have earned, or I can run it through fear and force. The choice is yours girl,” he snarled.

He drug her by the hair into the kitchen, letting her scramble to her feet to follow where her head was going on way or another. Only there did he toss her in the corner, and blocked her escape. He grabbed up an clean, unused wine glass and with a touch of his finger nail to his wrist began filling it with his blood. When he had nearly a full glass he stopped, closed the vein and held knelt down to brandish the crimson liquid in front of her face.

“The second reason, since you think you are ready to know everything is this. This much will bind you to me forever, without hope of escape. If you drank a glass a month, you'd hardly age, never get sick, and it would even cure cancer. Look on it, and see it as a trophy! This is your only hope, for if you fail to earn this, then you have betrayed me, and you will die. So continue to do well, and stop crying about what's lost. I offer as many benefits as I do downfalls, you'll just have to adapt.”

He grabbed her arm this time, somewhat more gently, and hauled her to her feet. “I had to learn to live as a monster long ago – you only have to learn to serve one. But never forget that is what I am, and my temper will always dwarf yours. My pain makes your plight insignificant.” His face began to soften slightly, and he backed away from the frighted woman, and set the glass of blood down on the counter.

“The day you think you've earned it, that is yours. It's a crappy choice, but it is your choice. At least when you do bind yourself to me, I'll never have to threaten you or you're family again.”

He left the kitchen, and went to tie up three very willing women with duct tape. They would have night terrors, and he didn't want to hear it.

 

[PaintaPicture]

A soon as she was finnished it was like a flash of light how fast he had her on her knees. She gave a small grunt as her knees got slammed onto the wood floors, it wasnt a pleasant feeling. She absoultely couldnt stand his condescending tone; how he called her "pet" and "girl". That son of a bitch she thought to herself quietly as he dragged her into the kitchen slamming her back hard into the counter. She greatly underestimated the ammount of stength he had.

Watching him pour the blood into the glass she just bit her tongue and didnt say anything. He continued, on everything. Explaining what she wanted to know, and she was glad he told her. She hated being left in the dark on so many things. She wanted to spit in his face and tell him to go fuck himself, but she figured that would just bring her a world of trouble and in the first time in her life she was intimidated about speaking her mind. And that was a frightening notion.

As soon as he walked into the other room Gesine through the wine glass into the sink, breaking the glass, and let his blood slowly drip down the drain. She ran the water to clean it up and in the process nicked her hand. She just cursed and went into her room seeing that he hadnt finnished gagging and tieing the 3 others up. Pulling on pajamas and putting a bandaid on her hand she walked over to him seeing that he had finnished and softly but sternly said something he had probably heard before.
"Though i walk through the valley of the shadow of death; I will fear no evil."

At that she walked into her room and started brushing her teeth and hair getting ready for bed.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

Religious references just pissed him off, and he was tempted to knock her around some more – but let it go. He had things to do before the sun came up.

With the house all locked up, all his girls safe, he went to the window and slipped through in the form of a black fog. In this form he flew over the town, finally arriving at a closed medical clinic. Technology was becoming a pain in his ass, and so he only materialized inside the security room, and proceeded to yank out all the wires to absolutely everything. With the camera's disabled, he went and found what he was looking for – needles. He found them, and then helped himself to the least desirable way to enjoy blood...cold and from a plastic bag - convenient though.

Having had a midnight snack, and obtained a box of the needles, he walked out the front door, and made sure he was noticed not locking up, as he walked away. The morning news paper would tell of how local bandits ransacked the clinic, and his box of syringes and bag of blood would be the least of concerns.

With his prize, he walked down to one of the last remaining blues clubs, and entered. He wasn't sure he had any similar company in town – there were so few of them left – but if there were, they would likely have a presence here.

It was hard to tell, a few things looked out of place, that could have been the work of another vampire, or just the work of a strange age. There were no blood bonded humans here though, of that he was certain. Still, he had no idea where Luka might be these days, and he seldom bonded anyone. Fear was his tactic to keep his 'cattle' in line – as he viewed it. But he stopped kidding himself, and walked out, heading back for Gesine's apartment. He still hated admitting why he'd chosen Chicago – it was her favorite U.S. City.

