Would You Like Little Blood in Your Coffee Sir?

[Jasper]

Jasper sat in the small little coffee shop and played the piano as the rain drenched the streets outside. Today it was a more mellow melody of Norah Jones, thought it matched his mood and the weather outside. Norah's music was a bit girly for his taste, and he often felt selfconscious for playing her songs, but he never sung them. Deep down he knew how the simple melodies clashed beautifully with her complex yet beautiful lyrics but he also knew that he would rather women not assume that he was gay.
His cup of coffee rested on the ebony of the grand piano on a coaster. The smell of coffee around him was intoxicating, and so was the smell of the women.. The hunger rumbled in his stomach, but he concentrated on playing for now. Jasper's fingers tumbled over the keys until he came to the end of the song. Sighing, he ran his fingers through his dark untidy hair and sipped at his coffee. Learning contemporary music was okay, but he preferred the classics. Jasper was a musical genius, and due to his fame in his human life he wouldn't be able to gain his fame again if he so chose until next century to ensure his disguise. Jasper started up with Furelise, and attempted to lose himself in the melody that he'd played a thousand times over the past 88 years.

[Alex]

The dongs of Big Ben echoed through the city. There were four to be exact, promising that the time was only four o’clock; however, the city was enveloped in darkness. The perilous storm clouds clashed in a frightening, yet beautiful harmony: thunder roared and shook the ground, while lightning illuminated the sinister sky. Rain poured down on the chaotic city of London as Alex made her way towards the local coffee shop.

A simple umbrella sheltered the body of a young woman. Her attire was all black; making her appear almost dangerous. Her dark, rich brown hair rested on her shoulders, occasionally being blown frantically in the wind. A black tank top clung to her body, accenting her curves perfectly. It came a bit short, allowing a diamond to dangle from her belly button. Hugging her hips, her black leather pants had small beads of water running down them from where the umbrella had failed in its purpose. Around the top of her pants, a belt with an unusual buckle was present. Her black leather boots made small splashes in the puddles as she walked, though miraculously no water seemed to seep through. Completing the outfit, a black choker was wrapped around her neck and her crisp green apple eyes were outlined in black.

Within minutes, she had reached her destination. Just in time. She thought as she walked inside the small coffee shop and noticed the storm growing more threatening outside. Once inside, she retracted the umbrella and set it to the side. Her first thoughts were to go get a fresh, warm cup of coffee, but she was distracted by the beautiful melodies that filled the atmosphere. Her eyes scanned the room and near immediately found the piano and the man creating the gorgeous music. Her apple eyes filled with awe and for a moment she just watched the young man as he lost himself in the music. Her trance was soon interrupted as a clumsy man lost his balance while carrying a tray of coffee. The crash was near deafening and Alex flinched slightly, but she was only distracted for a moment. Her eyes fell back on the man at the piano, curious yet too timid to confront him.

[Jasper]

A big glass tip jar sat on the corner of the piano to Jasper's left and despite the fact he'd been playing for an hour it was empty. He muttered to himself, "Cheap b*stards." Jasper finished playing Furelise and began to churn his brain for something else that wouldn't make him stand out too much. He thought he blended in well atleast in clothing. Today he wore slimming jeans, black converses, and a tight fitting simple black tshirt that showed off the taught muscles that rested beneath the thin fabric. The whirr of the coffee machines rang out behind him, and the chatter of the people coming and going, not even slowing down for the rain.

Japser was surprised at himself, he hadn't yet really surveyed the crowd. It was usually one of the first things he did as the crowd steadily grew. A crash of ceramic coffee cups echoed in the back ground but he didn't flinch, just turned his head slowly towards the sound. A slender woman dressed in black stood there, her green eyes locked on him. From first glance he immediately noted her schocking beauty. A sly smile crept to his lips as he steadily met her captivating eyes. "Do you have a request, my beauty?" his voice was smooth but a little husky as he spoke to her.

