Disclaimer: I own Chrono, yes I do! I'm a liar, how 'bout you!

Author's Note: See chapter one or chapter seven.

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Ticks of the Clock

Blood Orange

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I always wait up for him. Always. . . each night, every night; watching the twilight become dusk, then darkness, from within my gilded cage. The bright candlelight shimmers off of the gold candelabras and statues, velvet paints and woven tapestries illuminated by the moonlight. Countless charms reflect the glow; star shine making the windowed doors leading to my balcony sparkle like crystal.

My loose grip on my petticoats tightens a bit, blonde locks cascading over my shoulders with a slight curl. I subconsciously begin to pace, playing with the embroidered hem of my pale pink gown. My anxious footfalls are the only sound, the rest of the palace long since asleep. I, too, should rest. I know I should.

But I cannot.

Still. . . should anyone of consequence hear me (like mother), they will undoubtedly send the servants to investigate.

So, reluctantly, I force myself to sit before my vanity; attempting to calm my impatient body with happy thoughts. Thoughts like. . . him. He will be here soon. He won't let me down. No. . . he will come. (And on the bright side, now he won't be able to tease me about wearing a hole in the floor.)

Yes, he'll be here after the moon rises. After the gloom sets in. After the first werewolf sings. Not much longer now. . . Releasing the brush I'd started using out of boredom, I cast a glance towards the remains of last night's parting gift.

I pick up the final slice.

'You taste like this. . . but sweeter.'

A shiver races down my spine. Closing my eyes lightly, I savor the last piece as his words echo endlessly through my mind. Oh, it gives me tingles. . . ! And it makes me miss him more.

Why must time pass so slowly?

With an impatient sigh, I begin to toy absentmindedly with the silver cross necklace mother makes me wear during the day (and, had she her way, the night). Such a vexing thing— I despise it with every fiber of my being. But while she's around I must keep her happy. . .

However, she's not here now, is she? Smirking into the mirror, I eagerly unclip the wretched piece of jewelry, allowing it to fall with a soft clatter upon the wooden surface of the table. Now I'm ready for him.

Creeek. . .

I give a jolt, head snapping up. Eyes quickly scanning my mirror, I search for any disturbance in the reflection of my room. But there is none.

My heart begins to pound wildly, body tensing.

"!" A cold hand suddenly falls against my shoulder, tenderly sweeping my tresses away. Hot breath tickling the nape of my neck, I feel someone's smile-quirked lips press themselves lovingly to my flesh. Long strands of silken violet brush my rosy cheeks.

The mirror shows only me.

I smile.

"Hello, love."

A chuckling purr. "Hello," he greets in an equally soft voice, one full of ardor. Giving my throat a teasing nip, he turns my chin towards his, capturing my lips. "My little blood orange. . ."

(NOTE: Woo! Vampiric Chrono in action. . . he seems rather popular, now a days. Vampire Chrono, I mean. Anyway, this little medieval-esque piece was inspired by the Vampire Hunter D novel. Quite good, by the way. (And I'm very picky when it comes to books) Read it, if ya get the chance! XD)