Fear

His first though was he had broken something, laying on his back, Brittany cradled in his arms, her head on his chest, she was shaking, but seemed unhurt. He on the other hand, felt fire in his right shoulder, and as Brittany rolled off him, he groaned in pain,

"Oh god John I'm so sorry," she quickly looked up at him, genuine worry plastered all over her face.

John slowly climbed to his feet, the drop in his shoulder immediately told him there was a problem, but feeling around the injury, he was confident it was just dislocated.

"I'll call you an ambulance," Brittany quickly said, spotting his shoulder.

"No," John said softly, "I'm fine."

"You're not fine," cried Brittany.

John ignored her, walking back to the stairs, he pushed his hand through the hand rail, wedging it in place between the wall, before quickly jerking backwards. With a snarl and a pop, his shoulder returned to it's original position.

"I'm fine," John growled, the pain slowly receding.

She watched helplessly as John went about collecting the dropped bags of rubbish, before trying to throw them up into the skip, but as he tried, his shoulder couldn't take the strain, and with a pained grunt, he dropped the bag on the ground.

"Here, let me help," Brittany darted in, throwing the bags into the skip.

"Thank you," John said softly.

"What are you thanking me for? This is all my fault, I'll cook you dinner," she said firmly.

"I have work," John replied.

"What do you do for work John?" Brittany eyed him cooly.

"Uh... Security," John said softly... Fuck, close enough.

"You need to take the night off, you need to rest your shoulder," Brittany said quickly.

Can't argue with that, fuck...

The elevator trip up felt awkward, John didn't know what to say, and Brittany looked like she was going to cry, the DING signalled their arrival, John stepped out quickly, heading for his door without a word.

"John," Brittany said firmly.

He stopped in his tracks, his heart beating so hard it hurt, he just wanted to go home, he hadn't dealt with people in years, why won't she leave me alone?... Turning to face her, she smiled gently, before opening her door and beckoning him to follow. John stood for a moment, behind him was his home, where he could go about his business in peace, in front of him was a beautiful young woman, offering him a meal, You can't do this... You're better off alone... Walk away John... A soft hand took his, John couldn't help but shudder at the contact, but her reassuring smile disarmed him and he followed into her apartment. It was sparsely furnished, it seemed like Bill must have caused a bit of damage, there were holes and dents in most of the walls, John could see photos set about on the kitchen bench, he cringed, Bill had smashed photos of her and her family.

Brittany, lead him towards her couch, a dark, leather two seater, taking a seat, Brittany quickly ducked off, rummaging through her freezer, she returned quickly with a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a cloth.

"Here, this should help," she said with a smile.

John smiled slightly, pressing the bag into his aching joint, it really did help. John spent the next hour watching Brittany as she flit around the kitchen, the smell of onions, basil and tomato filled the room, his stomach growled in appreciation, Brittany grinned at him, Did she hear that?... Soon there was a plate of spaghetti set in front of him, seasoned with Parmesan cheese. John took in a deep breath, savouring all the small scents wafting from the sauce. Brittany plopped onto the couch beside him, staring at him expectantly until John scooped up a mouthful with a fork and sticking it in his mouth, he let out a small groan, Just like Mum's...

"It's delicious," he said softly.

"Thank you, it's a family recipe," Brittany beamed.

The pair ate in silence for a few minutes, when loud banging interrupted the mood. Brittany scowled, quickly getting up and moving towards the door, John had a sinking feeling as he heard the door open.

"Hey baby, I'm sorry about last night, I... The fuck is this?" Bill demanded.

"Go away Bill!" Brittany yelled, trying to close the door.

Bill wasn't letting it go that quickly, pushing himself into the room, he shoved Brittany against the wall, storming into the apartment, staring daggers at John.

"You're dead mother fucker," Bill growled, "I'm gonna fuck her on your corpse when I'm done."

John barely had time to stand before Bill tackled him over the couch, on a normal day, John wouldn't have had an issue, but the recent dislocation of his shoulder made it a much more serious event. When John hit the ground, the weight of Bill landing atop him caused his shoulder to pop out a second time, and before he could respond, Bill was laying into his face, Johns vision went red, his nose popped, blood squirted out between Bill's fingers, a second punch sent John seeing stars, a third and John felt a tooth loosen. John heard a screech, and Bill tumbled off him, years of experience had John on his feet a moment later, he could see Bill struggling to his feet, before driving a foot into Brittany's ribs, she choked out a scream with the impact.

