Van Helsing

Edward grinned. "That's up to you, dear. I don't think I'd object to anything that involved you helping me."

 

Lestat laughed loudly. "Finally you'll admit to your jealousy!" he exclaimed, raising his arms as if in triumph and then dropping them dramtically to his sides. "Did it ever occur to you," he began more seriously, taking a step toward John, his eyes still pitch black, "that what she said to him was true?"

 

"Of course not. She just wanted to leave." John said, an edge of fear coming to him.

Hannah moved back over to Edward, curling close to him with her head on his shoulder and her hand in his. "Better?"

 

"Much better," Edward sighed. "Does it look bad? Lestat's stopping it from healing," he asked, gesturing to his cheekbone.

 

Lestat sensed it and grinned wider, bearing his fangs. I've learned the over confidence lesson already, he thought to himself. Too bad John hasn't. That one hurts.

"Why don't we... wait, then," he began slowly, his voice low, "and see what your maker wants from the carriages... since I assume you have no idea."

 

"His mind is one of the few I'd rather stay out of." John murmured.

"It's not too bad. I'm sorry it hurts though." Hannah sat a little straighter and gently ran her fingertips over the bruise.

 

"Thank you," Edward smiled. "It should be better by morning. Did..." he began uncertainly, taking her hand from his face and holding it between his instead, "... did you hear what I said about Dracula? Or, did you understand?"

 

Lestat nodded, though he was smiling internally. "I'd hate to be rude," he began, bowing dramatically, "but I am still hungry and that little daughter of mine wasn't much blood. You'll have to excuse me so I can go find something more filling."

 

"Of course. I was thinking of going soon myself." John said. "Though I prefer going alone, as I'm sure you do."

"I know you're strong," Hannah began. "But I don't think that's enough for Dracula. I don't understand how you can be the perfect person to kill him. I don't want anything to go wrong."

 

Edward shook his head, rubbing her cold fingers between his palms. "No, dear, that's not what I meant. A werewolf," he whispered against her ear, not wanting Van Helsing to hear yet. "The venom is what kills him."

 

"Once again, you are correct, sir!" Lestat exlcaimed, stepping back into the shadows of the trees, melting into the shade. "Now, I think there's a poor, pretty girl all alone who needs my help... and don't bother to come after; there will be nothing left."

 

Hannah pulled back, giving Edward an increduous look. "Are you sure?"

"I'll find something of my own then." John headed off.

 

"Yes," Edward confirmed. "I... well... Charlotte told me, you see..." he finished awkwardly. "And it was in one of the books in Rome's library."

 

"Oh...." Hannah exhaled. "Well... um... I'm glad it was important information she gave you."

 

"I'm so sorry, Hannah," Edward started suddenly, unable to stop himself. "I wasn't thinking and all I wanted was the information and how much I thought it could help you..." He faded off, putting his hands on either side of her face quickly and kissing her several times. "I was going to tell you, but so much else had happened with Elijah and John... and then Lestat came in, and I couldn't stop him. I'm sorry..."

 

Lestat smiled, straying close enough to the moving carriages now to hear the thoughts and voices inside them. What a sweet boy, he thought, almost seriously.

 

Hannah's cheeks lit. "What are we talking about?" She asked, a bit dizzy.

 

Edward smiled, running a hand through her curls. "You were telling me how much you loved me and that you never want to go anywhere without me again," he spoke, leaving his lips half an inch from her own. Despite the carriage bumping along the badly paved path, he held himself and Hannah surprisingly steady.

 

Hannah touched her forehead to Edward's. "I love you and I never want to go anywhere without you again." She smiled.

 

"Good," Edward replied. "Will you kill me if I tell you I can't really reply properly to that yet?"