Path of the Vampire forum

Jonah: Jonah sat in the shop and, after seeing that Charlotte had changed her shift again, he pulled his phone from his pocket and tapped out a quick message to her. *Haven't seen you lately and wanted to check and make sure you were ok.*

Charlotte Ruse: She was sitting at home reading and relaxing, partly too afraid to go out after being shot and stabbed so many times recently. It was disconcerting to say the least. Then there was that Enver guy being really aggressive towards her on the family board, and it was all just a bit much and she needed some time and space of her own. Her phone went off and she looked at it in puzzlement. It never went off, as barely anyone had her number. She reached out, acting as if it would bite her, and then checked the messages. Jonah was texting her, and she didn't understand why. He'd made it very clear he didn't want to see her anymore and that she made him feel uncomfortable. Maybe she'd done something wrong at work, and he was leading into it? She couldn't just ignore him though, so she sent him a reply. "I'm getting by. Yourself?" She thought about it for a moment, wondering if she should add anything else. Her mind was a bit of a fluster with all manner of conspiracy theories as to why he was getting in touch and what she'd done wrong, that she just hit send as everything else just seemed wrong.

Jonah: It was a few minutes before he was able to reply, dealing with a customer. Since figuring out how to control his appearance more, he was better able to work the front desk. Still, he felt most comfortable in what he now considered his natural form. After ringing up the sale and watching them leave, he picked up his phone and replied. *Well enough. I haven't seen you at work lately." He paused, trying to decide if he should add the next part before doing so. *I've missed you.*

Charlotte Ruse: She'd gone back to her book in the time between replying and receiving his, and she was in the middle of a good bit. So it took her a while to reply to him as she finished off the chapter. She picked up the phone and read his message, however when she saw that he missed her, she was so surprised that she dropped the phone. It took her a minute to find it, and as she was looking for it, she was convincing herself that she'd read it wrong and had been imagining things. However, when she looked again - it had indeed said that she was missed. She had no idea how to respond to that however. "I thought it for the best. Not to see each other. Not after last week and how I upset you. So I changed my shifts."

Jonah: The shop had fallen back in to its normal, slow state and so he had little to do other than wait for her to reply to him. He frowned at her initial sentence but grew confused when she said the she had upset him. *You didn't upset me. I upset you.*

Charlotte Ruse: She hadn't had a chance to pick her book up again when the reply came through, so she actually put the bookmark in and set it aside - giving up on it for the moment. She curled her legs up underneath herself and cradled her phone, tapping at it with her red nails. "No, you didn't. You gave me a shock, but I wasn't upset. I upset you though, so much so - you left and abandoned me. I'm so sorry I upset you and chased you away!"

Jonah: *I didn't abandon you. I told you to let me know if you needed anything. I thought you wanted me to go.*

Charlotte Ruse: "But...." She frowned, shaking her head at the whole situation. "I thought you were just being polite, that you didn’t mean it. Not with how you all but ran away from me!"

Jonah: *I didn't run away. I was just giving you space... Charlotte. You're family. I'm always here to help.*

Charlotte Ruse: She sighed at that, because there it was again - the polite sense of duty. He was only doing what he thought he had to because she was family - of some sort. It wasn't because he wanted to. "I see. Well, I guess there were just a lot of misunderstandings going on then."

Jonah: He smiled at her words, feeling better. *I'm glad that's figured out then. What have you been up to?*

Charlotte Ruse: She frowned at the text, wondering why he was continuing the conversation when he didn't have to. "Nothing much. Just trying to heal really."

Jonah: The smile quickly faded at that comment. *What are you having to heal?*

Charlotte Ruse: "All sorts of things. I'm just.... clumsy" She didn't want him to feel like he had to worry about her or help her because of this family thing. So the best thing was not to tell him the truth so that he didn't feel like he had to bother himself with her.

Jonah: He sighed, not sure why she was hiding whatever was wrong from him. *Will you come by the shop? It's hard for me to text.* He hoped that if she came, she wouldn't be able to hide what was wrong as easily.

Charlotte Ruse: She groaned, because she was all snuggled up on her couch and in her pjs. Then she had an idea. She concentrated as much as she could, and then sent out her powers towards him and then replied. "There. Easier?"

Jonah: She felt him mind block him but as he was already in his more human form to work in the shop, it did not have a physical effect on him. "Huh?"

Charlotte Ruse: She frowned as he replied with nothing more than a 'huh' and then replied. "It didn't work?"

Jonah: *Yes, it worked. But how would that make what easier?* He was not thinking about the fact that she was not aware of the changes that had happened to him

Charlotte Ruse: "Well, you said it was hard to text - I presumed it was cause of the claws? Which means that with fingers - it would be easier. No?"

Jonah: *You...should come by the shop. Some things have changed.*

Charlotte Ruse: "Ok" It looked like she didn't have a choice. So she dragged herself up and went to get changed and her face put on. It took about an hour to make herself presentable and to then walk out of the door, to make her way over to the shop. So an hour and a half after sending her last text, she pushed open the door of the shop to hear the tinkle of the bell announcing her arrival.

Jonah: *Look forward to seeing you.* He sent in reply to the message and then waited. Time ticked by slowly and he started to wonder if she had decided to not come. Sighing, he set his phone aside, assuming that she just didn't want to talk with him anymore. When his bell jingled, he perked up. "How can we help you today?" He was still large but looked as he usually did she she mind blocked him, despite the fact that the power should have already worn off.

Charlotte Ruse: She had no idea about the hour long time limit on her power, so when she saw him as 'human' she grinned at him. "See! It did work!"

Jonah: He smiled at her. "Char, I've looked like this all night."

Charlotte Ruse: "Oh? Someone else been doing mind stuff on you?" She asked and grabbed a stool to perch on at the other side of the desk and as far from him as she could manage without being rude.

Jonah: He walked out from behind the counter to stand near her but not immediately beside her. "No. I...went to the temple and figured some things out."

Charlotte Ruse: "The Buddhist temple?" She frowned, looking at him and considering. "You don't seem to be the Buddhism sort." She noted the change in his position and shifted a little to make it easier for her to look at him, by placing her elbow on the counter, leaning back a little and crossing her legs one over the other.

Jonah: He shook his head nod. "The Dragomir Temple. Was where...I first learned about Nox." Her minor shift went unnoticed by Jonah who continued to stand before her in an attempt to be friendly

Charlotte Ruse: Those words were unfamiliar to her and her face expressed just that. "About what?"
Jonah: "Nox," he said, as if it was explanation enough before canting his head. "Did I not tell you..."

Charlotte Ruse: She shook her head, still confused.

Jonah: "Noxism is...what I...and Keara...and some others believe."

Charlotte Ruse: "That.... doesn't help." She sighed, looking at him and feeling all sorts of stupid while reaching out to Peter in her mind to ask him if he knew about it.

Jonah: "Nox is a goddess. Who I pray to. I...thought that my appearance was a curse from her."
Charlotte Ruse: "Ok." She puzzled over it for a minute. "Not heard of that one before. And you think she cursed you? Why?"

Jonah: He looked to the door and then back at her. "There was a time when I...did not feed like I do now. I thought that she was punishing me for that mistake." He nodded, as if reassuring himself of that fact. "I don't think that anymore though."

Charlotte Ruse: She turned and looked at the door too, wondering why he'd glanced back there. She lifted her hand and gently stroked her hair, making sure it was all still tucked up in the clip. "Well, that's good then. I guess. But what do you mean you used to feed differently?"

Jonah: "I was a necurat..." He trailed off for a moment, realizing she wouldn't know what he was talking about. "I fed from other vampires."

Charlotte Ruse: "Oh. Ok. We can do that?"

Jonah: "You...can but it can drive you crazy."

Charlotte Ruse: "More so than drinking human or animal blood?" She asked almost scathingly. "Because that's driving me insane a bit!"

Jonah: He nodded seriously. "It's like a drug."
Charlotte Ruse: "Really?" She looked at him thoughtfully, wondering how it would taste and what it would do.

Jonah: "Really. It...ruined my life in a lot of ways."

Charlotte Ruse: Her thoughts stopped then and she couldn't stop herself from reaching out and taking his hand in hers gently, giving it a squeeze. It felt a lot nicer and more natural now that it was an actual hand, and she offered him a little smile because of it. "How so?"

Jonah: "I...forgot everyone that was important to me. Stopped caring about them. Stopped helping them..." He squeezed her hand, thankful for the touch.

Charlotte Ruse: She brought his hand closer to her, to make herself more comfortable, and rested it in her lap in both of her hands, clasping it gently. "Well, that doesn't sound like you at all. So, it was an addiction then?"

Jonah: He nodded. "It is. And once you start...I don't know of any others that were able to turn back from doing it."

Charlotte Ruse: "Well, human blood is still too rich for me." She smiled apologetically, her thumb stroking over the back of his hand gently. "So I doubt that vampire blood is going to sit well with me."

Jonah: He laughed slightly. "Probably not. It will make you horribly sick until you acclimate."

Charlotte Ruse: "What made you start then?"

Jonah: "There were threats. And it makes you stronger. I...wanted to better protect those I care about."

Charlotte Ruse: "Hmmm. Ok." That on the other hand, made it more appealing again. She felt so weak and pathetic, especially around him. While it was nice feeling protected and looked after, sometimes - when she let herself relax, it did highlight just how pathetic she was in this new 'world' she found herself in.

Jonah: "So...what are you healing?"

Charlotte Ruse: "Nothing" She said, giving his hand a squeeze as she looked up and smiled at him, having healed completely as she'd slept during the day before.

Jonah: He looked at her blankly. "What happened then?"

Charlotte Ruse: She shrugged her shoulders and looked away towards a book as if it were the most fascinating thing ever. "Nothing I've not sorted." She mumbled gently.

Jonah: "Oh...ok." He stopped. She did not need his help anymore and that was that.

Charlotte Ruse: She gave his hand a squeeze and whispered very, very quietly - after checking they were definitely alone - "I missed you too"

Jonah: He was getting ready to pull his hand away from her, thinking that he was only holding it to be nice when she made her statement. "Why did you stay away?"

Charlotte Ruse: She still didn't look at him, uncomfortable with this conversation but wanting to have it anyways, just to say it and get it out there. "Because, I thought it was what you wanted. I didn't want to upset you anymore than I already had. I didn't want to - but I did it for you"

Jonah: "Charlotte. You're family." He squeezed her hand. "And more than that, you're my friend. I will never not want you around."

Charlotte Ruse: "Yes, but I don't want you to put up with me just because I'm family and you feel duty bound to." She said, looking at him, as he brought up her being family again as his reason for seeing her.

Jonah: "Did you ignore what else I said?"

Charlotte Ruse: "No" She mumbled and looked down at her hands with his one. "But the family thing came first, and seems to be the strongest reason each time you get in touch."

Jonah: He moved his hand up and crooked his finger under her chin, making her look at him. "You are my friend. I care about you. I didn't want to...scare you."

Charlotte Ruse: She gave him a small smile and shrugged, looking into his eyes as she spoke. "I'm scared of everything, and flight is my default response. I'm sorry I upset you. I'd never want that. For you."

Jonah: His face grew serious and he looked at her hard. "Don't be scared of me. Please."

Charlotte Ruse: "I'm not. Not since that first night, when we met and you looked so.... different to anything I'd seen before." She gave his hand she was still holding a squeeze and smiled a little.

Jonah: "Then don't doubt me either." He squatted in front of her and put his other hand over hers. "I'm still...that, though."

Charlotte Ruse: "I can't help it. It's what I'm used to.... people lying and having to force themselves to be around me." She shrugged and looked down at his big hand covering her two and his other, and she couldn't help but smile at how it looked and felt.

Jonah: "I enjoy your company Char."

Charlotte Ruse: "But why?" She mumbled. "I'm such a mess. You have to have plenty of others who are easier to be around, nicer to be around, and just - better"

Jonah: He shrugged and dropped his hand. "I just do."

Charlotte Ruse: She let go of his hand as he removed the other, thinking he was uncomfortable with the touching. She lifted her head and looked at his face, as if studying him. She couldn't believe him, and didn't know what to think or feel or say.

Jonah: As she stared at him, he stood and put a hand in her hair, brushing it as she worked out whatever she needed to work out.