John set aside his feelings, releasing a tide of calm, he felt his heart rate slow, his fingers twitched, the world became clear as the pain from his shoulder subsided. John stepped forward, throwing a left fist at Bill, he felt a small connection, but Bill had seen it coming and leaned back away from the blow, avoiding all the power... As expected... John used this momentum to sweep Bills legs out from under him with a kick, Bill hit the ground with a whoosh of air. John wasted no time putting Bill in an arm bar, holding him until help arrived.

CHAPTER THREE

That's how the police found them, Bill screaming and swearing he was innocent, John twitching in pain from his dislocated shoulder and Brittany quietly sobbing in the kitchen, out of sight. John waited patiently as the police handcuffed Bill, he was still screaming abuse towards Brittany as he was dragged into an elevator, John couldn't help but smile as he heard Bill scream amongst the clicking of a taser, the moment before the doors closed.

John sat in silence as Brittany gave her statement, about how they were enjoying their meal, when Bill broke in and attacked them, the officer was disappointed when John just said the Brittany had everything correct.

"Do you want some more time, a second statement could tell us something more, make sure he can't come back, y'know," said the officer.

John just grunted, "If he hasn't learnt this time, why would he the next?"

The officer just stared a moment, before his eyes dropped, "Just make sure the young lady here is safe OK... what's wrong with your shoulder?"

John quickly stood up, walking to a pantry, he wedged his wrist in the door frame, bracing the door with his knee, he jerked back with a snarl and a pop, before checking his reflection in the window, his nose wasn't obviously broken, and he'd already cleaned off the blood.

."..Nothing," John said firmly.

"You really should see a doctor, I can call you-"

"I'm fine," growled John, "If you need anything else, I live next door," he said softly.

John walked out, without a second glance, slamming his door shut, just to make the point. His old training kicked in, finding his first aid kit he removed medical tape and a sling, it didn't take him long to immobilise his shoulder, and he quickly followed it up with a few painkillers. It was going to be a long night... Around 2am, John was going out of his mind, he was on his third movie, there was nothing that could be done, he needed a couple days rest before he could safely wield his sword. He felt helpless, holding his forehead in his good hand, he heard soft knocking... For... Fuck's... Sake... John stood, walking back through his kitchen, he grabbed a pairing knife and slipped it into his sling, Just in case... He braced for attack and quickly wrenched the door open.

Brittany was standing there, she jumped in shock, but her eyes quickly met his, they were red, puffy, tears were still falling from her cheeks, John could see a small puddle at her feet, she'd been standing there for a while.

"I'm so scared..." she whispered, her bottom lip quivered.

John sighed, "come in."

John walked slowly back to the lounge, sitting down, he tried to make himself comfortable, Brittany immediately sat beside him, John's eyes went wide when he felt her lean against him, he was about to say something, when Brittany started softly snoring, Fuck... John squeezed the bridge of his nose between the fingers on his good hand, Why did I get involved?...

He was running, his arms were bound in chain, there were vampires everywhere, they were taunting him, chasing him, herding him towards the centre of the city, where there would be more, one tackled him to the ground, he tried to struggle, it pinned him down, staring hatefully into his eyes and screamed.

"JOHN!"

John jolted awake, he was indeed being held down, but not by a vampire... Brittany.

"It's ok, you're ok," she said softly, releasing his hands, she stroked his hair.

"What are you doing?" John said quickly, shying away from her touch.

"I'm sorry, I... I didn't mean to upset you," she said quickly.

"I... fuck...," John stood up.

Walking into the kitchen, he set out two mugs and put on the kettle, he needed a cup of tea. John's mind was whirling, She's in my house, she fell asleep on me, I fell asleep with her, nothing happened, but she touched me... I need to sit her down and talk this out, I can't do this, not now, not after everything... A few minutes later, he set out both mugs on the small table by the window, he even got out a few cookies, setting them on a plate.

"Brittany," John called softly.

He listened to her get off the couch, walking towards him with a sad expression.

