Ice Crush [Craven]

[Ookami]

(she has no idea that he is blind yet)

Nami pulled her car into the theatre slowly, the sound of crunching graval under its tires. The sun was just setting and dark was comming down heavily upon Lamdon. Poor Nami had always been terrified of the dark. The show didn't start for at least the next twenty minutes but she wasn't here for the show. She was here to see Craven. Of course he would follow her, she was out at night alone. She turned her interior light on and parked her car facing the big screen. She filddled through the radio stations until she found the one for the moive. Yes it was Jurassic Park, one of her favourites. She sat back in her seat and waited patiently for the movie to start or Craven to arrive. She had never really had a real conversation with him, he was so uptight.

She tempted her finger's on the dashboard and then pulled down her dash mirrior to look at herself. She wasn't that bad looking at all. She actually liked the way she looked, weather it was enough to provent a vampire from killing her she did not know.

[Amarante]

Craven was watching Nami, as usual. It was beginning to be his new hobby, it took so much of his time. Infact he was watching her so much, that he was beginning to think she knew.... Why else would she come to a movie twenty minutes early? No one else was around, so she probably wanted to talk to him. But about what? Could she be mad? Was she going to tell him to stop stalking her? As if her opinion mattered. He had to keep an eye on her so that she wouldn't tell his secret, and endanger the coven.

Craven sighed. That excuse was beginning to get a little old. At first thats why he had done it, but now.... He wasn't sure, but he just couldn't leave her alone. It had to be her smell. Yes, that fruity smell that couldn't be tainted by any other scent. Despite the soap and perfume she used. Which reminded him, she never used to wear such strong scents before.... Yup, she knew he was here. No doubt about it. Why else would she try to hide her scent other then to stop him from attacking her. Craven felt bad for making her worry that any moment he could appear and kill her. He knew he wouldn't do that. No chance of mistakes, not after spending so much time in her presence. Craven was practically immune to her mouthwatering smell.

Well, he supposed he should go see what she wanted. Even if she was mad at him. He was putting her through so much; he should be able to face such a simple fear. She was truly brave.

Quick as lightning he was next to the car. With a tap on the window, to summon her attention, he smiled.

[Ookami]

(she has no idea that he is blind yet)

Suddenly there was a light tapping noise on the car window. Nami jumped a little with surprise but found it was only Craven. It was about time. She reached over and unlocked the car door for him. Although if he really wanted in... he would. She looked at the stearing wheel and pondered for a moment. "Listen, I know you've been following me" she said bluntly. "I can't see you doing it but I feel your presense non the less" she turned to look at him. "Don't you have anything else to do, I surely cannot be that exciting, and besides wont your vampire friends start wondering?" she smiled faintly. Its not that she didnt want him to stop stalking her, actually she found it quite cute and entertaining.

She still had so many questions left to ask the unbearably handsom immortal. She didn't exactly know how to go abut answering all of them though. She really wanted to know if he hunted humans though, its not like she had anyone special in the world that would be killed anyways. Nami was a very curious human, then again if suddely a man followed you home, tried to kill you, admitted he was a vampire, and then stalked her around everywhere you'd be asking questions too. "Do you mind if I ask you some stuff?" her face began to fill with a soft pink.

[Amarante]

I smirked as she jumped in surprise, but it was a sad smirk. She was so fragile, and probably aware and worrying. I opened the door, not two seconds after she unlocked it, and slid into the cars passenger seat. She began talking while I was busy pondering how to start the conversation. After all I had just been caught stalking the poor girl, though "I'm Sorry" didn't seem to cut it. She was blunt and got right to the point. I wouldn't tell if she was mad or frustrated. Was she worried that I was peeping on her, because that was physically impossible with my loss of sight. Aside from that, and despite being a monster, I was still gentleman enough to know when and when not to lurk in the shadows of her life. Then she said it: Don't you have anything else to do, I surely cannot be that exciting, and besides wont your vampire friends start wondering? She was worrying about me not herself. What a pure creature she was. The monster in me wriggled like a worm being strung on a fisherman's hook; she got me right in the heart.