Charlotte Ruse: She figured she was going to have to maybe ear her hair down more often if she was going to be hanging around with him. She pressed her head to his hand gently and offered him a smile

Jonah: "Are you ok?"

Charlotte Ruse: She nodded her head with a wider smile. "Yes. Well, better now we're sorted - and I can see you again."

Jonah: "Good. Now...what happened with you getting hurt?"

Charlotte Ruse: She scrunched her nose and uncrossed and recrossed her legs, leaning them against him gently. "Cops, hunters, I keep getting shot and stabbed."

Jonah: He nodded and frowned. "It gets easier. I promise."

Charlotte Ruse: She nodded her head and nuzzled against his hand without thinking, her eyes going wide as she realized what she'd done.

Jonah: He didn't think anything of the small motion but smiled at her. "Do you know why cops are shooting at you?" The police were trigger happy in these parts but they generally only shot with reason.

Charlotte Ruse: She nodded her head, glad he'd not made comment and hoped he'd missed it. "Well, probably because I'm a thief?"

Jonah: He chuckled. "Have you been getting caught?"

Charlotte Ruse: She nodded her head again quietly

Jonah: "Where?"

Charlotte Ruse: "I told you. I'm just a bit rubbish all round." She looked confused though. "What do you mean by where?"

Jonah: "You're not rubbish. And I mean, what are you getting caught doing? Lotta different types of thieves in the city."

Charlotte Ruse: "I am" She whispered in a tiny voice, before continuing normally. "I sneak into warehouses and factories and see what I can lift from the shelves."

Jonah: "Are you telling me I'm wrong?" He nodded at the explanation of where she was stealing stuff from. That didn't put any but herself in danger.

Charlotte Ruse: She just slipped her hands under her thighs and then looked up at him with a curled nose. She didn't want to tell him he was wrong, but she couldn't admit she was worth anything.

Jonah: "How do you think you're worthless all around?"

Charlotte Ruse: Her eyes held his as she spoke, the pain she felt and how badly she thought of herself was written all over her face so he could easily see that she really believed it. "It's what I've always been told. It's what I've experienced and its how I feel. I mess everything up all the time and I never succeed at anything. I try to do the right thing, and it always goes wrong. Always!" As she said the last word, her fang cut her bottom lip and made her jump in surprise, letting out a small gasp of pain as she did.

Jonah: He moved his hand to her lip, wiping the blood that Welles there away. "You do a good job here at the store. I think you're too hard on yourself." The look on her face almost broke him and he didn't know what to do to help her.

Charlotte Ruse: "I can't manage to even speak without biting myself!" She sighed, licking her lip and looking for a hankie for him to wipe away her blood from his hand.

Jonah: He brought the finger to his lips without thinking and licked it away. There was so little of it he could barely taste it and it wouldn't affect his system. Flashing his teeth that were still all fangs he replied. "So do I."

Charlotte Ruse: She blinked at the rows of sharp spines in his mouth and smiled, showing her own two dainty fangs that never went away. "However... should you have done that? With my blood I mean? If it's a drug you're 'on the wagon' from?"

Jonah: "I'll be ok." He winked.

Charlotte Ruse: She just sat there and frowned, eyeing him suspiciously

Jonah: "It takes a lot more than that. I promise. It...I won't do it again."

Charlotte Ruse: "I don't mind it. I just worry about you. I don't want to make you sick or ruin your recovery. I care you know!"

Jonah: "I know. Thank you." He shifted his weight, unsure of what to say from here. "So what were you up to this evening?

Charlotte Ruse: "Nothing. Just reading a book is all." Then she thought he meant he was done with her and wanted rid of her. She slid from her stool, heels clipping to the floor as she straightened her skirt. "I'm sorry, I've taken too much of your time up haven't I? You want to get back to what you were doing so I stop distracting you?"

Jonah: "What boo..." He started to inquire further, honestly interested in what she did with herself, but then she stood. "No...I was honestly interested. I...didn't know if maybe you were singing at the club..."

Charlotte Ruse: "Oh." She said looking up, all the way up, at him. She was only 5' 6" in her bare feet, and he was at least over 7' from her guesstimations. She was going to get a crick in her neck if she hung around him too much. "Sorry. I thought, you wanted rid of me."

Jonah: "Why would I want that? I called you over..."

Charlotte Ruse: "Well, I just thought.... you'd had enough of me is all"

Jonah: "Char, you're my friend. I haven't seen you in days...I'm not sick of you."

Charlotte Ruse: "I'm just.... I don't know how to be a friend." She said, that same pained look contorting her face.

Jonah: His hand went to her hair again. "You're doing fine now."

Charlotte Ruse: She managed a small smile and suddenly stepped forwards to wrap her arms around him, resting her head on his torso and hugging him tightly to her.

Jonah: His arms wrapped around her back and he held her close as best he could.

Charlotte Ruse: "This.... is nice" She whispered

Jonah: He nodded silently, tracing her back for a moment before realizing she couldn't see him. "It is."

Charlotte Ruse: She closed her eyes and just let herself relax and feel safe for a moment. Something she'd not felt.... ever.

Charlotte Ruse: Charlotte was out in the city, looking for buyers for her items. Well, they were her items now, but they hadn't been a few hours before. She walked into a shop she frequented often and smiled at the guy behind the desk. She didn't recognize him as one of the usual staff, but she just figured there had been a new hire. Something was buzzing in her mind, just at the edges of her consciousness, but she ignored it as the start of a headache. Lifting the bag onto the counter she smiled and opened it up, showing off her recently nicked items. "So. I've got some more stock for you. Anything here you fancy?" The man looked into the bag and selected a few items and stated how much he'd pay. It wasn't as much as Charlotte had been hoping for, but it would do - so she nodded her head. He took out the cash and she accepted it, putting it into the bag and fastening it up, turning to head from the shop. And that's when things went wrong. People started appearing, telling her to get down on the ground. Police badges were flashed and guns were being waved around. Her eyes went wide and the panic began to set in. She tried to run for the door and voices called to get her to stop, but she didn't. Shots rang out and she felt them bury themselves into her body, making her cry out in pain. As she fell to the ground, with a shot in her leg, bodies piled on top of her to arrest her and take her into custody. Her mind cried out to Jonah, the only thing she could do. "Jonah! Help! Please!"

Jonah: He was in the sewers when she connected to her mind and his gaze shot up, scanning around, despite knowing that she wasn't there. Pulling his phone from his pocket, he dialed her number immediately and waited for an answer.

Charlotte Ruse: She was crying, with her arms cuffed behind her back, lying face down on the floor while the police tried to stop her from bleeding. It hurt so much, and she was so scared - and when her phone rang, she couldn't get to it. Instead, a police woman pulled it from her pocket and answered it. "Hello?"

Jonah: It wasn't Charlotte that answered and he started to hang up, thinking that he had called a wrong number, but he decided to press. "May I ask who I'm speaking with?"

Charlotte Ruse: She cried out in pain as someone pressed too hard to one of her wounds, and the policewoman didn't identify herself. "Might I ask who's calling please?" She was fishing for info on both him and the girl she'd caught.

Jonah: "Sorry, I must have the wrong number." He ended the phone call and started out of the sewers. He didn't know where she might be but from their conversation the other day, he knew that she liked to break in to warehouse so he headed for Wickbridge and the string of buildings he would hit when he was doing breaking and entering.

Charlotte Ruse: The ambulance pulled up outside the shop in Bullwood, lights flashing and siren blaring having driven up through Wickbridge. She was hauled to her feet and half carried, half marched outside and onto the stretcher - as the shop was too small to fit it inside. She looked around, stressed to the max and hoping to see Jonah turning up like some sort of superhero to rescue her. She tried his mind again, her tone much more desperate than before. "JONAH! They're taking me away! Please, why won't you help me?!"

Jonah: He was giant and pale and shirtless, still feral from fighting in the sewers but saw no sign of her anywhere. Her thoughts rushed in to his mind again and tried to make sense of what was going on. The sound of a siren blaring did nothing to help his focus and he merely looked around, waiting for her to give him some indication of how to help her.

Charlotte Ruse: She struggled and tried to free herself, but couldn't. She was in too much of a panic and she'd not realized she had extra strength as a vampire yet. They released her cuffs and then cuffed her to the bed, face down, then strapped her in with the restraints. It seemed that the hospital just down the block had no beds, so she was being taken to the one in Westwall instead. There was no sign of Jonah, nothing, and she wondered if maybe she had been abandoned. However, she had to try once more, just in case. "Arrested. Shot. Going to hospital. Police everywhere! What do I do?!"

Jonah: Jonah only knew of one hospital so headed towards the one in Bullwood. Using a power to blend in, he slipped inside, and tried to find her but saw no sign of her. He was getting desperate trying to find her. If she was arrested and in the hospital, the cops would figure out what was going on soon.

Charlotte Ruse: She'd given up struggling now, because it was doing no good and was actually really hurting! The ambulance wove through the streets, taking her to Westwall - and all the way there, she was waiting and hoping for Jonah to turn up and save her. However, nothing happened and he didn't come. The tears ran from her eyes and soaked into the pillow as the ambulance pulled up and she was unloaded and taken inside. She whimpered into his mind, unable to do anything else - though not realizing she also projected an image of the hospital and the streets around as she was wheeled from the ambulance to the hospital.

Jonah: Leaving the hospital after having looked through the entire building, he was close to shaking with frustration. Then, her thoughts filled his with hers and he saw where she was. He was growing tired and didn't know what would be waiting for him so he ran as best he could to the other hospital in the city. There were police stationed in the front but he was still disguised so moved inside between them where they hardly noticed him.

Charlotte Ruse: She was wheeled into the depths of the hospital, her mind continuously projecting her surroundings to Jonah - but only one walls worth as she was on her front, with her head to the side. She was taken to the police wing where they held the criminals and there the doctors began to work on her. First thing of course, was giving her anesthetic and then checking for a pain response - which kept on coming. The doctors couldn't understand why their drugs weren't working, and were beginning to ask questions.

Jonah: Moving quickly, he didn't draw attention until he hit the police wing but his size and inertia were on his side and he barreled through. Her projections had been good enough that he got to her room easily. In there, it was impossible to disguise himself but it didn't matter. Ignoring the shouts, he picked the girl up and threw her through the window and jumped out as well.

Charlotte Ruse: She heard her wrist break, and she cried out in agony, as he picked her up from the bed with such force that the handcuff snapped - but not before the damage was done. She was thrown through the window, tumbling head over heel and catching sight of the blood she were covered in - and passed out as she fell.

Jonah: He saw her flop to the ground moments before he hit and rolled and then scooped her up and took off running towards the Asylum.

Charlotte Ruse: She just lay there limply in his arms, not a clue what was going on around her or to her.

Jonah: Bullets landed on either side of them, some connecting with his back, but his muscles and bone were thick enough to protect her.

Charlotte Ruse: She came too, and it took her a moment to realize what was going on and where she was. Then the pain hit. She let out a low moan and curled into a fetal position, her entire body hurting as a wave of nausea and dizziness spread through her body.

Jonah: He didn't notice her stir at first, too focused on running, but managed to get to the asylum and inside before the cops were able to pick up a firm trail on them.

Charlotte Ruse: She found that the less she moved, the less it hurt. So in his arms she stayed as still as possible, trying to relax so that she went with the footsteps and not against them

Jonah: When they got in to the door, he slowed, being more careful to not rattle her. "Char...can you hear me?"

Charlotte Ruse: She gave a little nod of her head.

Jonah: "Do you know where we are?"

Charlotte Ruse: She shook her head.

Jonah: "We're home, in the Asylum. I'm going to take you to my room, ok?"

Charlotte Ruse: She nodded her head again and nestled into him ever so slightly.

Jonah: He moved as steadily as he could to the elevator and went up and crossed to his room. Managing to get the door open, he stood in his cell. "Tell me what hurts."

Charlotte Ruse: She whimpered a little as he fumbled with the door, but once they were inside she tried to think about what it was that actually hurt. She couldn't pick out a piece of her that didn't hurt, not after falling through a window. So she simply whispered "Everything" And she knew from the feel, that his hands and arms would be covered in her blood, so shut her eyes tight so she didn't see it and pass out again.

Jonah: He nodded. "I'm going to take you to the bathroom so I can clean you up, ok?"

Charlotte Ruse: She just nodded her head again.