Absently he turned to get his coffee and stared deep into her eyes taking in everything. She smelled like the sweet scent of lilies. His every sense was alert to the girl's presence, he was now facing her on his bench, and to spite him the thirst rumbled in his veins. Jasper would have to work on that, often he readily fed his desires and like a spoiled child the thirst wouldn't be denied so easily. He cleared his throat, d*mn this coffee shop for not having any meat..

[Alex]

The man’s presence was…mysterious. There was something about him that stood out, but she was unsure of what. Her eyes fell from his gaze for a moment, taking in his own frame. The slimming jeans and the tight black shirt complimented his dark, messy hair perfectly. She lingered on the shirt, noting the muscles that were visible beneath it. A small devilish glint appeared in her eyes, making them appear a shade darker. His appearance had entranced her, and she could feel her heart race when she heard his soothing voice.

Her eyes now locked with his, gazing deeper with every passing moment. She could still hear her heart pounding in her chest and she was near certain he could too. His words made her cheeks turn a slight crimson color and she had to look away for a moment. Inhaling deeply, her emerald eyes caught his once more and a sheepish smile lay on her full, glimmering lips. “Hmm…” She paused for a moment, thinking. Her favorite composer was Eric Whitacre, but she was unsure of whether he knew any of his music or not. The songs always had such a passionate power to them. The clashing melodies made for gorgeous chords that sent chills all over her body every time she heard them.

“Perchance, do you know any songs by Eric Whitacre?” Her voice was that of an angel. It contrasted with her looks completely. She looked dangerous, yet her voice held a gorgeous harmony like a songbird.

The sweet aroma of fresh coffee filled the room and she closed her eyes for a moment. There was a fire crackling towards left side of the shop. The flames danced together creating a very calm and serene atmosphere. People’s hushed voices were echoing softly in the air. An unusual peace fell over her as her eyes once more laid upon the man at the piano.

[Jasper]

The request that the woman made was an odd one. Jasper knew of an Eric Whitacre, but he did mostly vocal choir compositions. "I'm sorry, but surprisingly I've never heard of him. Do you have another request?" Her voice sang into his ear. To Jasper a woman with a pretty voice was always twice the intoxication.

He noted that the woman was still standing, and little drops of rain still clung to the gorgeous locks of her deep brown hair that framed her face. "Why don't you sit down and get warm, my dear?" He indicated to an overstuffed couch that faced the piano by the fire. Jasper was allowed a couple of breaks for the four hours that he played and was gratefully paid. While she made up her mind or possibly ordered some coffee he began to play Prelude in C by Bach. He loved his music, but he hated when the old piano players got up there and whimsically swirled around as they played. For some reason it was always a pet peeve of his.

Normally he wouldn't do this, but the beauty of the young woman intrigued him. "By the way, I'm Jasper. Could I buy you a cup of coffee?" Jasper planned not only to just buy this woman coffee, but to talk with her as well. He glanced around for a jealous boyfriend or someone who would inhibit him from doing so. To his delight she seemed to be alone.

[Alex]

She realized only after she asked the question how silly it was. She knew Eric did mostly vocal compositions, so the instrumental songs were difficult to come by. “Forgive me.” Her cheeks glowed crimson and she could feel her body becoming warm. How did this man have such an effect on her? He was captivating…and she loved it.

His question rang in her ears a few times, before it finally registered. Her pearly white teeth bit at her lower lip as she shook her head. “Anything you would like to play.” Her voice was a whisper, “You’re very talented…” Her eyes met his as she spoke to him; admiration and awe sparkling the entire time.

Rarely were gifted musicians found in London. Most were just charlatans who were only after money. Jasper was different. His passion for music was incredibly obvious and highly respectable. Perhaps that was what attracted her to him so much.

Hearing his regards to sit, she smiled sweetly, “Only if you join me.” As she stood, she heard the keys on the piano being pressed in a luscious melody. She was intrigued by the man that sat before her on the wooden bench in front of the piano. A desire to better know him lingered. “I’m Alex.”

