Ultimate Confession - S. M. Casto

Ch. 2 Heartaches

"That's so beautiful, bro." Commented Gabriel. "And you're so messed up for that!"

"I'm messed up?! You mean, she's messed up!" Vale retorted.

"Yeah, I know. I just wanted to mess with you." He grins ruffling Valentine's hair.

Vale pulls his head away, fuming at his older brother's immaturity.

Gabriel was a man in his early thirties, a bachelor as of the present, but quite the ladies' man thanks to his charming personality. Appearance-wise, he shares the same physical features as his younger brother, dark brown hair with hazel eyes - although his leaned toward green and his hair was shorter and sleeker with a face clean shaven. He had on a white muscle shirt having removed his dress shirt, silver slacks with the leather belt unbuckled, and a pair of flip fops.

Gabe had returned from work and was more than ready for a relaxing afternoon when his brother came storming in. He knew what that meant: trouble.

So now here they are standing outside on the balcony of their apartment, drinking blood from silver tumblers. Night has fallen with temperatures ranging in the fifties, but neither of them minded the chill. The air was filled with the symphony of city life: chattering voices, passing cars, sirens and honks, the humming of electricity, etc. The sky was dotted with a dozen stars, some of which were too faint to see; and the moon, a waxing crescent, hung in the midst of their company.

"I can't believe she said something so stupid," grumbles Valentine, tightly gripping the tumbler in his hand.

"Huh. Who knew she would confess first." Remarked Gabe.

"First?"

"Don't be stupid. It was obvious you two were head-over-heels for each other."

"What? I told you I don't feel the same for her." He blushes.

So pathetic, thought Gabe. He takes a sip from his cup.

But it seemed his brother read his mind, because he adds, "It's true. And even if I did you'd know how much trouble we'd be in? Especially me. You know what happens to vampires who become involved with humans?"

"I don't know. What happens?" He jokes knowing full well what the answer was.

"This isn't a joke, man!" V snaps.

"I know. I'm just trying to ease your nerves."

"Well, your stupidity isn't helping." He sighs leaning over the rail. "That's why I told her we can't be friends anymore."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah."

"I was wrong. You're not a drama queen. You're Shakespeare."

"The law clearly states we can't be together and - "

"I'm know, I'm just kidding. I agree with what you did, a hundred percent. But, does that mean you're going to erase her memories?"

Vale's hands go numb and he nearly drops the tumbler. He didn't think about that.

It was common and even expected in a situation similar to Vale's to erase a human's memories. It was the best solution. Actually, it was the only solution. However, not just anyone can do it. Telepathy isn't as easy as people make it out to be. It's actually dangerous. The mind is a kaleidoscope river that plays all the memories and thoughts together. If one wasn't careful they could drown, losing their own mind in a literal and figurative sense. It often results in a coma that eventually leads to death. That's why only specially trained vampires could do this (the most he can do is create false memories).