Jonah: Still carrying her, he bumped the bathroom door open and set her in the tub. His hands went to the belt and began to unfasten the clasps, working it off of her.

Charlotte Ruse: She whimpered as he set her down, her broken wrist - still with one half of the cuffs attached - fell to the side and clattered against the bath, causing her to moan again.

Jonah: The belt gone, he knew he couldn't get the dress off without hurting her more. The wounds would heal on their own but she was in pain now and he needed to take care of her. Bringing one nail down her front, he severed the clothing, leaving her naked in his bath.

Charlotte Ruse: Her black and white dress was made of a jersey type material and clung to her all over. So as his nail severed it, it sprung from her body. However, he'd pressed too hard and both her beautiful red bra and panties were slashed too. However, worse, was that he'd pressed so hard - that a thin trail of red was traced down her pale skin, with her blood pressing out to form into little droplets. She was horrified that she was naked, that he'd see some of her scars, and that he'd cut her. She could feel the stinging pain, like that of a paper cut, trailed down her body. Despite the pain and agony she was in, she drew her legs up to her stomach and looped her good arm over her chest, and stared at him.

Jonah: He saw her curl up and frowned at her. "Char...we need to get you clean." His eyes were almost pleading. "Please...let me help you."

Charlotte Ruse: "But...." She whispered. "You ruined my clothes. I'm.... naked. Kind of. And.... you hurt me! Twice."

Jonah: "I didn't mean to hurt you Char." His eyes were locked on hers and he cradled her face. "I just...need you to trust me. Please."

Charlotte Ruse: She looked at him and quivered, everything in her mind and body was screaming no at her, but those eyes.... She needed to see the man behind the monster, so she mind blocked him and watched as his feral form vanished little by little. Then, with the smallest nod of her head, she tried to turn over while preserving her modesty. She'd been shot in her back, as she was running away, so all of the entry points were on her other side. However, it was really difficult to turn over in the slippy bath, all curled up, with only one hand!

Jonah: As she turned, his hands helped remove the ruined clothes but he did not pay attention to her nakedness. His hands shifted but he did not concern himself with that either. Running hot water, he let the tub fill and sloshed water on to her back, letting the blood run off of her.

Charlotte Ruse: She shut her eyes tightly, curling her good hand under herself and resting her cheek against the end of the bath. She needed her eyes closed so she could imagine she was anywhere else and not there, as well as to avoid seeing the bloody water that was getting redder and redder as he sloshed it over her. She was, quite frankly, mortified. This was not how she'd imagined someone seeing her body for the first time!

Jonah: He pulled the plug regularly, letting the pink water drain, aware of the struggle that she had with blood. He did his best to not touch her too much, but he could not stop himself from letting his fingers touch her bare back from time to time. Grabbing the soap, he circled her back slowly once the thick blood was gone, trying to ease her tension. As he did, he whispered to her, "Hey...it's ok. It's going to be ok."

Charlotte Ruse: She didn't say anything, but she did flinch as his fingers or the water found one of the bullet holes - bullets still within.

Jonah: He felt her flinch and frowned. "Do these still hurt?"

Charlotte Ruse: She nodded her head, eyes still shut. "I think the bullets are still in there. And my wrist.... oh god my wrist hurts!"

Jonah: He petted her back gently. "Do you want to let your body push them out or me to get them out?"

Charlotte Ruse: "I think...." She wanted to squirm away from his hands so badly, but she wanted them on her and all over her as well. It was, a conundrum. So she did nothing and just lay there with her eyes closed tight still. "There's too many. They hurt when I move"

Jonah: "I can get them out but...it will hurt."

Charlotte Ruse: "You've already hurt me, what's some more?"

Jonah: He flinched at that and his hand moved from her back. "I...didn't mean to..."

Charlotte Ruse: "I...." She frowned and thought about what she'd said and when she realized, bit her tongue. She'd meant to say she was already hurting, but her brain hadn't worked properly. "I know. I'm sorry. I'm just.... shaken. And so sore and embarrassed."

Jonah: "I'm sorry I didn't get there faster...I couldn't find you. I looked...everywhere." His hand rested on her side, trying to find an unmarred spot of her body.

Charlotte Ruse: "It's not your fault. The police were waiting for me" She sighed and shivered, suddenly aware again of her bare *** sticking out from the water. "Are, well, are you getting the bullets out? Just.... well, I'm very aware of how, ummm, naked I am!"

Jonah: He nodded and ran some more water, raising the level so she'd be more comfortable. His hand went to her hair for a moment, brushing it out. "It's going to be ok."

Charlotte Ruse: She just nodded her head, gritted her teeth together and then waited.

Jonah: He moved along her back until he found a hole and pressed in. His fingers were wide and blunt but he dug as best he could until he found the bullet and pulled it out.

Charlotte Ruse: Her good hand balled into a fist and tears streamed down her face at the pain he was causing her. He'd forced two fingers into the bullet hole, when one was wider than the bullet - and she felt her skin and muscle ripping as he forced his way in and then it was worse on the way out - because there was the added width of the bullet. Once his fingers and the bullet were removed, her whole body heaved and gasped with relief. "no.... No more. Please!"

Jonah: His hand was at the next bullet hole and he frowned but nodded. More water was let out and he filled it back up, rinsing the blood away and down the drain.

Charlotte Ruse: She lay there, gasping as the pain very slowly dissipated and she could relax. She let out a sigh and tentatively asked. "Can.... I get out?"

Jonah: He nodded and stood, laying a towel on the toilet before putting his arms under and lifting her up. Cradling her with one arm, he covered her with the towel and grabbed some more, leading her to the bed.

Charlotte Ruse: She clutched the towel to her as if it were a lifesaver. Her eyes remained closed tightly, trying to pretend this was all some sort of nightmare.

Jonah: Putting her on the bed, he took another one of the towels and began to dry her face and hair as best he could. It was only then that he saw the terror in her face. Realizing his mistake he stopped. "Do you...this was too much...wasn't it?"

Charlotte Ruse: "Jonah...." she whispered, opening her eyes to look at him. "You cut all my clothes from my body and stripped me naked, including making me bleed!" She moved the towel a little to show him the deep scratch on her stomach, as a reminder. Her voice became a shocked hiss as she continued. "No-one, I mean no-one, has seen me naked before!"

Jonah: He nodded, understanding that he had made her uncomfortable again, just like the night in the bed. "I'm sorry. I just...I was scared..."

Charlotte Ruse: "Do you have, you know? A big T-shirt?" She asked, still well aware there was just a towel draped over her body. "And why scared?"

Jonah: He pulled his shirt off of his body and handed it to her, looking away and down at the floor. "You were hurt and captured and...I was trying to help."

Charlotte Ruse: She took the shirt and slipped it over her head, wriggling it down over her body as far as she could and only whimpering slightly as she put her broken wrist through. "Well, I don't know what you're used to with your ex. But not all girls get naked that easily." She mumbled, staring at her wrist and sighing before holding it out to him. It was all deformed and the bones were obviously dislocated where they'd wrenched against the cuff. "Can.... is.... well, anything that can be done?" Then she realized she should say something else and managed to smile up at him. "Thank you. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't come for me!"

Jonah: "I wasn't...I didn't mean it like that..." He sighed and his shoulders slumped more, defeated. When she showed him her wrist, he took it gently. "It should heal pretty soon on its own." He cradled it gently, and put his other hand on top of it lightly, not wanting to injure it more.

Charlotte Ruse: She nodded her head, refusing to make a sound at the pain. "And, what about the cuff?"

Jonah: He slipped his hands around the metal and pulled, the metal twisting in his hands.

Charlotte Ruse: She just stared at it as he pulled the metal apart as if it were nothing, bringing her other hand up to rub her forearm away from the break. She managed another smile and then reached out to him. She caught his upper arm and pulled him down to her so she could very lightly and gently kiss his cheek and whisper in his ear "Thank you"

Jonah: He leaned as she pulled him down and he smiled as best he could at her. "I'm sorry I wasn't there sooner."

Charlotte Ruse: "My fault." She said, letting him go. "I probably didn't give you enough information." She wriggled about a bit, and painfully managed to get herself off the bed to walk over to his drawers. She knew where everything was - because she'd arranged it all. So she opened up the drawer with his boxers in it and selected a pair that seemed.... more intact than the others. Then carefully, and one handedly, she stepped into them and pulled them up - finally feeling more covered and decent. Now 'dressed', she walked back over to the bed and perched herself beside him, so their legs touched and she could lean her head against his arm. "So, what now?"

Jonah: He watched her walk across the room and averted his eyes again when she slid in to a pair of his boxers. He thought that she was trying to get away from him again and started to stand to give her a chance to be alone but then she sat back down and leaned against him. Putting his arm around her, he tried to comfort her. "We keep you here, let you heal up."

Charlotte Ruse: She nodded her head against him, and then she thought about it some more. There was still only one bed and one too small couch. There was only one thing for it.... "On one condition."

Jonah: He shook his head. "No conditions. You'll be in the bed. I lock the door when I leave."

Charlotte Ruse: "When you.... leave?" Her eyes went wide as she looked up at him in concern and worry.

Jonah: "I don't...want to make you uncomfortable again."

Charlotte Ruse: "No." She said firmly. "The condition was - you take.... well, the other half of the bed. I don't want you on the couch, it's too small for you"

Jonah: He looked down at her, his face stern but he merely blinked, not understanding her words

Charlotte Ruse: She just looked back at him, feeling so small beside him as she waited.

Jonah: "You want me to sleep...here?"

Charlotte Ruse: She gave a little nod of her head. "It's not right, throwing you out of bed. I'd rather go to my home, than throw you out of your home and bed!"

Jonah: "You can't go home. You need to stay here, where it's safe."

Charlotte Ruse: In her head, she pretended that his concern for her safety was because he actually cared for her, and not just because he felt duty bound because she'd been turned by Keara and therefore made family. But she knew it was only a flight of fancy and nothing more. A man like him, could have his pick, and there was no way he'd ever pick her. "Well then. What, do we do?"

Jonah: "You won't take anything else for an answer?"

Charlotte Ruse: She paused for a moment, wondering if she really could do this. However, she knew there was no way she could turf him from his bed, and he obviously wasn't going to let her go home. "The, only other option. I take the couch."

Jonah: He shook his head. "No. You're going to sleep in this bed."

Charlotte Ruse: "Well" Her voice wobbled a little as she looked at him, doing her utmost not to back down to him. "Then I guess, we're sharing a bed and taking.... a side each."

Jonah: He looked down at her, tempted to try and force her to change her mind but finally wilted. Bending over, he started to remove his boots.

Charlotte Ruse: She'd.... won?! She didn't know whether to cheer or cry. She shuffled away from him, giving him some space to remove his boots. "Which.... ummm.... which side.... do you want? Of the bed?"

Jonah: When his boots were gone, he stood and pulled his pants off, standing before her in just his boxers. Sitting back down on the edge of the bed, he motioned her over to the side furthest from the door.

Charlotte Ruse: When he stood up and began to remove his trousers, she turned her head away and didn't look. The movement of his hand to show her where to go, she saw in his shadow. So she got up and moved around the bed to the other side, tentatively pulling the covers back and sitting down. Gritting her teeth against the pain, she slowly lay herself down onto her front, right on the edge of the bed to give him as much space as possible, as well as to keep as far from him as she could. She reached behind herself and pulled the covers over herself, keeping her head turned away from him so she saw nothing.

Jonah: He frowned and got under the covers himself, putting his back to her and crowding himself as close to his edge of the bed as he could. He tried to get comfortable, but he knew that she wasn't. Finally, he turned over. "You're hurt...you need more room."

Charlotte Ruse: "I'm fine" She said honestly, still not looking at him. "I'm flat, that's the most comfortable position. Do... you have enough room?"

Jonah: "I do." He looked at her and a part of him wanted to hold her like he had the other night. It was...nice in its own way. "You could move a little closer."

Charlotte Ruse: "Are.... you sure?"

Jonah: He nodded and shifted, trying to give her room.

Charlotte Ruse: She nodded her head and then shifted herself closer to him, only enough so that she was fully on the bed and not hanging off like she had been. "Thank you. For everything." She turned her head and looked at him, brushing her hair from her face and smiled at him. She wondered if he knew how much she appreciated him, and all he'd been doing for her. He was the nicest person she'd ever met before, and she was scared stiff of messing it up

Jonah: He looked at her through her still slightly damp hair and moved his hand to her face. "It's fine. I'll always be here." His thumb caressing her face, he smiled softly.