Well before the sun even thought of coming up, he was back in the guest room of someone that didn't much care fro her guest – not that he could really blame her.

 

[PaintaPicture]

Gesine continued on with her nightly routine and realized he hadnt reacted to what she had said. She was ready for him to throw a shit fit. When she went out to say goodnight, and she wasnt even sure why she wanted too he was gone. In the spare room she saw the bound girls but no man. She hadnt heard the door open or close, so that was out. Gesine then realized that last time she got to curious she got shoved onto the ground and then into counters of the kitchen.

She went back in her room and shut the door, crawling into bed and quickly falling asleep. She selpt decent and woke up again later than normal and made herself breakfast, which at the time was more like lunch and read the paper. Having a very casual morning drinking coffee and reading but not really paying too much attention to what the article was saying.

Gesine then went on her usual run, took a shower and organized her things for work the following day. After that she was bored, the sun was setting and it just made her realize that the beast would soon awaken and her knight would become his. She was stressing about things and picked her violin up again, playing furiously. Not giving a shit if she woke him or the girls up. Her mind then kicked in that she had to find him atleast one girl that night. She had an idea of who she could call but just kept playing.

Finally setting it back down and calling her friend who she had known in high school but was never really close with, Kara. Telling her to be there within the hour since Garm would be up soon and that way kara would be there when he awoke. As much as Gesine hated doing this, she really didnt want people dieing. Yes these girls were changed and slightly tortured but they still had life.

She then layed on her couch closing her eyes with her hands gently rested on her stomach.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

Once more, the sound of a violin brought him out of his slumber. But the music was harder, full of anger today. He dressed, his clothes never needing much cleaning – he didn't sweat and anything the day had placed on them was always removed every time he did his little fog trick. He opened the door quietly, and shut it again to muffle the complaints of the three women who were not nearly as happy now as they had been the night before. That would change soon of course, but he wasn't ready to deal with them yet.

He found Gesine in the living room and ignored the other girl who had recently arrived. “We had a rough departure last night, I'm sorry for that. Such a poor end to a delightful night. At least we are both aware of each other's temper now.”

He lounged back, and nodded to her friend, “Care to introduce us?” He had already filled up the syringes, and had brought one with him, hidden in his pocket. But he meant to show himself as a more refined being today. He always hated it when the animal won...even just for a moment.

 

[PaintaPicture]

Gesine and Kara sat chatting as Garm entered the room. As he appologized for the night before Gesine just shrugged and didnt really see his appology as sincere, but moved on anyways. Kara wasnt the brightest bulb in the box but she was hott. A little shorter than Gesine with curly brown hair and green eyes. She was a sweetheart but Gesine had no real attachment to her.

"Oh yes, introductions. Kara this is um my...er...roomate Garm. Garm this is my Kara from high school."
Kara smiled "Hi! nice to meet you!"
The girl always had a very sunny disposistion, which may bother Garm but hell what did she care. Only 3 more Gesine thought to herself and she tryed to brainstorm momentarily on who it would be. But her focus was soon brought back to the room and what was going on.

Gesine then sat back on the couch and waited for Garm to do what he did best. She then tryed to start a small convorsation to keep things from getting awkward but she knew it was coming soon. She noticed he didnt like to get to know them, just do it quickly and cast them aside. Either that or he just had no patience or self control.

Taking a deep breath she twirled a piece of her dark red hair with her finger, not in a boredom way, but in a more, uncomfortable way. She knew what was to happen and it didnt bother her, but to see the drastic change in personalities was slightly awkward to her. But she was an easily adaptable girl.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

“A pleasure, Kara.” Gesine seemed uncomfortable, knowing what was coming. She had ignored his apologies, and he internally debated if she was deserving of any more in the future. But to matters at hand, since the small talk was dieing. At least Gesine was protecting her true friends by inviting those she did not have much in common with.

“So, a girl from your youth. And to think after your success last night, you might try making new friends.” Kara looked confused, but he got up and walked to the kitchen to get them all something to drink, noticing the missing wine glass from last night. He selected a white wine, for irony, and added two drops of something to make the night go easier to Kara's glass.

