Twilight Done Right

The way she turned away from him was puzzling until he drew the conclusion that she was queasy around blood. He did not want to be rude and refuse her offer, so he closed his fingers over his palm so the cut would not show itself. It was also held in a way that the blood wouldn't smear on his fingertips when he hand was this way.

"That's so nice, thank you." He smiled as he walked in and used his foot to close the door.
 
"Uh huh." Man, it was hard to even say anything now. There was something distinctly irresistible about fresh blood. Once the door was closed behind him, she turned the lock. Then she took him by the arm to guide him over to the kitchen. The man had some muscles under there! Nice and strong. Even without that smell of his blood, he was deliciously attractive. Had she not been concerned about hurting him, she would have invited him to stay for the fun of company.

Cadence ran the water in the sink until it was lukewarm, motioning for him to run his hand under it. As he did, she stepped away to one of her pockets and dug through it until she found a small first aid kit. The thing was rarely used, but hell. Sometimes even a vampire needed something out of it. Once she returned, she took his hand again. With a dish towel she dried it off, then she had a pair of tweezers and was pulling his hand close to get a good look at it.

Oooh, that was a mistake. Cadence bite her tongue again. "Got yourself pretty good, didn't you...?" she mumbled.
 
Xavier watched his wound as the water hit it, blood trickling down into the drain. He spotted the piece of wood that was stuck in there, but it was so tiny! Those were the worst kind... The smallest of cuts always seemed to hurt the most. Still, he maintained a calm expression; Xavier's had worse situations than this one.

He smiled gratefully when she dried his hand and began working on removing the splinter. "Tchyeah, I did. Thank you for tending to it." Her hand felt unusually cold against his skin and he did not realize it until now. Maybe she was one of those women who had trouble warming up... Did albinos have an issue with that? He honestly had no idea and still felt bad for labeling her so much. He hoped that in time, he could get to know her better.

One thing he knew for certain was he liked her. So far, at least.
 
"I thought I would be a doctor, once upon a time." Cadence replied. Using her finger nail to get the splinter in the right spot, it only took a few seconds to grab it with the tweezers and pluck it out. She held it up so he could see it, before she let it wash down the drain.

Then what she should have done was rinse his hand under the sink. But she didn't. Pressing her nail against his skin, blood slowly welled from the tiny wound. Smelling so sweet, and beckoning for a small taste... Without thinking, Cadence had his finger in her mouth, sucking gently. Just as she imagined... so perfectly delicious! The moment may have seemed erotic and tempting, but all she thought was how fabulous his blood tasted.
 
What Xavier was waiting for was the band-aid. He looked at his palm and smiled, satisfied to see there was nothing unwanted in his skin. When he looked back to her, she didn't have a bandage in hand... Instead, she was...sucking on his finger? There was a pound in his chest as she looked to be enjoying his taste, red creeping over his face. The only time Xavier ever turned a colour in the face was when he was working out, so this was unusual for him.

"Ah, Cadence?" he asked quietly, not making a single move. What was he supposed to think of this? It was an arousing move on her part, but he was bleeding! Additionally, they met only a few hours ago.
 
Shit! What was she thinking? She wasn't. That's what. Pulling his finger out of her mouth, she ran her tongue over her teeth. There was a faint tinge of pink over her cheeks, but beyond that she was keep as impassive of an expression as possible.

"...toxins. They say the best way to get toxins is to suck it out." It was probably the worst bullshitted excuse someone could come up with. Cadence may have been better off playing like she was hitting on him. Clearing her throat, she ran his hand under the water and tried it off. In seconds she had a bandage on there and was letting him go and taking a step back. Gods, he tasted so good... Imagine what a real drink would be like!

"...ahem. I guess you must be exhausted with it being so late, and all."
 
Xavier was a specialist in wellness and fitness, so he knew for a fact that wasn't something people just said. A home remedy like alcohol would have been a better solution for this case. He tilted his head after his hand was bandaged, his muscular arms crossing over his chest. Judging by her reaction, she was hiding something.

"Eh, just a little tired." he told her, his suspicious look easing away. "...where did you say you were from?" He felt like he had to ask and if she already told him, he'd forgotten. If he knew, perhaps he could understand better why she behaved the way she did.
 
Cadence smiled, not realizing there was the faintest flash of sharp pointy teeth. She made a big show of slowly putting away the items from the kit.

"I was born American, but spent most of my life in Romania." That was the truth. Only, he had no idea that 'most of her life' was far more years than she actually looked. Cadence set the kit in to a cabinet. Once her hands were idle again, she had to rest them behind her back against the counter. She was wrestling with whether or not she should tell him to leave or ask him to put those arms around her while she tested just how fast her could get his blood pumping. Clearly, she was a masochist. Tormenting herself for no reason.

"Am I so transparent?" she asked with a tilt of her head. "I didn't think I committed any social faux pas..." Aside from sucking on his finger! But if she apologized for it, that would definitely be weird.
 