However, I couldn't say anything about that. The implication in her words hinted at something I didn't even know myself, despite decades of life and wisdom. So I let it slip between us. Until the last echo of it disappeared into the night.

Luckily she continued. She had questions. I knew some of them might not be pleasant, but I owed her. Answering them was an obligation I couldn't ignore. Plus she has been trustworthy. Not a whisper of my secret to anyone, even herself. I'm sure she thought of it privately, but she's never talked about it. "Go ahead," I said. "Ask anything you would like too. I will answer... and please don't worry about upsetting me."

[Ookami]

A giant grin of delight spread across Nami's face. He had told her it was okay and not to worry about upsetting him but she was the type of person who worried about this type of thing. Even more so becuase he was a vampire and could probably break her with his mind. "Okay first... On my list of carefully thought out questions" yes it was true she had planned a list ahead of time. "Okay I know this is probably to be expected, but I would really like to know if you hunt humans or animals..." her voice broke a little at the end. If he was a vegetarian then she would feel a little more... safe. But if he did hunt humans she would feel somewhat more attached, and special even though he might be hunting her.

Nami sat silent for a moment. She intened to give him time to answer the first question but she just wanted to get them all over with and he could do it all at once. She began to panic inwardly "oooh, what was the next question, ooh why can't I remember". "Secondly: How old are your really, I mean how long have you been a vampire, and in human years as well please" she smiled sweetly. Darling Nami had turned sixteen on Halloween and really did want to know if Craven's apperance age was close to hers. She blushed and her stomach turned. "Would you ever date a human" she blurted out. Her face turned red. "Umm Ummm... never mind, just forget I asked that, its not important" she lied. "Do you have any special powers? Like reading mind's or seeing the future?" as unrealistic as it sounded she had read multiple vampire books and really wanted to know the truth. "Okay second last, and almost more important." she paushed for a long moment, deciding if she really wanted to know. "How many other vampire's are there in Lambdon... and are there other unhuman creature's I should know about?" She looked him in the eyes and her stomach was starting to turn again, her face getting hot. "Lastly... do you like what I'm wearing?" She quickly turned to face the movie screen again, not wanting to see his reaction to such a question.

[Amarante]

She had a list! Well, I guess that wasn't a surprise. Me being a vampire and all. Despite all the worries she must have, many questions of curiosity should have been expected.

Her first question didn't surprise me. She seemed blunt by nature so of course she'd ask this first. And all the better that I could put her heart at ease. I was about to tell her that I didn't hunt humans, when she asked another question, and another. They all seemed to be pouring out of her. I wonder how long she's been holding this in... her curiosity. I let her get them all out without interruption. I didn't want to discourage her.

Finally when she was finished, and I knew because she turned away, blushing so sweetly, I took up on answering them. It was a good thing I was a vampire or else I wouldn't have remembered so many question.

"Firstly, I don't hunt humans. I am a vegetarian vampire, and only hunt animals. Though even though I don't want to hurt humans, its in my genetics, my every cell to hunt them. So sometimes I do slip up.... But I wont with you. Not again. Promise. As for age, I stopped aging at 17, and I've been a vampire for 96 years. Thats not really too long for my kind." These many years flashed before my eyes, being summoned and sending a nostalgic feeling into he atmosphere. Yes, so many years, yet such little accomplished. " For special powers, some vampires do have such things, but not me. Heidi, my coven member. She can see into peoples dreams. And a friend of mine knows when she is going to meet someone she knows. It comes in handy when you want to avoid someone."

The next question I wasn't sure if I was supposed to answer. It could be exposing too much maybe. But the damage was already done... so, "Surprisingly there are alot of vampires in Lamdon. And werewolves. Horrible creatures those are, let me tell you. If you meet a werewolf get out of there fast. If they don't shred you for the most idiotic reason, their stupidity will surely melt your brain.... OH!" I had almost forgotten. "I don't know what your wearing. You'd have to tell me if you want my opinion." I reached over and caressed her cheek just below her right eye. "I'm blind. Though my vampire senses let me get around just fine. And I can see blood. How it travels and the heat it gives off. So I know your here beside me. I guess that could count as a special talent. Maybe...."

