Title: USERS Author: Kate Keene Pairing: Nick/Janette, Natalie/m, Nick/himself, Nick/Nat Rating: explicit, occasionally graphic For the Benefit of Several Readers Mistress Keene's Much Admir'd Romance USERS. This work of Drama and Much Pathos of a Romantick Nature is not intend'd to Interfere, Upset or Annoy Mr. Parriot, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Slan, Mr. Borchiver, Mr. Seigel, Anyone at Tristar, Anyone at the Sci-Fi Channel, or anyone of their Solicitors as they hold the Copyrights to these Characters and certain Quotations. It is the fondest wish that Mistress Disher does not mind the idea of being pursued and seduced by flexible and athletic young gentlemen; and that Mr. Wyn-Davies will be amused or at least not be so annoyed that he finds out the Authoress' address and sends Ruffians to her Home; and never, ever learns that she and her husband did impersionations of him singing "I want to go back to dear old Syracuse", because then a Tricky Situation may occur. Marcus, his friend Mags and other assorted Characters of Note are under the tutalage of Mistress Keene, and mayn't go out to play without their Mother's Permission. For Readers of Delicate Sensibilities, persons use Impolite Language, engage in Sexual Situations of a Reasonable Conventional Nature. Interactions are m/f; and include Janette, Nick, Natalie and a nice young man named Marcus. This story is rated one medium jalapeno. And so, without further ado... USERS by Kate Keene Chapter one The aching hunger that doesn't go away, the desire that is never fulfilled. The lust...the lust... It keeps calling me. He flew, wondering if she'd be waiting for him. She'd know, she always knew. But would she come for him? I like it when you need me. I'm sorry I used you. And I you. We have needs, Nicholas, just as mortals do. I shouldn't have. Are you saying that you didn't want to? No, its not that. The sound of the gulls, the water, the taste of her blood in his mouth. Its just that I have to fight so hard to control it. I have to control it. Not with me. Ever. She could still make him hopeless with longing. She could draw him in, and it was so sweet. He needed her so badly. But those are needs you don't have anymore. That's all in the past... isn't it? No, it wasn't. Natalie wouldn't understand. It was easier for her not to know. Natalie prowled around the apartment for the fifth time. Sydney was getting good playtime batting at her ankles. She changed out of her good slacks into her battered 501's, but then put the silk camisole back on. Glancing in bathroom mirror she pulled her thick hair out of it's knot. She brushed it out, finding the action soothing. Perhaps she should get a few beers, go down and look at the water. Try not to remember Nick talking about the hunger, the need to possess, how he understood... How it made her feel. How it made her want. "Screw it," she said aloud. She scooped up her wallet, her coat and her keys and went out the door. Janette was waiting for him, all paleness and darkness. Her mouth was soft, gentle on his own. The taste of blood on her was earthy, thick and welcome. Natalie took a perverse pleasure in the fact that were several clubs in Toronto that weren't the Raven. The Morgue was packed with Goths, Slackers, and Strays like herself. Post-instusrial, neo-celt and assorted other music mixed with the usual Gothic flavor. Nat looked around; hell, nobody she knew. She looked up to the upper tier. A tall man with very short fair hair moved into shadow, he looked familiar. She could have sworn he had watched her come in... Her Corona with lime was set in front of her. She took a fast sip. Nobody to play with. Sounds familiar, Natasha? Oh well, I could go to the Rat's Nest, or I could go to the lake. She swirled the beer. Enough of these and maybe I'll jump off the bridge again. A hand touched her silken back with familiarity. A soft, tenor's voice in her ear. "Doctor, doctor, I got me the worst kind of pain." She swung in the chair, her voice was soft, but she knew he could hear her. "Marcus!" Her friend was twenty-five, tall and lithely muscled. His face was oval, severely so, with graceful sculpted cheekbones and jaw balanced with a very high forehead and shoulder length mohangany hair. His almond-shaped dark eyes sparkled with delight, and his sensual mouth was in a soft smile. He reached out with a long, graceful hand and brushed her bangs around his smile growing larger. "Not a trace left." She pushed his arm away, "No thanks to you. It took a week for that bruise to go away. They were laughing at me all over the office. And I told them I did it just getting clumsy into my car." He took a sip of her Corona. "Imagine if you told them the truth. Come on, they've got to have at least a little sense of humor." She gave him a light slap on the stomach and took her beer back. "Oh yeah, I can see it now. How you get the giant bruise on your forehead Nat? Oh, nothing much, I just got knocked unconscious playing Midnight Death Frisbee. Nick and Schanke would have a field day with that one. I'll stick with the car story." He ruffled her hair affectionately. She liked it. "You're such a good sport. And you were doing great until you got hit." She drank more of the beer. "No gigs for you tonight." He leaned back against the bar, the full length leather coat falling open. His silk shirt and dark trousers draped over him in a way too affectionate for Natalie's troubled psyche. "Nope. I spent an afternoon teaching a group of 13 year olds how to accept Bruce Lee as one of their personal saviors and how not to hurt themselves with practice kicks. And then I did two hours of practice for my next belt trial. So, I've been a good boy. No dance class at the moment, so I thought I'd go out and see who's out and about. And here you are." He touched her shoulder as she shifted to face him. "Here I am. Nobody else is around. I'm glad to see you, Marcus." "Even though the last time you saw me I knocked you out." "Even though." His hand moved down to her hip, lightly, delicately. His eyes lit up and the smile was joyful on his face. "Dance with me?" She draped her coat over her chair, took his hand and followed. The kisses fell into each other, Nick couldn't tell when one stopped and another started. The sweet caress of her tongue, light against the gum, brushing a fang, then dancing with his own. I need this, I need her... Don't let go, please, I'm falling in... Marcus danced as if his bones were made of water. His muscles moved with effortless grace; years of dance and martial arts had rewarded him. His mahagony hair turned red and black in the shifting lights. His hands were strong and sure around her. His eyes shone with the pleasure of holding her. She felt her self-consciousness glide away and they drifted together in perfect time, in perfect rhythm. She was still amazed by it. Even that first night of the dance class she'd taken, they'd seem to flow together. She answered an ad in the paper; Dance classes, evenings only, experienced teacher traditional and modern call 871-1663. She'd ending up missing some of the classes due to work, and had ended up getting together with Marcus later. They'd hit it off and become friends. He'd shown her a lot of the underground music scene and she'd taught him proper first aid. They had fun together, she basked in Marcus' good nature and high spirits. She could relax and be silly, and go to Jackie Chan movies and get talked into things like Midnight Death Frisbee or the infamous Midnight Babushka Mojo Golf. Even when he'd asked her out for real... She'd tried, she really had, Marcus had been funny, romantic and sexy... It had almost happened...would've happened, she could have fallen head over feet... If it hadn't been.. If it hadn't been for Nick, tell the truth, Natalie, if it hadn't been for Nick. She had told the truth, that she was in love with somebody, and