Garm brought them all out and set them in front of the women, careful that Kara got the correct one. “To friends, old and new.” he toasted, not caring if they understood or even joined him, so long as the brunette drank. She did, and within two minutes small talk wasn't needed. She had barely managed to set her glass down and begin stuttering a question as to what was happening before she went completely limp.

He rose, and checked her pulse, then dropped her wrist, which fell from the pull of gravity and no other force acted on it. Outwardly, she looked dead – only the rise and fall of her chest betrayed the effect. She hadn't even time to close her eyes, so he did this for her – else her green orbs dry out. “A more gentle method, wouldn't you say? I had to pick up some supplies last night.” He took out the needle form his pocket, and removed it's cap. Then, injecting the very small amount of blood into the girl, he picked her up and carried her into the now crowded guest room. Here he gave each of the other three a similar injection, and their muffled complaints quickly stopped.

Gesine did not seem in the mood for more debauchery, so he quickly fed off Tanya, leaving her bound the entire time. Once fed he rejoined his true prisoner in the living room.

“So, here we are. If you've completed your stroll through the valley of fear, perhaps we can chat like civilized beings tonight?”

 

[PaintaPicture]

Gesine wondered why he drank so much wine and why he was always suggesting her too. Probably meant nothing but it was just odd. As he brought out the glasses and made the toast she mumbled a 'cheers' as she drank. She set it down and slowly the talk ended and she saw her friend pass out. She was still breathing so she had no worries.

He was right that it was much nicer than a blow to the head or getting thrown around. He took out the needle and injected the girl, Gesine didnt even flinch. When he left the room she just sat there and poured out the remains of Kara's wine and rinsed the glass out. She then sat back down sipping at hers. Most would be paranoid thinking he had also put something in her drink. But he already knew he could physically control her so there was no reason to do such things. Atleast she thought so.

When he rejoined her in the room and asked her about the 'stroll' she wanted to tell him it was the valley of the shadow of death, not fear but that could turn into a heated religous debate. Something she didnt wish for. Gesine paused thinking for a moment, wanting to insult him but once again, didnt say anything. She Swept her hair up into a bun on her head and took a deep breath.
"Yes i think we can 'chat' if you'd like. What about? Any burning questions that you've had for me? Because i'm honestly not sure what we could discuss without arguing."

She looked him dead in the eye for a moment and then away taking a sip of wine and waiting for his response.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

“That is the issue I wish to resolve actually. You have a long life ahead of you, and for better or worse, it will be with me. That is a very long time to be so angry, trust me. Anger is a poison, it will rot your mind worse then any drug.” He stopped his rant on a subject he knew very well from personal experience.

“I would like to find common ground with you. You do things now, and we know why – and you do them well. But that will not sustain you in the years to come. So here is what we will do; we will tell each other stories from our past. Pleasant stories, until we are just left chatting like old friends.”

“I suppose I should go first, I'm a little older anyway, so might have more to share,” he joked.

“Hmm, I know, you may like this one. A friend of mine, who suffered the same affliction as I, were riding around Europe, right as it was coming out of the middle ages, as your history books call them. The filthy years might be more accurate, but that isn't important. We ran into a little trouble, he still being rather new at managing his condition. You see, he never could say no to the ladies, before or after his turning. He was known in every tavern that the girls could speak English, Italian, French or Spanish. Truly, a comical character – he could kill a dozen man without thinking about it, but fed only off prisoners and criminals, while trying to seduce any pretty face he came across.”

“Well one night, in southern Italy, a husband came home early, and found his wife in the arms of my friend. The man drew his sword and stabbed him in the back, before he could even get off the woman. I had been waiting outside, abut had snuck in to try and warn him at the returning husband, but was too late, and saw the sword go clean throw him. The girl screamed, then stopped, wondering why he was still hovering over her. He screamed...having never been stabbed before, which started her screaming again. They all took turned screaming at each other in shock and fear, and I couldn't help but laugh. So I was caught as well, and the husband, too confused by the whole affair ran from the house believing he'd gone in sane. The girl passed out from the trauma, and I had to help the poor sap pull the blade out of him before he panicked further. I convinced him that we should leave before the man returned with half the town, but once he calmed down he was not willing to go until he'd given the lady a parting kiss, and left a rose between her breasts.”