This question I had saved for last because it was most important. Gently, I turned her head to face me. " No. I would never get involved with a human. I would never do to them what has been done to me. For I am a monster, a killer. Without a choice, it has been decided for me. At least thats what I thought... what I was sure I had decided upon. Then I met you... and now I'm not sure." I dropped my hand, and now it was my turn to stare blankly out the window. In the distance a hare was awakening from its den. I saw its red form pulsing quicker and quicker. "I am a monster," I said sadly, "with no restraint. Morals shouldn't exist for me if I'm going to throw them aside and let the evil win. Though I've always been one to fall for, no run to temptation."

[Ookami]

Nami's eyes widened with excitment. She really liked hearing Craven's voice. It was so soft and sweet. Truley only a vampire could posess a voice that could alone send you into a dream. She nodded and watched him talk dreamily. Nami was so glad to hear he hunted animals and not humans, not that it would put her at any less of a risk but at least it gave her somthing to think about. A creature going against its true purpose, against the grain. He must truely be strong willed. His age was seventeen, one year older. She didnt have any friends so it really didnt matter who she was seen with but someone her own age would make her apper less strange. Nintey six... wow he was young. Vampire were immortal, they never aged and lived forever and he had only been around for that long.

When he started talking about special powers Nami's heart began to flutter. He himself did not have any, but his coven mate did. Nami almost froze. That was a girl's name, usually vampire's were in coven's with their mates... did he have a mate. Then he mentioned his female friend. Could that be his mate? What if he loved one of them? Nami felt urdges of jealousy take over her. It was painfully uncommon and it made her stomach twist. She had totally forgot that he was talking and she wasnt hearing any powers. Vampires could have powers. And vampire's never left their mates. Nami began to feel like crying, was it possible that she had developed feeling's for her stalker? It couldnt be...

There were many vampires in Lamdon... and werewolves. Nami was not a fan of werewolves. Of course she found them interesting but they were mortal (I guess you could say immortal) enemies of vampires and that just wouldnt do. Nami nodded and agreed with Craven's small lecure-ish thing about werewolves. Yes she would avoid them. but how would she know if she was near one. She giggled faintly. "If I could tell them apart from people" she smiled.

Nami blinked blankey for a few moments. "You can't... see" she felt oddly guilty beyond belief now. This whole time she had no idea he could not see her. Of course he knew she was there, extra sensitive vampire senses and all. She didnt bother to question him the least, she still loved him the way he was. Wait a minute. She loved him? Since when? It must just be the envy for him being a vampire talking, yeah, thats it.

No. I would never get involved with a human."

Suddenly it felt like a rain cloud was hovering over her. She felt like bursting into tears. In fact she could feel one on her cheek. Where Craven's cold hand now was. Her face went red. "Oh I hope he didnt feel that" she cursed herself inside. Then he said it, the words that made her want to jump on him, hug, and never let go. But she couldn't, all her happiness aside she couldnt loose control of herself. And he was worried about loosing his. Pfft. He knew nothing of female emotions. "You are no a monster!" she almost shouted. "Even though you tried to kill me, your the kindest, most gentle person... er... man I have ever met!" her fight burned with emotion. "It's not your fault! You cannot blame yourself. It's like a horse eating meat, a lion drinking fruit juice! You were born into being a vampire and thats what making you act different ways. But I believe that you still have a heart, a human heart that can overpower those urdges. I beileve in you!" she huffed. Her eyes filled with tears. She didnt even want to look at him now, she couldnt bare it. How angry would he be? a mere human girl lecuring him on somthing she knew nothing of. Only in fairytales...

[Amarante]

She was listening intently the whole time I was talking. It felt good to have someone listen. Vampires usually don't discuss this sort of thing. Vampires aren't like humans; we don't experiment and research on our own, or any other, species. But it was nice to have her listen, and maybe it even put things into perspective. I already know all this stuff, but it seems more real, and not as bad when I'm talking it over with her.