until she had come to terms with it, she couldn't start a relationship with someone else. It wouldn't be right, she couldn't ask someone to be with her with that kind of shadow over them. Marcus had understood perfectly, and stepped aside with admirable grace. He said he still wanted to still be her friend, and meant it, then proved it. After a while, he got involved with a singer friend of their buddy Mags, then that fell apart. He immersed himself with Kung Fu, for the first and then second black belt. He wrote song after song, finally selling some to local bands. Worked on perfecting his jive dancing, which gave him another reason to call her. He had no girlfriend, preferring to hang out with their friend Mags or with Natalie if he wanted female companionship. The divide had never grown uncomfortable. She'd met him so long ago... No, not really, but Richard had still been alive... and everything before Richard died seemed so long ago. Tasha, take care of your brother! Sorta blew that one... She put her head against Marcus shoulder, and blocked it out. In this dream of life and death I know so much I will forget I know your body and your breath I know your rhythm and your touch I want you here I want so much I fear too much The cape slipped from Janette's shoulders and pooled at her feet. Nick supported her head with his hands and ran his lips over her throat, her jaw, slipped down to the upper curves of her splendid breasts. She smiled in pleasure, her eyes closing. He drew her close, slipping his hands over her back, roaming over her hips. Her cool hands opened his shirt, hungry across his chest, lightly scratching his nipples. He moaned softly and kissed her dark hair. He dropped to his knees before her, wrapping his arms around her, hugging her. Her hands touched his hair. He slipped one hand under her skirt, the feel of her stocking then her thigh burning into him. She gasped softly, her thighs parting. He kissed her belly, chewing on the suede as his hand touched her intimately, quietly parting her labia. She was so beautiful to touch. Time, time is stopping. Two beers, three dances and much laughter made Natalie sparkle. The honest, raw longing in Marcus' face was intoxicating. Desire was spiraling inside, flowing around and beyond the space inside that Nick was carved on, past it, taking on force. Natalie never chose a substitute for Nick, she was too proud to pretend. Marcus made her feel wanted, beautiful... and what? Worthy of desire? This wasn't fair. Why did Marcus have to have this effect on her? Why did he have to have a crush on her? Why did he have to be so funny, so smart, so young, so sexy? Why was he here when she didn't want to be alone? She flowed closer to him, their hips touched, her breasts pressed against him. Her lips found his... sweet, so sweet. Why'd you break up with Rachel, Marcus? Remember when you told me about this guy you've fallen for? The one you have to figure it all out before you can get honestly involved with anyone else? Yes, I remember... It's the same kind of thing. It wasn't fair to Rachel. Marcus, I'm sorry. Please... No, no, don't. It's alright, Nat. I can handle this. Can you, Marcus? If you can, I can. She didn't want to hurt him. But the glory of his kiss was indescribable. I want this, I want it so much... Take me while you can I can see you standing at the smoky entrance Giving up your good intentions Leave the shadows dancing Dancing on their own Let the moment free you now And leave it all behind you I'll know where you've gone Let the world go on Janette slipped down before him, her mouth crushing his. Nick's hand never left her, his thumb rubbing her clitoris as his fingers entered her. She opened for him, wet and hungry. Her tongue ravished his mouth. His other hand supported her buttocks, to keep her balance. His self-control was fraying. One of her hands moved down, squeezing his erection through his trousers, his entire body jolted with the contact. The smell of blood and arousal was everywhere, overwhelming. "I want you, Nicholas, I want all of you." "Take me..." take me over... They danced out into the parking lot, then Marcus spun her and lifted her onto the trunk of a car. The feel of his fingers on the back of her thighs sparked in her mind. Natalie touched his face, brushing his forehead, touching his narrow nose, then cupping his face. His lips and eyes smiled softly at her, and she made a decision deep within. She kissed him with warmth, with longing, with need. She loved the taste of his mouth, its warmth. He leaned forward into the kiss. She felt a fluttering in her stomach and her nipples hardened. He sucked gently on her tongue, then lazily let his own drift back. They parted reluctantly. She lowered her hands from his face. "Did you drive here?" He asked. "Nope, I walked over. If I have too much to drink, I just fall over it rather than run into it." She smiled, and balanced her arms on his shoulders. She waited for his next question, anticipating, with nervousness and desire. "Why don't I walk you home?" They both knew what was being asked. "Why don't you?" She whispered. Her mouth closed over his. He laid back on the grass, crushing her cape under him. She reached for his belt, quickly opening his trousers, freeing his cock. She stroked him urgently, he gasped out her name. She closed her mouth over him, her fangs teasing the underside of the shaft, her tongue lashing the tip. He tore at the grass with both hands. They walked in circles, pausing to embrace against fences, against trees, against the sides of buildings. Other couples passed them, some also embracing, some not; they all drifted past and were swallowed by the shadows. Nat thought she saw the fair-haired man again, but he moved away so quickly she couldn't tell if she knew him or not. Marcus kissed her again, then it didn't matter. She loved the walk, loved the way his penis hardened more and more every time he pressed against her. She took his hand and guided it to her breast. His touch was warm and sweet, she wanted to purr. She feasted on his mouth. Countless frustrated nights seemed far away now, her body was wide awake. Wake me with your dark embrace And make me open in your arms I want to lose myself within Leave the person I have been Let me enter Janette was too excited to torment him for very long. He loved her arousal, her hunger, it never failed to excite him. She slid over him, pressing against him, the feel of her clitoris against the head of cock was exquisite and unbearable. He dug his fingers into her thighs, the suede soft under his palms. She smiled as she guided him in. He closed his eyes, feeling all of her. Good, so good... the way it has always been... He was losing himself in her. Yes. She rocked back and forth on him, starting slowly, then building. "Nicholas" she breathed. "Oh, Nicholas" Marcus pushed the front door shut with his back, and locked it with one hand. Natalie dropped her keys and leaned into him pulling up his shirt until she felt skin. Their lips sought each other again. He pushed her coat off, because of the wallet it made a thud when it fell. He slipped a hand between her legs and pressed down. The touch was scorching, her breath caught and her knees went weak. God, she wanted him. But... He drew back a little, his eyes searching her face. He could sense her conflict, perhaps see it her eyes. He waited. "I don't want to use you." she whispered. He lifted a hand to her face, his eyes gentleness and desire. "Use me." One kiss, and she gave herself over. He supported her back and she stretched her arms behind and then she was on the floor. He slid a camisole strap off her shoulder, freeing her breast, lips closed over her nipple, tongue rasping over it. Her hand slid through his soft, long hair. Her breath quickened as he unbuttoned her jeans. His hand found its way inside, fingers moving under the elastic of