Page 42 of Beasts

“No, but then again, neither are you.”

“Oh please, I’m the most normal one here.”

“No, you’re extraordinary.” I roll my eyes at him. Don’t get me wrong, I love the compliment, but a human is hardly interesting without powers like Seth’s. “Anyway, enjoy your pizza. I promised my mother I’d go and have dinner with her this evening.”

“But, after everything you went through-”

“I’m absolutely fine. And it’s not like I didn’t know I wouldn’t be. You should go inside and order your toppings before the guys get overwhelmed with possibilities. Have fun, cuz.” He smirks, turning away from me and walking across the street to his car. I step through the door and close it behind me. It’s the first time I notice the unusual floral moulding on the back. I don’t know what the future holds, but it’s probably not safe for me to stay here with the guys. I’ll have to find a place of my own. A voice from the kitchen distracts me; “Hey Amelia, do you like pineapple on pizza?”

It’s late. I mean I know it’s late, I’ve been staring at my phone clock for the last few minutes. Surely Oliver would be asleep right now. He’s injured. I should let him rest. Maybe if I go and get some water? Do vampires need to drink water? Sneaking out with socks on my feet to reduce the noise, I make my way into the kitchen and I’m shocked that the light is already on. I peer in and see Oliver sitting on one of the stools reading a book with a steaming mug beside him. I didn’t think he drank coffee.

“Oliver?” His head tilts up to see me, a little startled. I guess he was concentrating.

“Oh, hey.”

“What are you doing up? You should be resting.”

“I'm feeling a lot better.” I step forward and look towards the book that he is reading. I'm a little surprised he's reading about modern mythology. My eyes dart towards the coffee mug in confusion. I step a little closer and go to reach for the mug, but he puts a hand on top of it and draws it away, placing it on the other side of him and away from me. He seems quite alert and awake and the rim of his lips are tinted a darker red. “You don't need to see that.” I see, someone must have given him blood. It was probably Nolan. “Amelia,” I know exactly what he wants to say, and I know he's going to keep apologizing, but I don't think he needs to anymore, “, I don't want you to be afraid of me.” His voice cracks mid-sentence. He seems to be trying really hard to keep it together.

“Oliver,” I smile, sitting on the stool next to him, “, what you told me earlier was a little bit of a shock, granted, but I don't blame you for it. The fact is, I can't blame you for something that you did as a child.”

“I made you scared of something you didn't even have to know existed.”

“I know that. But I think out of the two of us, the one that's most afraid at the moment is you. Why?”

“Because Amelia, we just found out what I did to you. The truth is I can't blame you if you never wanted to see me again and you left the house first thing tomorrow morning.”

“Well, that wouldn't be very convenient. I don't have anywhere to go.” I try to be funny, but his expression doesn't change so I guess it didn't really hit the mark. “Answer me something.”

“Anything.”

“Are you more or less inclined to bite somebody after you've had a drink like that?” I question pointing at the coffee mug behind him. He glances over then looks back at me.

“Less inclined.” Nudging my body off the stool, I bring myself forward until I'm standing between his spread knees. I gently grab his neck and pull his lips to mine. I don't even care that there seems to be an odd taste about them. I just won't think about it too hard. He wraps both of his arms around my back and pulls me in closer. The moment is electric, but it doesn't last too long. He breaks the kiss and takes his face away from mine, but he doesn't let me go.

“What are you thinking about?” I ask him.

He looks me in the eye as he smirks and says; “Pancakes.” Doing my best not to laugh out loud and accidentally wake somebody up. I look around the kitchen to see where the items I need might be. I haven't spent a lot of time cooking in this kitchen, but I'm sure Oliver can help guide me around.

“I guess it's time to ransack the fridge.” As we separate we walk around the kitchen and start grabbing things out of the fridge and out of the cupboards in order to prepare the batter. I show him a couple of new tricks he wasn't aware of in regards to creating a pancake batter, I'm happy that he's not afraid to try and touch me now and then. Whether if it's as simple as touching my shoulder, my hand or nudging me, or even just giving me a kiss on the cheek. It's nice. We've only got less than a couple weeks before the play, so the more often that we can do this the better off will be on the night.

“Whoops, hope I'm not interrupting anything?” Oliver takes a step away from me when we overhear Seth’s voice. I hadn't even seen him come home earlier this evening. “Didn't mean to disturb you, just wanted to grab some water.”

“You absolutely meant to disturb us.” Oliver mutters.

“That would be pretty rude of me.” He smirks, coming over towards me. He leans over my shoulder and smells the batter. “Make sure you make enough for tomorrow morning. These are going to be great.” He says, nudging me with an elbow. Oliver doesn't seem too pleased with his closeness. “Would you just relax?” Seth says looking at Oliver. I guess he did notice. “Firstly, I don't swing that way, and second, it might be legal in this state, but incest does not interest me.”

“Wow, you're taking this whole cousin thing quite seriously.”

“Why wouldn’t I? Anyway, like I said, I just want some water. You two kids have fun.” Oliver and I remain silent as he walks over to the kitchen sink and pours himself a glass of water. He turns to leave, but stops and looks at us. “By the way, if you have to pick a time to do it Oliver, I might suggest before the play.”

“Do what?” I'm glad Oliver is just as confused as I am because I didn't get that at all.

“Bite her. But just not in front of me, please. I don't need to see that.” Neither of us say another word as Seth disappears outside of the threshold.

“I swear he has a screw loose.” Oliver just shakes his head, ignoring what just happened.

“Why would he suggest that you need to bite me before the play?” I can tell that Oliver is biting the inside of his cheek, contemplating whether or not to answer me.

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