Charlotte Ruse: She smiled back at him, her eyes closing and enjoying the caress for a moment before she whispered. "I hope so'"

Jonah: He moved closer for a moment and pressed a small kiss to her lips. It was barely a peck and did not linger but he looked at her the entire time. "I will be."

Charlotte Ruse: There were so many emotions that went through her at that moment, that for a moment she was lost in her thoughts. There was fear, joy, excitement, nervousness and even terror. That was her first kiss ever, and she'd never have that moment again. And here she was lying flat on her front, shot to pieces. It wasn't the romantic moment she'd thought it would be. And yet.... it was. He'd charged into a government facility to rescue her, and was there for her whenever she needed him. Her good hand reached out to him, finally, and caressed his cheek with a little smile as she wet her lips. "I'm glad. I don't know what I'd have done without you!"

Jonah: He scooted a little closer to her and wrapped his arms around her, holding her, needing to be sure that she was safe, and burying his face in her hair.

Jonah: Jonah sighed, a familiar scent surrounding him and he smiled in his sleep. His arms were wrapped around a soft form and he squeezed it for a moment, his hands caressing a soft back. He kept his eyes closed, simply enjoying the moment and afraid it would disappear when he opened them.

Charlotte Ruse: She was fast asleep until she felt herself being squeezed. It brought her out of her sleep and made her wriggle a little. Something was around her, holding her and it felt nice - especially when she remembered what had happened the night before. A little smile on her face, she lay there and opened her eyes, peeking at him through her hair, lying there asleep and human. If only it was always like this, could always be like this.

Jonah: The longer he held her, the more he believed that it was real and he slowly opened his eyes. She was right there and he smiled at her. "Hi."

Charlotte Ruse: She watched him open his eyes and her smile grew a little bit. "Hi"

Jonah: "How'd you sleep?"

Charlotte Ruse: "Long and deep" She yawned, still smiling. "Yourself?"

Jonah: He nodded. "Same."

Charlotte Ruse: "Mmmm. Good. What are you doing tonight?"

Jonah: "No idea. Need to check on the store. What're you doing?"

Charlotte Ruse: "Well, I'm still drained from last night. So thought I'd go home and just spend the night in bed, relaxing"

Jonah: "Oh..." He trailed off, his face growing more serious.

Charlotte Ruse: Her smile faded as soon as his face dropped, and she reached out a hand to gently cup his face. "What's wrong?"

Jonah: "You don't...have to go home...if you wanted to stay here..."

Charlotte Ruse: "Well..... I didn't want to impose... or assume. And wouldn't you want your bed back, so you can spread out and relax?"

Jonah: "Oh...did you want...more room?" His insides were twisting up in confusing ways and he started to move away from her and let his arms release her.

Charlotte Ruse: "No." She said firmly, catching his hand and pulling it back around her, surprised at herself for doing so. "That's not what I said. I'm small, I can fit most anywhere. I just thought.... maybe you'd want the space? Get me out of your hair, or something."

Jonah: "I like you here..."

Charlotte Ruse: "You.... do?" She'd been wondering if the kiss had just been a dream, but now she wasn't sure. Could it have been real?

Jonah: He nodded, growing unsure of himself as she looked at him strangely.

Charlotte Ruse: She gave him a shy smile and softly said. "I like being anywhere you are."

Jonah: If he could have, he would have blushed. "Why?"

Charlotte Ruse: "Because" She said, trying to think why. "I feel safe around you. I like your company, and you're so sweet and kind to me. It just feels..... nice..... being around you"

Jonah: His smile returned and he nodded. "I like making you feel that way." He shifted a little and moved closer to her, his face in her hair as he traced her back through his shirt.

Charlotte Ruse: She too wriggled towards him and lifted her head slowly, resting it on his chest tentatively while she waited for him to push her off or jump away or something.

Jonah: He continued to caress her back and smiled down at her and curled his head downwards, tempted to try and kiss her but merely pressing his lips to the top of her head.

Charlotte Ruse: She turned her head as he kissed the top of it, so that she could look up into his face instead of across his body. She offered him a little smile and relaxed, finally convinced that she wasn't about to be turned out. Her hand lifted and gently lay across his stomach, letting her nails absentmindedly and very gently scratch and caress his skin.

Jonah: He sighed happily at her touch and his eyes closed again but he squirmed slightly. "Careful...that's...nice."

Charlotte Ruse: She frowned at that comment, because it didn't make any sense. If it was nice, why did she have to be careful? "I..... what?"

Jonah: "It...tickles."

Charlotte Ruse: She couldn't help but smirk at that, and continued to tickle him. She let her hand trail across his stomach, chest and side, looking for the most tickly spot to then stay there mercilessly - safe in the knowledge she wasn't ticklish

Jonah: He groaned and his nails dug in to her back and he pulled her closer.

Charlotte Ruse: She chuckled softly, but wriggled at the pressure on her back as it was freshly healed overnight and still sensitive. "So..... when are you off?"

Jonah: When her touch lightened, he smiled. "I don't know yet."

Charlotte Ruse: She nodded her head and turned her face to look back towards the wall as it was more comfortable than craning to look up to his face. "Well, when you go - I will too. I do need some clothes after all, since you kind of ruined everything I was wearing yesterday. Mind you.... with the bullet holes, I think it was ruined already. Regardless. I do need something to wear."

Jonah: When she turned, he moved a little closer to her and curled his legs up under her, surrounding her and wrapped both hands around her stomach. "Sorry about that. I was kind of...single minded."

Charlotte Ruse: He moved around and she moved with him, readjusting as he indicated. She ended up with her back to him, head on the pillow, with him curled around behind her and holding her close. It was a new thing for her, and she really liked it. She'd never felt so safe in her life before and it was.... refreshing and freeing. Her hand rested on his, which were on her stomach, and she smiled. "It's.... fine." At least it seemed so. He hadn't recoiled from her scars or questioned them, and he was still here. So that was something.

Jonah: As he had bathed her, he had been focused on getting her clean and making sure she was ok and hadn't paid much attention to her body. As they lay there, a part of him wanted to but he shook the thought away. He knew where that led and he didn't want that again. He cared about Charlotte and did not want to ruin anything. He pulled her tight to him again and put his face in her hair.

Charlotte Ruse: Gently, she let her nails scratch against the back of his hand, just enjoying this while it lasted and not wanting to do anything that would ruin what she saw as a perfect moment.

Jonah: He was enjoying the easy way that they were able to be with each other when he tensed. The light scratch on the back of his hand made him twitch against her. He stayed as still as possible, hoping she had not noticed.

Charlotte Ruse: She hadn't noticed anything untoward. She was just enjoying lying there with him. She didn't think anything of her nails on his skin, she was just caressing his hand softly.

Jonah: As she continued to play with his hand, he relaxed and began to mimic her motions through the shirt.

Charlotte Ruse: She just closed her eyes, wriggled her hips back a smidge to get more comfortable and enjoyed.

Jonah: His breath caught as she moved closer to him and he moved his hand for a moment, slipping it under her shirt to rest on the cool skin of her stomach.

Charlotte Ruse: She tensed a little as the hand slid under the shirt she was wearing, but she didn't move or complain - just waited to see what his intentions were.

Jonah: He felt her tense but kept his hand on her stomach, letting his fingers lightly play over her skin as she had his earlier.

Charlotte Ruse: She let out a little sigh as he did nothing else but caress her gently, her eyes closing again as she relaxed

Jonah: Short nails grazed her lightly as he explored and closed his eyes, learning the small bit of her that he had his hand on. "What're you thinking?"

Charlotte Ruse: "N... nothing." She said nervously, having not actually been thinking anything and just relaxing there.

Jonah: He nodded, wanting to ask her something but afraid to so continued to touch her skin.

Charlotte Ruse: "You?"

Jonah: "I..." His voice caught and he realized he couldn't voice it and his mouth just closed again.

Charlotte Ruse: She frowned and slid her hand under her own top to link with his. "What?"

Jonah: He closed his fist, squeezing her hand for reassurance. "I just...wondering about last night."

Charlotte Ruse: "Oh?" She gave his hand a squeeze back, worried that she'd done something wrong.

Jonah: He could hear the worry in her voice and he knew that he had caused it with his vagueness. "You have to promise that you won't leave if I tell you."

Charlotte Ruse: "I.... I can try?" She said, still worried she was about to get a reprimand.

Jonah: He nodded. "I wonder what it would be like...to kiss you again..."

Charlotte Ruse: Well, that wasn't what she'd been expecting, though it did make a little smile creep across her face. "Ummm.... really? W... why?"

Jonah: He couldn't see her face and only heard the hesitation in her voice. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything."

Charlotte Ruse: "no, no. I just.... why do you wonder? I..well.. it was my first kiss. That's all" She was glad he couldn't see her face, because she was cringing with embarrassment over it all.

Jonah: "It was your....first?" His chest fell. She had wasted her first with him. "I'm sorry."

Charlotte Ruse: She nodded her head and then blinked as he apologized, rolling in his arms to turn to face him with a frown. "What? Why.... why are you apologizing?"

Jonah: His hands were on her back now and he continued to pet her. "I just...you deserve better."

Charlotte Ruse: She looked at him, none the wiser. "Better? Than what?"

Jonah: "Me."

Charlotte Ruse: She just stared at him, dumbfounded. She had no idea what to say to that as she stared into his eyes. She reached out with her hand and cupped his cheek, shaking her head. "I've never met a better man than you!"

Jonah: He closed his eyes and leaned in to her touch. "Then you haven't met a man."

Charlotte Ruse: "I've met plenty!" She said firmly, frowning.

Jonah: He shook his head.

Charlotte Ruse: "Jonah!" She said firmly. "You're an amazing man. I've told you before. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. For one - those doctors and police would have me sliced and diced by now! I owe you everything Jonah. You're a special man" Her fingers caressed his cheek gently, not sure how to make him see himself as she saw him.

Jonah: "I just...did what I had to do...I couldn't let you be hurt." His hand slid further up her back, petting it slowly and he leaned his forehead against hers, his eyes still open and looking at her.

Charlotte Ruse: "Not everyone would do that though Jonah." She said softly, looking into his eyes.

Jonah: He nodded, knowing that it was true but not understanding how anyone wouldn't do the same for her.

Charlotte Ruse: She smiled at him and moved her head so that her nose touched his gently, then she relaxed back again smiling. "You're special Jonah. To me especially"

Jonah: When their noses touched, his eyes went wide and he panicked a little, both wanting and terrified that she was going to kiss him but then she moved away again and he calmed and was saddened. "Why?"

Charlotte Ruse: "I told you why" She said, trying to read his face as it changed emotions over and again. She'd wanted to kiss him, but she just couldn't do it. She couldn't make that move as if there were a physical barrier stopping her from going further. She was too afraid of being rejected and losing him - when he was the only one in the city she knew. Even her own sire hadn't been seen or heard from since she'd been turned.

Jonah: "Tell me again...please." The voice wasn't broken but it was close. He wanted to understand what she saw in him.

Charlotte Ruse: She frowned at the tone of his voice, because it hurt her to hear him sounding so.... forlorn. "Jonah. You're a beautiful, kind and caring man who has gone out of his way to help me in every way he can. I've never experienced kindness like that you've shown me, and I'll never forget it!"

Jonah: He nodded. He was kind to her and made her feel safe and that was what he wanted but... He closed his eyes and in a flat tone, he murmured, "Thank you."

Charlotte Ruse: Her frown deepened and she ran a thumb over his cheekbone. His tone was off still, and she didn't understand why. "What's wrong?"

Jonah: He shook his head. "Nothing. I make you feel safe. That's enough."

Charlotte Ruse: "Enough for what?"

Jonah: "Me."

Charlotte Ruse: She had no idea what was going on in his head, or what he was talking about, or what all these insecurities were about. She lay there, looking into his eyes and decided to press the matter. After all, she owed him. "No. There's something else. I can see it on your face. What's wrong?"

