Welcome to the master page of "Your Disease" starring Aaron Taylor -Johnson and Lewis Pullman. If you like to be tagged in this series, please leave a comment or a message in the ask box.
Melinda sat down on the outside patio, enjoying the nice cool and calm air. She loved how the patio was lit up with string lights going across above her and wrapped around the trees. Something she imagined doing in the garden she was working on. Melinda started reading the menu when she started smelling a familiar scent in the night air. The smell of musky earthy cologne with a hint of bourbon. She heard the host offer to take his coat and him accepting. Then she felt a breeze coming from behind her and the smell got stronger as he got closer to her.
“What do we have here? A young beautiful woman dining alone?” Alucard said, as he walked to the other side of the table. “Now, that simply will not do,” he took a seat across from her. “I guess I’ll be dining with you tonight.“
“I was counting on it.” Melinda said.
“Oh?” Alucard said, smiling.
“Yes, because now that you're here,” Melinda said, she looked up and smiled. “You can pay for my meal.” He chuckled. “How are tonight Alucard?”
“Quiet better now that I’m here with you.” Alucard said, he winked at her. “How are you tonight Ms Collins?”
“I’m fairing well.” Melinda said, looking back at her menu. “Have you eaten here before?”
“A few times.” Alucard said, as the waiter came by. “Allow me to order for you.” Before she could say anything, he started to place the order. “I would like two glasses of Bourgogne Pinot Noir. I’ll have 140z prime ribeye, medium rare. For the sides, loaded baked potato and steamed broccoli. For the lady, a caesar salad.” The waiter took the menu back and walked off to place the order. “You're absolutely going to love this wine, it’s from Burgundy, France. It also happens to be the finest wine in the world.”
“I can’t wait to try it.” Melinda said, smiling. “And thank you for ordering for me, I can be very indecisive at times.”
“Think nothing of it.” Alucard said, smiling. “Now, let me tell you more about this wine.”
He started giving her facts about the wine and she nodded now and again as he talked to show she was listening. She did that not only to be polite but to stop herself from speaking the truth. Which was, she didn’t care for wine, she hated it. But not as much as she hates salads. Ever since she was little, her parents had to fight with her to eat her greens. But she was raised to be respectful and well mannered when dining with others. Lucky for Alucard she was. Otherwise he would have gotten an ear full for ordering for her without her consent. What she really wanted was the steak he ordered and some whiskey to go with it. But now, she was going to drink and eat something she doesn't want, to be polite. The waiter came back with the wine and started pouring into the glasses for them.
“Leave the bottle.” Alucard said. The waiter nodded his head and left the bottle on the table before taking off. “Go on, try it.” Melinda took a hold of her glass and swirled it around a bit, then she took a drink. “It tastes amazing does it not?”
“It really does.” Melinda said, smiling. “I can taste all those flavors you mention. I really love the taste of raspberry at the end.” He smiled as she took another drink. “Thank you for choosing this wine.”
“Your quiet welcome.” Alucard said, taking a drink of his wine. “Perphase on our fourth date, I can take you to a wine tasting tour in the French Quarter.”
"Our fourth date?” Melinda said, raising an eyebrow. “When did these other three dates occur? Because if memory serves me right,” she leaned forward. “You asked me to accompany you three times. And I declined all three times.”
“Now don’t play coy with me Ms Collins.” Alucard said, leaning forward. “You may have declined my offer to take you to the car show, but you still showed up there. You even wrapped your arm around mine and accompanied me the whole time we were there. And you declined me to take you to the monster movie marathon they were having in the park, but you showed up to that as well. We sat down together and watched all three movies. Afterwards we took a walk around the park together, while you wrapped your arm around mine yet again.” He smiled. “Then you decline my offer to take you out to dinner. But what happens when I go for a moonlight stroll? I see you sitting here so I came over and sat down with you. I ordered for us and now we are chatting. And not once have you asked me to leave. You know why that is Miss Collins?”
“Because I want you to pay for my meal.” Melinda said, with a smirk.
He chuckled. “It’s because secretly you want to go on dates with me, but you just like playing hard to get.” Alucard said, smiling as he leaned back. “Which is fine by me, I love a good chase.”
