“Did ya clear up all of those security issues Mr. Drago?”

The voice was so sudden, or perhaps he’d simply been drawn so deeply into his thoughts, at any rate Sergei Bjarnarson or Sergei Drago as he’d come to call himself as of this last decade and a half or so was surprised. And he turned quickly to face the speaker, a soft smile slipping onto his face, more of habit than actual emotion. At any rate, there was no need to amend the expression. This woman, Sergei liked her. Like her as a person, and even valued her as an employee. Indeed sometimes she made it rather overt that their relationship could be more. But of course that was something that Sergei knew he simply could not commit to. He wasn’t sure…not about her, but himself. He knew deep in his soul that he could not bear another mortal companion.

Indeed, even mortal friends pummeled his heart ruthlessly. Too many had he watched grow old, too many had he watched breath their last, and too many still had he buried in the earth as the Christians did now. But even before that, watching the pyres burn, no his heart simply could not take it.

A part of him yearned for it still, but no. Never again. To torment himself was one thing, but in the end the torment always spread. Whether it be seeing his ageless continence as they shriveled away, or rather it was simply the death itself, which was made more acute by his own eternal youth; Sergei knew he always hurt the mortals more than he ever wanted. Which of course was hurting them at all, something he did not enjoy at all.

The mortal he currently did not wish to hurt was, Francesca O’Rourke. Or Franny as she was more commonly known to higher up and subordinates alike, and always respectfully. Franny O’Rourke was not a large woman, indeed she was down right petite in her form fitting brown uniform, just a few shades darker than her caramel hued skin, but there was something about her that commanded respect, something that was more than the beautiful lit of her smooth Irish brogue or the interesting contrast of her naturally crimson hair and green eyes. No, there was simply a matter of control about her and that was no doubt why she had been working the night shift security for so long that Sergei actually was excited for the nights he knew she would be working. Even if he wasn’t always keen on being at work.

“I did Franny.” He said then, answering her question. “I’ve talked to Billy and we’ve come to an understanding that you and your staff deserve a raise as the market has changed and the rest of the world with it.”

Franny gave one of the whitest smiles he’d ever seen and laughed.

“Thank ya, den Mr. Drago. For a man so rich, ya partner is ratha stingy with the purse strings.”

Sergei smiled. He’d told his partner the same thing.

“Well it’s because every night he sleeps, he has nightmares about not being rich. So the only way he can keep those away is with making more money and more.” Sergei said teasing.

Franny actually laughed, then she gave him a wave goodbye as he continued on his way.

“Good-night, mister Drago.” She said by way of parting and Sergei smiled, because all things considered, it had been a good night. He’d closed some major deals, he’d gotten things done. More than that he was out of his house and out into the world again, every time that happened seemed a reason to celebrate.

And yet even so, he made his way toward home. It had been a long night. Sergei wanted nothing better than to go home, find something to read amongst his collection, and welcome the day in complete comfort. But before that. Well, he’d put it off long enough. It was time to feed. He needed blood, and so reluctantly his mind reached out for others. It wasn’t long before he found another person.

Maddox had never felt so... Miserable. Yeah, that was the right word.

Vontae was gone, and he wouldn't be coming back this time. Or at least she didn't think so. She knew that it had been a mistake, panicking as he was just about to turn her. She didn't know what had gotten into her, but a worm of doubt that... That maybe it wasn't the right thing to do.

She knew now that it was though. Maddie wanted to be like him. But Vontae had apparently taken her freak-out personally and even when she went to his house... Nearly every night for two weeks. He was never there.

It was breaking her heart to accept that he was gone, but it would stupid to wait for him. Stupid to think that he would be coming back.

Kicking at the ground as she walked, Maddie wasn't really paying attention to anything. She just... Just wanted someone... Anyone who could understand her. That was the one thing she missed more than anything with Vontae. The sex was undeniably good of course, but it was more the real connection she felt like she shared with him. Something that she hadn't had with anyone before her accident.

Even if it wasn't a vampire who could read minds... Anyone who understood her for who she was and what she wanted to be... It was all she needed really... All she wanted.

With a silent sigh Maddox sank into one of the benches on the paths. Laying back she simply looked at the sky. Why was it so hard to find someone to love? So much harder to find someone who loved you? She just didn't understand...

Sergei moved with all the speed and grace of a great cat upon the hunt. Even dressed as he was, more for the board room than the streets, he was still soundless, still nothing more than a shadow as he kept to the obscuring darkness and even his hard soled dress shoes made not a sound against the unforgiving floor of the urban jungle. Each of his movements was made with the utmost care. While he would have liked to be easy about this; would have liked to have a date ready and willing or even an area to hunt, his mind had not been so clear since Faith’s disappearance.

For a time Sergei had searched for her. A strange thing that, even as he knew she held a deep a soul bound hatred of him and perhaps all men. And yet he could not let her go. There had not been anything official between them, indeed nothing non-official either. Sergei had been unable to even utter a word of how he had begun to feel for her, not just as she put it “as his duty”, but indeed as his friend. A woman he thought he might grow to love.

Something that was hard to admit for him and even harder to understand. Sergei was not old of flesh, but he was old of heart. A part of him wondered how he’d fallen into such folly, so much so as to even not plan his need to feed, but another part still was furious that he’d even for a moment consider it folly. He had simply loved a woman. Even if that woman had never, could never return his love, there had been no shame in that.

Sergei’s feet had never stopped moving, even at the attention insistent thoughts in his head. Even so, he’d walked on. And now he found himself little more than a common ghoul, a shadow standing wait for a young woman. This close her thoughts were clear as crystal, and dipping into them, he found himself both surprised and ashamed.

Surprise registered behind his eyes, as he realized that this woman knew of his kind. Indeed she had been the lover of an immortal he’d neither met nor heard of. Vontae. He had no mental picture of the name’s owner, but those he could draw from the mortal girl. Nonetheless, it took very little effort at all, simply listening as she mentally recounted her situation and Sergei knew all about her loneliness, her loss, even her love and subsequent rejection of the other immortal.

It was knowing these things, or rather not wishing to that made Sergei rarely use this gift in the first place. And it was this gift that made him ashamed he’d been preying on the girl or at least prepared to. Yet of course shame did not make the need go away. Indeed it simply made it burn heavier in his belly, and so he slipped out of the shadows as nothing more than a wrath, a phantom until he spoke.

“You seem very sad, Miss.” He said evenly, addressing the young woman.

Sergei knew the sight he must make, a man appearing out of nowhere, dressed well and eloquently in a tailored two piece suit, black in color. He could have looked like a thousand other professionals; though of course a handsome professional with platinum blond hair and deep ambiguously blue eyes, and the physic of an athlete. But then most of those professionals had been gone for hours now.

And Sergei had no delusions about the pallor of his skin, especially before those that knew what to look for.

Can I offer you assistance? He said at last, in her mind.

She had been very near to tears actually as she heard the voice, a voice that was familiar.

But looking up she didn't see him right away, and it was only when she heard the man's voice in her mind did she recognize it.

"Sergei? Wha- What are you doing here?"

The man's appearance was unmistakable. So neat and tidy. Prim. But handsome and strong. But why was he here? How did he find her and... Why did he come to her? It had been so long since she had seen him, would he remember her? When he spoke to her mind, it seemed so.

With a soft sigh and rubbing her eyes she shook her head.

"It's been a while... A while since I've seen anyone like you. It's like Vontae put a black mark on me. Ever since I... I backed out of his offer of turning me. I tried. But I was so... I was scared." Her face was buried in her hands, ashamed of what she had done. It was really the first time she had ever been able to talk to someone about what had happened to her that night.

She missed him so much... Missed the contact of another person, someone who could talk to her.