her underpants. Control was lost now, he held her hips with both hands and thrust into her in a frenzy. He turned his head to the side, silently begging. Now, do it now! She leaned forward, and sank her fangs in. The yielding of flesh, the release of blood, this was...was... His hands tightened, if she had been mortal he'd have bruised her. She growled with pleasure, drinking deep, riding him fast, relentless. With a cry, he gave himself up, let go. The skirt of his leather coat felt heavy on her legs. The touch of his fingers on her lower fur was teasing, electric. The first brush against her clitoris caused her to gasp, he lightly rubbed her labia. She was so wet, she was soaking him. He rose slightly, smiled sweetly, and kissed her harder than ever. His touch became urgent, his thighs were trembling. She rose herself on her elbows, shifting her angle, increasing the pressure. His fingers thrust inside, finding her welcome. The heel of his hand massaged her, it was so intense it was almost more than she could bear. His mouth, his tongue hungry against her neck. He ran his teeth against her throat, and lightly nipped her. She came. It was sharp, sudden, uncontrollable, unstoppable. Her head dropped back, her entire body shook. She gasped in sobs, it was so intense it was nearly painful. Her thighs closed tight around that beautiful, tormenting hand. Nat opened her eyes and Marcus was looking at her with awe, with the expression of having seen something wondrous. She rose herself to him, and kissed him as if she would swallow him whole. Janette pulled away from him, his blood dark on her mouth. "My chevalier, my brave crusader." She smiled, delighting in the power she had over him, excited by his surrender; he could see it in her face. Your turn now, love... His arms slid up from her hips to her back and drew her close. Nick loosened her dress. He nuzzled her large, friendly breasts; teasing with his tongue and teeth. Now that she no longer had to hold him inside her, she moved her thighs back so she could rest more comfortably on him. Her hand ran through his hair and moaned. He bit lightly at her nipples, a few drops of blood flowed into his mouth. You're just as helpless to it as I am. Yes, love, yes... Finally, she couldn't take any more. She seized his head with both hands and pulled him away from her chest. She guided him to her throat, whimpering. This is what she needed, what she had to have. He bit deep, and felt her shudder. With her help Marcus managed to get her jeans off, her underpants getting lost inside. She kicked off her shoes. He pulled his coat off and started to unbutton his shirt. Natalie didn't want to wait. With a fierce kiss her hands went to his belt. His head dropped back as she stroked him, his cock felt heavy and hot in her hands. One of his hands clumsily dug into a coat pocket, some condoms and a small tube of lubricant fell from his fingers. His breath came fast. He looked so sexy she had to kiss him again. His brow knitted, and he said softly. "Feel what you've done to me? I don't know how long I can last." "Shh, let me." Nat took the lube from under his fingers. After putting a little into the palm of her hand she stroked him again. Once he was covered with it, she opened the condom and rolled it on. The moisture of the lubricant caused the condom to cling to his penis like a second layer of skin. She continued touching him, enjoying the change in texture, liking how he jumped under her hands. She smiled, she kissed him and let him push her back down. She opened her legs and he drew over her, pushing her camisole up and baring her breasts. She raised her hips as he guided himself in. She gasped with the pleasure of penetration. He moaned out her name, thrusting eagerly; one hand reaching under them to cup her backside, giving support. Their position and the hardness of the floor didn't lend itself well for deep penetration, but it felt too good to stop. Natalie laid her hands on his hips gently, gently guiding as he thrust until he pressed against that soft place inside her. Oh yes, there now, yes..."Marcus, oh God, Marcus." The taste of him, the silk friction against her nipples, the feel of his trousers against her calf, the incredible feel of him inside her... Sensations washed over her in a flood, she was drowning, she was falling. She clung to him, burying his face into her hair. "Beautiful, you're so beautiful." he rasped out. His breath caught, his arm tightened around her as he fell, too. He held her close, kissing her gently, the taste of her blood a perfection in his mouth. He didn't want to move, didn't want to think, didn't want to breath. He could hear a voice in the back in the back of his mind. Don't want to wake the conscience, Nicholas? "I must go." She pulled away, slowly, reluctantly. With an unhappy sound, he tried to pull her back. She kissed him and smiled. "Now, now, cher, I have to put the children to bed. And you may wish to explain our condition to the Park Patrol, but I do not. " She kissed him tenderly. "Come to the Raven and spend the day if you wish." She rose, and he followed. They fastened their clothes, he shook out her cape and fastened it around her with a flourish. One kiss more, one touch, and she was gone. When she was with him, he could almost forget. His doubts, his conflicts, his guilts... he could almost lose himself in their existance... be what they were... Almost. But not completely. And that was the void between them. He could never become mortal without rejecting her, he could not lose himself in the vampire without hating himself, without it poisoning his love for her. He should let her go, get away from her, bury all down, drive her away... He couldn't. Perhaps he didn't love her the way he once had, but she understood him in a way no one else did. And to resist her touch was like attempting to stop the tide coming in. He sighed, the isolation pressing down on him. No-one can truely understand, is that so, Nicholas? My, the clarion call of the self-piting. How complex you insist on making a bout of sexual exess, simply enjoying passion just wouldn't be enough for you. No, why not analyze it, too. Suddenly, sharply, he longed for Natalie. Her calm, her warmth, could soothe him. She could remind him... remind him of what he wanted... Just to hear her heartbeat... just to be near... She'd never know he was there. He took to the air. End of Chapter One. Song Credits are to October Project one of the Most Wonderful Bands in the Universe. E-mail me for information about them. Midnight Death Frisbee and Midnight Babooshka Mojo Golf are play'd by certain adventurous Rakes known to the Authoress. Anyone wishing rules, regular, tournament, and rain: just write to me. Okay, my program won't let paste twice. try again. kate From kkeene@neosoft.com Thu Dec 19 09:10:00 1996 Return-Path: kkeene@neosoft.com Received: from mailbox.neosoft.com (mailbox.neosoft.com [206.109.1.16]) by jbxl1.jbx.com (8.6.12/8.6.9) with ESMTP id JAA28061 for ; Thu, 19 Dec 1996 09:10:00 -0500 Received: from pandora-slip-port-06.neosoft.com (pandora-slip-port-06.neosoft.com [206.109.8.140]) by mailbox.neosoft.com (8.8.4/8.8.3) with SMTP id IAA09234 for ; Thu, 19 Dec 1996 08:08:20 -0600 (CST) Date: Thu, 19 Dec 1996 08:08:20 -0600 (CST) Message-Id: <199612191408.IAA09234@mailbox.neosoft.com> X-Sender: kkeene@popmail.neosoft.com X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Version 1.4.4 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" To: gila@jbx.com From: kkeene@neosoft.com (Katherine N. Keene) Subject: NEW JADFE Status: RO USERS Chapter 2. For the benifit of Several Readers Mistress Keene's Much Admir'd Romantick tale USERS. A Story of Much Drama and Pathos told in Three Exciting Chapters!! This work of Much Reknown is not to Worry, Annoy, Upset or Give Fits of Vapours to Mr. Parriot, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Slan, Mr. Borchiver, Mr. Siegel; Their