“You can chase all you want, Alucard.” Melinda said, leaning back. “But you’ll never be able to catch me.”
“We’ll see Ms Collins,” Alucard said, smiling. “We’ll see.”
Two Hours Later
“Will you excuse me for a moment, Alucard?” Melinda said. “I need to powder my nose.”
“Of course.” Alucard said. He got up and went to her side, helping her out of her seat.
“Thank you.” Melinda said. He nodded her head and she headed inside to the bathrooms. Once inside the bathroom she took out her phone and sent a text to Dove. When she got a reply, she headed back outside and to her table. “My apologies about that.”
He got up and went to her side. “No need to apologize." Alucard said. She sat down and he scooted her seat in. He sat back down as the waiter came over asking if they’ll order anything else. “Would you like any desserts?” He smiled. “Ferrero Rocher cake here is quite delicious.”
“No thank you, Alucard.” Melinda said, shaking her head.
“Just the check.” Alucard said Melinda went to get her wallet when he handed the waiter his credit card, who took off with it. “Don’t worry Miss Collins, the meal is on me.”
“Thank you Alucard,” Melinda said, smiling. “But I was just joking about you paying for my meal. I had every intention of paying for it myself.”
“I know,” Alucard said, the waiter came back with his card. He signed and handed him a tip, then the waiter took off. “But on our dates I don’t tend to have you pay a cent. Just like I didn’t on our other dates.”
“They weren’t dates, Alucard.” Melinda said. “Nor is this one.”
“If that’s the case,” Alucard said, leaning forward. “Why did you stay and chat with me on those other occasions? Why now, did you stay with me and chat with me this whole time? Why didn’t you just get up and walk away?”
“Because,’ Melinda said, leaning forward. “I was at this table first.” He chuckled and they both leaned back. “I need to start heading home, will you walk me to my car?”
“Of course Miss Collins.” Alucard said, standing up and going over to her. “It would be my pleasure.” He offered his hand and helped her up. He guided her over to the coat room and they got their coats. “Allow me,” He helped her with her coat, then offered his arm to her. She looped hers with his and he started walking her outside. “Where are you parked?”
“Right over there.” Melinda said, motioning to the parking lot across the street and they started walking over. “Thank you for paying for my meal, Alucard. It was very kind of you. I do appreciate it.”
“Your welcome Miss Collins.” Alucard said. They got to her car and she let go of his arm. “I was serious about our fourth date.”
“I know you are,” Melinda said, taking out her keys. “But I must decline.”
“And what reason do you have for me this time?” Alucard said.
“I simply don’t want to.” Melinda said, he chuckled weakly as he shook his head. “Truth be told, I don’t care for wine tasting since I can’t actually drink it. They are basically teasing you.”
“I see,” Alucard said, smirking. “Seems you only like teasing if you're the one doing it.”
“Oh?” Melinda said she unlocked her door. “And how do I tease?”
“By giving me company on your terms,” Alucard said, leaning on her car. “And refusing to give me company on my terms.”
She turned to him. “Denying you a date is not teasing.” Melinda said.
“Isn’t it?” Alucard said. “You are fine company me as long as it's not a date. That way you can stay in complete control of our evening and where it goes. But the moment you accept my offer for a date, you’ll be handing over that complete control to me. Which means I would not only have control of our evening and where it goes,” He pushed off her car and stepped closer to her. “But you as well. And you don’t want that,” He moved around so he was in front of her and her car was behind her. “Because you don’t want to submit to me.” He reached out and glided the back of his fingers down her cheek. “Not yet at least.” He looked into her eyes. “You want me to work for it.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Is that what you think I’m doing?” Melinda said.
“Oh I know that’s what you're doing.” Alucard said, smiling. “You're an absolute tease Miss Collins and you know it.” He titled his head as he took in all the curves of her face. “You tease me not with your body but by your company. You tease me by giving me just enough of you to have a taste, but when I try to take a bite,” He leaned in towards her lips and she stepped back, bumping into her car. “You pull away from me.” He placed hands on the top of her car, keeping her in the middle of them. “You drive me completely insane with all this teasing Ms Collins.” He stepped so close to her, their clothes were brushing up against each other. “I’ve never met anyone quiet like you before. You're not only beautiful, you're elegant and classy. You're smart, funny, sweet, and caring. I quite enjoy your company and our talks together, you sound so sophisticated and clever. The way you are, it only makes me want you that much more.”