"Maybe... Could you just... Keep me company for a while? I would like someone I can talk to... If you're not busy of course..."

A sense of the familiar, it came suddenly and hard. So much so that Sergei suddenly felt the urge to sit down or a stronger urge still, to run away. Yes, a part of him wanted to run. It wanted to be quickly away, to take his hunger and the danger it brought, far away from the mortal woman. If only because now, now he remembered her; remembered meeting her in the park one night not so long ago, remember speaking to her and indeed promising to help her in her search for her beloved.

Now, with her asking question of him, he struggled with what to say, what to do. Then finally his nature won out over anything else he might have said. Sergei didn’t lie often and so neither would he now.

Meeting her gaze, his expression was slightly repentant, but still neutral as he spoke again without speaking.

“I was; to be truthful I was out searching for sustenance.” It was never an easy thing to admit to a mortal, even for an immortal of his age. After all there was no etiquette invented for telling someone that you lusted after the blood in their veins. But of course that was quickly the least of Sergei’s worries as Maddox spoke again of Vontae.

Being in her mind meant he could almost taste her sorrow, this of course meant that he had no other hope in that moment other than alleviating it. And to that end Sergei moved forward, expression soft, eyes soothing as he spoke once again.

“You’ve nothing to be ashamed of.” He thought, strongly. “If you were afraid, then surely your love could understand why, could he not?”

He tried to smile.

Sergei wasn’t sure of her lover, that indeed is the thing of not knowing another immortal. When it came right down to it, they like mortals were as different as the stars in the sky. No two shone exactly alike and indeed no two men or women shared the same patience. But then that is the thing of living as long as immortals do, time breeds patience, watching the world breeds its understanding. All old immortals understood this, even if they were hurt by the world, that hurt could still be comprehended by the truly experienced mind.

Finally he smiled, nodded then.

“Of course. That is if you do not mind…” He paused, unsure. Could he really ask her to sit back while he found the solution to his need? In his mind it seemed a rather selfish request. Perhaps he could find some other way. Maybe even feed right before the sun rose. That thought cemented his decision.

“I’ll keep you company as long as you like.” He said finally.

Maddox blushed as he said that he was searching for sustinance. She didn't want to keep him if that was case but...

She shook her head as he talked of Vontae.

"He didn't... I think... I think he took it as an insult. As I didn't trust him. I dunno why Sergei. He just left. He's not coming back, I can feel it. And... And I've been so lonely without him. Maybe he really loved me... But, maybe he didn't. I don't know... I guess if he left, he didn't..."

She fell silent then but looked up as he trailed off slightly. He... he must have been hungry. And since he was helping her, should she not help him as well? Of course. And it wasn't like she didn't enjoy the feeling, and the euphoria that it gave her would help her feel better as well.

"Perhaps I could offer some help with that?" She said quietly in his mind. Her fingers went to her throat, undoing the top button of her blouse. Folding the collar down Maddie offered her neck without hesitation. "It's okay really..." Knowing he might not accept. "I enjoy it, I always have. Please, if I'm going to keep you, I owe you something. It's the least I could do."

Sergei stood and listened, he noticed her blush, and well he instantly felt embarrassed. That not to say he was ashamed of what he was. No, indeed that was the farthest thing from the truth that he could imagine, especially with the last words of his sire have setup stronghold in his heart so very long ago. She had called him her heir, and so always he tried to be just that. A man worthy of the woman that had come before him, that had been kind to him beyond measure. Yet as always there was no etiquette for such things and well Sergei felt embarrassed, if only because her reaction seemed the same.

Then she spoke of Vontae again; and that drew his embarrassment away in favor of silent pondering. He took in each word that crossed over into his thoughts delicately, and yet even so he could find no wrong that had been committed, and he wasn’t above telling her so.

“That is not a sure sign my dear,” He said trying to turn the knowledge around in his mind, to look at it from every direction as he spoke. “I cannot say how he felt about you, but whatever happened between you was clearly his own issue, so much more than your own…”

And he trailed off again. He didn’t want to raise the possibility to her, no. It would only probably enrich a guilt that he could feel within her even then. Whatever had eroded Vontae’s patience, led to such a reaction, it was no doubt in his past. As an immortal the past is a long and arduous road traveled, sometimes a road that can seem to repeat itself if one walks it long enough, even if that repetition is only in one’s mind.

He sighed then. For an old man, he did so hate philosophy. The science of old ideas indeed.

Sergei’s attention fell upon the young woman again. He watched her carefully as she spoke and then he really watched her as she unbuttoned her blouse to fold the collar down from her throat. For a moment the gesture seemed so alien, so fantastic that he was simply shocked to silence. Of course that didn’t last long and he simply looked at her for a moment, considering.

“Are you sure?” He asked then. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to accept, no indeed it was at that moment that Sergei realized just how much he really wanted to accept. It was obvious now that he’d held off much too long, blood; even offered willingly shouldn’t be so strong a draw. That of course meant he’d waited too long. Meant he’d have to be very careful with her, especially about how much he took, and indeed how deep he let his own mind slip into the blood ecstasy.

His gaze sharpened again, thoughtful.

“Would you like to find somewhere more comfortable?” He asked. It wasn’t that he couldn’t or wouldn’t feed here, it was…well if he was not hunting, Sergei would have like the experience to be as easy and pleasant as possible. In the shadow of colossal buildings didn’t offer much by way of pleasantry, indeed there was nothing, sans dim light and hard street, at least some place to sit seemed a great incentive.

So... So maybe Vontae didn't love her... Or not enough to wait until she was ready.

She had been so sure... So sure that they would be together for years and years to come. That was why she had given him her body... But if she hadn't that other vampire...

"It could have been..." Was all she whispered into his mind.

There was a few more moments of silence between them when he asked if she was sure. She pushed a smile to her face and nodded.

"Of course Sergei. I don't mind at all. It's rather enjoyable, and I know that you won't hurt me." Giving a shrugg though at his question she shook her head. "It doesn't matter to me really. Here, there, wherever. But at least a place where I can sit after or lay if I get too dizzy." That was all she really needed, maybe something to drink, but it wasn't necessary. "If you would be comfortable elsewhere, by all means just show me the way" She thought with a smile that was slightly cheerful, but it was beginning to reflect her inner feelings.

Maddie’s mind almost brought Sergei to tears. Of course he’d never admit it, but her plight touched him and he couldn’t help but share her sadness. Indeed it seemed almost cruel or at least careless and foolhardy of her lover. What he had put her through was not something one does to a mortal, there were worst things, but in Sergei’s eyes a part of what it meant to be an immortal was to face one’s self, to learn as much about one’s self as was possible. And it was only after one knew themselves that the learned about others.

Whatever private pain Vontae might have or even still harbored, that was his pain. It was something to be dealt with or shared, pride did neither of those things and it was pride that no doubt took him away from this woman. Sergei wasn’t sure how he knew or even if he truly did know, but that was the sense he got. A woman’s heart broken for nothing, such a thing was cruel no matter the cause, foolish.

He smiled then, hoping to lighten the mood between them. And he offered her his hand then, even if it was gloved. Supple leather hid his hands from view. Cosmetics and even a mixture of his own devising could work on Sergei’s color, make it appear more mortal (as opposed to skin like marble), but he never bothered with his hands. Gloves were always far more convenient.

Still glove or no, he offered his hand with a smile.

“Yes, I’d be more comfortable.” He admitted, laughing slightly at himself as he did. “This would be fine normally, actually normally those that I feed from wouldn’t even remember. But please, my house isn’t far from here, feel free to make yourself at home.”

It was a simple walk to Sergei’s home, but more than that, he realized that he did have somewhere for her to sit or lay down, actually probably even something to drink.

