Gods, but she was tired of Christmas! Heather McKennit tried not to think uncharitable thoughts as she walked by yet another window, decorated with the usual sparkling lights and tree, presents scattered around the gaudy display. For the tenth time that day a droning Christmas carol played in the background, setting her teeth on edge. 'Bloody fools,' Heather thought, the tall black haired woman moving through the crowded street with ease. The mob may have been fools, but they were at least subconsciously aware of the predator in their midst, giving her plenty of space. A newspaper whipped by and Heather picked it up, casually scanning the front page. December 24th, 1979... there was a cease fire in Rhodesia, the Soviets had invaded Afghanistan and the Europeans had launched a rocket called the Ariane. With a scowl she dropped the paper and continued on, knowing she had things to do. The air might have been icy cold, but Heather didn't feel it as she strode through the snow, her boots making soft crunching sounds as she walked away from busy businesses and up a side alley. Her few breaths barely showed in the air, the vampire only breathing out of habit rather than any need. knock knock "Yeah?" a harsh voice asked. "It's Heather," she answered calmly. There was a rattle of chain and a bolt being thrown, then with a groan of rusty hinges the door swung inward. The old man looked up at her with suspicious eyes as he asked her, "So you're the one, eh?" Heather gave him a cold glance, one almost as chilled as the winter air. "Move, now," she ordered flatly, menace radiating from her very pores. He paled visibly, moving aside so that she could enter. Inside was a carefully maintained front room, the fire burning merrily to try to warm it up. The windows were covered by heavy curtains, the furniture scattered around evoking images of a long ago age. "How is the old woman?" Heather asked, gentling her tone just a bit. "She's dying," he shrugged, "just as she was when you first came here." He gave Heather a measuring glance, "Have you decided?" "Yes." "Come on, then," he turned around to lead her to the rear door of the suite, opening it up almost silently. Within was a warmer room, the walls lined with blankets to hold in the warmth. A large bed crouched in the middle, lit by lamps on each side, and a old lady lay wrapped in blankets in the center reading from a old book. "I was a child and she was a child, In this kingdom by the sea; But we loved with a love that was more than love- I and my Annabel Lee" "That's Poe," Heather noted quietly as she entered. "Edgar Allan, yes," the lady's hands were wrinkled, gnarled with age yet moved with surprising delicacy as she put a cloth book mark in place, closing the leather bound book with obvious respect. Looking up at Heather with blind blue eyes she said, "I find he comforts me, in my final days." "I'm sorry I couldn't find you sooner, Virginia," Heather said as she took a seat beside her in a battered wooden chair. "You know," Virginia said conversationally, "I still don't believe you are the woman who wooed me back in 1913..." Heather chuckled softly. "I wish to hell we never made that trip to Europe," Heather said, reaching out to take that warm hand in hers, "your family would never have called you home and I'd not have spent the next four years killing Krauts." "Your old fashioned ways are showing again," Virginia managed a smile, "no one says Kraut any more." "Whatever," Heather made a soft sound of regret. Clasping Virginia's hand in both of her's she said, "It doesn't have to end this way." "Always my shining knight," Virginia smiled sadly. "Even you can't restore me, Heather... and I don't care to imagine living on like this." "I know," Heather sighed. "Best to end it now," Virginia sighed. A faint smile, "Please?" "You're sure?" Heather asked, pain and regret lacing her voice. "I've never been more sure of anything," Virginia sighed, closing her eyes. Heather leaned forward, her lips drawing back as her fangs unsheathed... then with a starling suddenness she struck! 0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0 "You seem lost in thought," the quiet voice pulled Heather away from a unpleasant Christmas memory. Heather turned in her seat at the bar, eyebrows raised slightly as she recognized the other woman. A few months ago she had helped Alice, and in a second encounter took enough of her sweet blood to make her forget Heather. The redhead was smaller than her, though that was true of most women, and her green eyes were soft and gentle. "I guess so," Heather nodded, "I was just thinking of... wasted opportunities." "I'm sorry to hear that," Alice smiled. She frowned, looking at Heather, "I have the oddest sense of deja-vu... have we met before?" "I just have that kind of face," Heather smiled. "I doubt that," Alice waved uselessly towards the busy bartender to ask for a drink," you're very striking." "He's pretty busy," Heather moved gracefully off her stool, "what would you like? I can get it for you." "Gin and tonic, thanks," Alice smiled warmly. Moving up the bar Heather skewered several customers with a disdainful gaze, "Move, now." Turning to Carter she said, "Beer and a gin and tonic." "I see you met your friend," Carter smiled. The brown and gray haired man dropped his voice, "She came back a few weeks ago... oddly she's only been with the ladies since then." "Thanks," Heather took the drinks and walked back up the bar to where Alice waited. The girl had changed since they last met... a bit of her innocence seemed to have worn away, replaced by a new confidence. Instead of plain clothes she wore a tight little dress, understated jewels and makeup making her even more stunning. "Thank you," Alice smiled charmingly as she took her glass, "I love it when a woman is also a gentleman." "I try," Heather agreed as she sat. 'Did my attempt to erase her memory fail?' Heather wondered, 'Or did our encounter merely awaken something within her?' Christmas music began, a more upbeat tune than earlier. "I suppose you don't care to dance?" Alice asked musingly. "What makes you say that?" Heather asked as she drank her beer. "Because to be honest," Alice smiled wryly as she looked Heather over, taking in the mixed cues of leather jacket and body hugging skirt, "I'm not sure who'd lead." Heather felt her voice drop to a purr, "I lead, usually." "But do you want to dance?" Alice winked. Heather felt herself smile at the girl's flirtations. 'This may not be a good idea,' she finished her beer, 'but maybe I deserve a Christmas gift this year.' Rising she offered her a hand, "Then let's dance." "I thought you'd never ask," Alice purred as they walked out to the dance floor then cuddled close.
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