Families, Their Servants, or their Domistick Animals. It is the Hope of the Authoress that Mistress Disher shan't be alarm'd or offen'd at the Passionate Potrayal of her Character, as I am Sure she is a Lady of Virtue. Tho' I am certain that Many Rakes of the Area would Fight for the Chance to be Grac'd with Her Favors. I am Convinc'd that Mr. Wyn-Davies is a Gentleman of Fine Name and Family and Doesn't Lurk Outside the Bedroom Windows of Ladies. Tho' I have seen Him Race Upstairs with Cartoon Hearts Leapt from His Bosom! For Readers of Delicate Sensibilities, Persons use Impolite Language, Engage in Erotick Passions, and Alarm the Senses! Partners in this Dance of Passion are Natalie and Marcus, with Nick engaging in the Solitary Vice. And so, without Furthur Ado. Chapter One. If the Gentle Reader hasn't Read Chapter One, do not dispair! Nick after the Incident with the Disorder'd Psychiatrist, Chose to Slake his Passions with the Beautious Janette. It was His Logick that Only She Could Satisfy his Need, as the Hunger of the VAMPIRE had been Rous'd. Natalie feeling Lonely and Neglect'd went out for an evening to have fun. At a local club, she ran into Marcus, a young Gentleman of Her Aquaintance who has shown to be Quite Fond of the Dear Doctor. After Dancing, Laughter and oth'r Amusements they became Amourous Together and Retire'd to the Lady's Home. In her Front Hall, they Consummat'd their Passion! After His Dalliance with the Beautious Janette, Nick has become struck With Terrible Remorse. To help bolster his Flagging Resolve, he wished to Seek the Comfort of His Dear Friend Natalie. As it is Now our Tale Continues USERS Chapter 2 by Kate Keene Nick flew, the night air cold and sharp on his face. He wondered if Natalie would still be awake... or if the sound of her heart would be slow and steady; only changing when she dreamed. Did she dream of him? Did she long for him to hold her, kiss her, take her body... Take her blood... NO. He couldn't think that... not about Natalie... The soothing warmth of her touch, the kind light in her eyes when they were together. These things that he held on to... We have needs, Nicholas, just as mortals do... The smell of her, the sounds she might make, the taste... No, not her. Never her. Natalie pushed Marcus against the door frame of her bedroom, kissing him deeply. He pulled the silk camisole off, over her head and tossed it to the side. He ran a finger down a breast, lightly circling a nipple. "You're sure you want me to stay?" He asked, his voice soft. "Oh, yes." The pang of regret was exorcised by the magic of his touch. The joy of being wanted, the escape from her lonely frustration was heady. "I don't think I'm through with you just yet." She kissed him again, feeling shy and wanton at the same time. His face lit up, delighted as a child at Christmas. "Great, do I get my own food dish; or do I share Sydney's?" She laughed. "I don't know. How agreeable of a pet are you?" "Very." Marcus leaned forward and licked her earlobe. "I'm clean. I only bark at strangers. I'm easy to brush and I don't mind getting my nails trimmed. I've had all my shots." His eyes met hers, significantly." I've had all my tests." She nodded. "Regularly? Me, too." she smiled. "You'd made a good boyscout." "Nah." he nibbled at her ear. "All the boyscouts ever taught the guys I know was how to smoke dope and shoplift." Laughing, she pulled away from him. Walking with deliberate slowness, she went to the bed and pulled the comforter back. Laying down, she moved into a graceful curl. "I only have one question." He leaned against the frame, smiling fondly. "What's that?" "Why are you still dressed?" Marcus moved closer, opening his shirt. "Let's do something about that." Nick landed on the ledge without sound. The trees to the side would mask him from view, he knew. He had been here many times, wanting to be close... Wanting...her... She's my friend. And a good and dear one, Nicholas. So sweet, so loyal, so... forgiving of your Occasional lapses. So beautiful when she smiles... and you wonder... wonder what it would be like... Listening to her heart... No! She's just my friend... I can't think of her like that... Not while I'm like this... to take her... She might like it... She might want you... No! She wouldn't! Do you even know, Nicholas, what she might want? It amazing she hasn't gotten nosebleeds from the pedestal you've placed her upon. She's only a mortal... Nick listened for Natalie's heart; trying to drown out the mocking voice in his head. With a mortal's needs... Her heart, strong and steady. A little fast, now. A mortal's desires... A second heartbeat, overlapping hers. What? She wasn't alone. At this hour? Who could be with her at this time of the night? He moved closer, listening. Was she in danger? Was she all right? A voice. A man's voice. Nick concentrated on it, moving closer to the window. "Natalie?" A young man's voice; sensual and shy all at once. "You're so beautiful when you come..." Nick almost fell off the ledge. The sweet sound of her laugh. "That's a new one." "No, no, I mean it. Your skin flushes with color and your face is so open... I can't describe it... It's wonderful. It's beautiful to me." Nick's fingers clung around the bricks. "Marcus... come closer." Her voice, soft and thick. Footsteps. Speeding heartbeats... the cutting of his breath as she kissed him... the sound of his hands roaming over her skin... Natalie's skin... Nick's fingers bruised the bricks. What is she doing! Oh, Nicholas, don't be so naive...She's entwined in the embrace of someone... Who is THAT! Who isn't you... The sharp intake of breath as the kisses ended, the sound of lips running across flesh... the whisper of a moan from her...his dear one... Jealousy, furnace hot radiated out from his wounded heart and threatened to choke him. How could she! How could she do this! How could she hurt me like this! Like how, Nicholas? My how sweet is the scent of hypocrisy combined with Janette's lingering perfume on your skin. That isn't the same! Are you so sure? Then why isn't Natalie allowed to know? Or is it because you never thought about your precious mortal angel having enough passion to measure against your dark love? Or because her lover can please her when you won't; and she'll cry out his name rather than yours... No...It isn't anything like that! The sound of the zipper being pulled was agonizingly loud. The soft rustle of trousers falling to the floor with a rattle of coins raised the hairs on the back of his neck. I don't want to hear this! Then, leave, Nicholas, just leave... Nick edged closer to the window, the soft light barely making a glow through the heavy drapes. if you can... "Natalie, Natalie...wait." the young man, what was it, Marcus? His voice was cheerful and soft. "It'll be a little while before I can be ready again...Lay back... let me play with you for a bit." Natalie chuckled. "Am I an instrument now?" "You make very nice sounds." The sound of HIM climbing over her. "But it's been a while since I was tuned." Marcus groaned and tickled her, exploding her into laughter. Nick was incredulous. How can he just admit THAT so matter-of-fact? It would seem that the young man has fewer inhibitions, than you, Sir Knight... Doesn't he take any of THIS seriously? Natalie gave a sharp gasp, then a low moan... Yes, I think he does... Nick closely examined the window. There was a small gap where the velvet panels buckled unevenly. If he pressed against the bricks, he could just peek in... No! I can't do this! Then, leave Nicholas, leave... and never know... Natalie moaned again and whispered, "Yes, oh yes..." Never see... The bricks were scratchy against his face, and he couldn't see the bed. Her sounds were muffled now, as if she were swallowing them. Perhaps she'd buried her face in the pillows... Shifting his head slightly, he