The City of Silicon: Vampires and Werewolves

"Maybe." lucia said taking off, her movements so fluid, the puppy didn't feel a thing. As she and Ash got to the apartment, she remembered her hoodie was still there. "do you mind if I stay for the night.?" she asked.

Ash blinked and smiled, "No problem. You can help me set the puppy up."

Lucia smiled. "thanks."

Ash laughed as they began down the street, lugging the bag of essentials, "I was kidding about the puppy, you know. But," he studied her. "why don't you want to go home tonight?"

Lucia shrugged. "I just don't want to be in a house by myself tonight. I want to be able to hear someone else breathing near me." she said nonchalantly.

Ash turned back forward, "I know how you feel. It's like the world doesn't exist when you're at home alone." He smiled a small smile, "But it is nice having you as company. You're so easy-going." He laughed slightly.

Lucia shrugged. 'you bring ou my calm side." she said before she thought about what was coming out of her mouth. Quickly she clamped her lips together.

Ash chuckled softly and fell into pace with her, eyes sparkling, "I sure hope so," he said, smiling coyly. "I like that side of you."

Lucia blushed slightly and walked into the building that Ash's apartment was in. "You weren't exactly supposed to hear that." she said, her eyes dulling with chargin.

Ash smiled to himself, but soon a poker face smoothed over his expression as he opened the door for her and the puppy, "Welcome to my domain," he said sarcasticly as he revealed a wide room with a white new style rounded couch draped with blankets and pillows and a bed in the corner skewn from never being made. The carpet was black and there were two dressers, a beau with a mirror, and a giant windw with a window seat in the room. Ash shrugged, "It's somewhere to crash." There were three other rooms, too. The kitchen, which was the only neat place in the house ince he didn't eat, a small bathroom near the from door, and a big bathroom behind the kitchen where he got great hot water usage.

Lucia took the puppy's bed from Ash and set it up next to the couch. the puppy was still asleep when she placed her in the bed and scratched her soft head. "sleep well merrywhether." she murmured before sitting on the floor in front of the couch. she yawned, lulling her tongue out like a dog would. "you know, you could always find a donor outside. I'm sure they'll have humans who would be willing. from what i've heard, a vamp biting a human isn't half bad." she said to Ash. sounding thoughtful.

Ash looked up sharply, "Lets hope you never find out," he said harshly, realized the comment sounded horrid, and turned his head away guiltily. It haunted him in his nightmares about him biting someone he loved; it was his worst fear to lose control.

Lucia looked at Ash. 'Sorry. I didn't mean to bring up a sore subject." she said. She closed her eyes and pulled her knees up to her chin. "sometimes life seems too quiet into paralizing silence....'' she sang under her breath, feeling guilty about saying what she said.

Ash sat beside her and sighed, "No, I'm sorry. I over-reacted. It's just something I'm terrified of." He shivered, closing his eyes. "It bothers me to think of actual flesh in my mouth."

lucia leaned the side of her head against ash's shoulder. "i know. I shouldn't have said anything." she said comfortingly. His coolness felt good against her hot skin.

Ash flushed with her heat and closed his eyes, leaning his head on top of her's. It felt good being warm again. "... So you think I can really keep a puppy here?" He asked.

"Of course. you've got great control and, if I know you, you'll do anything you could to make sure you didn't hurt her." Lucia said.

Ash smiled gently, "Yeah. That sounds a bit like me." He slid his hand into her's and rested his wrist on his knee. "What about you? Will your pack ever forgive you for being with me?" He asked softly.

"No. But i don't care. They can't tell me who to love." lucia said, her skin tingling.

Ash's heart throbbed and he opened his eyes, their sad glint too anguishing for anyone to see. Good thing no one could. "But... they're your family. Family is so important..."

"wrong Ash." Lucia said, nuzzling her friend's shoulder. "you and Mom are my only family. Well, just you now. The pack doesn't want me. And I've chosen where I belong." her voice was certain, and she knew what she was saying was true.

Ash couldn't stand it any more. He reached down and took Lucia's chin in his hand, turning her face to him and kissing her.

Lucia started for a second, but recovered and kissed Ash back. His coolness seeped into her as his sweet smell filled her senses. the only thing she concintrated on was him.

Ash gritted his teeth and pulled away, pressing his forehead to her's and holding her hands in an unbeleivably strong grasp, "Why...? Banishing blood from your heart," he whispered. "for me? Am I so important?" Already knowing the answer, he nuzzled her cheek and closed his eyes.

lucia's voice was slightly breathless when she spoke, "Yes. You should know that by now." Her body trmbled slightly, but not with fear.

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