- - H e a r t a c h e - -

"Just as she turned away,

She heard him call her name.

'Please.' He begged,

And she smiled mournfully.

Tormented. Lips parting, She said,

'No more of your lies.'"

- Poyo

Chapter One: Crestfallen

"I don't want you to leave." I heard him whisper against me and sighed heavily. I could feel the soft thrumming of his heart beating at my back, while his strong arms embraced my shoulders – holding me tightly to him. Today would be the last day I would feel his protective embrace, today would be the last day I could relish in the warmth of his security and admiration. Silence filled the void between us as I continued to stare forward, hands gripped around his smooth forearms. I squeezed him gently, and let out another strangled breath.

The longer I lingered, the harder it would be to let go.

"I have to." I mouthed quietly, my words barely audible against the noisy bustle of the airport. People passed around us in hurried hordes, shuffling and pushing to reach their flights. I watched them go with weary, reluctant eyes – knowing I was soon destined to join them in their scurry. Nathaniel shifted behind me, and gently rested his chin against my shoulder.

"You know, I'll always wait for you." He said with his smooth, masculine voice. It was a voice I had long ago fallen for – lyrical and almost musical. I smiled weakly in return, leaning my head against his.

"It's only for a while." I reassured him, but even to me my own words wavered. I couldn't bring myself to leave him – and the rest of my family behind, even if only for a few months. Even now, as he held me closely, I yearned for his touch. The gentle caress of his hands and the loving gaze of his warm amber eyes. The eyes that watched me ever so passionately. There was no doubt in my mind, or to onlookers, that Nathaniel loved me.

He would never leave me.

My smile faltered and the familiar burn beckoned behind my eyes and throat. I let my smile fall, ducking my head and finally pulled out of his arms. He let me go, slowly and warily – and cast those beautiful copper pools down on me. Exhausted and broken, I stared back into his eyes with a similar shadow of dread. I forced another smile, lifting my hand to touch his face.

"It's only for a little while, I promise." I said sadly, watching as he leaned down and planted a tender kiss on my lips. The taste of his lips sparked a memorable fire within me, darting through my limbs at the rate of electricity. I sighed, cupping his face in both palms. "I love you."

"Elena, please come back to me." He responded, pecking my lips again before standing to his full height. I was easily dwarfed beside Nathaniel, standing only up to his broad shoulders. He smiled carefully, brushing his knuckles along my cheek. "I'll always wait for you."

"I promise I'll be back soon. Nothing will change us." With my parting words, I turned and began walking away. With every step I took away from him and home, it felt harder. With every inch I placed between me and my salvation, I felt myself crumble. I smothered my face in my hands and finally let the tears cascade. Letting it carelessly smear my mascara down my pallid face.

It was then that I felt him around me again, softly rubbing along my arms. His comfort would be my undoing. I didn't want to leave him, not for a second let alone all of summer vacation. I sobbed and turned, gripping his shirt as I cried against his chest. He held me tightly, planting tiny kisses against my blonde hair. Nathaniel let me cry for what felt like hours before my tears finally subsided and my sobs quieted.

"Shh. Elena – we'll be together soon." He whispered faintly and kissed my forehead. The unruly fall of his chestnut hair shrouded his eyebrows, dipping around his eyes. It added to his overall natural appeal. I studied his face for a final time, and finally stood back. Rubbing my eyes to free them of unshed droplets, I laughed when my fingers came back grey with makeup. He smiled crookedly down at me, and carefully guided my hands to his shirt – quickly wiping them clean.

"Come back soon, 'kay?" Nathaniel said enthusiastically, "and call me every day, too." He added fondly, and my heart drummed against my chest. The thought of calling him – having his voice fill my dreams every night, was a welcome treat. I grinned as he adjusted my black-rimmed glasses, a fond habit I had learned to appreciate.

I would miss him dearly, but summer vacation wouldn't last forever.

"Promise." I nodded and bounded towards the crowd, quickly molding into step with the charging stampede. My suitcases had already been checked in, and I tightly gripped my carry-on bag against my torso. With a surprisingly lithe maneuver, I guided myself into the women's restroom and quickly dashed for the sinks. The sight that stared back at me was horrid and crestfallen, and I quickly began adjusting my eyeliner and mascara. Gently wiping away the excess makeup, and reapplying what was needed.