could see the large mirror on Nat's vanity table. It reflected the bed. He could see her. She was glorious. Natalie...oh God, Natalie... She was on her back, her hair a chestnut cloud on the pillows behind her. She was biting her lower lip which was swollen from kissing, her eyes were closed, and her face was flushed. Her soft, full, wonderful breasts rose and fell with her rapid breathing, nipples dark from her lover's attentions. She was beautiful, primal, passionate... More than you ever let yourself dream of... The young man's hands were on her hips, holding her still. His long dark hair shone in the soft light as he bent his head between her thighs. Her legs were lazily drawn around his shoulders. The long, flat, lithe muscles of his back curved exquisitely into his buttocks and long legs. Son-of-a-bitch! Even his Feet have muscle tone! My, what an impressive specimen... At times like this, Nick Knight wished his inner voice would go get a job somewhere else. Marcus brought his hands down from her hips, bringing them into play. His tongue was connecting with something electric; Natalie drew in a slow, shuddering breath. Then she gave a sharp gasp; reached down and touched his hair. The way she gave herself to pleasure echoed in Nick's mind. If only... The muscles in his shoulder rippled as Marcus touched her. The sound of his whisper was painfully loud to Nick. "I love how responsive you are... You're so sensitive to the least little touch... It's exciting to make you wet..." Your mortal angel, whimpering with desire... Don't you wish it was with you? Nick's teeth ground together like tectonic plates. Don't you wish you could see better? Marcus shifted his position. Nick could see all of Natalie now, her soft, wet vulva swollen and beautiful with arousal. Marcus was penetrating her with two fingers, working them slowly as she cried out in joy. Marcus put two fingers of his other hand in his mouth, sucking them, getting them wet. He lowered his hand and looked up at her. "Do you mind if I touch you here?" he asked. She made a sound that was something between a moan and a squeak. It took a moment for her to answer. "God, no!! Oh, that's nice..." Oh, he's not!! Not there! Marcus massaged her anal opening with one moist finger, waking up the many nerve endings. His other hand still thrust into her. With a smile he lowered his mouth back to her clit. Natalie's shoulders arched, and she turned her head to let the pillow swallow her cries. She couldn't prevent the small shriek of pleasure as Marcus let the moist finger penetrate her anally. Her hips rocked in response and the muscles in her legs and feet tightened around her lover. Natalie's nipples were rock hard and her breasts flushed pink with color. Nick ached to touch them... to lower his mouth on them as she rocketed towards her climax... What the hell am I thinking! My, what an interesting development for our noble knight... "That's it, my lover, come for me; be open, give yourself to it..." Marcus increased the fucking of his hands and lashed his tongue hard across her clit. Natalie's moans were almost sobs. Her legs jerked wildly as she came, her back arched like a bow and her fingers tangled in Marcus' hair. She was so wild, so overcome, so everything! Her beauty and her passion were overwhelming. Nick's cock stirred, his jealousy only feeding the need. It would scorch you to touch her... fucking her would be like be inside someone with fever...it would take all yourself control not to come immediately, Nicholas... admit it... He looks so pleased with himself... the smug little bastard! It was unfair, but Nick didn't care. Marcus held Natalie, kissed her tenderly, until the tremors stopped. Nick waited to see what she would do. Natalie reached one hand down between the two of them and took hold of Marcus. Heat and ice rushed to Nick's groin. Marcus grinned. "Well, I guess we know how long a while is for me. You do have my undivided attention, by the way." Natalie gave him a long, lingering kiss; stroking him all the while. Nick became mesmerized by the movement of her hand. There was no hesitation in her gentle touch. Nick knew what her fingers felt like on his own skin... was she touching Marcus with the same firmness... did Marcus feel the same heat that Nick did... Wondered how it would feel on his own cock... I shouldn't be here... I shouldn't be watching... Are you saying you don't enjoy it? For all your ridiculous jealousy, you're hard all the same...Crusader... Dammit! The bastard's circumcised, too! Now, you're being irrational. Shut Up!! Marcus disengaged himself from Natalie's grasp with a kiss on her nose. "I left my stuff in the hall, let me go get..." "No, don't." Natalie rolled over and opened a drawer on her night stand. The light reflected off the blue foil packets as she dropped them on the bed. Digging for a moment, she pulled out a small plastic bottle; then closed the drawer. Fascinated, Nick watched her pour something from the bottle into her hand, then caress her lover again. Wetness reflected off Marcus' skin, looking inviting. Marcus leaned forward to reach for a condom, but Natalie pushed him back. He looked a bit bewildered. Nick was as puzzled as Marcus. Her eyes sparkled as she lifted the condom and tore it open. Turning it over with her fingers she put it in her mouth. What is she doing? Kneeling forward, she took a hold of Marcus and held him steady. She brought her lips to his cock, slightly parted as if she was going to kiss it. Oh my... Her lips tightly engulfed the head of Marcus' cock, slowly drawing it in. His head rocked back and a ecstatic gasp escaped him. She moved forward with a fast push, taking him in her mouth about halfway. She pulled back, and Nick saw she had been rolling the condom on with her mouth. Reaching up with her fingers she rolled the latex the rest of the way down. Nick's hardness began to ache as he watched Natalie continue to suck on Marcus' erection through the barrier. Wildly, he wondered what the pressure of her mouth felt like through the latex veil. Marcus held her head, his breathing fast and thick, and closed his eyes in rapture. Slowly, reluctantly, she released him. Reaching out, she pushed Marcus on his back and moved astride him. Picking up the bottle again, she poured more wetness into her hand and applied it to Marcus' cock. Then, she reached between her own legs, making herself open and ready. With a gentle smile she positioned herself, her soft chestnut hair falling over her shoulders and breasts. Oh, Sweet Jesu, Natalie...yes... Nick's own erection refused to be ignored. Self-consciously, he rubbed himself. The need, the ache was fed by jealousy and the beauty of the sight before him. His earlier orgasm was lost, forgotten... an age ago. So, beautiful...so exquisite... Look at it, Nicholas... everything you never let yourself dream about... You want her to take him... to see how she can make him feel...to see her flow on her pleasure like a river... Nick used one hand to support himself against the bricks. His other hand slid under the waistband of his trousers. With agonizing slowness, Natalie lowered herself on Marcus' cock. She took him in at an inch at a time, her eyes dancing with delight. Her self-control was astonishing. Marcus gasped out as she took him, clearly the most exquisite torture he'd ever suffered. His hands flexed on the bedclothes, but he didn't interfere. Nick's cock leapt under his fingertips and his fangs itched. She rode Marcus slowly, luxuriously taking him in deep. It was tender, poetic...Marcus' muscles relaxed under her rhythm rather than tightening with frustration. He didn't move to thrust back, just gently rocked under her motion. Beautiful... so beautiful... What if it were you... would you stay so placid, so self-contained in the first stirring notes of this Magnificat or would you rush on... Hungry and wild, bereft of holiness, but