Gram laughed, recalling the scene and took a drink from his glass. “I miss that moron. Never was there better company then Geoffrey Chaucer.”

 

[PaintaPicture]

He approached her calmly and explained things in a way that made sense; she couldnt spend the rest of her life livid about everything. And then he mentioned common ground and figured it would be a good idea. She needed to open up some if she was to live with him for the rest of her life. She then laughed at his being older joke. She felt so inexperienced at life compared to him.

She listened to his stories and giggled slightly and smiled softly at the story. It was interesting and a bit comical, and it seemed like he enjoyed sharing it. He didnt mind opening up and telling her things. But the end is what her eyes bug out of her skull.
"Did you say Chaucer? I..I...used to read the Canterbury Tales all the time and i studied them in school. The Illuminated Manuscripts are amazing and the wording is just so...."
She then realized she was rambling again and getting herself overly excited. Art, literature, and music always got her excited, there were a few other things but those were big ones.

"I guess it's my turn...i dont really know what story to tell you..."
She paused and thought for a minute trying to think of something interesting that was a good story. She tucked some lose hairs that just kept falling down, behind her ear.
"I know one. When my family and I still lived in Germany, when i was about 6, before we moved to the U.S. that year. We had all gone to this art museum and I wanted to explore and i snuck away from my family and went off on my own and finally found this big painting of a War boat on the ocean and it was storming, i dont remember it to well but if i saw it again i'd know. But i was just sitting there quietly staring at it and one of the painters that had art in the exhibit saw me and asked if she could paint my picture, and i said yes of course and just sat on the bench as she painted me staring at this big painting of a warship. And it went into her exhibit. When my parents found me they were so angry, but at the same time thought it was so funny to see their daughter getting painted by a professional for an art exhibit! If you could have seen me as a little girl; I looked so different then. I had less freckles and my hair was really long and i never put it in a pony tail, i always just let it fly around, drove my mother crazy. So now there is a painting of me as a 6 year old staring at a painting in this woman's collection. Apparently she was kinda famous but only in parts of Germany. I dont remember her name."

She game a small smile remembering the moment and the woman wanting to paint her and then seeing the painting afterwards. Remembering a little story like that just made her remember her childhood, both the good and the bad times. Gesine looked back up at him and gave him a look not one of anger but nor one of happyness.
"I sometimes wish i had a copy of the ship painting...but yeah...uh...thats my story."

 

[One Eyed Jack]

“A charming tale, I may have to seek out this painting of you as a child. So much better a vision then these kids now entranced by mass media. Apparently you were always more refined.”

Your tale reminds me, slightly, of a girl I had seen in the streets of Japan – must have been around 1605 as I was enjoying the first, and best form of kabuki theater while i was there. Anyway, so in the streets I see this girl, and she is always starting inside the art shops, not the candy stores like all the other children. Several times a week I'd see this happy little creature laughing as she was toss out of another store, where the owner feared she might break something.'

“I stopped to ask her what she was doing, and told me she loved the carvings of her uncle, who sold his work in the stores around town – but she wanted to see them again. As it turns out, her uncle was quite the artist in wood carving, and eventually was commissioned to work on the maintenance of some of the local temples and government buildings.” After that year, I didn't see the girl, who's name I never asked.”

“But maybe fifteen years later, while enjoying the more hedonistic arts of Edo's pleasure district, a Oiran girl ran up to me, and gasped. Apparently she recognized me. I always believed that this was the same girl. She was escorted away by her servants, for so horribly breaking the protocol of her parade to a client, and I learned later that she was declared ill, and did not meet with anyone for weeks. I guess meeting an unchanging face from your childhood can be a shock. She recovered, and I kept an aye on her progress. Turns out she attained the rank of Tayu, though I am sorry to say I never had the influence at the time of her life to have been one of her clients.”

He let out a sigh, and looked off into nowhere. “I haven't thought about her in a long, long time.”