Jonah: He wanted to kiss her again? He wanted to make her feel safe but not how he'd made AJ feel safe? He didn't want to push her away? He couldn't tell her those things and just shook his head and smiled. "Nothing. Just tired."

Charlotte Ruse: "I...." She hesitated, but kept going. "I don't believe you. We just slept all day. You..... you can't be tired."

Jonah: "I just...I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

Charlotte Ruse: "That's just me. I don't have much experience being.... sociable. So don't mind me. It's not.... it's not personal. So.... tell me."

Jonah: "I just...don't want to make you do anything you don't want to do..."

Charlotte Ruse: "You won't. I'm not.... not that weak." She curled her nose, wondering what it was he thought of her. Fair enough - she'd been a bit pathetic up until now. But this was something totally new and different. Surely everyone must freak out and **** up!

Jonah: He nodded but remained silent. He knew she wasn't weak. She was...skittish but she'd been through a lot and he knew that she'd get stronger.

Charlotte Ruse: She just held his gaze and watched, waiting for the truth.

Jonah: He couldn't stand her looking at him like so rolled and pulled her on to his chest, still touching her back. "I don't know what to say."

Charlotte Ruse: She squeaked in surprise and wriggled a little to find her balance. Her elbows leant on his chest and her arms crossed under her chest as she looked down at him, and continued to wait. "The truth. Please."

Jonah: "It's...complicated."

Charlotte Ruse: "I have time"

Jonah: He stared up at the ceiling and his body stiffened, his hand pausing on her back and his voice came out flat. "I would like to make you feel more than just safe."

Charlotte Ruse: Pain - was the first thing that came into her mind, because that's what she was used to. She was used to men causing her physical pain, and so that was always her knee jerk reaction. Her voice was softer then as she spoke, looking for more information. "What.... what do you want me to.... to feel?"

Jonah: "I don't...know." He trailed off, not sure how to explain it. "I just...want to get to know you more."

Charlotte Ruse: She slid up his body so she could look down into his face, her hair cascading around them both and framing them gently. "You.... have to know, what you mean." She frowned, trying to understand.

Jonah: Without thinking his hand went to her hair and stroked it gently, brushing it out even as it fell back down and framed them. There was desire in his eyes but he tried to hide it. "I just...want to spend more time with you."

Charlotte Ruse: She didn't recognize the desire in his eyes, because she'd never seen it before on anyone. She just smiled as he said he wanted to spend more time with her and nodded. "I'd like that too. Though, we are kind of together most of the time - when we've not had a misunderstanding."

Jonah: "I guess I mean in...better circumstances. And doing...better things."

Charlotte Ruse: "What?" Yup, she was completely lost now.

Jonah: "Like...fun things. Other than working...or me breaking you out of the hospital."

Charlotte Ruse: "Well, you took me to see that zombie, that was fun"

Jonah: This was not going to be easy and he sighed. "Like a date..."

Charlotte Ruse: "Like... a...." She stared down at him, not believing what she'd heard. "You.... want to take me on a date? Why?"

Jonah: He shifted and let her off of his stomach and rolled to the edge of the bed, sitting up. "Sorry. Nevermind."

Charlotte Ruse: She rolled to her knees and knelt behind him, huffing. Her hand reached out to his shoulder and gently grasped it. "You asked me why I liked you. Why can't I ask the same?"

Jonah: "I just...you're nice and smart and you're pretty and...I just do."

Charlotte Ruse: She smiled and let the pads of her fingers slide over his shoulder and bare back, nodding. "Then I'd love to. But, you could do better you know. You don't have to settle for me"

Jonah: He closed his eyes, enjoying her touch on his back, but turned to face her at her words. He shook his head, "I'm not settling."

Charlotte Ruse: She just smiled at him, continuing to stroke his back gently. "Well, we'll see. If you're sure you.... you want to date me?"

Jonah: He didn't answer. He put his hand to her cheek and leaned forward, bringing his lips to her.

Charlotte Ruse: A moment of panic took a hold of her chest as he came at her, but she fronted it out and waited to see what would happen. When his lips touched hers, her eyes closed and she relaxed into it, sliding her hand around his back to hold him to her as she gently returned the kiss, following his lead.

Jonah: It was simple, and he closed his eyes, his hand moving to her back and caressing it lightly. He did not push for more than her lips against his but enjoyed the simple feel of them together.

Charlotte Ruse: Her lips massaged against his and she felt a sort of, euphoria rising within her at what was happening. This was, quite frankly, the best thing that had ever happened to her!

Jonah: When he finally broke it, he opened his eyes and looked at her. "I'm sure."

Charlotte Ruse: She smiled, no, beamed and then looked at her hands in a very shy manner - though she couldn't stop beaming - and nodded.

Jonah: "I'll see you later this evening?"

Charlotte Ruse: She nodded her head. "Mm Hm. Of course."

Jonah: He smiled back at her. "I'm looking forward to it."

Charlotte Ruse: "me....me too!" She figured she could borrow one of his shirts and turn it into a dress of some sort which would enable her to get from here to her place so she could get some proper clothes again. Though, she had no idea what to wear. "What.... what will we be doing? So I know how to dress."

Jonah: "I don't...know." He didn't have much experience with dating. The time with AJ was...different and Wolffyn before her was nice but they hadn't done much either. Dinner wasn't possible for either of them but there were other possibilities. "I'll text you once I have an idea. I don't...have much experience with this."

Charlotte Ruse: She couldn't help but laugh gently. "You.... have more experience than me!" But she nodded her head. "I'll wait to hear from you then"

Jonah: He smiled and stood. "Help me find clothes for today?"

Charlotte Ruse: "They're.... not in the drawers?" She asked, turning on the bed to watch him.

Jonah: "I'm sure they are but...you could help me pick out something?" He wasn't sure why he wanted her to be so domestic but he did. If it upset her though... "I mean, I can do it myself. I just...thought you'd like to help."

Charlotte Ruse: She chuckled and got up from the bed, walking over to the drawers. As she walked past him, she lifted her hand and gently trailed it over his arm in a tender manner. She opened his drawers and picked out a nice pair of jeans, underwear, socks - and then over to his wardrobe she went and rummaged through his shirts, picking out a white one with thin blue pinstripes in it. Finally, she laid it all out on the bed like you would for a child and then perched herself up at the pillow. "Ok?"

Jonah: He laughed and nodded, picking up the items and heading to the padded cell on the other side of the apartment to change.

Charlotte Ruse: She curled her legs under herself to sit there cross-legged, pulling the blanket up and over herself gently as she waited.

Jonah: A few minutes he reappeared in the outfit she had picked out for him. "How do I look?"

Charlotte Ruse: She nodded her head and almost said 'sexy', but bit it back and just smiled. "You look very handsome."

Jonah: "I'm glad you approve."

Charlotte Ruse: "Mm Hm" She nodded her head, smiling.

Jonah: "Well...I guess I'll see you later?"

Charlotte Ruse: "I hope so." She nodded her head, not taking her eyes off him for a moment.

Jonah: He smiled, tempted to go to her and kiss her again but not wanting to press his luck. "Stay safe in the Darkness, Char."

Charlotte Ruse: "You too Jonah." She watched him leave and sighed sadly, having hoped for a kiss again. She got up and rummaged in his drawers, finding herself some clothes to wear and then headed home herself.

Jonah: Jonah had spent more time trying to figure out what to do for his date than he had on work at the bookstore. It was lucky that the place basically ran itself. He had a good crew of workers and they worked well together. Sitting in his office, he scrolled through google, trying to find something appropriate and fun to do. Somewhere in the middle of the results, was an activity that he hadn't thought of. Texting Charlotte, he asked. *Hey, have you ever been to the fair?*

Charlotte Ruse: She'd gone home dressed in one of his shirts and belts that she'd turned into a dress again. Once home, she'd washed and changed and then sat and worried. She was going on a date, supposedly, and she'd never been on one of those before and it scared her. What was she supposed to do, how was she supposed to act, what was expected of her, and so many other things ran through her mind. She'd tried reading and then she tried playing her guitar - but neither had worked. So instead, she'd finally settled on sitting and painting. So when the text had come through, it had made her jump and scramble for the phone. She read the text and shook her head as she replied. "No. Never. Yourself?"

Jonah: The return text was quicker than he expected and he smiled, hoping that he hadn't interrupted her. *Nope. Would you like to? For our date tonight?*

Charlotte Ruse: "Yes. I think, that would be nice." She sent back, wondering what might be at the fair and what they would be doing.

Jonah: *When can I pick you up?*

Charlotte Ruse: She looked up at the time and then down at her paint covered self. "Well, you're not due to close the shop for a while yet are you?"

Jonah: *Nope. Just trying to get something in order*

Charlotte Ruse: "Oh ok. Well, I'll go and jump in the shower, and be ready in.... an hour?"

Jonah: *Sounds perfect. Where will I pick you up?*

Charlotte Ruse: "At mine?" She suggested, already putting her art supplies away.

Jonah: *I'll see you then *

Charlotte Ruse: She was already in the shower and getting herself ready, wondering what in earth you wore to a Fair.

Jonah: Their plans made, Jonah turned his attention more fully on to work, making arrangements for some new orders to be placed and looking at the trade values and trying to determine if his prices were too high or low. His eyes swam and the hour passed almost instantly. The alarm on his phone went off, alerting him, and he checked the time and saw that he was almost late. Focusing on her apartment building, he used his speed to take him there almost instantly and walked through the doors calmly, knocking on her apartment only a few minutes late.

Charlotte Ruse: Out of the shower she'd dried off and then sat and done her hair. She pulled it back into a ponytail and then set the front into a lifted pin curl, making sure the blonde streak was perfect. Her makeup was minimal, but of course, red lips and nails - toes and fingers. Then to her wardrobe. She'd tried on so many things and discarded them all as the nerves grew and grew in her stomach. Finally, a black dress with short sleeves and a polo neck, that came down to her calves was picked. Finished with a leopard print, under bust corset that was tied with a red ribbon. Black, peep toe heels finished her feet, while she was finalized with hoop earrings, a silver bracelet and a funky black ring. She was just spritzing herself with Elizabeth Arden's 'Pretty' when there was a knock at the door. She

Charlotte Ruse: picked up her shoestring purse, took a breath, and then went and answered the door - opening it and smiling at Jonah, looking him over from up the two steps into her place. "Evening Jonah..."

Jonah: He was wearing the same outfit she had picked out for him earlier. A basic pinstripe, button down shirt and jeans and looking at her, he felt under dressed. She was beautiful and he felt mildly embarrassed that he was just taking her to the fair grounds. He should be taking her someplace better. "Sorry I'm late..."

Charlotte Ruse: She smiled and stepped out of her house, shutting and locking the door behind herself. Then she took a gamble and then leant in, taking advantage of the steps giving her some more height, and pressing a kiss to his cheek. However, she was so embarrassed that she'd done it, her head looked down at the street and scurried down the steps. "I didn't even notice, I was just ready as you knocked!"

Jonah: Her kiss was gone almost as quickly as it had come and it worked to ease his worry that she might not actually want to go on this date with him. Nodding at her dismissal of his apology, he smiled down at her once she was by his side and offered her his hand. "Good timing then I guess. Anything else you need before we go?"

Charlotte Ruse: She shook her head and slipped her hand into his easily and naturally, stepping that fraction closer to lean into him. "No, nothing. I'm good thanks."

Jonah: He nodded and walked with her, shortening his pace so as not to drag her along. "How has your night been?"

Charlotte Ruse: "It's been ok thank you. I just got out the paints and had a shot at something. It helps to calm me and relax me" She had been just about running along at first, so was thankful when he shortened his gait for her. "Ummm.... Oh! How was work? Busy? Successful?"

Jonah: He nodded. "It was alright. Got some business done and some new sellers located." He squeezed her hand. "I didn't know you painted."

Charlotte Ruse: "Mmm Hmm" She nodded. "And I play the guitar. But, it's all just for me. I've never let anyone see or hear before."

Jonah: He had started to ask if he could see something that she had made and again if he could hear her play but bit off his response when she said that she didn't let people experience them. Instead, he merely asked "Why not?"

Charlotte Ruse: "Because I'm no good." It was said so matter of factly that it obviously wasn't someone fishing for a compliment and was honestly what she believed.

Jonah: "I seriously doubt that."

Charlotte Ruse: She shrugged her shoulders and leant into him gently and in a friendly manner. "What do you do, as a hobby?"