longing for the Gloria Patri to echo in chorus... Nick felt the blood sweat flush on his forehead. Unconsciously, the hand on his cock increased pressure in its ministrations. Marcus moved to segue the lovemaking to further intensity. He moved one hand between the two of them to carefully massage Natalie as she rode. She moved her hands from his chest to her calves, to give him easier access. Moving in time, Marcus started thrusting with her. Nick's mouth opened in a silent moan of desire. She was so beautiful it hurt to look at her. He knew she could feel all of Marcus inside of her, it was there in her face. Her eyes closed in bliss and her skin colored in excitement. A scar Nick never knew she had looked pale and vulnerable under her ribs. So much you never knew, Nicholas... When she shook with orgasm it took all of Nick's self-control not to burst into the room and catch her when she fell. Marcus sat up and cuddled her close. Drawing his legs and positioning them carefully, he moved in a gentle roll. Natalie was placed on her back with Marcus over her, having never broken contact. Nick's jaw dropped. How the HELL did he do that?! What a flexible young man... But, how the HELL did he DO that? Nick's jealousy flared hot at this new blow to his pride. The sight of Marcus' muscular body over Natalie's soft one only aroused him further. Watching her wrap her arms and legs around him, seeing the force of Marcus' thrusts excited him almost beyond reason. I can't look anymore... I'll put them in danger... I can't... The critical voice in his head gave no arguement. Nick closed his eyes and pressed his face to the bricks; stoking his cock hard and fast. He made no sound, their gasps and moans became his own. In his mind, it was HE who rose over Natalie riding her hard and fast. It was HIS back that was left to the mercy of her fingers. It was HIS thighs her legs were wrapped around. It was HIM buried in her velvet warmth. It was HE who called her name when he came... So, so close now. He could hear the sound of her, following Marcus to climax. He bit into his wrist, letting the blood fill his mouth. A rush of warmth and the scent of blood as he came. "Natalie..." he whispered. She burst into tears, and far closer than she could imagine, tears of blood fell in the dark. End of Chapter Two. The Magnificat refered to in the text is J.S.Bach's Magnificat in D-major a beautiful choral piece to Honor the Virgin. From kkeene@neosoft.com Thu Dec 19 09:12:52 1996 Return-Path: kkeene@neosoft.com Received: from mailbox.neosoft.com (mailbox.neosoft.com [206.109.1.16]) by jbxl1.jbx.com (8.6.12/8.6.9) with ESMTP id JAA28072 for ; Thu, 19 Dec 1996 09:12:52 -0500 Received: from pandora-slip-port-06.neosoft.com (pandora-slip-port-06.neosoft.com [206.109.8.140]) by mailbox.neosoft.com (8.8.4/8.8.3) with SMTP id IAA09618 for ; Thu, 19 Dec 1996 08:11:09 -0600 (CST) Date: Thu, 19 Dec 1996 08:11:09 -0600 (CST) Message-Id: <199612191411.IAA09618@mailbox.neosoft.com> X-Sender: kkeene@popmail.neosoft.com X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Version 1.4.4 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" To: gila@jbx.com From: kkeene@neosoft.com (Katherine N. Keene) Subject: NEW JADFE Status: RO USERS Chapter 3 This one looks a little different from 1 & 2 because it was done in a slightly different font. For the benefit of Several Readers Mistress Keene's Much Admir'd Romantick tale USERS. A Story of Much Drama and Pathos told in Three Exciting Chapters!! This word of Much Reknown and Respeckt'd by Dozens, is not intend'd to Worry, Annoy, Irritate, Give Fits of Vapours or Stomach Upsets to Mr. Parriot, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Slan, Mr.Borchiver, Mr. Siegel, Their Families, Their Servants, Their Tradesmen, Their Solicitors, or to Their Domestick Animals. It is the hope that Mr. Wyn-Davies will not be Alarm'd by the Nature of his Persona, or become fretful, or angry, or Angry enough to Call Out the Authoress or her Spouse for a duel in Which Mr. Mad Jack MacMad serves as his Second or We shall be forced to Recount the Tale of the Ghost Train Unpleasantness. For Readers of Delicate Sensibilities, Persons use Impolite Language, Fantasize about Erotick Passions, Engage in the Solitary Vice, Witness to Bloody Murder, and Play the Piano in a Melocolick fit. The Authoress has been requested to Raise the Rating of the Tale to one Chili Rellano with a zippy tomatillo sauce. And so, without Furthur Ado. Chapter One. If the gentle Reader hasn't Read Chapter One, do not Despair! Nick, after the Incident with the Disorder'd Psychiatrist, Chose to Slake his Passions with the Beautious Janette. It was His Logick that Only She Could Satisfy his Need, As the Hunger of the VAMPIRE had been Rous'd! Natalie, Alone and in a Melancolick Humour, sought out an evenings Amusements. While calling at a local Club, she met Marcus, a Young Gentleman of Good Name, who is Very Fond of the Doctor. After Dancing, Drinking, Lively Conversations they became Amourous. They Retired to the Lady's Home and Consummat'd their Passion! After his Dalliance with the Beautious Janette, Nick becomes struck with Terrible Remorse for his Lapse in Decoroum! To Help Bolster His resolve in his Quest to Regain the Honour of Mortality He leaves to Seek out his Dear Friend, Natalie. Chapter Two. If the Gentle Reader Hasn't Read Chapter Two, You may Find Nick's Behaviours Perplexing. Do Not Be Annoy'd, Read this small synopsis first. After Landing on the Fair Natalie's Window ledge, Nick Discovers that Natalie is NOT ALONE! Agast, Nick eavesdrops outside her Bed Chamber window to determine the Nature of the Young Man's Presence. Upon the Realization that the Gentleman is an Ardent Lover; Nick finds that his Feelings for Natalie are far from being that of Mere Friends. Arous'd by Passion and Jealousy, Nick is unable to pull himself away from the Window and Witnesses the Erotick Play Within. At the sight of his Belove'd Joy on the Alter of Venus' Delights He can stand it No Longer and Indulges in the Solitary Vice. As it now that our Tale Continues USERS Chapter Three by Kate Keene Nick fell on his knees on the floor of his loft, the sound of the slamming door echoing. He had barely made it home before the light. Frustration, anger, jealousy... Emotions washed wave after wave over him. He knew much of his reaction was unreasonable, disproportionate, but he couldn't stop himself. After all, Nicholas, she is a beautiful young woman. It would be foolish to expect that no-one else would show interest in her... Hearing her tears through the wall and being unable to go to her hurt him more than he had ever dreamed possible. The humiliation of standing out in the cold wind, the remains of his desire on his hands, and listening to that MAN comfort her...HIS Natalie...cut deep, very deep. He still couldn't make himself leave, though. He seemed beyond pride... or so he thought. Until he overheard Marcus comforting her. "Shh... it's all right, it's all right." the sound of HIM kissing her. "You don't have to love me... you don't... I do understand, Natalie, I do." "I'm sorry, Marcus, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't do this to you." She had whispered. "No, no, don't." Another kiss, achingly loud. "You're my Maud Gonne, you know. You have given me more than you'll ever know. You don't have to love me, all you have to do is forgive me for loving you." "Food for poems..." she whispered softly. "And songs, and prose and art, and joy, and friendship. Dear, dear one." It was like a slap in the face, more than his ego could stand. He tore himself away from the window, not caring if they heard him. He had flown incoherent with anger and wounded pride until the faint glow of dawn had driven him home. He knelt on the rug. The shutters shut automatically with a hollow sound, leaving him in darkness. In his emptiness and impotent