 

[PaintaPicture]

Her cheeks turned a nice rosey colour when he mentioned wanting to see the painting that was done of her. She had a photobook of pictures from when she was younger, and pictures of her mom, dad, and sister as well. She wanted to show some pictures but figured he'd have no intrest in them. But he had another little story, one that seemed a little closer to his heart.

She listened intently and love that he had traveled so much. She had studied and studied all these things but never got to go. She went to Spain once and went to Germany constantly. She was jealous that he got to see the things she studied so intently. But his story didnt have a happy ending like the other one. Atleast he made it seem that it wasnt as happy as he had wished. When he finnished and sighed she looked at him and asked him a question in a soft but serious tone of voice.
"You really liked her, didnt you...Did you love her...like from afar?"

She waited for him to laugh at her and say something along the lines that he doesnt love or something to that extent. But she meant it, and hoped he wouldnt laugh at her or poke fun at the notion of love. She had a hard time believing in it but she knew it was there, she just could never get ahold of it.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

Her question shook him, and he had to think a minute, letting it pass in silence, before answering.

“No, I didn't love her. I admired her, as you say from afar. It would have been nice to admire her from up close, but then that might destroy the illusion of mystery around her. To be honest, it could have been just a girl that was, indeed sick that night, and the large out of place white man scared her – but that's not how I choose to recall it. Either way, she was an interesting woman.”

He looked at Gesine, but could tell she wanted far more information from him then if he loved one girl back in the 17th century. “You answer the real question, yes, I am capable of love. It is something I guard myself against in my old age. It is quite painful to watch them grow old and die, while you never age a day.” He finished his wine, wishing like all hell that it had an effect on him.

“So then a vampire gets it in his head to find companionship more like himself. This of course, never works out very well, as creature with nothing but time on their hands are easily bored after some years, especially if you pursue the one that turned you. Turning your lovers seldom pans out well either, as they tend to hate you for a good century or two there after, sometimes forever – even if they asked for it. Love marks you like nothing else, and to live with those marks longer then nature intended can cause madness. Love is real, even for the likes of me. Why do you think we're all such cold bastards?”

She didn't ask specifically about others, at least not yet, so he didn't share. There were scars from love he carried, two from the night of his turning. Only one of course might still be around to haunt him – but she was good at hiding, perhaps the best. But then, she had a good deal more practice.

 

[PaintaPicture]

He knew exactly what she was thinking and she got an answer she didnt expect. He admited he could love and had before. SHe didnt probe any further than that and didnt feel the need too. If or When he wanted to share she'd love to listen. What he said made some sense but she couldnt add much to what he did say though. Since she wasnt a vampire nor had she ever been in love, as far as she knew.

"It's better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all...or something like that."
She shrugged and realized she didnt think she had ever been in love. Her recent ex, was a passionate relationship but maybe not love. She had heartache but she didnt feel heartbroken when they split. She sighed as well taking a sip of her wine. She didnt tell him this though, because it made her sound like a child. She pulled the blanket off the couch and wrapped it around her shoulders and muscled a smile at him.

"I guess it's my turn to share a story huh."
Gesine had wanted to change the topic to something more optimistic. She had to pause again and think of something. She laughed and new what story to tell.
"I think you'll like this one. When we had moved to the U.S. i had learned English while i was in Germany and had no problem speaking English i just had a funny accent, as you can see it's mostly gone now. But when i was at school i got teased a lot since i said things weird or if i couldnt say something in English i would just say it in German and i got picked on a lot. But uh well one day i gotso fed up with this boy in my class who would trip me, and make fun of me i finally slugged him across the face at recess, and he cried. At that point no one picked on my anymore."
She laughed thinking about it. Granted she got in a lot of trouble for it and she had to see a therapist but she didnt care, it was worth it. Gesine took another sip of wine.

"I was a rather bad kid when i was growing up, very mischevous and, curious, and well not afraid to take risks or show people how i felt."
She chuckled again and looked up at Garm with more of a smile on her face.
"But can you imagine lil Gesine being a mean person..no never."
She laughed making fun of herself and then finnishing off her wine.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

“I can imagine nothing but a sweet innocent angel,” He joined her in laughing, but admired her story of personal strength. She was proud of that, and her childhood fearless nature had grown with her, not out of her. Who else might sit and trade tales with the undead?