The only foreign country he ever visited was Germany, and Canada if that counted. Since he never knew what Romania was like, maybe her behavior was common there? That was preposterous... What kind of country had a bunch of finger suckers? The thought made him want to hit himself in the face.

"You do kinda stand out," he answered, making a smirk.

Xavier felt like he shouldn't pester this woman anymore nor even socialize. If she showed up at his doorstep, he'd certainly be polite and help her with anything she needed. She caused him a lot of emotions that he'd never experience all at once. This woman was absolutely gorgeous and had oddities that puzzled him.

He held up the hand she patched up for him and said, "Well, Cadence... I'll let you be, now. Thank you, again. If there's nothing else you'd like some help with..." The smile from his earlier suspicion returned briefly.
 
Cadence hid her annoyance at her own folly very well. The man now thought she was a total lunatic. Probably going to run home, later tell his family and friends about his insane encounter and she will be known as the crazy woman. Hmph. It was for the best. The alternative was having him for a snack, and Cadence was very uncomfortable with the idea.

"You're right. Time to go. Thank you for the help, though! I really do appreciate you taking the time. And to drop off my keys too." Cadence was already leading him to the front door.

But as she opened it, there was someone else standing there. A woman, taller than Cadence by just as pale and just as fashionable. Wearing deep red silk and a skirt that was too short for the woman's age. She raised an eyebrow at Cadence at the young man that looked to be on his way out.

"Oh! Sweetie, entertaining a dinner guest..?" she nearly purred.

"Mother. He was just going home." Cadence was trying to catch the woman by the sleeve so she could nudge Xavier out the door, but the wench wouldn't step aside.

"Nonsense. Introduce me, Cadence." she held out her hand for Xavier. "I am Flavia Christinel. And you are?"
 
Before he could give a proper farewell for the night, he seemed to be blocked by another woman. She was calling him... A dinner guest? He smiled politely, keeping his thoughts to himself. Cadence called this woman her mother, which made sense. To him, they looked a lot alike! She must have been from Romania too. It seemed like an odd time to visit your daughter, though; it was dark outside.

He took a hold of the woman's hand, his grasp firm as he shook it. "Xavier Whitaker. Nice to meet you, Flavia."

Xavier gently let go of her hand and put his into his pockets and then looked to Cadence. She didn't seem to want either of them here... He needn't stress her with his company any longer, especially since she just helped him with a bloody hand injury.

"I was just returning something to her. I'll let you two be alone now."
 
"Have you had dinner, Xavier Whitaker?" Flavia asked. The woman had the door closed behind her, apparently not intending to take any excuses for leaving. "Never mind, that. A glass of wine. You should have time for a glass of wine and the company of beautiful women, no?" Brushing past Cadence, Flavia stepped towards the kitchenette. One of the odd bottles she picked up in her hands, raising an eyebrow towards Cadence before setting it down distastefully.

"You don't have to stay. But you're welcome to, if you like." Cadence responded to Xavier. She was watching her mother like a hawk, but seemed to have relaxed just a little bit.
 
Xavier did have dinner already, even though it wasn't much. In fact, he probably would have a second sandwich or some crackers when he went back to his apartment. The answer to that question would not have been made though, because Flavia never minded it and offered him some wine. It had been a long time since he could settle down with someone and have a drink... Work kept him far too busy and he didn't have as many friends since they took separate paths for their careers.

"It would be my pleasure!" he answered to them, holding a hand to his chest and smiling politely. He took only a few steps away from the door, noticing that Cadence stared at her mother warily. This was understandable... Random visits from your parents could be annoying.
 
"Then please, have a seat! Cadence dear, where are your glasses? Do poor us a glass of wine? I'm sure you have something worth drinking here..." Flavia cast her daughter a wicked sort of grin. Moving across the room like she was gliding over the floor rather than walking, she took a comfortable seat on the sofa. Patting the cushion next to her beckoning Xavier to sit down.

In the kitchenette, Cadence took those bottles Flavia had been examining, and tucked them out of the way far in the back of the fridge. "Why are you here so late, mother? I thought you were going to be.... over seas." Overseas meaning, far away and out of her hair! She took a few glass out of an opened box and gave them a quick rinse. After drying with a towel, she produced a bottle of wine - actual wine - from a cabinet and filled the three glasses.

Flavia leaned towards Xavier. "I worry about Cadence being here all alone in this country. She just doesn't get enough to eat and.." she leaned closer. "I think she needs good hot blooded man in her life. Someone deliciously sweet."

With three glasses in hand, Cadence didn't hide her frown when she stepped in to the living room. She hand one to Flavia first, then to Xavier before she sat down herself. "I'm not starving to death. You meddle far too much."
 
Xavier took a seat next to Flavia. He made an apologetic look to the kitchen as Cadence went in to fetch drinks... She looked agitated, so he wondered if he should have turned down her mother's invitation. It would have been rude, yes, but he could have come up with an excuse not to join them. In the end, Xavier just hoped that this neighbour of his wouldn't loathe him.

