The Man In The Mountain (The Vampire Series - Book 1)

Chapter 7 - Mistakes

Kit did his utmost to focus solely on his journals for the rest of the night into the early dawn hours, ignoring any and all sounds that weren't music. He was also ignoring the twist in his stomach that hadn't left since accidentally overhearing Persephone doing something that had them whispering Vic's name like a prayer, leading to him frantically turning the TV up to drown it out. Bear attack. I'm reading about the bear attack in the Yukon. He shook his head clear and focused on the words in his sloped handwriting. 1798, he'd been on an exploration mission and had gotten attacked by a grizzly. He stared at the page hard and unseeing until Persephone came over and gently tapped him on the shoulder. He jumped.

"Hey, sorry. I just wanted to let you know your blood is good to go," they had a mug in their hand.

"Oh! Thank you most kindly. My apologies, I must've been caught up in my own thoughts," he said with a laugh. He took the mug gratefully and took a sip.

"I also found these," they passed him a small clear box that was full of these bizarre yellow things. "I bought them a while ago but I never used them. They're ear plugs. So you can have some time to yourself," Kit ducked his head, ashamed.

"I am truly sorry. I did not mean to intrude on your... private time with my hearing. I will be sure to use these to afford you any privacy you require," he said, taking the box.

"You don't have anything to apologize for. I was the one who was inconsiderate. I wrongfully assumed that music would cover that up. These are for your comfort to use whenever you feel like you need them," they were being very kind and caring again, and Kit was glad he wasn't capable of shedding tears.

"You have a most beautiful soul, always thinking of the considerations of others," he took a few large gulps from this mug. "Thank you again for all of this."

"Anytime," they smiled at him walking back into the kitchen. He heard the kettle turn on, that initial rumbling noise as it started to heat up. They are enamored with Vic. Let it go, he told himself sternly. Last night, it had seemed like maybe... Kit couldn't focus on the maybe, going back to staring at his journal and sipping his blood. He hadn't even realized he'd flipped through it so much, the regular handwriting growing messy and frantic.

'I fear I may never escape the dark.'

He slammed the journal shut, tossing it in his bag and downing his blood in one go, waiting for Persephone to tell him they were ready to go. They drank their usual two cups of tea before running off to change, meeting him by the front door. He gave them his best grin, confirming that he was ready, and followed them out of the apartment and to the car. He watched them as they walked, hair bouncing slightly with each step. He wasn't sure what he was, but when Persephone stepped close to him and gave him that coy smile, the one they had given Vic, he realized that he was very much so attracted to them. Stop thinking about it. He got in the car silently, getting himself adjusted until he was somewhat comfortable.

"I'm so sorry about my tiny car," they winced at him as they turned the car on. "If you'd like, you can just stay at the apartment all day?" He would like that, very much so, but only because he was feeling rather petulant.

"No, of course not!" he said with a smile. "I'd feel terrible about not doing something to contribute after all you've done for me. Especially since I was going to ask you about that party again," he said with a laugh. "I do believe that it's a wise idea, a discreet way for me to feed if the blood sacs run dry, not to mention I do so miss the taste of fresh blood. It's not something that can be really bagged," he joked.

"I get it. Yeah I'll get the coven to set it up and we'll get you some dessert," they smiled at him and snorted as they took off driving. He fell silent again, unsure of what to say or talk about. When they stopped at the Starbucks, Persephone got themselves an iced coffee again and Kit requested another hot chocolate, and they also ordered two more danishes, this one coming with a red jam on top. It was delicious, and Kit was able to divert by asking all sorts of questions about it. Persephone gave him that same patient smile and amused look, answering everything they could about the item and other pastries until they got to the shop.