He noticed, from the lack of a lingering scent in the air of her cooking, that she'd not eaten. He had, and he knew humans could get very nearly as testy as a vampire when hungry.

He stood, and clapped his hands. “You've not eaten yet. Let's fix this. No more 'recruiting' or other such tasks tonight. This time, lets truly just got out and continue to enjoy some conversation. Oh, and stop me if I push too much alcohol on you, it turns out that fine wine is fine even if it has no effect – and most my new associates quickly become alcoholic to deal with matters. You seem more adaptable.” He shrugged, and lent his hand to help her form the chair.

“You choose the place, one of you favorite places to eat perhaps, or even somewhere special. It seems a pleasant conversation is something to celebrate between us. May we have many more similar reasons to celebrate.”

 

[PaintaPicture]

She was glad they could share a laugh and some sarcasm. It seemed to have lightened the mood some and she smiled a bit more. When he mentioned food she realized she was rather hungry. When he mentioned going out to eat she thought for a moment. As she took his hands to stand up she looked at him oddly.
"If your hunger is solved by the consumption of blood, then food doesnt satisfy you does it? does it even taste good?"
She was legitmately interested on how that worked. Like she had mentioned to him before she was a rather curious young lady.
"Lets just stay in and relax and i'll get down my fancy French wine and i can cook up some steaks or something. Unless you really want to go somewhere."
She looked up at him with her body close to his. At that moment she was wearing a pair of jeans and a regular form fitting shirt. She liked being comfortable.

"Oh and since i'm in a much better mood maybe i'll let you have another taste."
She said while she exposed her neck and rubbed it slightly. She knew for a fact she didnt have a choice in the matter but she could pretend like she did, and let herself have that false feeling of control. She didnt like not being in control of the situation.
"So now what do you wanna do?"
And she smiled nicely at him.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

“You are a woman of many talents Gesine...you should have been a diplomat. Very well, I'll enjoy your cooking, and wine, and since you so graciously offered...” He just smiled.

“And don't worry about the meal, my taste is actually rather more refined then most. What takes years of training for a fine chef, or wine expert to develop, I've had centuries to develop naturally.” He stopped himself from laughing at the thought nature having anything to do with it. He considered nature his last remaining Goddess, because it was the one thing left he was so far removed from. Nature, She was still elusive.

“I shall watch you cook, maybe tomorrow I will cook for you in thanks.” But he didn't bite her, but instead helped her rub the stiffness from the area. “Not now, lets let the night progress as it will. Besides, that's a great place to bite someone, if you are a human lover, or trying to kill them. Too many important things to hit there.”

His hands ran down from her neck, to glide over her, stopping at points that were better for him to feed from, in her case. He squeezed her biceps, “Though it hurts more the next day, hitting major muscles.” He then drifted lower, and lifted her breasts gently, “A favorite, but saved only for moments of intimacy. Very little issue afterward as well.” Lower still, his fingers traced down her body, resting at her sides, “If not too deep, but I think you are too fit to make that practical.”

He turned her around, so his hands could gently cup her ass, “Would be perfect, except when you sit down. Even then it isn't so bad, more a dull reminder.” His hands slipped between her legs, and squeezed her inner thighs, “Not as bad as the bicep, and can be quite sensual, I am told.”

He stood back up, and gently turned her around again. He leaned over to kiss her, and did, making it a soft touch, that demanded nothing. “And there, it would hurt like hell, but again it can be rather erotic, in the right setting.”

He finished his explanation, and stepped back, trying to gage her reaction.

 

[PaintaPicture]

Diplomat? Her? She just laughed slightly at the comment but blushed at the same time that he would give her such a compliment. He offered to cook for her and she didnt decline if thats what he wished. After processing his tastes he told her about the parts that he could bite and not risk a death. She loved the way his hands trailed down her body as she let him touch her, letting it all end in a soft kiss.