fury the dark didn't soothe. His Maud Gonne! As if he could know! Comparing himself to Yeats! His love to theirs! As if he could know! I saw it! Calling her his Muse, his well of inspiration. It was heady, romantic, entirely worthy of her... and completely unforgivable. As if he could ever need her the way... A cold realization swept over him. The way I do... He lowered his forehead to the floor. He can never love her the way I do... He rolled onto his side. I love her...Jesu, I love her... He covered his face with his hands. Why wasn't it me? The pain was ugly and ferocious. Because of what I am... He could still smell the remains of his spent lust on his hands. Because of me... He wept. He didn't know how long he lay there. Finally, he dragged himself to his feet and went upstairs. Shedding his clothes, he got in the shower. Exhausted, he slumped in the corner and let the water run over him. You've danced this dance before. Has it ever ended in anything but tragedy? It hasn't been quite like this before... You mean no other woman has risked so much for your sake before... No, it's more than that... And been given such short shrift for her pains... Finally, he pushed himself up and began scrubbing furiously. As if he could scrub away the truth about himself. As if he could rip away the shame he felt. Every time he closed his eyes he could see them again. She had been so beautiful. Had there been a time when he hadn't wanted her? No. No matter who else had been; Alise, Janette, Anne, Emily, all the others... he had still wanted her, still returned to her side. Had still been jealous of whoever she went out with, whoever saw her in the daylight. Almost from the moment that they had first met. What was it that Marcus had said, You don't have to love me... She doesn't love him... Does it matter? Yes, if she loves me, yes... Will it make you mortal? We could be together then... He closed his eyes and saw her again, astride Marcus, working toward climax. She had been magnificent, passionate...more than he could ever have longed for. What would she be like with him? Would she be as wild, as unbound? Or would she be shy, kind, guiding him gently into the light. In the light... Make love to her in the sunlight... On the rug downstairs, while light pours through all the windows. Her hair would glow in the light... he remembered the time he'd seen her in the sun, when the drug had gone wrong. Her skin had been warm with color and her sapphire eyes had danced. He would see her like that again. He had too... He'd move slowly, savor every second. He'd undress her with care, slipping each garment off to pool on the floor beside her. Cover her skin with kisses, trace his tongue over her shoulders, her neck, her breasts as she stands naked and golden. She would be a Venus of Light, he a pale acolyte. She could kiss him and he would taste of food, of wine, of arousal, without the hint of blood. He would be warm to her touch. He could stroke her hair and back and there would be no involuntary shiver from the chill of his hand. She would move into his caress, sighing with pleasure, reaching to remove his clothes. The warmth of her breath on his skin. The heat of her tongue as it lashes across his hard nipples. Would she reach down and take him or tease him, tickling the hair on his belly? You'd want her to tease you...tell the truth now... Yes, Nick had to admit it. He'd want her to tease him... trace her fingertips lightly across his belly, tickle his flanks, rub his thighs, brush past his pubic hair, make him wait... give him time to grow harder... suck his nipples, nip at them, her breath would be hot and sweet...The sun would be warm on his back. The feel of her skin under his hands, the soft weight of her breasts. It would be sweet, so sweet to him. He would lay her on the rug, slip a pillow under her hips. Suck and tease her nipples without fearing for her safety. To smell her, to taste her, without the need to feed, to destroy. Opening her legs and laying his mouth on her... Tasting her tangy wildness, breathing in her musk until she thrashes with orgasm and is liquid with longing. To have her touch him as he rises over her. Stroking his aching cock, moving his foreskin, making him ready... ready to bury himself in her. He would want to sink into her slowly, teasing her as she did him, take her an inch at time...her velvet soft vagina tight and welcome around him... pushing his self control to the edge... Thrusting into her... gently at first, then wildly... her fingers digging into his back, her legs tight around his thighs...hearing her cry out his name as she comes...kissing her hard when he comes, tight on her mouth with bruising force... holding her afterwards...telling her...I love you, all for you, only you. He opened his eyes, alone. The shower was cold now. Fresh come and blood spattered his thighs. He rinsed it off with hands that shook. He'd been so lost in the fantasy he couldn't remember touching himself. Subdued, he went to bed. It was night and he was hungry. He was back in the park, close to where he'd met Janette. He looked around...had she called him back? Changed her mind, perhaps? Yet, it was different... the sky darker, the wind stronger, the chill off the water sinking deep into his skin. She wasn't there. There was only him, and the dark. Something was very wrong. "Good evening, Nicholas." "LaCroix." Nick swung around. For a moment, Nick felt relief at the sight of a familiar face. "Where's Janette?" "At the Raven, I should think. She isn't here. I've been expecting you." LaCroix shimmered in the darkness. A malevolent shade. "You called me here?" Nick was immediately apprehensive. "Why?" "I want to show you something." LaCroix swung around and started walking. He didn't look back to see if Nick was following. Nick stared after the elder vampire, distrust and curiosity wrestling within. Slowly, cautiously, he followed. "A young girl came to the water's edge tonight. An interesting specimen. She's covered with self-inflicted cuts... some kind of middle class tragedy I should think... and sat reading poetry with a flashlight. She wept." LaCroix beautiful voice slid through the darkness. "One of us is watching her... very patiently." "One of us? No! Why haven't you stopped it!" Nick seized Lucien by the arm. "Stop what, Nicholas? There's nothing to stop...yet. That's why I was waiting for you." LaCroix extradited his arm with barely a movement. "I've brought you a gift, Nicholas. Something that you've wanted for a very long time." LaCroix gracefully pointed to the water's edge. The girl was young, a teenager, with dyed black hair and a pale, lost face. Dark smudges of eye makeup hid her eyes, shuttered windows for a lost soul. A torn CERK t-shirt clung to her thin frame, insufficient against the waters chill. Scars from a hundred self inflicted cuts shone pale on her arms. A book of Sylvia Plath's poems lay open in her lap, a resting place for the flashlight. The light caught a razor blade clutched in fingertips decorated with chipped black nail varnish. It hung, suspended, over one skinny wrist. One shallow cut was already weeping blood. The smell of blood, death, and despair was thick in the air. Nick took a step towards her, and LaCroix's hands held him back. "Wait." The elder vampire whispered. Then Nick remembered LaCroix's earlier words. 