The two of them made their way towards the couch next to the warm fire, and when she heard his question to buy her a cup of coffee, she grinned. “I’d like that…” She said calmly. Her eyes scanned the room and noticed many families sitting and mingling. A couple sat on the leather love-seat in the corner, their hands perfectly entangled. A jealously flashed through Alex, but she fought to suppress it. Her love life was always a sore and tender subject. She sat down on the couch and looked up at Jasper as he approached. Once they were both settled, her eyes once more trailed up his body before catching his gaze. “Do you play here often?”

[Jasper]

Jasper went up to the counter and ordered for the two of them also telling the manager he'd be taking his break now. In a few minutes Jasper returned with two coffees and he sat them down on the table infront of the two of them. Gently he let out a sigh of relief at sitting on a soft cushion and took up his cup. "Pleased to meet your acquaintence, Alex. This is actually my first time playing here. Usually I play at night at a local jazz club. What do you do? "

This really was his first time out during the day to do much of anything. Jasper had checked the weather reports before he headed out and called ahead to schedule. The rain cast a shadow dark enough for Jasper to go out, but even when he went outside now he squinted and tried to get to his destination as quickly as possible. It was hard to be a vampire, but somebody had to do it.

Jasper couldn't help but be attracted to the woman who sat next to him. Her floral scent filled his lungs. He hoped she wouldn't notice but he kept staring at the hollow of her neck, it was beautiful just like its owner. Alex smelled wonderful, and he dreamed of sinking his teeth into that soft base of her neck. He cleared his throat, he had to be a gentleman. To distract himself he took a sip of his coffee. "So what brings you here? I'm guessing that a radiant woman like you has a jealous boyfriend to look after her.."

[Alex]

Her eyes watched as Jasper set the ceramic coffee cups on the table. A thin film of steam could be seen rising from the black liquid inside. “Thanks,” she smiled graciously and gently picked the ivory white cup up in her hands. The outside edge of it was hot, but it felt nice against Alex’s cool skin. Holding it near her chest, she inhaled the sweet aroma and smiled. It was refreshing and calming. Her focus remained on Jasper as he spoke of his gigs. “Ah, what club? I would love to come see you sometime.” The tables then turned as he spoke of her occupation. She didn’t mind telling. She was proud of club she had established. “I’m actually a local club owner. A few years ago, I opened up Heaven’s End and luckily, I’ve had incredible success. Nearly every night is a full house.”

A glittering smile lay on her lips as she took a small sip of the hot coffee. It was heavenly. The coffee beans had been freshly ground which made for an impeccable drink. After a few more sips, she set the cup back down on the table in front of them. The focus was still directed on her as the subject of a boyfriend was brought up. “Nah, I don’t have a boyfriend. I pretty much look after and protect myself.”

She thought of the blade that was kept secretly hidden in her belt buckle. The silver 6” blade was her source of protection. Having trained for many years, she was as quick as a wolf. A stranger had attacked her once before when she was a young girl, and she had been defenseless. A small scar lay on the spine of her neck from where his blade had cut mercilessly through her thin, soft skin. From that night on, she vowed she would always have protection.

“And what about you?” She asked, shaking the thoughts off. “For certain you must have a girl to protect.” Every word was smooth and silky. She was nervous, but she shrugged it off, liking the butterfly feeling that was churning in her stomach.

[Jasper]

"It takes a real woman to be able to protect herself," Jasper remarked. He'd learned that lesson from women over the years, the weak ones never survived. Jasper had a taste for the ones that appeared to be a little more strong and alluring, it had always been like that. As he looked at Alex he could see the will to fight in her, and it drove him crazy.

His fangs had descended as he looked at her in lust, hopefully he masked it well. Jasper knew it wasn't the most gentlemanly thing to do, staring, but the woman attracted him so that he couldn't help but do any less. He wanted to get to know her, and not just in a sexual way. Although that longing he couldn't help but suppress.