I don't know why but being around her just makes things like that. Clear and simple, and I feel calm. Though it shouldn't be. She's a problem, a danger to the coven, to the vampire race. I shouldn't be letting her in on our secret any more then what I've already said. Though, I guess I don't really care anymore. I've already broken all the rules I set for myself. I might as well just damn us all together.

I liked her response to the werewolves. I made a mental note to teach her how to spot them, and us. Not that she'd ever stand a chance against an immortal, but maybe if she saw the danger before it was upon her she could run away fast enough. Survive with that head start.

Now here I was, sitting in her car, glaring at the windshield and wondering why I felt this way. Why I had said this to her, and why I had tried to explain myself. Its not like she'd understand....

Then she was screaming. I so so shocked my heart nearly started pumping again. I have never heard her be so loud before. She was a quiet, pure creature. Soft and sweet. Yet now she was wailing with passion. I shouldn't have said what I did. I upset her; she didn't understand. She was saying I wasn't a monster. She was saying I was good. She was calling me gentle and strong willed. Me who can fold a car until its small enough to slip into my pocket as easily as if it was paper. Me who runs wild in the mountains possessed and crazed for blood. She was saying these things that where so far from the truth. Yet, they made me so happy.

No one has ever made me feel such... hope. Heidi tries to help with my problems, but thats what they are problems. A weak link that will bring around our demise. Her efforts alone was enough for me. Yet, here sits this human, screaming that I've got a heart. And... it almost feels like I do. I'm swelling with an emotion I've never known, and I'm just so happy.

I grab her, probably to forcefully, and hug her against me. I don't know why, but my body needs to hold her. To feel her close.

Nami, a human, is in my harms. She is not a victim, waiting for death. She is being embraced. She is the first human ever to be so close, so in my grasp and not die; I know I will not kill her. How? Because I'm not thinking of her blood. Which is warm and sweet and fruity and racing under soft skin just inches from my fangs. I'm thinking, this is a once in a life time moment, and no matter how long I live I will never be this happy again. Never. Maybe, it might come close, if she's with me.

Nami.... Such a beautiful name.

I'm sure nothings changed in the universe. The stars haven't been realigned, the cure for all sicknesses hasn't been found. The earth is as still and tedious as ever, with life and death upon it. Though in my world... everything has changed. I can't explain it, but I know there is no going back. Not now. Not ever. And I doubt I'm going to regret it.

[Ookami]

Nami felt terrible. She could see the look on his face. She knew it wasnt good. She could already hear the anger that would come from him. "I'm sorry" she sniffled and ran her sleeve along her face, smudging the tears away.

He looked almost awe stricken at her. Of course he was. What human had ever risen their voice to a vampire before. Besides. Nami was such a quiet girl, but somthing about Craven made her wannt to change herself. She felt as if she wasnt good enough for him. No. She knew she wasnt good enough for him. She wiped her face free of tears again and looked up at him. Just as she did she felt him grab her. This was it, he was going to kill her, he said to much. Nami took a deep breath and prepared for pain but none came. Instead she began to feel cold everywhere.

Nami looked up nervously. Her face beat red with fear and nervousness. Craven. The one she thought was going to kill her. The vampire. Was hugging her. This was almost too much for poor Nami. She felt like screaming incoherant noises and singing. She was so happy, did this mean that maybe he felt somthing for her? Could this really be possible, really be happening?

Even though he was so cold it could not reach her. The warmth of her face was enough to keep her warm. Her heart fluttered in her throat. "Cra...ven...w-what are.. you doing...?" she stammered. Perhaps from shivering, or perhaps being to emotional. Without even realising it her arms were gripped onto him. She never wanted to let go. This was the first time anyone had ever showed her any kind of emotion, let alone a vampire. The movie was completely out of her mind now. All around her was blackness, but Craven was there with her, lighting the way through it.

[Amarante]

"Cra...ven...w-what are.. you doing...?"