An unexpected house guest had made him more mindful of actual food and beverage in his home. He didn’t have much that could spoil, but if he remembered correctly there was still orange and apple juice. He replaced them every week or so, just because he wasn’t sure how long such things lasted.

Maddox took his hand without hesitation and with a smile.

"Well, you better not make me forget. It would be something to feel better, like someone actually wants to help me, and then going about like it never even happened." Her foice was more cheerful than before, the thought of having someone to talk to again.

Walking along with him, not really thinking anything or wanting to say anything.

It was great to feel close to someone again, to just have a... A friend.

Maybe with Vontae she had been too sudden. She had simply been entranced by the vampire. Had been so taken with him that she forgot all reasoning and sense. It seemed to be what had happened, it seemed to fit.

"Do... Do you think he might have... I dunno, did something to me? And Maybe when I got scared he thought it wasn't working anymore? Can... Can vampires do that? Make people fall in love with them, I mean."

A soft smile and a laugh.

“I promise to do no such thing.” Sergei suddenly assured her. “You were kind enough to offer me you blood, to be less than honorable is unthinkable. Even in that small regard.”

Eyes not quite the color of the deep ocean and not quite the color of a torch’s core looked at her then, carefully regarding and their owner laughed once more.

“If anything I should be thanking you. And not just for blood, but for trust. You’ve no idea what that means to me.”

Sergei almost stopped in his step then, indeed he continued only because they were walking together and his mind worked fast enough to tell him that he might make her fall or possibly worst if he stopped so suddenly.

But Sergei’s mind was suddenly racing much faster than his feet, and he considered all the things that he could do. It wasn’t vanity that he started with his own abilities; simply it gave him a place to start with his thoughts. Immortals were varied and different, there was a vague sense of power and abilities inherent to the nature of immortals or the origins of their sires, but in truth nothing was definite.

So Sergei started where he was most familiar. Himself.

And just like that he posed such a question about himself as Maddox did about Vontae.

Could he force a woman to love him? It was true that he didn’t even want to think like that, to consider it. Yet even as he did, he realized that yes. Yes he could do such a thing.

Just as he could leave Maddox with the moments of him drinking of her veins, he could leave false memories behind. Indeed he’d done as such before, only to cover up his need, but just as easily could it be used for something else. And more than that if he concentrated hard enough, worked hard enough, he could even change long term memory, could almost literally write himself into her life. And that was only thinking of one of his skills.

Sergei could just as easily mesmerize her; make her see what he wanted her to see for a short time. Even call her to him from her bed out into the night. Fearsome is the power those old in the blood can wield.

There was regret in his eyes then. Actually it was simply the death of another part of the naivety he held close to his heart. Of course as an Amman he knew that not all who had the blood used it well, indeed for the benefit of all and not just themselves. But it is like watching the night fall sometimes. You are not aware of how much that last glimmer of sun means to you, until it is gone.

“Yes.” He said then, thoughtfully. “I wish that I could give you another answer, but the honest answer is yes. There are many skills among my kind, many that even I probably am not aware. But just thinking of the ones that I am, I think that yes. Your lover might have been capable of swaying your heart. I am sorry.”

And indeed he was sorry, sorry for that last glimmer fallen dark, but sorrier still for a woman that might have had her heart played by a man she loved. Such things are cold to the heart, even those that no longer beat.

She swallowed hard as he confirmed her thoughts.

He could have... He could have twistered her thoughts, her mind... Even her heart... But... Would he have? She had been depressed when he met her and wooed her. That night on the beach of the lake... It wasn't like it would have been hard for him to do.

"I... A part of me prays that he did... but another part refuses it."

Her voice was quiet, soft... Almost sad.

"I don't know what happened really... When I met him... I was so alone... So... But I don't think he would have tried to take advantage of me... But then again..." If he had manipulated her heart, there wasn't much else she could do. Nothing but try to forget... Maybe...

"Sergei... You could... You could make me... Forget him... Couldn't you?"

“I could...” Sergei answered her directly. It was simply the first thing that came to his mind. Perhaps it was because of the pain he could feel from her or perhaps it was because she looked so very sad, and yet still a third part thought of the potential injustice done her. And it was that one thought that brought Sergei fully back to the realm of thoughts.

It was a potential injustice.

Even with the sadness of her voice in his head, Sergei knew what they had was nothing more than a theory, a belief that may or may not have been true. Indeed even from what Maddox remembered, they couldn’t be sure of any wrong doing on Vontae’s behalf. For such conformation they would need the immortal in question and Sergei would have to get into his mind. That wasn’t possible here, and while she was in pain, it is perhaps the immortal better than any other that knows pain passes. The sharp edges dull. They never go away, but the dull.

“I could…” He said again. “But truly that is a skill I am always weary of. It is one that touches the very center of you, your memory. And all that I remove or change, it would be very hard to change back. Almost impossible.”

He looked at her carefully.

“We’ve no proof that your suspicions are correct. And even if they are…would you truly rather not remember, to not know what can be?” Sergei didn’t say more. The choice was hers, truly.

Maddox listened as Sergei spoke about erasing memories. How he didn't like doing it, how it was basically permanent.

But he left her. Vontae wasn't coming back and even if he did, he probably wouldn't want to see her again. The thought brought tears to her eyes, but she wiped them away quickly. She wasn't going to cry over him any more.

But Sergei was right... There was no proof that he had manipulated her, taken advantage of her... That was just the thoughts of the part that wanted to be mad at him for leaving when...

She sighed and nodded slightly. "You're right Sergei... He could have left for some other reason... he could come back... And... I don't know if he meant to hurt me like this. If I knew he did, or knew he ran off with some other girl who wasn't as afraid as i was... Then I would want you to. But I don't want to condemn him just because we weren't right for each other." Her voice was sad, pained...

She wanted to forget, wanted the pain to go away and forget about him.

But she didn't know how.

Sure Maddie had been left by other guys before, but that had been in the middle of everything else, and she had so much to keep her busy that she hadn't even bothered thinking about it. But other people lived with heartache... Right? Other people lived with this horrible pain and became stronger.

"But Sergei... How can I make this pain go away? It just hurts so much without him here that... That it's like I don't think I could ever be happy again. Is it just too soon? You know... Like it'll go away eventually?" She wanted so much to be able to move on. To put this all behind her and find someone to be happy with again. That wasn't asking too much yet was it?

Sergei truly wanted to lie to her. If only for her own comfort, he wanted to. But then again, he’d never been much of a liar and while it was a skill he envied at times, especially times such as these, still he knew that he need be as open with this young woman as possible. Sergei wasn’t sure how he knew or even why he believed it, assuming it was nothing more than a belief, but he met her gaze evenly as he spoke calmly into her mind.

“I wish that I could say yes, truly I do. But no, the pain never truly goes away.”He said, his expression sad and a bit grim. Indeed it was an expression that made Sergei into a much older man, if not on the inside, it at least gave a peek at the age that lurked just within the depths of his blue eyes and along with age there was emotion, many different emotions in those eyes of his, the chief among them at the moment; understanding and sorrow.

“That is not to say that it will always hurt as it does now.” Sergei continued. “No, like any wound of the body, wounds of the heart are raw and sore when they are fresh. It is only as they grow old that the pain lessens and the healing begins. But unlike with the body, with the heart you must want that healing. You must want to move on with your life and that only you can do, or know when the time is right.”

His sorrowed expression lightened then, at least a bit.

“Take it from an immortal or as close to one as this world has, pains of the mind and body are transitory. Both never and forever are words used far too often upon mortal lips.”