Cold meat rested in his pocket for him just in case he couldn't hold back until he was able to feed again. Jasper lived a nocturnal existence like most vampires did and every night before he went out he would feed to prevent himself from losing control when he couldn't afford it. Like now, he thought.

"So, a nightclub owner? That must be quite an interesting occupation. Do you also dj? Or is your purpose solely to look radiant under the strobe lights?" Jasper sat up straight, indeed he was hitting on her. He smiled to himself, she was reacting quite well, that was a good sign for him. No, Jasper wasn't "a total skeez" as they used to say in the 80's he didn't go around picking up women just for their bodies. With some women it was just a bonus, like the woman he was sitting beside now. "Do you live close by here? I'd love to be able to see you again like this sometime." He hoped she couldn't tell, but he began to squint as he turned to face her as some of the solar rays were barely visible. Luckily, he thought to himself, today is supposed to be stormy and dark all day, and the dark quiet atmosphere of the cafe helps a lot. If it started to brighten up even a little he would have to find somewhere to hide until night came.

[Alex]

Alex could feel Jasper’s eyes gazing upon her body, and her cheeks burned pink. A dizzy feeling overwhelmed her, but she thrived off of it. Her heart pounded in her chest as desire captured her, but she tried to suppress her emotions. The last thing she needed was to scare him off. But then she heard his comment made of her beauty in the strobe lights and she couldn’t help but giggle softly.

Her cheeks turned a darker shade of red, but a playfully innocent smile rested upon her red lips. She could tell he was hitting on her…and she loved it. “Nah, I’m not a DJ. But, I am the head bartender. I love it. Not only do I get free drinks, but Heaven's End is also known to be one of the hottest party spots in London.” A sweet look was on her face as her eyes pierced into his.

Nonchalantly, she reached for her coffee cup on the table and closed a bit of space between them. His scent was intoxicating. She looked up at him, taking in every perfect feature of his face. There was almost a dark aura around him, only drawing her to him more.

She was forced back to reality when she heard his question. It took her a moment to register what he had said, but she answered in a soft voice, “Yeah…I only live a few blocks away from here…” She saw his squints, but thought nothing of it. After all, sun rays on a cloudy day always seemed much brighter than normal. Making a move, her leg softly brushed against his only for a moment, giving him the fair chance to object. “What about you? Do you live close by?”

[Jasper]

Jasper noted her blush as she smiled. He had a smile of his own that now found its way to his lips. Obviously she had noticed. Good thing she didn't seem to mind, that gave him even more courage. He always had a thing for women who made the first move, or atleast responded.

Alex's knee just found his on the couch. Her black leather was rubbing against his rough ripped jean material. He started to wonder if that was accidental, but he looked up to see the intense look in her eyes. Definitely not... Jasper wondered if he could get away with his next move or not.

Jasper threw his arm over the back of the sofa, looking as if he was trying to turn to look at her better. "I do live close by." He didn't want to devulge to many details. Now he was facing her full on. Jasper began to move even closer. When he stopped they were close together. The cool of his skin transferred onto hers. No matter that they were close to the roaring fire, Jasper was naturally cold as ice due to his vampirism. It didn't matter if he was sitting beside the fireplace he would still feel like he walked in from the blizzard.

[Alex]

Her eyes kept his gaze as she felt his body slowly move closer to hers. By the time he had spoken, his icy skin had prickled against her warm, soft body…causing tingles to jolt up her spine. Intoxication like she had never imagined took place in that moment. A light-headed feeling rushed through her as her pounding heart skipped a few beats. Darkness seemed to close in…leaving the two of them in an alternate world.

Alex welcomed his arm as it slowly curled around the couch. His frosty fingers tickled at the spine of her neck causing her body to tremble softly. She bit at her lower lip, as her gaze danced down his body. He was perfect. A small desire drilled at her, but she fought with all her might to restrain it.