What was I doing?! I couldn't just hug her. Especially not because I felt like. I had to think about her feelings. I was about to let her go when I realized she was clinging to me. I didn't notice at first because the pressure was nothing against my diamond hard skin. Hopefully was wasn't scared. Hopefully this actions meant maybe she had feelings too.... That was impossible but I was feeling so very hopeful at the moment.

If I wanted to know how she was feeling I would have to ask. And I couldn't just ask, Do you love me?. I should tell her how I feel first. Yes, give before you take. And it seemed the human thing to do. I should try and find out how I should tell her; how would a human man express his feelings to the women he loves? Surely, he wouldn't just blurt it out.... With another vampire its easier. If they don't feel the same way you aren't meant to be. With a Sorry my mistake, you aren't my soul mate, a farewell and its over. This seemed so much more... stressful.

Even worse I had just admitted to stalking her. Now I had grabbed her ruthlessly. She probably thought I was some psycho pervert, trying to seduce her and suck her blood. Great.... I was never going to be able to confess.

I let go of her and gently [as to not hurt her] pushed her back to her side of the car. I sat back in my seat, looking straight ahead. An invisible and uncrossable line appeared with the strained silence that followed.

[Ookami]

Kiss him!" the little acid voice in Nami's head spoke. For the first time in ages. "Don't think about it, just lean in, KISS HIM!" it begged. "You want him, he's your's, make him know how you feel!" it wailed. Nami tried her best to surpress her. "I can't, I can't just... kiss him! He dosn't love me!" Nami whined.

So cold. Craven was so cold. But she felt so warm. So warm pressed against his chest. It was such a lovely feeling. More than Nami had ever felt before. She looked up at him, a grim smile appered on her face. What could she possibly tell him. "Oh Craven! I've fallen in love with my vampire stalker!" Pathetic. "I'll play the foolish human who fall's head over heals for the vampire who wont love me back" she couldnt tell him.

Was thius some kind of cruel joke ment to play with her weak human emotions? No. It couldn't be. Nami felt somthing in Craven, he felt like he ment somthing. but what. "Just ask him, ask him if he loves you!" her other self spoke again. this time to her much annoyance. "Go away! I don't need you!" Nami hissed back. But other dimensanal Nami would have none of it. "Nami please. You know as well as I do that you want to, just give him a light kiss" she smirked smugly.
Then Craven pushed her away. He stared out the window of the car. Her heart exploded. Did he decide she wasnt worth his time. Tears started to roll down her cheeks. "Nami you have to do it now. Realise that you need to merge with me, your otherself, find the confidence." she voice vanished.

Nami lent forward a little and started at Craven, her eyes watery. She sniffled and spoke "Craven..." she leaned over more. It wasnt until she was nearly face to face with him that other dimensional Nami returned with one last pleading request. "NOW KISS HIM!". Nami lent forward, her lips pressed against the icey cold of Craven's. "Please don't hurt me, don't hate me!" she wanted to beg him. "Think...I...love...you...vampire..boy" she exhaled softly.

[Amarante]

The atmosphere was bad, strained. I wanted to sigh, but I just kept staring out the window, not seeing anything but a black void. I wanted to do a lot more then sigh, I wanted to beat myself over the head with a truck, throw myself at the Volturi's mercy, anything except cause Nami pain. And emotional stress was painful; even I could feel that sort of wound.

I was so distracted I didn't notice when Nami started inching towards me. What drew my attention was the soft snuffling sound. Was she crying?! I turned to look her way, but I couldn't tell with sight. And before I could reach out with my hands, she leaned forward.

It was just a soft brush of skin on skin. Her lip on mine. But it was..... so much more then that. Then, "Think...I...love...you...vampire..boy". My first thought was: Were did she get the confidence from? How could she say what I wanted to just like that! Then the meaning of what she said sunk in. If the kiss was shocking then those words... there are no words to describe the... surprise. I froze up, paralyzed in my seat. What? What!?! WHAT!!?

"... How can this be?...." How is it that she could feel the same way. Why was I so blessed.... I don't think I ever believed in God. Probably because he let this happen to me. Though if this was his way of apologizing I'll convert. Thank you.