As he stood back she rubbed her bicep and looked at him.
"I'll go with here, or other parts of my arms or what not. Muscle pain doesnt bother me too much."
She then leaned in and kissed his cheek and walked into the kitchen taking out 2 average sized steaks.
"How do you like yours? i'm guessing rare."
She then took out some vegetables and started to chop the carrots and broccoli, the only 2 she had picked up at the store recently. Putting them in a pot to boil. She didnt make to many vegies but let the steaks cook as she attempted to fine the french wine she spoke of. Finally reaching it she poured two glasses handing one to him.
"Here, let me know if you like it."

 

[One Eyed Jack]

He enjoyed her kiss, back, and noted where she claimed to prefer the bites. He wondered how she tasted at the moment, as each emotional state changed the flavor. But her let her run off to the kitchen to prepare their meal. He agreed, rare was best, made no comments about her cooking after that. He had learned long ago to enjoy the spirit in which something was given, as much as the thing itself. She was an apt cook as well, and needed no guidance to her craft.

The wine was excellent, and he told her as much. Relishing the liquid, and swirling it lightly in the glass to let it air just a tad more.

By the time she was done, had set her table, and even lit a few candles, stating, “Your artificial lights have never done more then flood a room. Light should be natural, and since the sun and I don;t get along too well any more, candle light is the only way to eat.”

He even held out her chair for her, at her own dining table. “Looks like a fine meal Gesine, thank you.”

 

[PaintaPicture]

She was so glad that he liked the wine, since it was rather expensive, but she figured it was worth breaking out. She smiled wide as he had set the table and lit candles making it a more romantic feeling dinner. She put his steak on a plate with vegetables and did the same with hers and set both plates down on the table. As he pulled her chair out for her she blushed again sitting down and waited for him to do the same as she started to cut her steak.
"I hope you like it, if not just let me know."

She started eating slowly, addind salt to her veggies. She had wished there was more she could have offered to him or something. It seemed very unglamorous, but the candles and lovely way he set things up made it seem nicer. He was a gentleman at heart, she knew it, the way he'd lead her by the arm, take her chair, help her into a car, and such. It was hard to find men in the city that even knew what chivalry was. She took a sip of win setting her fork down for a moment and looked at him.
"You said you wanted to talk, and i've asked questions about you, but was there anything about me you had a question or anything about?"

She took another bite of broccoli and looked over at him the candle light lighting his face rather nicely.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

He enjoyed the simple meal – sometimes simple was best, and it didn't distract from the issues at hand. Though he really only ate the vegetables out of politeness – not that they were bad, but really did little for him anymore.

But at her question, he had to stop and think, setting down his fork and glass. “I'm sure there is much more to know about you, and I will enjoy learning all of it. I know a good deal already, having watched you, and now having met, and discovered how....adaptable...you are.” He starred at her a minute more, then remembered a true curiosity that had been inspired last night.

“You do not attend church, at least not in the last month or so. Your apartment has few, if any religious icons. From the outside, one could think you an atheist. I am curious as to what it is that you do, or don't believe – aside from a recent revelation about vampires of course.” He tried to smile to lessen the deep nature of his question. He tried to find the more open minded humans for his assistants now a days, but had at one point – at the hight of his anger and malevolence – sought the deeply devout, just to fuck with their faith, whatever faith that might be.

He tolerated a certain amount now, in his 'old age' as he found that humans almost always needed something higher to look to for support.

 

[PaintaPicture]

She was so happy that he was enjoying her coooking, or atleast giving off the impression that he was. And the way he starred at her made her blush again and look away. It was hard to find a guy that made her feel truely attractive, and he did for some reason, and she loved it.

But the question he asked was a rather deep one. But if he was curious to know she would tell. It wasnt a hard subject or uncomfortable one; it was just one that she didnt like talking about for some reason.
"I'm Catholic and i used to attend Church when i was younger and had to go to sunday school, Bible study and such. My parents were very religous and wanted my sister and I to be as well. So thats why it's easy for me to quote the Bible, as well as i had to study it for my job when we worked with religous pieces of art. So i've read it many times memorized some parts of it and have a number of quotes engraved into my brain."
She laughed at that and then pulled one out she thought he might like.
"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. I think thats first Corinthians."