"I made tea," John said softly.

Brittany's eyes lit up, "I haven't had tea in years," she quickly sat down, taking a mug she sipped the brown liquid, "perfect," she purred.

John couldn't help but curl his lips in a smile, sitting beside her on a second chair, "I... I don't entertain much... ever..."

Brittany eyed him, "you've been the perfect gentleman," John flinched at her words, "So why don't you entertain, John?"

"My work occupies most of my time," John said quickly.

"How?" Brittany mused, "I didn't think security guards were that high in demand."

"I work privately, there's a lot involved," John frowned, Don't give too much away... "What about you, do you work?"

"I got laid off a month ago," Brittany said slowly, "I got a severance, but it won't last long."

"What did you do?" John asked gently.

"I worked for a hotel chain, I helped out in the kitchens, and occasionally filled in for one of the band members," she sighed.

"I've heard you sing, you're quite good," SHUT THE FUCK UP JOHN...

Brittany looked down a moment, John could see a tear rolling down her cheek, "Sorry," she said quickly, "Bill used to hate me singing... said all I was good for was a decent fuck... maybe that would pay my bills..."

Brittany jumped at the sound of shattering porcelain, John was still clutching the remains of his mug.

"Sorry," he blurted out, quickly leaving the room.

John returned a few minutes later with a dustpan and a fresh cup of tea, he quickly cleaned up the mess, setting the dustpan aside, he picked up his tea, taking a sip, he picked up a cookie.

"Are you ok John?" she asked quietly.

"Yes... I... Look, you shouldn't say stuff like that," John blurted out, his head swam, he'd never been so social before, now he was having a conversation with a woman in his home, GET HER OUT!... "I... think you should go," John said slowly.

It was two days before John saw her again, he was sitting by the window, stretching his arm, his shoulder felt good, it was lucky he healed quickly. And there she was, in a jacket and skirt, she didn't look happy, but that didn't particularly surprise him, and he watched her climb into a taxi and leave. John spent the rest of the day stretching and testing his shoulder strength with a simple sword routine, before long the darkness began to approach, it was time to go hunting.

His usual routine set in place, a quick visit to the centre of the city, he found himself enjoying a kebab. After wiping the grease from his hands, he set off, in a random direction, being a Tuesday, the area outside the main shopping district was rather quiet, this was prime time to find himself ambushed, less people around meant less potential witnesses, and dead human bodies left a lot of evidence. John was slightly disappointed though, it seemed another quiet night, Quiet means nobody is getting hurt...

As John rounded a corner, he entered a rather dark street, when something caught his eye. It was Brittany, she was standing beside a rather tall man, she looked like she was flirting, but John could immediately see she wasn't comfortable, What are you getting yourself into now?... John watched an exchange of money between the pair, and Brittany quickly lead the stranger into a nearby alleyway. John felt his blood boil, he didn't realise she was serious about selling herself like this. Rushing towards the alley, he ducked into the shadows, Why am I doing this? Each to their own, she's consenting regardless... Fuck...

Something just felt wrong, he couldn't help but check, he could hear muffled sounds coming from a small alcove, John quickly moved to see, almost cringing, there was Brittany, pressed up against the wall, grunting uncomfortably with her skirt around her ankles, the man pressed behind her. John couldn't help himself, he had to stop this, he'd refund the man and take her home,

"Brittany!" John called softly.

Her eyes went wide first, then she turned to face him, now she looked ashamed... The man however turned to look John with a grin, showing two long fangs... FANGS!... John rushed into action, with Brittany staring at him, he could only move as fast as a normal human, drawing his sword, John was still several meters away when he saw the vampire bend over her neck... She closed her eyes in pain, that was all it took... John wasn't content just killing this vampire, he sliced him into dozens of pieces, watching the chunks of vampire slowly fall to dust, he grabbed Brittany as she slid slowly down the wall.

"I'm sorry Brittany, I'm here," he gasped.

Brittany opened her eyes a moment, locking her gaze with his, and went limp.

CHAPTER FOUR

... Brittany...

Everything hurt... why does everything hurt?... Why can't I move? I opened my eyes, squinting at the brightness, I struggled a little, realising I was tied to a chair, Oh god... as the room came into view, a man came into focus, I could see his silhouette in the sunlight, pouring through the open window, for some reason this made me nervous...