After a few minutes I stood there, staring back at my reflection with uncertain eyes. The redness had already faded, but the expression that my emerald eyes held was something only time would heal. They stared back at me with mournful, reluctant tinges of green – framed by elegantly decorated lashes. I heaved a heavy sigh, and cracked a grim smile at myself.

"You'll have to do." I said, and exited the bathroom. The lights were oddly bright in the lobby, and the mound of crowds never ceased. With a shy smile, I once again blended into step beside a mother of three, and a multitasking reader – as we scaled the escalator to the second floor. The second floor bloomed with a wide variety of stores and fast food, ranging from small bookstores to a small UPS store. I grinned at myself, hugging my tightly packed bag to my side. With another few steps down the colorfully arranged hallways I scaled the escalators that led to the final floor.

Here, I knew I couldn't turn back. I sighed quietly as I got in line for security – glad I had asked Nathaniel to stay away from the security check-in. Yet still I let my eyes wander back, just to be sure he had heeded my words. I searched the crowd for his tall, lean figure – crowned with his golden brown hair and sunset eyes. No one that even remotely resembled him came into view, and with some honest disappointment I turned away and stepped through the metal detector.

He promised he would wait for me, and I would have to believe him – because my heart was at stake. After two long, adoring years together I had already decided he was the one for me.

No one else would do.

* * *

The sky was dark.

A shadow loomed overhead, encasing the light behind its vengeful teeth. Chasing away the stars and moonlight, as if the darkness itself were a creature to be reckoned with – it commanded nightfall and doomed the fate of all who wandered in its waiting shadows. It was cold; a bristling wind ravaged my skin with merciless fingers. I shivered against its mirthless touch, folding my arms around my torso in a pitiful attempt to escape its touch.

The gaze I tossed around was frantic and vulnerable as I searched hopelessly for the one I knew could save me. The one I knew had to save me.

He always came for me.

"Nathaniel!" I yelled, and not even the echo of my voice accompanied me. I shuddered against the pulsating shadows that seemed to loom ever closer to my shelter. "No, stay back!" I growled as they lurched closer.

"Nathaniel! Please!"

Laughter. I shivered and recoiled as it danced around me, sinister and unfamiliar. My eyes widened as I surveyed the void I was trapped within, and found nothing.

No one.

"Nathaniel?" I croaked nervously, and the laughter beckoned behind me. I spun around to meet it and met the figure of a shadow. Tall and brooding, it watched me with sightless eyes and cackled maliciously. I had never seen this before – Nathaniel had always saved me. Swept me away in his loving arms and carried me out of the darkness.

Not tonight.

I stood up, and slowly stumbled away – watching it laugh at me. Cruel and heartless. It never followed me, yet still its laughter haunted me. Hounded my every step, and every inch I placed between us the laughter only grew louder. As if to mock me.

I couldn't escape it.

"Please save me!" I screamed and fell.

The darkness launched around me, quickly consuming my body as it greedily devoured my soul. I screamed, and only then did I see it – a flicker of light just below. Instinctively, my hand reached out to touch it, because I knew it had to be him. The hand I touched was cooler, and somewhat calloused – with pallid skin that seemed to glow with a surreal vibrancy. I gasped as I met the strangest, deepest turquoise eyes.

"I've found you." He whispered, pulling me against his body – and I surrendered to his protective embrace. The shadows that had only seconds ago seized me relinquished and withdrew.

The plane wavered as we landed harshly, jerking me completely awake. I gasped, grasping my seat as my eyes came into focus. With an alarmed expression I lifted the small curtain, unveiling the midnight sky beyond the tiny window. The clouds that had surrounded us were soft and lazy, and the stars shimmered mockingly. I sighed, leaning back into my uncomfortable seat and rubbed my face. The nightmare that had often haunted me had somehow been worse, tainted by the absence of my beloved Nathaniel – only to be replaced by a blue-eyed stranger.