She then sighed softly and honestly thought why she didnt go to church anymore. There as no good reason for why she didnt. Her mother made her alot and so did her family in Germany. She had a crucifix in her room by the door and 2 bibles but that was it.
"I guess, I still believe in God just some days less than others some days more. I believe but i'm not strong in my faith I guess anymore."
She shrugged and took a sip of wine and kept eating.
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear. First John, i used to have that as a picture in my room at home."

She looked back up at him and smiled, hoping that answere his question well enough. Gesine slowly kept eating and slowly finnished and set her fork down and finnished her wine then she looked overat Garm.
"Are you finnished?"
Ans she took her plate bringing it to the kitchen and then walking over to him with er hand on his shoulder looking down into his eyes.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

He tried hard not to be disappointed....Catholics could be such a pain in the ass. Most the time they ended up trying to haul a priest in to 'handle the demon' and exercise them from the hold he had on any that were blood bonded. This of course always ended messy, and the town became a short a priest.

But to temper this, she had said that her faith had dwindled, and she did not act like a 'good catholic girl' who would still be at confession just for the orgy of last night.

“To what extent I can, I will not interfere with your beliefs. Many of your religion have claimed me a demon, and servant, or product of Satan. Before the rise of Christianity, in my original home, I was minion of the jotnar. To be brief, I've been called many things, by many people. I of course disagree with them all. I'm no demon, or servant of any power higher then my own. Whatever I do that you hate, you can attribute directly to me – and conversely, you can thank me for anything you enjoy. One thing seems certain, I'm not a child that any god, good or evil, will claim – I've tried them all.”

He shook his head, having drifted into more personal territory then he had wished. “Yes, I am done, thank you again,” letting her take his plate.

“Sorry, I did not mean to ramble on there. By this time, I am used to all the typical thoughts on my existence. I've even heard theories that vampires a product of aliens, or of a race that lived before man. I don't know for sure, but to put you at ease, as much as possible, I've never met the Devil.”

He stood, and moved their wine glasses back to the living room, after filling them back up. He hated chats like this, but they were always necessary. Best to have it out of the way now.

To change the subject, he picked up her violin from the corner, and after inspecting it, lifted it to his chin, and began to play. It's haunting sound filled the room, as he played a song that had been lost to time, long ago – though he never forgot. It was the music that described the pain of his curse.

 

[PaintaPicture]

He seemed to not want to talk about the subject more than she did. It was awkawrd for both of them but the small story he told was slightly unfortunate. That he couldnt find peace with a faith, but it was hard to blame him with the 'situation' that he was in. She knew that what she was taught, he was the work of the devil and was an evil demon, but she shrugged it off and didnt consider him like that. Yes, he was a bit of an ass hole but thats his fault, or so he told her to blame it on him.

Gesine took his plate and it was cute that he tryed to comfort her nerves about the whole devil thing. He did well in trying not to scare the crap out of her too much. After the first day, she no longer scared to easily. She then started washing the dishes and cleaning up noticing he had left the table and filled their glasses and went to the living room. Hearing the sound of her violin she set down the pot she was cleaning and she dryed her hands walking out to see him playing.

She watched him for a moment and smiled. He was a bit out of practice she thought but he was very good. She wanted to critique him, but figured there was no need too.
"You're very good, and it's a nice song you are playing, sad sounding but it's rather interesting."
It was a mixture f angry and sad sounding. She did enjoy the song, but then walked back into the kitchen to finnish doing the dishes. Once she was finnished she returned to the living room and to her glass of wine taking another sip and sitting down on the couch looking over at him.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

He out the instrument down. It had been years since he had tried to play, and the string section had never been his strong suit.

“I heard it one night while passing through a village in what now must be Germany. It sounded better on the flute, but it made an impression on me, and I've never forgotten it.” He said no more on the subject of music either.

Sitting down in the chair, staring off into nowhere he thought on why that song made such an impact on him. When she returned from the kitchen and sat on the couch, he remembered his manners.

“So what does a modern girl do to fill her nights? Read? Watch TV? Let's have a nice night as close to your old life as we can, before too much more is changed.”