“I bet Alucard.” Melinda said.
He chuckled and then sighed softly. “Hmm,” Alucard said, he started humming before he started singing in a whisper. “Oh, and my love, did I mistake you for a sign from God? Or are you really here to cast me off? Or maybe just to turn me on?” He smirked. “Cause these days I would be lying if I told you that I didn’t wish that I could be your man,” He leaned in, inches from her face. “Or maybe make a good girl bad.” He closed his eyes as he leaned down towards her lips again. Her phone is off, causing him to stop. “Who would be calling you at this hour?”
“That would be my father, I need to answer it.” Melinda said. He pulled back slightly and nodded his head. She took out her phone and answered as they kept their eyes on each other. “Yes father?”
“Where are you? You were supposed to be home an hour ago.”
“I’m sorry father, I was having dinner.” Melinda said.
“Dinner? With who?”
“No one.” Melinda said.
“I doubt that. If you were having dinner alone you would have been back on time. But since you're not, you had to be having dinner with someone. You know how I feel about you dating the locals here. They’re all about drinking and partying, you don’t need that.”
“I know,” Melinda said. “I was just having dinner with a friend, that’s all.”
“Oh, so you were with someone? I knew it. If you're not home in the next ten minutes, you are grounded. I don’t care how old you are, young lady. As long as you're under my roof, you obey my rules. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes father.’ Melinda said.
“Ten minutes starting now.” He hung up.
“My apologies Alucard.” Melinda said, putting her phone away. “I need to get going.”
“Does he always speak to you that way?” Alucard said.
“Yes, but he means well.” Melinda said.
“No man should talk to you like that.” Alucard said, placing his hand on her cheek. “Father or not. If you like, I can help you look for a place of your own. I can find something nice and affordable for you. Or,” he smiled. “We can skip this little song and dance of ours. We’ll get engaged right now and you can move in with me. Once you are all settled in, we’ll go and get you a wedding dress, and we’ll get married in the garden I have. How does that sound to you Miss Collins?” She giggled, making him smile. “Is that a yes?”
“It’s a no.” Melinda said, smiling.
“See? Tease.” Alucard said. “A giggle and a smile is telling me yes, but you say no.”
“No I don’t see.” Melinda said, ducking under his arms and moving towards her driver door. “You tease yourself, Alucard.”
“Trust me Miss Collins.” Alucard said, putting his hand on her door so she couldn’t open it. “I would never tease myself in such a matter.”
“Alcuard.” Melinda said. “Please remove your hand so I may leave.”
“Not until you accept my offer to accompany me on a date.” Alucard said. “It doesn’t have to be at the wine tasting, perhaps we can go dancing. Better yet,” he smiled. “We can go to the movies and watch one of those slasher films. And when you get scared,” He leaned in closer to her. “You can cuddle up to me. I’ll keep you safe.” He moved to her ear and whispered. “My love.”
“And who will keep me safe from you?” Melinda said he chuckled as he leaned back. “I must decline both of those ideas." He sighed. “I must really get going. Otherwise I will be grounded from ever leaving the house except for school. You’ll end up never seeing me again.”
“Now, I don’t want that.” Alucard said, removing his hand and opening the door for her, then helped her inside. “May I have your number Miss Collins?” She shook her head. “Come on now, let me at least have that you tease.”
“How about we use carrier pigeons?” Melinda said and he chuckled. “Morse code perphase?”
“Miss Collins,” Alucard said, leaning down to her. “If I didn’t find you so insanely attractive due to your body, mind, and soul I would walk away by now. But,” He sighs softly as he smiles. “I can’t get enough of you.”
“Just a little.” Alucard said, leaning back. “Get home safe Miss Collins, I’ll meet you soon for our fourth date.”