Jonah: "I don't...really have one. Study at the store. Hunt in the sewers. That's really it."

Charlotte Ruse: She frowned and looked up at him as they walked hand in hand, not quite believing him. "But your spare time? What do you do?"

Jonah: "I go to the sewers, fight the hunters and the paladins there. Unless there's a raid... I take part in many of them."

Charlotte Ruse: She just... didn't understand. "So. Your way of relaxing, is to kill people?" Her voice was soft and the hold on his hand had loosened, waiting to see what he said.

Jonah: "I...don't think it's relaxing..." When her hand loosened, he thought that she was trying to pull away and was torn for a moment, unsure if he should pull her back or let her go completely. He decided that his best option was to continue to hold her as he had. "It's just...what I have to do."

Charlotte Ruse: "Why?" Her hand stayed where it was, for now, but she wasn't sure she liked this.... 'hobby' he had.

Jonah: "I...Do you remember the zombie I showed you?"

Charlotte Ruse: She nodded her head. "Yes. I've.... been back you know?"

Jonah: He shook his head, "No, I didn't know that. Why have you gone back?"

Charlotte Ruse: "I... well... you said they were a threat. And, well, I wanted to make you proud. So I thought I'd try and find my way back and see what I could do."

Jonah: "And what do you think?"

Charlotte Ruse: "I think it's horrible!"

Jonah: He was shocked by her reaction but pressed, "How so?"

Charlotte Ruse: "I don't like violence, at all. It just doesn't feel right or sit right with me. I've..... been on the wrong end of violence all my life. I just can't get used to it or support it."

Jonah: He heard what she said but really only focused on one part of it. "Who's hurt you?"

Charlotte Ruse: "What?" She blinked in surprise, not expecting him to have picked up on that bit and that bit alone.

Jonah: He repeated the question again, his hand tightening slightly on hers, more protective than painful. "Who hurt you."

Charlotte Ruse: "I... umm... Just people. It's not important." She'd noted the tightening on her hand, and leant into him a little too.... well, she wasn't entirely sure why. But it just seemed like the thing that needed done, as if to comfort him or something.

Jonah: He let her lean against him and began to rub the back of her hand with his thumb. "Please?"

Charlotte Ruse: "Honestly" She said softly. "Just people. So many people. Why do you think.... I'm so scared and jumpy?" She just mumbled the last bit, not really comfortable with this conversation as it was skirting too close to that which she kept hidden.

Jonah: "I've wondered..." He slipped his hand from hers and put it around her, drawing her closer. "Why?"

Charlotte Ruse: "They just didn't like me I guess." She said, wrapping her arm around his waist tentatively "I didn't exactly ask"

Jonah: He nodded and continued to hold her close. "I'm sorry." The words were spoken as they appeared before the fairgrounds, the lights flickering in front of them and the various rides and activities whirring. "Do...you still want to go in?"

Charlotte Ruse: Her eyes went wide as she saw the lights and heard the music, the smell of the foods and snacks that were on offer was making her salivate and she just stared as if hypnotized. "Yes, I'd like to go in. If.... that's ok?"

Jonah: Smiling, he squeezed her again and led her in through the gates. "What would you like to do first?"

Charlotte Ruse: "I don't know. I've never been to a fair before. What's here?" Her eyes were as wide as saucers and she was staring at everything and just enjoying all the stimulation to her senses.

Jonah: "Rides, games..." He started to say food but remembered that neither one of them would be able to enjoy it to any degree beyond smelling it.

Charlotte Ruse: "Oh! What sort of games?" She let her hand drop from around him and hurried over to a man handing out maps of what was where, then scurried back to him, holding it out to him with a grin. "What can we do?"

Jonah: He looked through the various games and pointed to a shooting gallery. "Want to start there?"

Charlotte Ruse: She nodded her head, still grinning and then tried to make her way through the crowd. However, the crowd was too thick, with too many people, and she was just being shoved and nudged around, and getting nowhere.

Jonah: The crowd parted around his frame but she seemed to struggle to keep up with him. Frowning he slowed down again and put his mouth to her ear so she could hear him over the crowd. "Want to ride on my shoulders?"

Charlotte Ruse: She looked down at what she was wearing and laughed, shaking her head. "I don't think that would work." She reached out and linked her arm in his, holding on tight so she wouldn't get left behind again.

Jonah: He nodded, not understanding the possible issue and kept her close to him, pushing through the wave of oncoming people until they got to the midway where the crowd thinned out.

Charlotte Ruse: "Ha!" She chirruped happily as the throng around them seemed to thin. Her arm released his so that her hand slid down to take his again, now there was no issue with her being left behind. However, she was totally turned around now. "So, where's this game?"

Jonah: He pointed out the shooting gallery with the pop guns and moving ducks. "You want to try first?"

Charlotte Ruse: She nodded her head and just about dragged him over to the gallery, waiting for someone to finish so that they could get a gun. She made sure to watch the others so she knew what to do, and then when the stall holder came over to ask if she wanted a go, she nodded and grabbed her bag, searching out her purse to pay.

Jonah: His wallet was already out and handing over enough cash to get her a full round. The handler nodded and winked at him. "Now what is the lady trying to win for her special man?"

Charlotte Ruse: She smiled at the stall holder and set her bag back down. If she could have blushed, then she would have done as Jonah was called her 'special man'. She looked up at Jonah's face, wanting to say sorry for having been mistaken for someone he'd date - when she realized that this was a date! Her eyes turned to the stuffed toys and looked around them until she saw a little rabbit toy, so fluffy and with its paws almost over its eyes as if trying to hide away. She smiled and pointed. "That one. How... how do I win it?"

Jonah: "You've got 10 rounds. Hit 5 ducks and the rabbit's yours." He waited to make sure she understood and handed her the gun. "Make 'em count." Hitting a button the little metal figures began to stream this way and that along the back wall.

Charlotte Ruse: "Oooo!" She gasped as the little ducks began to move. She had no experience with guns, but she'd seen the other people stuffing the cork into the end and then pumping the other end of the gun to charge the pressure within. She held it up, finger on the trigger and tried to aim at the ducks, pulling the trigger when she thought she had the duck in her sights...... and missed. "Awww!"

Jonah: Jonah patted her back encouragingly. "You'll get it."

Charlotte Ruse: She repeated the action another 9 times, trying to get the hang of it. Her second one hit. Third missed. 4th hit. 5th missed. 6th missed. 7th missed. 8th missed. 9th missed. So with her tenth she calmed herself and took aim again, getting another hit! "Ha! Did I win?"

Jonah: "3 for 10. Sorry little lady, looks like tonight is not your night."

Charlotte Ruse: "Awww! Never mind." She smiled and gently leant against Jonah, turning her head to look up at him. "So, what now?"

Jonah: "My turn." He smiled down at her and handed another bill over, taking her place. He pointed to the large plush, a bit like a hound dog, with droopy eyes and lips and ears. "How many for that one?"

Charlotte Ruse: She stepped aside, perching on the counter thing beside him with her legs crossed, calf rubbing against his knee unknowingly as the stall holder looked at the dog and answered. "9 out of 10 for that big lug of a thing"

Jonah: He lined up his shots and squeezed the trigger 10 times in quick succession, managing to get a majority but falling short of the 10, possibly due to the mild distraction of her calf rubbing against him. Slapping another bill down, he nodded, "Again." Almost without waiting for the ducks to reset, he squeezed the trigger again, more slowly. He missed the first and gritted his teeth but remained calm and kept firing. Ping. Ping. Ping. 9 times in a row.

Charlotte Ruse: "OH!" She grinned, watching and counting. He got the 9 down his second go and she gave him a round of applause. "Well done! You got a dog!" Came the voice of the stall holder as he retrieved the aforementioned toy. However, Charlotte thought the man had been talking about her - so her face fell and she slid from the slab of wood to walk away a few feet, hurt at the comment.

Jonah: Jonah smiled as the big toy was handed to him and he turned to Charlotte, confused why she was looking glum. "I won you something..."

Charlotte Ruse: As Jonah walked over she brightened up and smiled at him, reaching out to stroke the soft fur of the dog. "Thank you! He's so cute! He will have pride of place in my bed!" She smiled innocently, not thinking about how it might be taken.

Jonah: He smirked and nodded, wrapping his arm around her waist and resuming their walk.

Charlotte Ruse: To get his hand around her waist, meant he had to be bent at a weird angle, with their height difference. So she got his arm and moved it to her shoulders, letting her put her arm around his waist and snuggle into his side - while hugging the dog tight in her other arm. "So, what's next?"

Jonah: "I chose that one. You choose the next one."

Charlotte Ruse: "hmmmm." She took the map from him and had a look before pointing at another stall. "Pluck a Duck!"

Jonah: "What's that?" He asked as he looked over at the stall, not familiar with the game

Charlotte Ruse: She just took his hand and led him over to the stall where there was a load of ducks floating in a paddling pool, all with hooks on their heads. "I've no idea, I just liked the sound of it - especially after the ducks got the best of me in that last one."

Jonah: He laughed and nodded. "Well then, go on." He motioned the man over and gave him another stack of bills.

Charlotte Ruse: "How do I play?" She asked the man as he gave her a pole. He explained that there were different colours painted under each duck. You just fished one out and the colour underneath dictated what prize you got. "Oh! So you win every time?" The man nodded and she grinned, hoping her luck was in. She watched the ducks all jostling and spinning around the pool until she spotted one whose eye was a bit wonky and decided that was for her. Her tongue stuck out of the side of her mouth as she concentrated, bringing the pole down and missing the duck the first time. She did it again and managed to get her loop into the one on its head and then lifted it up. The man took the end of her pole and unhooked the duck, turning it over to reveal a purple patch. "A medium prize! You get to pick anything from the purple baskets all around the stall." She nodded and began to browse, looking to see what they had and what she wanted. "You trying Jonah?"

Jonah: He was smiling at her focus as she hooked her duck and was surprised when she asked him if he wanted to try. "Sure." He took the pole from her and extended it, looking for one that looked good. Finally, he settled on one that had a bent beak and a part of a wing missing and hooked it. Pulling it out, he saw it had a green bottom. "What's this?"

Charlotte Ruse: "Ooooo bad luck mate! That's the small prize. Gotta pick one of the mini things from around the edge of the pool" The man said, pointing to the tat. Charlotte meanwhile had found what she wanted and pointed to it, catching the man's eye. He nodded his head and she took it out and then presented it to Jonah. It was a little grey, patchwork teddy that was the size of her hand. The teddy was holding a little red heart and smiling. "Here. For you!"

Jonah: He took the small bear and smiled, reaching for her hand as well. The little bear went in to his pocket, its head poking out and he reached out for a Chinese finger trap.

Charlotte Ruse: She took his hand easily and looked around, not paying attention to what he was picking as some scent had caught her attention because it smelled delicious!

Jonah: The trap did not really fit on his large fingers but it was amusing to him none the less. "Hey Char..." Looking at her, he could tell something had gotten her attention. "What's on your mind?"

Charlotte Ruse: "Hmmm?" She turned back and looked up at him, smiling. "Oh, I'm not sure. Something from one of the vendors I think. It smells AMAZING!"

Jonah: His look of happiness cracked a little. "Char...we can't..."

Charlotte Ruse: "We can enjoy the smell!" She said with a smile, tugging on his hand gently to try and get him into the line of scent too.

Jonah: He let her tug him in to the wafting fragrance and had to admit, it did smell delicious. "Sorry. I just...didn't want to be able to not give you something."

Charlotte Ruse: She looked at him and smiled, lifting her free hand up to gently caress his cheek. "Jonah, you've given me so much already, I couldn't ask for more."

Jonah: Leaning in to her touch, he closed his eyes. "Still...I worry."

Charlotte Ruse: She frowned, looking at him in concern. "About what?"

Jonah: "That you're not having fun..."

Charlotte Ruse: She smiled and couldn't help but chuckle. "Jonah, have you seen me? I'm like a kid in a candy store. This.... is all new to me. It's so fun and bright and happy! And....." She stepped closer to him and stood on her tiptoes to try and whisper in his ear. "I'm with you"

Jonah: His smile grew as she reassured him and he blinked a little at her final statement. "Really?"