Forcing her eyes elsewhere, they stared into the glowing fire that was now at a fierce roar. One of the clerks had just added a dry log, and the illuminating flames fed off it like a hungry animal. Her eyes became lost in the flames. The tiny sparks that flew ever so often seemed to captivate her. The moment seemed perfect. Her warm hand fell beside her on the couch, only mere inches from his as she looked up Jasper, speaking softly…like an angel, “Perhaps we could meet again.” Her cheeks were growing pink once more, “I’d like that.”

[Jasper]

Jasper traced the side of her neck with a calloused finger. His forest green eyes stared at her soft skin with grateful eyes. In the back of his mind he wondered how this was happening, how he was able to control himself like this. Right now he was absorbed in her, the thirst rumbled in his veins, but as he gazed upon her it hushed to a still. It was hard for him to look away, he didn't have any motivation to leave the cool, slick leather of the couch, or the comfort of the warm skin he could feel beside him.
It didn't occur to him that he hadn't known Alex for more than a couple hours, something stirred inside of him when he saw her, and he knew it would be difficult to go. Alex would be the woman that stalked through the moonlit forest of his mind. The sky had darkened outside as the rain kept falling steadily, a gentle rumble of thunder rolled across the city. Gently, Jasper traced the bare skin of her arm that fell beside him. His hand slipped itself around hers, and traced her jaw bone with the other. Jasper noted how she stared off into the fire, lost in her thoughts. The vampire took this opportunity to lean in closer than she probably realized, and whisper huskily in her ear, "You look beautiful in the fire's glow, my dear." It was true, she did, the red and yellow glow spread across the black leather of her pants and played on her hair.

[Alex]

All the chaos around them seemed to fade into the distance. The rumbles of thunder could be heard overhead causing small ripples to form in their coffee. A beautiful clashing melody rang through the small shop. The mood seemed to be faultless.

His hand folded perfectly in hers. She trembled as his finger traced her jaw. Her neck arched a bit…her eyes closed. The thought never occurred to her that she might be sitting next to a vampire. In a moment, she felt his icy lips grow dangerously close to her ear. That was her weakness. She fought to keep control, but she was sure her body was writhing ever so gently beside him. His breath tickled at her ear as he spoke…the sound of his voice sending chills thrashing all over her body. A devilish smile glowed on her lips, as her cheeks blazed scarlet. Softly turning to face him, her eyes locked intensely with his. Something was happening in that moment that she didn’t quite understand, but she went with it anyways.

A light-headed feeling overtook her as she drew closer to him. Her body quivered softly as she leaned in and let her warm, soft lips press against his. Chills prickled up her spine and butterflies danced in her stomach. A pleasant tingly feeling danced up her body as one of her hands traced its way to his neck and drew him closer still.

[Jasper]

When her lips were upon his he let go of her hand and pulled her into him tightly. He had almost been dreading this moment, he was unsure if he could deny both his sexual hunger and his vampiric hunger. Out of arousal his fangs had descended again and scraped her lip as he kissed her. Some of her blood mingled on his lip and he quickly pulled back. Jasper's eyes were no longer vivid green, but black.

"Sh*t," he cursed under his breath. His muscles were rigid and stretched tight. That taste had been enough to set him off. Why didn't I eat before I came...? He groaned to himself. This date had to be cut short, or Alex would have to wait around for him to find something to eat. Jasper knew the latter option would be rude. "I just forgot," he made up some bull sh*t excuse, "I left my glucose tablets at my house, and I'm diabetic. I need to get back home. Thanks for the company." Jasper let a little of his urgency slip through his tone. "How about tomorrow night, Heaven's End? I'll meet you there at 11." It was the only thing he could think of before he rushed out. Jasper wanted to see Alex again, he just wanted to spare her life this time. He waved at the owner behind the counter, and told him he'd be back tomorrow for his check. Without another word he rushed out into the rain and took off.