[Ookami]

Face beat red she pulled away from the kiss quickly. "So cold..." she was astonished. Very gently she raised her hand and touched Craven's lips with her finger. A shock of cold swept through her body. And the thought that he could bite her like this. "... I d-d-don't k-know" she studdered. Her arms wrapped around him and she buried her face into his chest. She didn't want to let go. She didn't want her arm's to ever leave his cold body. So she just sat there, leaning into him. She thought about how she must have felt to him. Would she be warm? Or would he not be able to feel her dull human warmth?

If there had ever been a happier time than this in Nami's life it had been long forgotten. "I do know somthing though..." she trailed off. Without waiting a single moment she began the dialog she had prepared but was to terrified ever to say to him. "Thoughout my entire life there has been nothing I feared more than if I ever ran into a vampire. And I did, literally. I can recall somthing that has struck deep fear into me in the past few months however. Falling in love with one. But for once in my life.. I'm not worried..." she shook slightly. It was too painful to let go of him now, she had no choice but to embrace the cold. The only thing she had ever held that she loved this much was her parent's lifeless bodies. She was so young then. Christmas day.

She could recall waking up in the morning, so happy to be alive, so young. The only thing on her mind was gift's. Selfish yes, but she was also very young. The only thing she looked forward to more was seeing her mother and father, what love that had for her. She ran around the house looking for them. After a few minutes she began to grow frantic. then she remembered the big tree outside. They must be decorating it. Little did she know, but it was decorated with the thing she loved most. She ran outside, the second she saw the tree she hit the ground. Tear's melted the snow around her in the vicousness that she cried. There, hanging in the tree, was her mother and father. Ripped apart, thier blood staining the snow. From that point on she hadnt felt love for a single soul on the face of the earth. she couldnt bare the thought of ever loosing someone again. The only thing that still worries her was the fact her parent's murderer was never found.

Since Nami had met Craven and discovered vampire's really did exist she had been really on edge. It was more than possible that a vampire was to blame for the murder of her parents. the lack of evidence. The blood drained bodies. Nami must have been much to small to provide a well enough meal. She never wanted Craven to hear this. It would be the worst thing for him to hear. Vampires were monsters. They were from the children's stories were young women get taken away. But Craven was not a monster. The fact that he was a vampire was somthing Nami couldnt believe. To her, Craven was her last chance. Her... immortal love, not vampire.

[Amarante]

She was clinging on to me and wouldn't seem to let go. Even when she began to shake form the cold. My temperature kept droping so it wasn't like I was helping the situation. Like her human warmed blush, I was so nervous that the icey depth of my heart seemed to expand. Her warmth was being devoured though, and slowly it faded.

That scared me. It was like a premonition of the future. Surely there was no other way out of this situation, despite any resolve I chose to make. My will just wasn't that strong. Even now, when I feel so full of love for her, the thirst gnaws in the back of mind, an itchable itch in my throat.

I slipped out of her grip, choked out a "SORRY!", kicked open the door and darted.

CRAP!

I was running. But it burned within my core, the thirst. I needed space. Just for now. This should have been enough for me to know to back off. Though I was a fool; Heidi always said so. Sooner, then later, I would go skulking back.

[Ookami]

He was gone. All he said was sorry. What had just happened here? He had just... left. There was no other way to say it. He had vanished into the darkness of the night. Nami stared into the darkness blankly. He wouldn’t be back tonight.

A hot tear ran down Nami’s cheek. Was she doomed to unhappiness? Or was there something else. Maybe is was just Craven. Did he not feel the same? Of course he didn’t, how could he. Did her confession of love scare him? Upset him? So many questions ran through her mind as she reached for the passengers door to close it. Running her fingers along the steering wheel and paused, staring into her lap. She started the car and tried to stifle her tears but to no avail. All she wanted to do now was go home and curl up in bed to cry. She just wished she had a better home, a real home... to call home.

She put the car in drive and started back to her residence. ”Please come back Craven... Please come back to me” There was no way he could hear her now. She didn’t even care. She just needed to speak what she wanted so much.

(Nami Has Left...)