“If you can find me.” Melinda said, she started up her car.
“Trust me, I will.” Alucard said, smiling. “Goodnight Miss Collins.”
“Goodnight Alucard.” Melinda said. He closed her door and stepped back, then she rolled down the window. "And one more thing Alucard?"
"What is that Miss Collins?" Alucard said.
She smiled. "I'm not your love," Melinda said and she drove off.
He chuckled as he watched her tail lights disappear into the night. "Oh my love, you're such a tease.” Alucard said. He took a deep breath through his nose, taking in her scent. “I wish you could have let me take a bite, because now,” he snarled. “I’m starving.” He started heading to his car as a woman walking alone passed by him and he shook his head. “Women here really shouldn’t be walking alone at night, anything can happen. to them in a split second.” She neared the alley, she was pulled in, leaving behind only a sound of muffled screams.
Few Minutes Later, In Melinda’s Car
“Thank you guys so much.” Melinda said. “In all my years, I never thought I would need to send that text.”
“No problem, that was fun.” -Dove
“I hope I wasn’t being too rude or harsh.” -Elijah
“No, it was perfect.” Melinda said, smiling. “I really felt it was my father on the phone.” They started laughing. “But really guys, thank you. Alucard is so persistent it’s unbelievable. He actually said I'm a tease because of my company. Something about me giving him enough of me for a taste but when he tries to take a bite I pull away. And he called me, my love.”
“Will Mel, you do go to all the places he invites you to after you declined his offer to take you.” -Dove
“Okay you can’t tell someone who loves classic cars about a car show and expect them not to show up.” Melinda said. “Plus the monster movies were ones featuring Van Helsing, like I wasn’t going to see how they portray my father in the films. And the whole restaurant part, he said he was walking by and saw me.”
“Maybe he followed your scent? He could be a vampire or werewolf.” -Elijah
“Did you do the silver test?” Dove
“I did it the first time we ran into each other.” Melinda said. “My mother’s bracelet accidentally came off. He removed his gloves and put them back on me. I even switched out the utensils for silver ones when I smelled his cologne before he sat down. When I loop my arms with his, I place my hand on his arm, so my iron rings can touch his skin just in case he was a witch. Every time, zero reaction. No burn marks or any sign he was in pain.”
“Demon?”- Elijah
“I doubt it with how much salt that man put on his baked potato." Melinda said.
“So then, he’s just a regular creepy guy that’s obsessed with you to the point he’s stalking you and calling you my love?”- Dove
“Pretty much.” Melinda said and they laughed. “So it’s nothing I can’t handle, that’s for sure. Oh, I see some restaurants up ahead. I’m going to pull over and get some real food to eat. I’ll talk to you guys tomorrow. I love you guys, night.”
“We love you too. Night.”-Elijah and Dove
She ended the call. She pulled over and parked, then got out. “I am so freaking hungry.” Melinda said, looking around at all the different restaurants. “But what sounds good?” A restaurant that was on the corner caught her eye. “Hmm, Travis’ Bar & Grill? Why not?” She started walking over as rain started to come down. Melinda hurried to the front entrance and as she did, a man on the other side was also hurrying to the entrance. As they both turned the corner, Melinda collided into his chest, she was taken off balance and began to stumble back. But before she could fall over his strong hands took a hold of her arms and she took a hold of his biceps. He quickly pulled her back to his chest and steady her.
“My apologies Miss,” He said. “Are you alright?”
“Yes, I’m alright.” Melinda said, nodding her head. “But I should be the one to apologize sir. I wasn’t,” she looked up into his bright blue eyes. “Watching where I… I was going.”
A crooked smile formed on his face when he looked into her hazel eyes. Melinda smiled back as her cheeks slowly turned red. All of a sudden, everything went still and the rain froze in place. All the sounds around them went quiet. The rain that was falling could no longer be heard. Nor were the sound of people chatting as they walked by or by the cars that drove by. Absolute silence and stillness. Their hearts started to race as they tightened their grip on one another when their bodies started to feel weightless. He started leaning down towards her as she started leaning up towards him. Then someone opened the door and stepped out, causing them to snap out of it. They quickly let each other go and jumped back from each other as the other person walked around them and walked off.