He gave the briefest of smiles then and walked on, careful of keeping pace with her. Truly Sergei felt for her, even would have taken her memories if truly that was what she wanted, but the part of him that so loved the humanity in her eyes, within the sound of her voice in his mind, that part wished dearly that she’d live and learn. Life and learning, both were such dear things.

"As long as it fades... I could live with it... As long as it doesn't hurt like it does now... I'll be okay." She said softly. But she was more so trying to convince herself. "Besides... I think I will find something to erase the pain eventually. I want to be a vampire, I know I do. So I'll have plenty of time, plenty of chances to do that."

Maddox knew that it would hurt for a long time. When she had lost her first boyfriend, the one she had been with for nearly three years... It was hard. But so much else was hard at the time.

But now, now she would have the chance to forget him forever. She would have the chance to grow stronger without him, grown her heart around the wound as a tree grew over broken branches. She would grow over the pain.

"Are we almost there? I'm interested to see how other vampires live." Maddie grinned up at him, wanting to change the subject. But she wasn't going to say that she also wanted to feel his bite, feel him take her blood, take her pain away.

Sergei listened as they walked. He listened to Maddox as the streets widened and the houses grew first in number as they made their way out of the center of commerce, then in stature as they reached the so called “well to do” section of town. As Sergei had said it wasn’t much of a walk. After all the “well to do” like the convenience of being close to their jobs as much as anyone else and that of course made it come as no surprise to anyone that had lived in any other large metropolis that lavish homes always arose in the fertile grounds about towering office buildings and skyscrapers.

“You are a very strong person…” Sergei said then, suddenly. He didn’t answer her question right away, but he’d been listening and as always the lives of mortals felt like a fragile and precious gift lay before him. And his smile was at least kind, if not pleased at what she’d said.

“Even if time does mute the pain, I’ve known those never to recover.” He said then with a slow musing. “There are those that simply lose hope, and most of us never truly understand how important hope is to our lives, even after it is gone.”

He his smile widened then.

“I’m glad to hear you say those thing, glad that you have hope. Hope you see is the life blood of us immortals, without hopes or dreams or ambitions, we become little more than living ghosts. Those words make me glad for you. Glad for your future.”

They turned a corner then, and Sergei paused.

“Now we are here.” He said; one hand still in hers as he gestured at the wrought iron gate that stood before them. Sergei didn’t even bother touching the keypad at the portal’s entrance. Instead he simply thought the code upon the numbered surface and the pad punched itself and the gate rolled away in a near soundless welcome.

Sergei’s home was a mansion, one of many among an area filled with such homes, and yet despite this fact it held a kind of silent dignity, perhaps inherited from it’s English soul of style and its slight French influence. Up a considerable drive and amongst grass’ hedges; even rose bushes and other flowering plants. The home itself was near spotless; Sergei had people to take care of the massive grounds, a sea of green that was always finely manicured.

But most of the house work; Sergei did himself, not trusting mortal work men in his inner sanctum. Large windows were crystal clear as they took up most of the house’s outer surface, open to the night and stars, but always prepared to close before dawn.

Gesturing to his home, Sergei said easily.

“Welcome to my home. From now until you leave, you are my guest. Make yourself at home.”

Saying that, it was more than extravagant words, for Sergei, indeed one as old as he, it was a pact. A pact with his guest and the very gods themselves, to be a guest was a sacred invitation once and to Sergei it always would be.

"Even without hope... people are not much more." Maddox said knowingly. If she hadn't had hope after her accident, hadn't had hope that she could survive and be herself again.

"I've had to be strong... I've had to be able to just push through... After the accident, I lost everything. I couldn't walk... I could barely move anything... And I couldn't even talk. I wanted to be a UN translator... I wanted to do some good in the world. But all my hopes were gone. I had nothing but my family, Sergei... There were times I wanted to die... Times I prayed I wouldn't wake up." She said, looking down embarrassed. "Back then I wasn't so strong... And I guess that... Well I don't know really what changed me... Vontae did so much to help me become stronger, he gave me a reason I wanted to live..."

She fell silent, not sure what to say anymore. But luckily they were coming up on to Sergei's house now. And she couldn't help but stare. Maddie's eyes went wide as she saw his veritable palace. The house was large, beautiful... The windows must have sparkled in the day, as they twinkled with starlight now... The moon's reflection bright, making Maddox's heart thrill. She always loved the moon and stars... So beautiful.

"Wow... Sergei. Your home is so beautiful." Her voice was filled with awe, her eyes still wide as she took everything in. "I've never seen something so lovely... The windows.... The yard... It's all so beautiful."

Sergei fell silent as well. He understood what Maddox was saying, even if he had not lived such a thing, he understood nonetheless, understood what it cost her to consider the past. And it was a price he never wished to ask again. So he would not, if he could help it. So he was silent, that was until she spoke of his home.

“Thank you,” Sergei replied, embarrassed, but not exactly sure why.

It wasn’t as if he expected more or even less, in fact he’d had absolutely not expectations regarding his home. After all it was a house, nothing more. A house he’d bought with a small amount of his accumulated wealth, actually he hadn’t even used his more modern salary, he’d simply owned a few trinkets that he’d sold to a private collector, almost a decade ago, he’d probably accepted much less than such things were worth. But it hadn’t mattered at the time.

Indeed even the house hadn’t really mattered. It was his place of residence, he kept it clean and tidy, paid others for services he knew he would look strange performing or that his sleep prevented.

And yet despite a very utilitarian attitude, he suddenly felt embarrassed and thankful. So he smiled, pleased, still embarrassed, but pleased, and he thanked her once again.

“Thank you, for the compliment.” He spoke mentally then. “However, shall we go?”

He motioned to the drive path then. It was made of coble stones, but coble stones fitted so well that the created a surprisingly flat surface, one that made an ivory serpent’s curve for the front door, well oiled and stained mahogany that would open up into a hallway branching off into rooms as it went. The first was his reception room, it sat just off to the left, filled with antique furniture in the traditional English style, it was all rich woods and leathers, sitting amongst shelves and shelves of books and beside his piano. All situated before a wide open hearth located right across from the room’s entrance and a large widow that took up most of one of the room’s side walls.

Moving forward it was not long before they reached the room and Sergei spoke lightly.

“Make yourself at home…” He said.

As Maddie walked into the house, her jaw had once more gone slack in amazement. It seemed even bigger inside if that was even possible, and though her family's house wasn't a shack or anything, it would have made her embarrassed to show Sergei where she lived. It was clean, but not steril. Large, but not cavernous and empty.

folowing him as they moved into what she first thought was a library, but was only a living room of sorts. But the books surrounding it... That was caught her attention first.

"Sergei... Wow... I... I've never seen so many books before... Well except in a library..." She said as she made a bee-line towards the shelves. There were some books in other language, some so old that the pages were yellow and seemed stiff.

It was precoius to her, and as her fingers ran almost lovingly over the spines of a few, her eyes seemed to glaze over. It was like living history. Books from so long ago... Able to give her a glimps into these worlds so long past. It was only her reverance for the manuscripts that she didn't pull an old leather bound book from the shelvs and bury her nose in it. But her hand trembled in excitement as she read the old German text on the spine.

"Sergei... How old are some of these? How many languages do you have here? How many do you know?"

She wanted to read them all. To learn everything in these books, to learn their past, their love. Wanted to learn every language to unlock the secret of each book. Words, language, learning... Those were her passions. To learn everything she could. To preserve it in her mind for when it had perished from the earth.

And Sergei, he probably knew so much! Languages that were no longers spoken, of cultures that were no longer alive and had been long forgotten. Parts of human history that would never be known to those who hadn't lived it.