"I'm sorry," the man said, his shoulders slumped, shaking... he was crying.

"John?" Brittany whispered, now the room seemed familiar, "What's going on?"

"What... what do you remember?" John said, sniffing and rubbing his face.

"I... I don't know... I think I was attacked," Brittany shuddered, "and you saved me..."

John burst into tears now, he was completely distraught, holding his head in his hands, his entire body shook, a sword fell from his lap onto the floor with a metallic clang.

"I-I'm so sorry Brittany," John managed to spit out, "I'm so sorry, I wasn't quicker."

"You're not a security guard are you John?" Brittany asked softly.

She could only just make out him shaking his head.

"I don't feel well," Brittany said suddenly, "can we close the blinds?"

John coughed a moment, before straightening himself.

"You were bitten," he started.

"I.. .I remember that," Brittany said softly, "It hurt so much, he was sucking on my blood."

John picked up his sword, "yes... yes he was," John rose to his feet, "and in a few minutes, when the sun reaches you, I'll find out for sure if you will too."

Brittany wanted to call him ridiculous, but something inside her said otherwise, "vampires are real aren't they John?"

."..Yes..."

"And I'm now one of them."

"Probably."

"And you're going to kill me if I am."

John's shoulders started shaking again, Brittany could see the glinting of his sword as he shook with emotion, but he didn't respond.

"John?" Brittany asked softly.

.".. Yes..."

"Please kiss me," Brittany said softly, "I'd like to die feeling loved."

John collapsed to his knees, wrapping his arms around her waist, he bawled like a child into her lap.

"I'm sorry," he cried, "I couldn't save you."

"It's not your fault John," Brittany whispered, she could feel her own tears forming, "please... just give me this... I haven't felt truly loved in so long..."

Brittany started crying now, she could see the sunlight just centimetres from her bare feet, but slowly, John straightened, staring into her eyes, all she could see was grief. Leaning forward slightly, she silently begged, John looked at her like he wanted to die, she saw him swallow, then lean forwards, his lips brushing hers for the briefest moment.

"Please John," she begged.

Now he kissed her properly, he smelt good, like old paper, with a hint of musk and mint, his lips fit perfectly on hers and it broke her heart when he pulled away. John set his chin on her shoulder, wrapping her in a one handed hug, but she could sense the tip of his sword hovering in front of her heart.

"The moment you feel the burn," he said softly, "close your eyes... I'll make it painless."

"That's more than I could have ever asked for John," Brittany shook now, "I wish we had more time."

"So do I..."

Brittany nuzzled into him one last time as she could feel the heat on her toes increasing rapidly,

"I love you John."

The pain was sudden, one moment it was hot, the next she was screaming, clenching her eyes shut as hard as she could a huge impact slammed into her chest, sending her flying backwards into the wall... I thought it was supposed to be painless... But Brittany quickly realised she didn't feel very dead, even her toes here feeling numb now. She cracked open her eyes, seeing John frantically trying to pull the curtains shut.

...John...

STUPID STUPIDSTUPIDSTUPIDSTUPID FUCKING STUPID! FUCK!... John was frantically trying to pull the blinds shut, he was torn up inside, on one side of things, he just spared a vampire, one of the things he hated so much he had devoted his life to destroying, on the other side of things, that vampire was an innocent woman, who just said she loved him... Fuck... Turning back towards Brittany he stepped forward, realising he was holding out his sword, John hurled it at the floor, listening to it bounce away with a loud clang.

"I'm sorry," he said softly, "I can't do it... not now..."

John began untying her, first her wrists, he was surprised she didn't immediately grab him to feed, but he bent down, cringing at the sight of her burnt and blistered feet, the sunlight barely touched her toes, but the blisters ran to her ankles. John completely freed her in just a few moments, before stepping back, allowing her some space.

"You need to feed before you can heal," John said softly, "please... take it from me."

Brittany just stared at him a moment, she looked down, examining her burns, "no..." she said softly.

"Brittany... It's my fault you're like this-"

"STOP IT!" Brittany shrieked, "That vampire would have killed me wouldn't he?"