“Forgive me for staring, Miss,” He said. “I didn’t mean to.”
“It’s quite alright sir.” Melinda said, she smiled. “My apologies for staring too.”
“No need to apologize.” He said, shaking his head slightly as he admired her smile. His eyes travel around her face, taking in all her features. His smile grew when he noticed her rosy cheeks were turning redder. She looked down, breaking him out of his trance. “May I be so bold and say, you look beyond beautiful.” He stepped closer to her as she looked back up. “One might even say, angelic. And your eyes,” They looked into each other’s eyes. “They’re luring and memorizing.”
“That is bold indeed sir.” Melinda said, smiling. “But I’m quite flattered by your kind words. Thank you.”
“Just speaking the truth Miss.” He said, smiling. “May I be bold again?“
“Yes you may,” Melinda said, nodding her head.
“I was about to go inside to eat and get a drink.” He said. “Would you care to accompany me? If you don’t mind, that is.”
“I don’t mind at all sir,” Melinda said.
He smiled as he went to the door and opened it for her. “After you Miss.” He said, he bowed his head slightly and motioned for her to enter. She smiled and stepped in, and he followed after her. He offered his arm and she took it, and he led them to a table that was away from other people. “Here you go,” she let go of his arm and he pulled her chair. She sat down and he scooted her in, then he went to the other side and sat down. “Have you eaten here before Miss?”
“No I haven’t.” Melinda said, shaking her head. “How about you sir?”
“A few times.” He said, nodding his head. “I normally get their house whiskey, with their prime steak medium well done. A side of loaded baked potato and corn.”
“Then I’ll order both of us just that.” He said, smiling. The waiter came over and he placed the order. “Anything else? Maybe a few shots of whiskey instead of just one?” She smiled and nodded her head, making him smile. “Would we be able to get the bottle please?” The waiter nodded his head and took off, and soon came back with the glasses and the bottle of whiskey. “Thank you.” The waiter took off and he poured the whiskey, and then handed her a glass. He picked up his and smiled again at her. “Cheers.”
“Cheers.” Melinda said.
She smiled as they tapped their glasses together. As soon as the glass touched their lips, they threw their heads back and chugged all of it down. They put their heads back and put the glasses down. He shook his head as he felt the drink flow through his body, giving him chills. She giggled as he looked over at her, with a smile on his face.
“How are you unphase?” He said. “This whiskey is strong.”
“My mother taught me how to drink.” Melinda said, pouring herself another glass and taking a hold of it. “She would always say don’t let it hit your tongue and your ass won’t ever hit the ground.”
He chuckled. “That can't possibly work.” He said. “I think you just got lucky Miss.”
“Is that right?” Melinda said. She chugged the drink and put the glass down, completely unphase again. “Nope,” she smirked. “I think it does work.” He chuckled as she poured him a drink. “Go on, try it for yourself sir.”
“Alright then miss,” He said, grabbing the glass. “And how am I not supposed to let it hit my tongue exactly?”
“It has to go right down to your throat.” Melinda said.
“Right down my throat?” He said and she nodded her head. “Okay, here goes.” He threw his head back as he chugged the drink. He put his head back and put the glass down, unphase. “Well I’ll be damn, that does work.”
She giggled.” I told you sir.” Melinda said, with a smile.
He poured them another drink. “So your mother is your drinking partner?” He said as he handed her to the glass.
“She was.” Melinda said as she looked down at the drink. “The first drink we had together was absinthe. I definitely hit the ground with that one.” She chuckled weakly. “It was also our last drink together.” She shook her head. “My apology sir. I shouldn’t be speaking such things right now. I doubt that’s the company you want right now.”
“Truth be told Miss, this is the only company I’ve wanted since my late wife’s passing.” He said and she looked back up at him. “Since losing her and our children years ago, I only ever kept to myself. This is the longest conversation I have had with someone, a conversation I actually want to have. And I won’t lie Miss, normally when I am in the company of women, it’s for one thing and one thing one, and it’s not for conversation.”