Charlotte Ruse: She stood back on her feet in a normal way instead of on her toes, embarrassed at having been so forward. However, she smiled and nodded at his question, slipping her hand back into his again. Suddenly, a group of youths barreled by, almost knocked her flying and stole her dog. They ran off, laughing and tossing it one to the other as she almost fell and only caught herself by grabbing onto Jonah. "NO! My dog!" She cried out, and without thinking, vanished into the crowd at speed to try and get it back.

Jonah: They were having a tender moment when they were jostled and her dog was stolen. Before he could do anything Char was off, chasing after then and he lost sight of them. "Char!"

Charlotte Ruse: She wasn't listening, she was dead set on getting her dog back. It was the first gift she'd been given in many, many years and it meant a lot to her. There was no way in hell she was going to let it go. Her eyes were locked on the youth who'd pinched it from her and she was getting closer and closer until she reached out managed to snag it from his shoulder, where it had been placed, without him noticing. Being a thief certainly had its perks! She melted back into the crowd again, making sure they didn't follow or realize and then stood there in the middle of the throng of people and examined the dog in fine detail to make sure it wasn't damaged by them.

Jonah: Jonah had picked up her trail shortly after she took off running and followed her, finding her in the middle of a crowd. "Are you ok? Char, look at me."

Charlotte Ruse: She looked up at him and smiled, brandishing the dog. "He's ok!"

Jonah: He ignored the dog for a moment. "What about you?"

Charlotte Ruse: "Me?" She looked at him, puzzled. "What would be wrong with me?"

Jonah: "I don't...know."

Charlotte Ruse: Then it clicked in her head, he'd been worried. She'd run off into a crowd, after a number of youths, and he'd worried for her. It was so sweet and she shuffled her feet and looked at the ground, holding the dog to her chest. "I'm sorry...."

Jonah: "It's ok...as long as you're ok." He stepped forward and put his arms around her, holding her tight to him in the crowd of people.

Charlotte Ruse: She wrapped an arm around him, hugging him back and resting her head on his chest. "I'm ok. Honest. Light fingers, you know?"

Jonah: He nodded his head. "Ok. I believe you." Stepping away, he slid his hand down her arm and found her hand. "Where to now?"

Charlotte Ruse: She gave his hand a squeeze and looked around excitedly. "I fancy a ride. What about you?"

Jonah: "Roller coaster?"

Charlotte Ruse: "Oooo! They have one of those?"

Jonah: He nodded and pointed to the map. "We're close to this one."

Charlotte Ruse: She squeezed his hand again and nodded, letting him lead the way as her excitement grew.

Jonah: The line was much longer for the ride than the games and he stood with his arm around her, waiting. The screams from the riders echoed around them. "Looking forward to this?"

Charlotte Ruse: She leant into him, loving how it felt to have his arm around her and the security it afforded her. She'd almost missed his question, but caught it in time and nodded her head. "Oh yes! I'm having a wonderful time! I can't wait."

Jonah: He nodded and soon they were at the front of the line. The man in charge of the ride frowned when he saw Jonah. "You'll have to ride in a car by yourself."

Charlotte Ruse: She frowned and looked at the man. "What? No. I want to ride with him!"

Jonah: The handler shook his head but kept his smile. "Fraid I can't allow that. Safety regulations and all that. No offense, but he's just too big to only take up half the bench." Looking the various benches over, he found a car that was empty so far. "How about this, I can give you that car to yourself, y'all figure out how you sit?" Jonah looked down at her, letting her make the call.

Charlotte Ruse: She looked at the car in a bit of a huff, but then had a thought. "Ok, I'll go in front. Jonah, you go behind - but you have to have your hand on my shoulder so I can hold it. Ok?"

Jonah: The ride director seemed to have no problem with this idea and Jonah nodded. "And the puppy can sit beside you." The other man seemed like he was about to argue that point but Jonah's stare halted him. The car was already theirs so it wasn't like it was taking a seat from a paying customer. Handing over the necessary cash, they arranged themselves. It would have been difficult for most to keep a hand on her shoulder from the rear seat of the car but Jonah was tall enough that it was manageable. As the machine started pulling them forward, he called out to her over the sound of clicking and gears. "You ready?"

Charlotte Ruse: She had no idea what to expect, however as it began to click and whirr, moving them off, her hand shot to his and held on tightly to it with a little nod of her head.

Jonah: The clicking slowed as they climbed a tall hill until you could count breaths between them. The train hung for a moment before the weight shifted and they began to freefall down the track.

Charlotte Ruse: Her grip tightened on his hand, her eyes going wide as the wind whipped about her. It was an amazing feeling, she felt so free - and a grin crossed her face as a happy giggle escaped her lips.

Jonah: They flew down the hill and around a curve, banking hard as were pulled up another and back down. They approached a massive loop and his fingers closed on her shoulder and hand, making sure she was ok.

Charlotte Ruse: Her heart jumped into her throat as they went around the curve, thinking she was going to fall out. But the hand on her shoulder made her feel safe and like there was nothing that could hurt her so long as it was there. However, when the loop came up ahead, she couldn't help but tighten her grip, wondering how on earth they were going to stay in the car while upside down

Jonah: Climbing the curve they slowed almost imperceptibly until they hung upside down before barreling ahead and through it and racing back to the station, stopping with a hard thunk that jostled everyone.

Charlotte Ruse: Her eyes closed tight as she went upside down, and remained shut for the rest of the journey, until they jolted to a stop. Her eyes opened, her face broke into a grin and she just about leapt from the car to turn and wait for him to get out too. "That was AMAZING! Did you enjoy?"

Jonah: He clambered out, struggling with the rail that was meant to keep him safe and in his seat for a moment but finally managing to bend and twist his way out. "I did," he said with a large smile.

Charlotte Ruse: She was so elated and full of energy, that as he was half bent over and getting out of the car, she stepped forwards and gave him a little kiss on his lips. But as soon as she had, she realized what she'd been done, swept up in her joy as she had been. Quickly, she stepped backwards and hugged her dog to her chest, mumbling her apologies. "I'm sorry..... I mean..... yeh.... sorry"

Jonah: His smile grew at the kiss and he didn't notice her retreat as he finally got back out. He did notice her shyness and her apology. "Why're you sorry?"

Charlotte Ruse: "Well, just.... that was very forward." She said, walking away from the ride with him with the operators smirking at the odd couple. "I just.... I shouldn't have done. You might not have wanted it, and I just.... did it."

Jonah: He stopped and held on to her, not letting her walk any further. Massive hands rested on both of her shoulders and he frowned down at her. One finger crooked under her chin and lifted her face to look at him. Staring at her for a moment, he kissed her much as she had kissed him but for longer, garnering the couple a number of whistles and cat calls. When he broke it, he whispered. "I want it."

Charlotte Ruse: Her footsteps halted as he pulled her up, turning to face him she looked up into his face with a small smile that was suddenly pressed to his lips. She was so embarrassed by the whistles and cat calls that surrounded them - but she ignored them and focused on the fact that he was voluntarily kissing her so sweetly. Her face split into a grin as he whispered that he didn't mind being kissed by her and she nodded her head, lost for words.

Jonah: He stood up again and looked around at the various people staring and giggling and considered scaring them off in to silence but he was in a good mood and wouldn't let them dampen it. Putting his arm back around her shoulder, they walked. "My turn to pick?"

Charlotte Ruse: She nodded her head, leaning in against him gently and wondering what he'd pick next.

Jonah: He led her in silence, letting her wonder where they were headed until they got to the Ferris wheel. It was cold out and the line wasn't as long as the one for the rollercoaster, many not wanting to get to the upper heights and get even colder.

Charlotte Ruse: She looked up, and up, and up at the heights it reached and grinned. She'd be able to see for miles up there she was sure! She'd seen one of these before a couple of times. One had had just a bucket, for two people. One had had a barrel everyone sat in, and the other had little capsules. This one looked open to the air, but from this distance she couldn't tell what the seating was like, not until they got to the end of the short line.

Jonah: As they got closer, she could see that it was it was open and that it had benches that would fit 4 average sized people. With Jonah though, they would likely get one to themselves.

Charlotte Ruse: She rocked back and forth on the balls of her feet, waiting for their turn at the front of the queue. She even skipped ahead of him as the queue moved, and slipped the money to the man for their two tickets, grinning as she managed it.

Jonah: He frowned playfully at her when she paid for them. Slipping in to the seat, he said very seriously, "You didn't have to do that."

Charlotte Ruse: "I know. I wanted to though, after you'd paid for everything else. Now you can have a ride on me, seems only fair." She smiled as she slid into the seat beside him, having the bar pulled down over them to keep them secure and safe.

Jonah: His arm went around her shoulder as they slowly started to rise. "Well thank you."

Charlotte Ruse: She snuggled into him, settling her dog in between them both as they slowly lifted up into the air.

Jonah: He frowned when she sat the giant plush between him and her but tried to think nothing of it. She had kissed him, he would be content and not think the worst that she was tired or he had been too forward and was driving her away. As they kept rising, he stroked her arm.

Charlotte Ruse: The dog was squished between them both as she leant into him, her arm around the dog, but actually resting on his thigh. She was smiling happily as she looked out on the sights around them, the twinkling lights of the city becoming greater in number the more they lifted up. "This is beautiful!"

Jonah: He was mildly aware of the greater city around them but was primarily focused on her. Nodding, he agreed with her. "It is."

Charlotte Ruse: The ride came to a stop at the top and they just hung there for a while. She pressed down on his thigh with her hand to push herself forwards to lean out and look down. "Wow. We're up high!" She gasped, grinning and looking all around at all the lights of the fair and the city and roads. It really was a stunning sight.

Jonah: As she leaned forward, the bucket dipped, causing them to sway and he held her fast, knowing that she wouldn't fall but still concerned and trying to keep her from doing so.

Charlotte Ruse: Her free hand lifted to his where it held her and gently rested on top of it, eeping a little bit as they suddenly jerked back into movement again.

Jonah: His thumb caressed her as she made the small noise. "It's ok." His attention was still primarily on her and he smiled mischievously as he used his legs to rock them back and forth even more.

Charlotte Ruse: She really felt like she was going to fall out with the swinging - and she didn't realize it was him that was doing it. She sat back in her seat and curled herself into his side, her fingers curling into his shirt to hold on tight so she didn't go anywhere.

Jonah: He stopped when she got close to him. "I'm sorry, I was just playing with you. We're safe. I promise."

Charlotte Ruse: She figured he was saying that because he didn't want her leaning into him or holding onto him. So she quickly let him go and straightened out his shirt before sitting properly again. "I'm sorry."

Jonah: She was mad at him. So mad that she wouldn't even touch him. Looking down, he put his hands in his lap. "You don't have anything to be sorry for. I...was being dumb. Rocking the car. I'm sorry.

Charlotte Ruse: "No no, I didn't mind the rocking. It gave me a shock at first - but it was kinda fun. I'm sorry I grabbed you like I did. That's all."

Jonah: "I...why are you apologizing for that?"

Charlotte Ruse: "Because, when I got close you said sorry, as if you didn't want me close."

Jonah: He frowned and put his arm around her as the drifted back down to the ground and pulled her close. "I thought I had scared you too much."

Charlotte Ruse: She shook her head, a little smile as he wrapped his arm around her again. "No, not at all. I'm never scared 'too' much when you're around"

Jonah: When the seat shuddered to a stop he stepped out first and offered his arm to her again. "You sure?"

Charlotte Ruse: She slid forwards, grabbed her dog tight, checked he still had his teddy and then elegantly stepped out with a nod of her head as she took his arm. "I am."

Jonah: Walking arm in arm with her he brought the map back out. "What's next?"

Charlotte Ruse: "I don't know" She said, looking it over. "What are dodgems?"

Jonah: He looked down at the map. "Bumper cars. Kind of like go karts but you run in to each other."

Charlotte Ruse: "Oh no." She curled her nose and shook her head. "That sounds too violent. What would you recommend?"

Jonah: "I don't know, haven't ever been to one of these either." He looked at the map over her shoulder as they walked. "Want to try the fun house?"

Charlotte Ruse: "Oooo. You've not?" She looked up and smiled at him, running her fingers over his hand tenderly. "Fun house sounds good. It sounds.... fun" She chuckled

Jonah: He shook his head no and directed them towards the building. Paying the small fee, he put his hands on her shoulders as they walked in to the shadowy room.