As the woman got close to him so she could speak, he smiled nervously, though managed an amused chuckle. It made sense then, for Flavia to worry about her daughter. After all, Cadence was super pale and thin. Perhaps she had an eating disorder or just flat out didn't eat much. Since he was a personal trainer, her knew the importance of nourishment.

"She's a beautiful woman. I'm sure someone will swoop in to save her," he assured Flavia, a little puzzled by the description of a man that Cadence needed. Hot blooded and deliciously sweet?

Xavier smiled and took the glass of wine from Cadence, taking a single sip before sitting back against the couch. He hoped he wasn't getting into a quarrel between mother and daughter...
 
Swoop in and save her? Cadence had an enigmatic smirk at the thought, but it disappeared just as quickly when Flavia seemed to share the same thinking. Flavia's laughter came out like a soft musical bell, as she reached out a hand to pat gently over Xavier's knee.

"Darling, you are refreshing! A man with old fashioned sentiments. I do miss those days where men knew how to treat a Lady." Of course when she said it, the phrase was dripping with so much suggestive tone that Cadence was tempted to 'accidentally' spill her wine on the woman. Cadence didn't need the extra help of thinking dirty, she was doing fine enough on her own!

"My mother is strange, you'll have to forgive her." Cadence mumbled between another drink of the wine. It did help to soothe her irritation with the sweet, warm tingle running through her bloodstream.

Flavia laughed again, her hand seeming to never move from Xavier's knee. "Little Goose, you tease. Tell me, Xavior, do you know the city well? Sadly, I must leave come morning, but my dearest Cadence should have a handsome escort with a gentleman's manners show her around the city."
 
"Yeah, I've lived here a while. I don't mind giving her a tour, if she wants," he answered, smiling thoughtfully. Flavia's hand seemed to be glued to his knee, but he didn't make any awkward responses to it. It was just a friendly gesture, he assumed. This little get together was nice... He'd have to really sit and think about the last time he got to settle down with some people, enjoying a drink and conversation.

Even though he just met these two.

Xavier looked down at his glass, smirking inwardly as he took a sip. He didn't drink much, since secretly, he was a light weight, and he never cared to drink alone. Having this liquid run down his throat was a slight painful the first couple of times, though he stubbornly kept back the resulting noises. It would have been embarrassing to get into a dramatic fit of coughing just from a sip of wine.

Cadence was right about her mother being... Strange. She spoke in suggestive ways, and had an odd choice of words, such as calling him a 'little goose'. Or was she calling her daughter that? Either way, it was odd to him. Unless Cadence didn't want to speak with him ever again, he kept questions in mind about this lady. It would have been rude to ask how old she was, probably even where she was raised.

"Are you staying here, then? Because whenever you want to sleep or whatever, just kick me out. I won't cry about it," he told her with a chuckle.
 
"Oh no, love." Flavia practically purred, "In fact, I believe I have well over stayed my welcome. The wine of Flavia's glass disappeared in one quick gulp. Her hand gently patted Xavier's knee before she rose from the sofa in a fluid graceful movement.

"No, no. Don't get up, dears. I will see myself out. Enjoy yourself, Cadence." With a wave and a suggestive wink, Flavia bustled out of the room in a flurry, much like the way she entered.

It left Cadence blinking bewildered at the closed door and wondering if the woman had just appeared to be a nuisance, or if she had some nefarious agenda afoot. After another sip from her glass, she relaxed a little. Casting a gaze over to her equally as perplexed house guest.

"This is where most people say 'She doesn't mean to be so pushy.', but honestly, I think she does. Though... I admit, having someone show me the city would be nice. How do you feel about tomorrow?" Cadence was tempted to ask about now, but it was late and most people were preparing for bed. A midnight tour might seem a little strange.
 
Xavier waved to the mother as she left. There wasn't much room for him to properly say farewell, since she seemed to leave in such a hurry. It didn't bother him much, though. Much as he liked having conversation with someone, that woman was... Odd. She was possibly even stranger than his Mother.

"Yeah, just knock at my door when you're ready," he said with a smile. There wasn't too much of his wine left, so Xavier went ahead and sipped it all, albeit slowly. This drink had made him a little buzzed, he had to admit. Despite his healthy build, he was a light weight, not to mention he couldn't remember the last time he swallowed alcohol.

Now that his glass was empty, he figured he should be polite and set it in the sink for her. Xavier would even go as far as cleaning it up with the dish soap and a sponge. "Should I wash these for you?" he offered, holding his empty glass up.
 
"That won't be necessary, I can take care of it." Cadence replied with a casual tone that didn't seem to match the thoughtful expression she had. Thanks to a little wine, her pensiveness had dwindled. That was all well and good, but it also came with that desire to do... things that wouldn't be so appropriate. Especially with a handsome new neighbor that smelled all too sweet.

Rising from her chair, she brought her own glass to the kitchen sink. Perhaps passing too close to him when she brushed against his arm. Cadence offered him a smile.

"We could meet outside on the sidewalk tomorrow afternoon. I doubt I'll wake too early. Does an evening walk around the town sound good?"