“Then why are you having a conversation with me then?” Melinda said.
“Honestly Miss,” He said, slightly as he leaned on the table. “I don’t know. But I found myself wanting to converse with you and get to know you more.” They smiled and then he shook his head as he leaned back. “I think it’s my turn to apologize for speaking such things right now.” He looked down at his left hand, where his wedding ring was once at.
“You must have loved your wife and children deeply.” Melinda said.
“My children and my sweet Ana were my everything.” He said, he smiled. “My absolute everything.”
“That was my mother’s name.” Melinda said and he looked up at her. “When I was little my mother was talking to me about falling in love, how it had its downside. How losing the one you love was a pain like no other. You feel as if your very heart is torn out of you and you feel like you’ll never be whole again. When she told me this, I told her I hope I never fall in love. And she told me something my grandfather told her when she said the same thing when she was little. She said, what is grief, but love persevering. Though the pain is great, it lets us know what we felt was real. Then one day,” she smiled. “That love you felt will reunite you with your love in the next life.” She poured them both a drink and then she picked up her glass. “To your wife and children, may your love for them guide you back to them one day when you join them on the other side.”
He smiled as he picked up his glass. “And may your love guide you back to your mother one day when you join her on the other side.” He said. They tapped their glasses together and threw their heads back as they chugged their drinks down. They brought their heads back as they put their glasses back down. “You know at this rate we’ll be drunk before our dinner arrives.”
“Most likely," Melinda said and they both laughed a bit. “I bet you’ll get drunk before me sir.”
He smiled. “Is that right?” He said. She smiled and nodded. “Well then Miss,” he poured them both a drink and they grabbed their glasses. “You're on.”
Few Hours Later
The restaurant was nearly empty and the music long since died. Only their chatter and laughter was the only noises that could be heard. Empty dinner plates and several empty dessert plates filled their table. Their whiskey bottle was finally empty. They took their last drink and flipped glasses upside down, showing they were done. He smiled as he propped his arm up on the table and laid against his hand. Melinda smiled as she mimicked his pose.
“Miss I got to say,” He said. “I’m surprised you're not drunk.”
“And I got to say sir,” Melinda said “I’m surprised you’re not drunk.”
He chuckled. “I don’t know if we should call it a night or,” He said with a smirk. “Get another bottle.” She giggled. “You have a wonderful and delightful giggle.” She smiles as she blushes. “And your smile, it really lights up the room.”
“Thank you sir,” Melinda said. He kept smiling as he stared at her, causing her to giggle again. “What?”
“Nothing.” He said, smiling as he shook his head slightly.
“You're staring sir.” Melinda said, smiling.
“My apologies Miss,” He said. “But one can’t help but stare when there's an angel sitting across from them.” She blushed as she looked down a bit. “Miss,” She looked back up, his face became serious as he sat up and held out his hand to hers. She sat up as she placed her hand in his. He caressed her hand gently as he looked into her eyes. “Would you care to accompany me again? Say this weekend for dinner and perhaps some dancing?”
“I would love to sir but,” Melinda said and she smile. “I don’t even know your name.”
“It’s Friedrich.” Friedrich said. “Friedrich Harding.” He smiled. “And what’s your name Miss?”
“It’s,” Melinda said. Bartender announces last call. “Last call already? What time is it?”
He looked at his watch. “Fifteen till two,” Friedrich said
Her eyes widened. “We’ve been talking for almost six hours?” Melinda said.
“I guess so,” Friedrich said, he smiled but it soon faded when she yanked her hand away. He looked up, seeing her bolt up from her seat. “What’s wrong?”
“I need to get home before my father does.” Melinda said, she grabbed out her wallet and threw down a fifty. “Goodnight Friedrich.”
She hurried to the door as he shot out of his seat. “Miss, wait.” Friedrich called out. He threw down a fifty and took off to the door as she stepped out. “You still haven’t told me,” He went through the door and into the rain. He looked around, finding she was nowhere in sight. “Your name.” He sighed softly as he smiled. “Who was that angel?”
Your Disease 5
Note: Normally I do gifs in the story as well, but I think I will add them later when I have more time to edit.
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