Charlotte Ruse: She allowed herself to be directed and guided into the funhouse, trying to let her eyes adjust to the darkness, looking around to try and see what was in here with them

Jonah: Lights started to spin around them and they could see mirrors that distorted their forms as they walked on moving slats that made them stumble. Jonah had to brace himself against a wall as they tried to move forwards

Charlotte Ruse: She looked at the mirrors and didn't see Jonah in them at all. However, what she did see, was herself - as a man. Her whole body stiffened and she stood and stared, shaking in terror that he could see it too. Her eyes closed tightly as she stood there, waiting for his rage to come out - not knowing that she was the only one who could see the reflection.

Jonah: He felt her stiffen and turned to the mirrors to try and figure out what was wrong. Seeing nothing in them he assumed her stiffening was due to the lack of reflection and the trouble it might cause them. Wrapping his arm around her waist he picked her up and stepped forward. Lifted up like this, his mouth was near her ear. "You're right, shouldn't stay there too long."

Charlotte Ruse: He picked her up and she was expecting to be shaken like a doll, slammed against a wall and beaten. But none of that happened, he simply held her to him with one arm tight around her waist. He seemed to be carrying her somewhere, and a part of her thought that maybe he was taking her somewhere private to finish her off. Her eyes fluttered open as she looked into his face, expecting to see hatred there.

Jonah: When they finally managed to get through the mirrored hall, he sat her down and kissed her on top of the head. "Lead the way." He smiled as he spoke, waiting for her to keep directing them. The building was a bit like a maze from here on out

Charlotte Ruse: "So.... you didn't..... you didn't see....?" She stammered softly, looking around, sticking close by his side.

Jonah: He cocked his head at her and stopped, turning her to face him. "See what?"

Charlotte Ruse: "In.... the mirrors?" She looked back the way they'd come as if something might follow them.

Jonah: He shook his head and looked around. There was a group in front of them but moving away and no one behind them. Whispering, he said, "Char...we don't show up in mirrors."

Charlotte Ruse: "But..... I saw..... It was horrible. In all of them, so many, surrounding me...." She shivered all over and stepped up against him, resting her head on his chest and hugging her dog close.

Jonah: He tugged her in to a corner and held her close. "Do you want to go home?"

Charlotte Ruse: "I...." She really didn't want to end the night, she didn't want to go home and be alone. She was loving being around him and she clung to him a little bit tighter.

Jonah: Taking her clinging to him as fear of whatever she had seen, he looked back at the mirrored hall and stroked her back. "Come on Char." He led her to a nearby exit and popped out of the side of the building. "Let's get back to your place and we can watch a movie?" He didn't want to leave her, especially not like this.

Charlotte Ruse: She nodded her head, sliding her fingers into his and holding tight as they walked. "I'm sorry I ruined the night!"

Jonah: "You didn't ruin anything." He squeezed her hand as they headed for the exit. "Besides, they're probably closing soon anyway."

Charlotte Ruse: "Well, thank you for tonight. I really did have a wonderful time!" She managed to flash him a smile, turning her head to look up at him.

Jonah: "I'm glad." He smiled but there was a hint of sadness in it. The way she said the words, it seemed like she was telling him to go his own way now. He was worried though, so pressed. "Can I at least walk you to your apartment. We don't have to do the movie if you don't want. I just...don't feel comfortable leaving you here."

Charlotte Ruse: "What? No!" She said almost desperately, holding onto him tightly. "I don't want you to leave me!"

Jonah: When she clung to him his hand went to her back reassuringly. "I'm not. I thought...you wanted me to."

Charlotte Ruse: "No!" She said firmly and squeezed the fingers she held. "Definitely not!"

Jonah: He nodded and smiled. "Ok. I wasn't sure." Falling in to step beside her again, he let her lead him to the apartment.

Charlotte Ruse: They walked in a comfortable silence, with her just enjoying the closeness of him to her until they reached her house. Dropping his hand, she rummaged in her bag to find her keys and then unlocked the door. With it open, she walked straight in and expected him to follow - not knowing anything about the whole 'inviting in' thing you had to do.

Jonah: As she walked through the door frame he hovered outside the door. He could feel the mild resistance that kept him from entering as they drew close so waited, assuming that she knew he would need to be invited in.

Charlotte Ruse: She set her bag down and turned to talk to him, finding him not there. She frowned and looked around, finding him still outside. She sighed, thinking he'd changed his mind and was just going to go home instead. She walked back to the door with a sad smile and nodded. "You changed your mind?"

Jonah: "You didn't invite me in..."

Charlotte Ruse: "I....." She frowned. "That's very old fashioned" She chuckled softly and stepped aside from the door frame to give him space to walk in. "We already agreed what we were going to do once we got here."

Jonah: Jonah shook his head. "You have to invite me in to your home...for me to come in..."

Charlotte Ruse: "What? Why?"

Jonah: "Because we're vampires..."

Charlotte Ruse: "So? I break into places all the time." She thought he was joking, trying to tease her.

Jonah: "You can only enter homes that you've been invited in to." He knew that there was more to it than that but thought it would be best to explain it in that way. "Businesses...are meant to be entered. Homes...it's not the same."

Charlotte Ruse: "Huh. Who knew! So...." She looked confused and then looked at her door. "Ummm..... how do I do it? Literally just say, Come in? And does that just let you in, or all vampires? Cause I don't want all the world to feel free to come tramping in"

Jonah: "If you only want me welcome just...focus on making me welcome." The specifics weren't clear to the killer, having never really thought about how he managed to make others welcome in his home.

Charlotte Ruse: "O....k" Well, that was vague. But she did as he said and imagined him inside, by the fire, with her in his arms as they watched a film or just chatted - managing to embarrass herself with her thoughts. "Ummm.... try now?"

Jonah: He stepped forward and didn't feel the resistance that he had previously. Smiling down at her, he hugged her. "Thank you for letting me in."

Charlotte Ruse: She hugged him back and smiled, proud of herself for managing it. "Well, welcome to my home." She looked around the elegant looking, 2 story house she was so proud of and wondered what he'd think.

Jonah: He studied the room and nodded. The house seemed to fit her. It was...homey and quaint. Nodding at her again, he took her hand. "Gonna take me on the tour?"

Charlotte Ruse: "If.... you want." She nodded her head and took him around, showing him the kitchen - sadly, as she had no need of it anymore - the dining room, the conservatory and out to the garden and then into the living room after pointing to the stairs - but without going up them. "Upstairs is obviously my bedroom, and a library, as well as where I paint. Now, usually I'd think I'd have to offer you a refreshment or something.... but that's out. So, does that make me a bad hostess?" She frowned, thinking on it as they stood amidst the couple of plush couches, comfy looking armchair and real, wood burning fire.

Jonah: He continued to nod approvingly as they walked through her house and seemed a bit embarrassed at his own less furnished dwelling. She had put obvious effort in to hers and he had made her stay in his when it was...so much les. "No, you're a perfect hostess." He squeezed her hand and took a seat, unsure of what to do now.

Charlotte Ruse: She smiled and nodded her head, glad he didn't find her lacking. He sat down and she looked over to the TV, a little unsure of herself. "So.... DVD? What did you fancy?"

Jonah: He shrugged. "Haven't seen a movie in...a while. What do you have?"

Charlotte Ruse: "Ummm...." She looked at the shelves and began listing various rom coms and sci fi films, as well as a few comedies. All modern, nothing 'classic', and waited for him to pick one he liked the sound of.

Jonah: He was really only half paying attention to the titles she was calling out, focused primarily on her and whether or not she was ok. She had calmed down quite a bit since leaving the fun house and the fair but he was still worried about her. At random, he nodded at a title. "That one."

Charlotte Ruse: She nodded her head as he picked 'Serenity' and took it from the shelf silently. Taking the couple of steps towards the DVD player, she bent down and put the DVD into the machine, grabbing the remote and setting it all up while walking over to the couch and sitting at the opposite end to him. "You seen it before?"

Jonah: "Never seen it before," he answered honestly and turned as she sat on the edge of the couch, as far away from him as she could get. As the machine started up, he tried to talk to her. "Char...are you sure you're ok?"

Charlotte Ruse: She slid around to face him, drawing her calves up under herself and nodding her head. "Yes, little shaken, but I'm ok. You?"

Jonah: "Just...worried about you." He tried to smile and make a joke. "And wondering why you're on the other end of the couch."

Charlotte Ruse: Awwwwww - said her head as she smiled shyly at him in regards to his worry for her. But in regards to the couch. "Oh. Well, this is just where I always sit. So, I just sat down on auto pilot. Mmmm, where should I sit?"

Jonah: "It's ok. I just...was teasing. Because you're so far away..."

Charlotte Ruse: "Jonah...." She said, smiling a little and feeling uncomfortable at asking this. "Do... you want me to sit closer to you?"

Jonah: "I...would like that."

Charlotte Ruse: She set the remote on the arm of the sofa, not needing it as the film had been started, and got up. She took the couple of steps needed and then sat down beside him all prim and proper like. Legs together and feet on the ground, hands in her lap, and not touching him at all.

Jonah: He frowned and straightened when she sat down next to him, careful to keep distance between them. Unsure if she was uncomfortable with being close to him now or not wanting to do anything inappropriate as she had thought she had done frequently throughout the night, he waited and watched the movie.

Charlotte Ruse: She sat there, wondering why he'd wanted her to move closer to him, and just watched the film, puzzled.

Jonah: As the movie played and they both sat stiff beside each other, he finally broke and put his arm around her, pulling her slightly in to him. As he did, he whispered in an apologetic tone, "I hope this is ok."

Charlotte Ruse: She couldn't stop the smile appearing on her face as he wrapped his arm around her. Gently, she leant into him and curled her legs up underneath herself again. "More than ok" She whispered back, still smiling.

Jonah: He smiled and lightly caressed her as the move continued to play, content with merely holding her.

Charlotte Ruse: She'd seen the movie before, so she didn't mind closing her eyes for a moment or two, just enjoying being in her home, with a man, in his arms.

Jonah: Lightly touching her, he turned his attention fully to the movie that he had never seen and knowing that he would have to watch it again at a later date to really know what was going on. As it finished, he hugged her tight. "I liked it."

Charlotte Ruse: A couple of hours had passed as the movie had played, and they'd stayed in the same position - and she loved it. When the movie finished, he hugged her and she hugged him back. Unfortunately, the time had gotten on and the sun would be coming up soon. She sighed and gently patted his thigh. "Sun will be up soon...."

Jonah: He had enjoyed his time with her and he stiffened when she touched his thigh and made her statement. It was time for him to go. He knew that it wouldn't be proper for him to stay. She would be safe here, he knew that, so there was no excuse like there was the other night, but he didn't really want to leave her. Nodding, he stood. "I know. I...really enjoyed tonight with you."

Charlotte Ruse: She smiled and got up too as he did, walking him, slowly, to the door with a nod of her head. " I did too. You really made me feel special this evening Jonah. Th... thank you for that."

Jonah: He nodded, following her to the door. "Can we...do it again sometime?"

Charlotte Ruse: She smiled, looking up at him in surprise and nodding. "You... want to? You weren't.... put off?"

Jonah: "Not at all."

Charlotte Ruse: She grinned and nodded her head. "Then yes, absolutely. I would... love to!"

Jonah: He smiled and his hand went to her hair, brushing some of it out. Cupping her face, he bent over and met her lips with his, holding it for a long moment.

Charlotte Ruse: He teased the curls of her ponytail and then his face was lowering to hers to press a kiss to her lips. Her arms wrapped around him gently and kissed him back, making no moves to pull away.

Jonah: Holding it for a few moments, his thumb caressed her cheek and he teased her lips with his sharp teeth before breaking it. "I'll talk to you soon, ok?"

Charlotte Ruse: She moved her head back a fraction so that she could talk and nodded her head with a smile. "I'd like that. Safe journey hoe Jonah."

Jonah: He nodded and pressed his forehead to hers "Stay safe in the Darkness, Char." Standing he walked in to the hall and waited for the door to shut before toming to the Eyrie.

Charlotte Ruse: She closed the door behind him, still grinning like a fool. Unzipping the back of her dress and unpinning her hair, shaking it out over her bare back, she headed up the stairs for a shower and then bed.