'One of us is watching her.' There was barely the sound of moving air as the female vampire moved out of the shadows. A strangled cry of recognition escaped Nick. "Natalie..." Where as Nick had always seen her before radiating with warmth and light, she now seemed colored with a thousand shades of darkness. Her beauty had not been lost with her transformation, only become more tactile, more sensual...more hungry. Natalie walked up to the girl slowly, as if the child were a wild animal she was afraid of frightening away. Tears ran from the girl's eyes and the blade slipped from her fingers as Natalie reached out and touched her face. "You're so alive, "Natalie whispered. "No...no...I'm not...the pain..." the girl whimpered. "So alive..." Natalie reached down and kissed the girl on the mouth, claiming her lips with sensual grace. The girl kissed Natalie back, fingers digging into the vampire's shoulders with fierce desperation. A drop of blood rolled down the girl's cut arm and fell between Natalie's breasts. Bright red flowed across ivory and Natalie's skin drank it in. Natalie struck the girl with enough force to tear into her throat and pop her neck. The sad child died instantly. Natalie's lips closed over the wound and she drank deeply, feverently. "She's so beautiful when she kills. It's a joy to watch her. She seems drawn to the lost and the suffering, bringing the death that ends their pain. The way they look at her with such fear, and such longing. It's as if she is an angel as well as a devil to them. It makes it all new again." LaCroix's voice drifted back across the divide. "Haven't you missed it, Nicholas? The swift rush of life and death? The pure simplicity of our existence? She can bring it back to you... She can make you feel at home with us." Natalie lifted her face from the girl's neck, lips shining with red. She rocked the child tenderly in her arms, entranced, as if sending her to sleep. LaCroix was right. It was beautiful and unholy. The hunger rose in Nick with a rush of desire more intense than he'd ever felt. He took a step forward and all his struggling toward humanity fled. The girl slid gracefully through Natalie's arms like falling sand. Natalie gently folded the girl's arms over her chest and closed her eyes. She turned to Nick. Glowing eyes met glowing eyes. She was in his arms before he moved another step. Her mouth was on his; the girl's warm, fresh blood a fitting communion for this joining. With one kiss all the barriers inside him tore apart. He tore her dress violently, the velvet heavy in his hands. He licked the blood from between her breasts, hungry. Her hands laid open his shirt and scratched his chest. Leaning up, she nipped his earlobe. Entwined, they fell to the ground. He rolled on his back, pinning her to his chest. His kisses were bruising, tongue lashing in her mouth. Her fangs scratched his lips, she sucked greedily. Penetrating, and being penetrated... his cock deep inside her... her fangs buried deep in his throat....this is were he belonged... this is what he was... what she was meant to be... why they were brought together... LaCroix gathered up the dead girl's body and turned away. Nick woke up. He pulled himself to the edge of the bed and held his head in his hands. He was clammy with blood sweat. The nightmare was sharp, buried deep and refused to fade. All for the love of you... Darkness, light, would they give up both? Would he? All for the love of you... Natalie... Would I give it all up for you... The thought made him cold. At this moment, right here, right now...yes, yes I would...forever... forever... all for you... More sleep was impossible. Nick toweled himself off and put on his robe. Walking downstairs, he poured a glass and went to the piano. Aimlessly, he played the same series of notes over and over. After a moment, he recognized what he was playing. With a rueful smile, he let the rest of the notes follow out. Could you turn me down gently would I be out of order If I declared my true feelings or do I Act out the part, Of the father confessor of the shoulder to cry on. We're always so close yet so far away. He sung softly, irony not withstanding. What would you do if I got down On my knees to you Would you hold it against me Would you stand me in line What would you do if I Opened my heart to you Would I just be another who's wasting his time Darling, are we just good friends? LaCroix was right about one thing, there is a song for all occasions. She might not love him, after all. She might have set that possibility aside long ago... It wasn't as if there was a future with him. And if she does love you? I should let her go... How noble of you... unless... Unless what? Unless it's too late... No. Can you face being alone once more? He should leave, disappear, give her a chance to have a life. She could marry, have children, rise in her profession without the fear of someone finding out about altered files, secrets, all she had done for him. Let her go... Yes... Like Janette? I've been here before haven't I... Once or twice... There's a song about that too... There's a song for everything... Could I...could I do it... The keys under his fingers were a comfort. They sang randomly, until the melody was found... So here I am once more In the playground of the broken hearts One more experience, one more entry In a diary of pain... Yet another emotional suicide overdosed on sentiment and pride... Too late to say I love you Too late to restage the play Abandoning the relics of my playground of yesterday... Stay, say nothing... go on being friends... bury his jealousy... rejoice in her happiness... give her up... let this young man win her heart... Let her live without him. She would make a lovely bride... yes... He had thought of painting her that way, dressed in white, covered in lace. Natalie as a bride. Her wedding day... Her chestnut hair would escape from under the veil. Pearls...no, pearls were unlucky for a bride. What was it? You'll shed a tear for every pearl you wear on your wedding day? Perhaps, she would even wear a cross. Be married in a church. Men in morning coats, flowers everywhere. Pennies tossed in a fountain, to wish the couple a happy life. A garter of satin and lace crocheted by a grandmother, to kept forever by a lucky groomsman pressed in a book. Bouquet tossed in the wind, caught and magic passed on. To leave with her beloved, as he stands in the shadows. Watch her go... And I will hold my peace forever As you wear your bridal gown And the silence of my shame The mute that sang the silent song Has gone solo in the game Has gone solo, solo in the game Can you still say you love me? This jesters tears... With an angry bang, he slammed the lid down. He couldn't do it. He couldn't let her go. Not without her knowing. It was the most selfish choice of his life. He knew that. He walked over to the couch and laid down. He'd didn't know what would happen. He didn't know if she would agree to even try. But... he couldn't lose it without it ever not having been said. I love you, Nat... At five in the morning, Marcus kissed a sleeping Natalie goodbye. He dressed happily, and without regrets. If this was all there was to be, it was beautiful and it was enough. He shut the door to her flat quietly behind him and danced gracefully over to the bus stop. Pulling a small notebook out of his pocket, Marcus wrote some random notes and checked to see what he had to do today. The first pink shadows of dawn were coming up. A fair-haired man in a dark coat and sunglasses bought a paper from the machine. The bus pulled up with a loud snort. Marcus dropped two tokens in the slot and smiled at the man with the paper. "Have a seat, this one's on me." "You're very kind," LaCroix said softly. fini The two songs were written by D.W. Dick; who sings under the name Fish. Just Good Friends- Fishy Music Ltd from the album Internal Exile Script for a Jester's Tear - by Marillion / Charisma Music Pub. Co. Album of same name W.B. Yeats Adoration for Maud Gonne, that most Facinating Woman, was Romantick tho' not entirly Healthy. He Believed that because she first saw the Writer she could only Be Disappointed in the Mere Man, so he could not seek her favours for Himself, but that she would be the greatest Muse of Inspiration to Him. The Poem the Girl was reading in the Nightmare Sequence is Sylvia Plath's "Medusa". Thank you for reading my little tale. I hope it has pleas'd and amus'd.