She was aching to read them, to lose herself in them and forget about all else but translating, but learning and reading. "Sergei... These books... You have no idea how much I want to read them, to know them all..." Her voice was weak, almost shaky, as she pulled her hand away, only her strong will keeping her from taking one. "Could I read one? Please? Even one of the newer ones that aren't as valuble." She nearly begged.

Sergei’s smile was softly amused and gentle as he simply watched and listened to Maddie as she took in his living room with all the reverence of the saints and scholars of old. It had been sometime Sergei realized since he’d met someone with such a zeal and perhaps sadder still, such an interest. But instantly it was also refreshing, it put more than a smile on his face, but a song in his heart. The kind of song that was perhaps more at home in a drinking hall than anywhere in this modern day and age, but that is the thing of joy. Joy has no trapping in a day and age, but rather in the heart and like many things about him, Sergei’s heart was old indeed.

His smile gentled then and he spoke as before without speaking. Having Maddie’s thoughts be his, it seemed foolish indeed to bother with words, besides their was something pleasant about the silence, something not often found in silences that made him want to savor it all the more.

Yet still he would answer her vivid and rather insightful questions.

“Hmm…how old are they,” He repeated, thoughtfully. “In truth most of these were written within this century or at least the last. Any older and they do not hold up well to life anywhere but inside of an antiquities vault. But then I own a few of those as well…these texts, well these are my favorites or at least those I dare keep with me.”

He crossed his arms then, again the thoughtful expression on his face shinning through eloquent features and the strength of his jaw line and he set his lips in a simple line.

“Life is not always a sure thing…” He said then. “Some things I must treasure more than others. I hope that makes sense.”

And truly he did. He didn’t want to speak of his death, or even of his home being destroyed, even by simple error on his part or that of another. But such things did and could happen. And Sergei was much too old to ignore them.

“As for languages,” He continued fastidiously. “Well I know quite a few, you see it is not so hard for me to learn them. And more than that I have been learning them for quite sometime. Indeed I think I have lost count of how many I speak…indeed sometimes I forget which one I’m using…”

It was perhaps a strange thing to say, but again absolute truth. Something he’d come to realize once when he’d been writing Greek and French in a letter to a friend that spoke only English. Embarrassing that.

“But you are a guest in my home, my people. They. Well such a thing is an honor and a responsibility. When I said make yourself at home, I meant just that…all that is mine is yours. If you wish to read them, to learn them, they are at your disposal until you leave.”

((Hah, sorry. I thought I typed this up long ago, and I did. I just forgot to post it up! Heh... Silly me.))



A century?! Maddie's eyes opened wide with surprise. But then again... The fact that a century to him was probably nothing, and she blushed to remember just how young she was to him. "But Sergie... Still...These books are just..." But how could she really describe them? Express what she truly thought about them. "I've never seen anything so wonderful." She ended up whispering.

"I know how stupid I must sound, but learning has always, always been the thing I loved most. Languages, cultures... anything like that I had a passion for. After high school I wanted to be an interpreter for the UN. I wanted to study politics, learn Italian, Japanese, maybe Russian and finish my Spanish classes..." She gave a rough sigh as she shook her head. "I already knew English, French, German and a great deal of Spanish... I could read, write, speak and understand all of them... And after I graduated, I was going to tour Europe. I was going to put my knowledge to use in a place for the first time... But after the accident, well, it was kind of pointless."

Even with the health care, it had come down to the money her and her family had saved up for her trip, or bankruptcy to pay for the medical bills. And there was no way that Maddie was going to let her family take the fall for her stupid mistake.

"I was going to be late for my Graduation practice before the ceremony... So I was trying to get to school... Never realized how fast I was going... And I blew it all." She muttered in her mind bitterly.

But the smile that had faded was back as he said that she could read any books she liked while she was here. She had to laugh then, a rough barking noise that though odd, was still identifiable as a laugh. "If I were you, I would be careful what I say to me about that... Otherwise I'll be here until I've read every single one and I won't leave. And who knows how long that will take. I might come across something in Italian, or Russian, and I won't know what it says. Well I might have a bit of luck with Italian since It's close to French and Spanish."

But then a thought came to her mind then... Something she hadn't thought of before... Something that she had thought dead. Would he be able to teach her? Surely he knew Italian... Russian... maybe even Portuguese, Japanese or other languages. Her language credit at the school had had to be for Sign Language because though they could not deny her entry to the other language classes, it was required to speak them to pass. She had talked to the Spanish and the Russian professor... And they wouldn't budge.

"Sergei... Could... Could you teach me some of the languages you know? Tell me about some of the things you've seen and lived through?" She looked up at him hopefully, wanting to learn from him because she knew that he knew things and had seen things no one else she ever knew had. "You know I love to learn... Know that you won't regret it Sergei. I want to learn from you. I want to learn things you can teach me that no one else can." Perhaps even burying herself in learning once more, emercing herself in books and knowledge would help to ease her pain, help her forget.

((Happens to us all, trust me! :lol: ))

Sergei smiled and it was a wry smile. A bit of mirth, a touch of self-awareness, indeed even self-mockery, but mostly genuine happiness, an expression that took handsome features of marble skin and ambiguous blue eyes and made them softer, indeed an expression that made them human by stripping away time and ancient knowledge until simply a man was all that was left.

“That doesn’t sound stupid at all.” Sergei said then. “Indeed it seems quite the ubiquitous trait, but a good trait nonetheless. One I think we share.”

And that was simply the truth. It may be true that there were no scholars in the culture and land of his birth. The best they’d had were those among their number that acted as bards or recounters of deeds and battles, some were military strategists as it were, but never truly scholars. Perhaps that was why knowledge and learning had attracted him so once his sire had introduced him…perhaps it was because it had been so unlike anything he’d ever known before. So different and yet something that filled his with joy, with understanding, with…with things that he hadn’t event he words to describe. And so he had persisted on that path, persisted in learning of people and places not his own, indeed which never even existed within the same time frame as his own…

It had always been a love.

And it continued, to this very day.

Sergei listened then as Maddie spoke, he listened to her thoughts truthfully, but it was more like listening to her passion. A passion he could almost grasp hold of as she described it.

Then just as quickly he could almost hold her grief, the disappointment that had been and perhaps even now still was.

And just like that her smile was back and his returned with it. Giving a little shrug, Sergei chuckled. A soft, yet deep and drawling sound. The Norseman had once been told by another of his kind that it was the kind of laugh once expected from a Viking warrior and perhaps it was, but it was also a sound filled with innocence as if the world was simply one of humor. Despite all their wrongs, Sergei’s people really had appreciated to joy the world had and even now has to offer.

He cut it off then, just as quickly as it started, smiling.

“Of course, if you want to learn.” He agreed then almost instantaneously. Perhaps he’d answered too quickly. But it didn’t seem that way, no, not at all. In that instant it seemed a thing he’d wanted all his life or at least for a good part of it.

Companionship. A student.

Perhaps these were his desires all along or perhaps, maybe just perhaps, he finally understood Cassandra.

"Of course I want to learn! I want to learn so much Sergei, but no one else can teach me what I want because I can't speak. They'll let me take the language classes at University... But the professors would never pass me because I can't speak the languages out loud." But Sergei would be able to hear her mind, know she understood.

His chuckle made her blush and Maddi clutched the book she was holding tight to her chest eagerly. "Please Sergei! I'll pay you for lessons, anything. I just want to learn. I want to do what I was born to do I want to be me before the accident. I want my life back...." She whispered as she stepped closer to him.

"I would give my eyes to learn Sergei. I mean... I'd rather not, but if I really had to, if that was the only way you'd teach me, I'd do it. That's how much I want to learn. That's how much I want to you teach me. I'll do anything you want or need me to. While I'm here, you won't need to hunt. I can feed you Sergei. I mean... I know it's not much, but I will." She pleaded softly.

