Learning Curve

Chapter 1 - Kissing

A/N: Oneshots set over the course of Dracula and Ericka's relationship. Please mind that this work will feature mature/adult content

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The first time Ericka kissed him, she was taken aback by how cold his lips were.

She had almost pulled back with a startled gasp, too expectant of a warm smooch to consider anything else. Over time however, she grew accustomed to the feel and looked forward to it. Drac on the other hand was enamored by the warmth of her lips, preventing himself almost every time from gently nibbling its soft pink flesh. He loved it when she kissed him, sweet and innocent but still with love all the same. Even so, he couldn't help but want more. He began to notice that the way that she kissed was the way that a child would kiss. The way Mavis had kissed his cheek when she was only 83 years old. Or the way Dennis would kiss his parents goodnight. It was a simple pucker of lips, a fairly quick peck that sometimes had a smoochy sound effect, and then that was it. He couldn't say he was frustrated at her for it. With how Van Helsing probably raised her, she had a limited knowledge on how kissing should be like, especially between two lovers. Still, Ericka's inexperience left him wondering if he should push her for more. He did not want to scare her off though, so he decided to let things continue as they were until she gave him the right signs, if they would come. And come they did... just not in the subtle way that Drac had figured she would present them.

It was nearing sunrise as Dracula and Ericka returned back to the hotel. They had been out from yet another date together, their fourth or fifth since the return from the cruise. And what a magical date it had been for them. They talked and laughed as they exchanged stories of their lives and in doing so continuing to learn much more about each other. Dracula was in a swoon to see his love so content, and Ericka's heart felt as though it was bursting with how much love she had for the vampire as they strolled, hand-in-hand, underneath the beautiful moonlit sky.

"I had a wonderful time," Ericka whispered to him as they got off the elevator on the thirteenth floor.

"I did too my love," he replied back, taking hold of her hands and squeezing them lightly as she turned to face him. "Any moment with you is worthwhile."

She giggled as he lightly nuzzled his nose against her hers, a practice they had been doing on each of their preceding dates. She knew what came next, and puckered her lips as she leaned up to give him a kiss on the lips. As always, it was sweet and chaste, and usually enough to keep Ericka satisfied for the rest of the night. But tonight wasn't like most nights. Tonight something was different. Tonight there was a feeling that coursed through Ericka that could not be ignored. The feelings intensified moreso after she parted from their kiss. Her body was tingling with energy all throughout her body, and she couldn't help but quickly pull him down for another kiss. This one lasted several moments longer, and Dracula found himself completely intoxicated by it as well. It was he this time who pulled her in for yet another kiss after she parted again, and they both were breathless when they finally broke apart for air. The Count grinned a little more widely in that moment staring at his beautiful zing. But then he saw the flustered look in her eyes, and quickly remembered his promise to hold off until she gave him the right signs to become more intimate. He awkwardly cleared his throat and began to excuse himself.

"Well," he said in a soft voice. "Good night."

Drac turned to leave but Ericka grabbed him by the sleeve before he could go.

"Wait! Drac, don't go. I..." she paused for a moment as she struggled to find the words. "I love you." She blushed profusely once she finally got out that confession and looked down sheepishly.

Drac's face broke into an adoring smile as he looked back at Ericka and her adorable confession. "I know that my love," he laughed, gently caressing her cheek. "And I love you too, remember?"