She really would do anything to learn from him. Anything he asked, without question, she would do anything for him just to become what she was supposed to be, to learn what she loved best. And she would have someone she could talk to. Someone that would be able to understand her like no one else could.

That kind of connection with someone, a teacher, a friend... It was something that she needed so much. Something that she would give up anything for.

Sergei considered her a moment, indeed more than a moment. Maddie’s statement of giving her eyes had brought back upon Sergei visions of his sire, Cassandra. Cassandra that had been robbed of her vision so long ago and yet had learned within the strength of vampiric might to look through the eyes of others, poor tragic, strong, and beautiful Cassandra. Cassandra the only woman other than his wife that Sergei had ever truly loved, also the woman that had taken his life from him, and yet gifted him with another in the same breath.

Sergei surfaced quickly from those thoughts.

He did miss her, even now so long after her death, but he had moved on or so much as a lonely vampire surrounded by books of the past and antique furniture could move on.

“That’s not necessary,” He said then, not exactly being clear, but then again at the same times there were many things that Maddie had offered that were completely and totally unnecessary, so take your pick.

“I’ll teach you.” He exclaimed then. “You need offer me nothing, dearest; I’m not much one for bargains or taking from others more than I need. That said, know that I’ll teach you because that is what I wish to do, and I’ll teach all you wish to learn with no consequences attached.”

"But I can at least offer to feed you while I'm here... I mean it really is the least I could do Sergei. And well, honestly, I like it... It feels really good to me. It would really be an honor to do that." Maddie said with a smile, releasing the death-grip on the book.

But he wanted to teach her? Really wanted to teach her?

"Thank you so much Sergei. You have no idea how much that means to me, really."

But where would he start? There was so much that he knew, so much that he could tell her, show her and teach her. Where would he even start? What could he teach her exactly, how much did he really know?

Maddie knew she would find out soon enough, she'd see what he could show her, how powerful he really was, how strong his mind could be. Sticking the book she held back on the shelf where she found it, she picked another one up, this one in French, and it seemed to be about... Politics? Well, as odd as it was, that was something she was interested in.

"But Sergei... If there is anything I can do, please, just let me know. If there is anything I can do for you during the day or anything, I'll be more than happy too." She told him with a smile as she looked back at him.

Sergei smiled and it was a gentle, if a bit ribald in nature.

“That is an offer I must take you up on…” He said, still feeling a bit out of sorts, but The Need as he’d come to identify the blood hunger in his mind, was just that, a need. It was a hunger of sorts, as much as it was a thirst, indeed it was more than that still. There was also a neediness to it; at least Sergei found this to be true in his own mind, a neediness that demanded the closeness, the proximity to life.

Sergei had no doubts that he had at some point in his life romanticized the notion of gaining sustenance from his mortal prey, but romanticized or not, he felt the way he felt and even now knowing Maddie he knew that to drink of her would forge a bond with her as he felt with all of his “victims” a bond that had brought them into his arms, that made him careful every step of the way, indeed concerned for their safety, sanity, and well being.

Even now Sergei remembered their faces or at least most of them. Many were just images now, if he’d gained names to go with them, they had disappeared long ago, but that didn’t stop the feeling of closeness, the remembrance of their faces, some had actually become his friends. Few like Maddie ever knew or understood what he was, but they had been friends nonetheless, even if they could never truly be close.

He sighed then.

Most of them were gone, all of his really close mortal friends. Some had died in fantastic and agonizing ways; others had simply given in to the relentless march of time. And despite his own immunity or perhaps more realistically because of it, Sergei had always found those last to be the most beautiful. Lives lived, lived with passion until they ceased. Yes, they had been beautiful indeed.

A smile then dragged the vampire out of his melancholy thoughts and he chuckled, pointing at his temple.

“Oh, I believe I have an idea.” He said jokingly. “I am after all reading your mind…”

Sergei’s smile was bright when he reminded Maddie of that last, and it was true, he knew exactly how much it meant to her. He simply hoped that she likewise knew how much it meant to him.

It was then that he felt her mind’s turbulence as she considered where to start in there agreement, that likewise stirred the thought in the vampire’s mind as well, but then with a thought he realized.

We should start with the language that she is least adept with, and work out from there...

Indeed once Maddie learned enough languages she would began to find that words and turns of phrase were often barrowed from the Latin originated languages and dispersed through out each other, or even simply shared a common ancestor in the original Latin, and she’d learn that likewise, those others without Latin origins tended to be a least similar in word construction.

He nodded then.

“Sure,” He replied to her last statement. Then smiled again. “Though I am decidedly wealthy, and well let’s just say that being a CEO gives me lots of people willing to do my day time bidding…”

His smile widened at that last…bidding…it was like something out of a horror movie, but despite how many vampire films Sergei might or might not have seen, he knew she was only trying to repay what she saw as a kindness, but Sergei wished to let Maddie know once and for all, that it was he that was receiving kindness. He was glad for the distraction of teaching, glad for the company, and in need…

He seemed a bit distracted to her as he responded, but she did smile and even gave a gruff laugh as he pointed out that he could read her mind.

"Oh, true enough I suppose. So, if you know how much it means to me, you should also realize that I'm grateful for more than just you teaching me. I'll finally have someone I can talk to like a real person again. Someone that I know will understand me in more than writing and gestures."

So he had other people to do his bidding, she still wanted to repay him somehow, wanted to offer her services to him however he might need them as he was doing for her. It was only right, only fair in her mind that she repay him. But before she said so she held her tongue and watched him slightly. Again... He seemed distracted.

Maybe he was distracted because he was hungry...

She got distracted when she was hungry, and if she understood from Vontae, it was worse for vampires.

Smiling she put the book down on a near by table and moved towards him. "You must be hungry Sergei... After I interrupted your hunting and all." She unbuttoned the top most button of her blouse and pulled the collar down for him. It was black so even if it did get a bit messy, no one would really notice. "Please Sergei. Feed, I would feel guilty if you went tonight hungry." She said as she bore her neck to him.

Maddie’s initial reply made him smile and yet even so he nodded, in understanding.

“That last goes both ways I think.” He said, thoughtfully. “I'll finally have someone I can talk to that I can be completely honest with. I guess you already realize how rare it is to come across a mortal that would know me for what I am.”

And while Sergei agreed with most of his species, that generally that was a good thing, he would admit nonetheless that he was glad that he could be honest with Maddie, indeed he didn’t have to play with her mind or her memories to make her forget and more so she had freely offered herself to him. There was a whole new slew of feelings that came along with that, and hardly least among them was his thanks. He was so very thankful.

But it was then he realized she’d noticed his pauses, indeed she had an idea if not the right one about how his mind wandered. The thoughts of Cassandra however had come and gone.

So he focused on her then, smiling.

“You didn’t interrupt…” He said with a bit of chagrin. “Actually well there is of course no pleasant way to say it, but I was in the process of hunting you. I had no idea I’d know you and well as I said no pleasant way to say it. I’m sorry Maddie.”

Then he watched her open the first button of her blouse, pulling back on the dark collar for him, pale skin suddenly striking against the darkness of the fabric. Sergei realized right then just how much the hunger tugged at him, but he closed his eyes for a moment, steadying himself before he’d moved forward to take her into his arms, more carefully, more gingerly than he would have before with the hunger hot and coating his insides.

“I’d hardly go hungry,” He assured her, leaning close, taking in the scent of her, the scent of her blood ready and flowing just beneath the surface. “But thank you, truly, thank you.”

And it was with those mental words that his lips separated at her flesh, first little more than a kiss, then suddenly just that much more as Sergei opened himself more fully to her mind, not manipulating, but simply sharing with her his experience. This he’d found long ago was the most neutral and yet most easy ways to make a feeding more enjoyable for his victim.

So even as Maddie felt the suddenness of his fangs as he slid them gently into her flesh, she also felt that first coppery rush, that ecstasy that seizes the heart, and then little by little the veins and then every inch of the vampire’s body.

It was a pleasure so profound that Sergei almost moaned and yet he did not, could not, if only because he had to drink. And as he did, he could slowly feel his strength building, as if he’d been empty and now suddenly, mercifully he was full.

"Well then, I suppose it's time you caught your prey isn't it?" Maddie said with a chuckle as he said it had been her that he was hunting. Well, better her than someone else. "You don't need to apologize Sergei. I understand what you need better than most people. I'm not upset by it or anything." She assured him.

As Sergei took her in his arms, Maddie relaxed against him, completely unafraid of what he was going to do. Vontae had fed from her several times, some holding her close, others while they made love. With a soft sigh she tried to push those memories away, and tilted her head onto the side of his arm, letting him have better access to her neck.

Sergei wouldn't hurt her, she knew that more certainly than she knew almost anything else. Not only were they fond of each other, needed each other, but Sergei was a kind person... Though a vampire, he was still human, he still felt emotions. Even if he was not the same person he had been, he was not a monster as some vampires could be.

Maddie gasped in delight as she felt his fangs sink into her neck. She felt a rush of sensations as he opened his mind to her so she could feel. her whole body started to tingle. A warmth in her belly at first, then moving out... She couldn't hold the moan back as Sergei had.

"Yes... Drink... Drink Sergei... Deep and long..." She moaned into his mind. "Take what you need..." She wasn't worried. If she passed out for a moment, she would wake up. If she felt a little weak, she could rest. She wanted him to take all he needed, wanted him to enjoy her fully. And she knew he was, the delight that made her body weak now, moaning and whimpering in his arms with pleasure. She couldn't stay off those emotions like he could. She welcomed them in fact with open arms.

Her urging made his muscles tight, indeed other things as well, things he had to instantly and unmercifully distance himself from. But what he kept was as grand as ever he could remember; the taste of her was full and sweet, as fresh and ripe as fresh fruit after a long winter had given way to a much more merciful spring. It was the taste of life assured, brought forth from a memory so long ago that Sergei often cared to count its years, but also this was her. This was Maddie; the essence of her, the taste of her blood, a flavor of sorts that not all vampires seemed to be aware of and yet those that were, something they savored, depending on the source sometimes down to their very souls. And so it was for Sergei as he tasted, was almost intoxicated by that which she so freely gave. And that more than anything forced him to relax and obey her urging words.

He drank deep and long…

Pleasure of it had his knees weak and his body tested –drained and yet full in the same instance. Both strong and weak as he pulled away from her, biting his lip for a moment as he pressed a slow kiss along the marks he’d made to close them in supple mortal flesh.

Sergei held her then, he was sure he hadn’t taken so very much, indeed it seemed he needed less and less with each passing century, but he held her just incase. Incase she was weak, incase she was unconscious, though indeed if he was truly honest, also because he enjoyed the closeness of her, the warmth, the life that even then flowed in his veins.

It was only when he fed, only then did he realize just how lonely he was, understood just how much simple closeness meant to him.

“Thank you,” He whispered into her mind then, almost breathless. Of course it seemed so sedate a gratitude of something that had been so very rapturous.

She lay in his arms, breathing with soft pants. She was a little light headed, sure, but she wanted to stay in his arms. She didn't want to leave him just yet. It had been so long since Vontae had held her, but this was something different. Sergei's arms were strong and gentle. They were caring and protective, made her feel safe.

Closing her eyes with a soft sigh she relaxed into his arms.

She felt so wonderful... The pleasure still coursing through her veins. She truly wanted him to take more, the feeling of his fangs was intoxicating... But if he did take any more, she'd pass out. As it was, she wanted to curl up on his lap and just lay there as she felt his arms around her.

"No... Thank you..." She whispered with a soft smile. "I feel so wonderful... A little light headed... But absolutely fantastic."

He wasn't the only one who needed the closeness of another. He wasn't the only one who felt so lonely. She didn't want to be lonely, didn't want to be by herself anymore. She'd been alone since the accident. No one had really been able to understand her since then... No one understood what she'd been going though... Could understand her even afterwards. Only Vontae had been a breath of fresh air in her torment.

"I just don't want to be alone... I don't want to be alone anymore Sergei." She said as she turned around slowly in his arms, laying her head on his chest. She just wanted to be close... She wanted someone to keep her safe, to teach her things no one else would. And maybe... Maybe he would be able to sire her as well. Maybe he would be willing to turn her. But that was something for later. Right now, she was offering her blood to him. If she were to become a vampire, that would be kind of pointless.

Sergei’s smile was slight and relieved, if a bit proud as it turned out that he and Maddie would exchange thanks. It might have been foolish, but he did feel the slightest bit of pride that she’d taken pleasure away from the experience as well. As often as Sergei used that mental maneuver to insure that his ‘victims’ would feel no pain, it was very rarely that he allowed any of them to remember all but the vaguest of sensations regarding what had transpired during the small space of time it took for him to have enough blood.

That is to say usually, such an experience would have been thrown to the ether, little more than a dream or passing fantasy, but now with Maddox it was more. And that made him glad that it had been pleasant for her.

No, more than pleasant.

Sergei was pretty sure that if she kept it up she’d have him blushing and conceded, even if the former was neigh impossible for a vampire such as himself. His skin was marble pale after all, that did not change no matter how recently he’d fed, indeed he carried his millennia plus of life for the whole world to see if only they knew at what they looked.

But Sergei still appreciated Maddie’s words, and his arms slid about her affectionately even as they held her.

“You are much too kind, dear lady…” He whispered to her fondly. “You fill me with life and then fill my heart with joy. Truly it is I that owe thanks…”

Her thoughts came to him then and he wanted nothing more than to comfort her.

“You are not alone anymore, Maddox” He said then, as she turned in his arms. “No matter what, you are not so alone.”

He smiled then, looked thoughtful as he asked.

“Is there anything I can do for you now? Would you like anything?”

No, she wasn't alone. And as Sergei told her that she smiled. Maddie felt like a little child around him. She felt as if she were learning things over, as if he were like a father to her, watching over her, teaching her, protecting her. Someone who could take all of her fears away and sooth her hurts.

"We need each other Sergei... You never need to thank me for anything. Okay?" She told him.

"But I'm fine... Maybe just need to sit a bit, but I'm okay." She told him with a smile. He probably didn't have any food anyway, she wouldn't think a vampire like him would worry about putting on an appearance. He could always say he had someone else bring cooked meals to the house.

Maddie pulled away from him with a sigh, and though slightly dizzy, she made her way to the sofa where she had placed her book. She sat at first and then leaned against a pillow with a smile. But she very nearly fell asleep. Lying there, it was honestly hard not to do such. The couch was just that comfortable.

"Wow... I like this couch Sergei... She chuckled in her mind. "I could probably sleep here and my back or neck wouldn't even hurt." After the accident, she had only been able to sleep on the softest of mattresses without pain. That was something in her back that hadn't healed properly probably. The doctors said it would cause problems when she was older... But if she did what she wanted to do and became a vampire, she wouldn't have to worry about that.

A soft smile then and finally an acquiescent nod; this was Sergei’s first reply. As much as he felt the need, he wouldn’t thank her. That of course didn’t negate his gratitude, if anything it was like a polish to the hackles of his heart.

It had been a while since last he’d let anyone get close to him, that was at least outside of those flashes of closeness that came with feeding, oh and chance meeting here or there with this city’s inhabitants, mortal or otherwise. But despite the occasional interesting development, Sergei mused that he was living a rather boring if not down right lonely existence.

He was glad for Maddie and her company, far more than he was interested in her blood. No matter how sweet it might be. Ah, and it was sweet. The thought was enough to warm him. He couldn’t blush, thankfully.

Sergei’s movement was lethargic then or at least lethargic to his own perception, but finally he’d released Maddie as she pulled away and watched her take a seat upon his couch. He did indeed smile at her compliment, but just as easily frowned or at least it was a mock frown.

“Of course we shall never know.” He smiled. “If you wish to sleep it shall be in my bed…”

He thought better of his words then. Or rather perhaps it was modern contexts that came to him. Either way, he realized he was again thankful for the constancy of pallor.

“That is to say, that you are my guest. As such I could not ask you to endure but the best I have. I have a bit of food, something I’ve come to keep because of another guest for whom I was ill prepared. It’s only canned things, for they last longest, but simply put, you are to make yourself at home within my house…I would be amiss if you did not find a place better than my couch.”

That made him smile then.

After all, even amongst mortals, was a couch not indeed a place of low honor or displeasure? What could he say; he enjoyed listening to conversations from time to time. He even searched the internet or read the more recent works when it suited his mood, he wasn’t anthropologist of this new age, but yes he was pretty sure the couch was not a place to put before a dear guest.

At his words, she hadn't even thought about any sexual references it ma have brought up in others mind. He was handsome, desirable... And no doubt he would probably be able to show her a good time... But Maddie knew that she shouldn't get involved like that with someone again. Unless she knew for sure... Unless she could really trust them... Well. She knew she could trust Sergei of course, but she doubted he even looked at her that way. After all, not many men did. Not even physically.

"Thanks for the offer... But my back... After the accident, it's very sensitive to things like beds and the way I sleep... It's quite possible that your bed might hurt my back..." She said apologetically. It was a wonderful offer to be sure, but the couch seemed just the right firmness, softness or however you measured it, that it wouldn't hurt her back.

"Besides, if I sleep in your bed, where will you sleep? Sure we sleep at mostly different times, but there's bound to be some overlap, especially if I'm up till three in the morning learning Russian or something. I'm bound to sleep till noon then." She gave a gruff chuckle.

Sergei felt embarrassed a moment, it was true that he had been hearing Maddie’s thoughts since first he had linked their minds, but in all that time he hadn’t felt quite the invader that he was now. Perhaps it was because her thoughts had turned toward a particularly personal nature, um perhaps it was because, well it was because of some things that he simply did not care to examine too fully. But also it was perhaps because of the woman’s denigrated image or at least that was the way Sergei saw it and such a thing compounded his guilt, both at his misturn of phrase, but also at that gleamed from her mind.

Still unwilling to let things stand as they were, Sergei spoke. It was perhaps the most foolish of things he could have said and yet it wasn’t wrong, no not by any stretch of the imagination.

“I think you are very beautiful…even if I do not say so, I notice, and mean no disrespect saying as such. Also I am sorry if I cause you any undo duress knowing what passes through your mind, but we are connected for the moment and it is harder not to hear.”

Indeed that was the truth of the vampire’s mind skill; it took more practice and skill to block out voices than to hear them. Much like a director picking apart a chorus, it is easier to hear the group than it is to hear individuals, though it can be accomplished.
Changing the subject; or at least for as long as she would allow it to be changed, he nodded then.

“Whatever is best for you…” He offered cordially. “But if you change your mind, don’t worry about where I’d sleep.”
He looked thoughtful then, as if searching for the right words or at least how best to express his thought. Which was perhaps rather strange given telepathic communication, but then that of which he thought wasn’t exactly a mundane matter.

“I suppose it is most easily said, that I am a rather distant sleeper. When morning comes it does not matter where I rest, so long as it is out of the sun’s path.” Truly, for Sergei and most Amman, sleep was like a second death, they would be gone, dead to the world until night once again fell.

"It's okay Sergei... Just don't flatter me okay?" She said with a hesitant smile. Vontae had said she was beautiful too... He was really the only one who had said that... And look where that ended up.

She shook her head, remembering the fact he could hear her thoughts. She didn't want to think about him anyway, she didn't want to think of him at all.

"I can try the couch first... I wouldn't want to put you out of a bed or anything, and if I want to I can always go back to my apartment at night after all." She pointed out. And she probably would be doing that unless she was too tired to go home. After all, she still had classes and such going on.

"I'm not going to put you out of a bed Sergei." Maddox said with a smile. "So get your head away from that thought. I wouldn't do something like that, even if you offered me your bed." She said as if the argument were final. But then again, he was a vampire who was centuries old. The fight wasn't over until he said it was. After all, he could probably control her mind and put in the thought that she would seel in his bed, and he would take the couch.

"But... What do you think we should start with?"

“It was not flattery,” He found himself insisting, even as he let out a sigh. He wondered briefly how he’d gotten to saying such things, but then what could he do ersewise? Nothing truly, was the answer.

“I’m not much of a flatter.” He admitted. “But to me, to my sensiblities you are beautiful. Not all beauty need be the bright and shining sun, the snow often has a beauty all its own…”

He stiffened then, he really had not wished to cause her pain, and definitely not to steer her toward thoughts of her former lover. Still unsure of what had been between them, even the spector of an unseen control was frightening and it also humbled him.

Sergei had always wished to us his skills as spareingly as possible, he feared being responsible for aflicting someone negatively, it had happened before…but the very thought that one would use their gift so improperly, well it brought a rush of heat to The Amman member’s blood. While such things were tolerated in the hopes of peace and prosperty between the covens, there would not be many to support Vontae’s ends.

“I am sorry.” He apologized then. And he was glad that she didn’t want to think about it, wasn’t going to dwell upon the lost amongst their number, but that hardly made it right.

But like most things, battles must be chose. At the moment that one was not wise, nor may it ever be.

“As you wish then.” He replied with a smile that was suddenly cordial, the other thoughts gone.

“You would not be ‘putting me out’ as you put it.” Sergei answered then. “Accepting an offer is not a thing of force,” He smiled then. “Though I appreciate the concern for my welfare, simply know that the offer does still stand.”

Perhaps Maddox’s thoughts were right, perhaps he did end the argument, but he ended it with the above words and that was all.

Surely Sergei could control her, it was foolish to pretend otherwise, but the power wasn’t in do so, no. The power was in abstaining from doing so. Respecting the lives of others had always been The Amman way and so too was it Sergei’s way. It always would be.

Looking thoughtful Sergei finally answered.

“How good is your Latin?”

Maddox swallowed slightly, she knew it hadn't been flattery... But that didn't make her feel any better. "It's okay Sergei... You didn't know." She said softly. After all, he might have been able to read her mind, but how would he know what the reaction to what he said was going to be? It wasn't possible, even for him most likely.

"I know you're offering, but doesn't a guest have the right to refuse?" She pointed out with a little smile. "And well, isn't it a hosts duty to provide for their guests with what they want?" Of course the offer still stood, and perhaps if the couch wasn't so good for her back, she might try his bed. But most likely not. She could deal with a little back pain every now and again.

But she looked up and blinked slightly as he asked about her Latin. "I... I only know a little bit. I never really took it as a class, I stuck with languages that are... Well, still used today. I mean I know some because of my other classes, but nothing special." She admitted. Seeing that Latin wasn't used anymore except in the Catholic Church.... She hadn't' really thought about taking it. It wasn't like it was a waste of time, but rather, not relevant for her job.

"It would be good to learn. After all, it is a root language of a lot of the ones I know." She said with a nod. After all, she knew French, Spanish and English... A bit of Italian and well, those were all languages that came from Latin.