I could remember his face so clearly, even after consciousness had settled against my mind. The eyes that had stared back at me, so fervently – were the brightest, peacock blue I had ever experienced. A hue so unlike any other they were like jewels set aflame – eternally burning with an iridescent beauty. The eyes of the night itself had saved me, and yet still I grieved - for where was Nathaniel? I shuddered as the plane finally halted, and dully watched as the passengers impatiently unloaded their overhead luggage.

I waited mutely in my seat until the isle was almost empty, and finally drew myself to my feet and tiredly departed. The air in the hallow hallway was uncannily frigid for late June, yet my Aunt had warned me of Colorado's unpredictable weather. The air was drier, and still my teeth chattered with relentless shivers. I quickly exited the hallway and entered a somewhat warmer station, boarding a small tram towards the baggage claim area. Though I knew what awaited me in that room, my mind and heart continued to plague my thoughts with the blue-eyed stranger.

After a moment, I pulled my Motorola out and clicked Nathaniel's number. In a heartbeat, I was welcomed by his sultry voice.

"Elena?" He asked tiredly, yet the urgency was easy to read. I could practically see his disheveled state, chestnut hair wild and eyes wide. I smiled softly, and hugged the phone to my ear.

"Yeah, I'm finally here. I fell asleep – I think the Dramamine is giving me nightmares."

He chuckled and my heart ached to touch him. Already I missed the tenderness of his touch. "You always say that." He chided gently, and my eyes glazed over with unshed tears. My heart thrummed and I slowed until I was leaning against an isolated wall.

"I miss you already." I whispered brokenly, and heard him sigh on the other line.

"Soon, Elena. Soon – but enjoy your time with your cousins. You haven't seen them for a few years." He reminded me gently and I caught myself nodding stupidly.

"You're right, but – two and half months without you!" I mockingly gasped and was rewarded by the chortle of his heavenly laughter. I could see his smile, head thrown back and eyes alit with glee. "That's asking way too much out of a girl."

"You've always been tough. Now, stop stalling – I know they're still waiting."

I growled playfully. "So?"

"Elena…"

I laughed, dabbing my eyes with my free hand – and stared down at the grey tinged teardrop. I had to keep reminding myself that summer vacation wouldn't last forever, and Nathaniel was always a phone call away. I inhaled deeply, and nodded to myself. "Okay, okay. I'm your tough girl. I'll call you tomorrow night?"

"Of course, baby." He paused, and I waited with a baited breath. "I love you so much…"

I bit my lip to fight the spill of newborn tears, and waited a second before trusting my voice. I had to be strong for him, and had to hide behind my empty smiles as long as it reassured him. Exhaling, I feigned a small laugh. "I love you, too. Talk tomorrow! Muah!" And with that I clicked my cell phone shut with an audible snap and stuffed it in my bag. When I stepped into the baggage claim area, I immediately spotted my eccentric Aunt Lily as she hurriedly waved me over.

I cracked an involuntary smile, and quickly made my way to the trio. Aunt Lily was a slightly younger relative, with a heavy-set figure, and dangerously muscled legs. She was built more like a football player rather than a Mom of two, but her heart was golden. Her butterscotch hair was styled in a loose, effortless waves against her broad shoulders while her peridot eyes were framed by her barely-there glasses. She shrieked as I neared her.

"Oh my God! Elena, look at you!" I cringed as she scooped me up in a tremendous hug, crushing the very breath out of my body. "This summer is going to rock, baby!"

I nodded quietly, and glanced to Aidan for help. He and I had been raised together, and only until a few years ago had we been separated. Aidan had always spent his weekends with my Grandma, who had raised me since birth. He grinned goofily at me as I steadily studied his surprisingly new appearance; his ebony hair was the longest he had worn it, brushing against his jaw-line in jagged black layers, and practically veiled the eyes that I knew were just as dark. A small, scrawny mustache laced his upper lip. He was taller than Nathaniel, scaling at least six feet tall in his Dickie's jeans and Trivium shirt.

A lot had changed since that last time he and I had seen each other. When we would often played in the backyard, or at the park – and spent our summers running around all of Manhattan. I nodded to him, and he returned the familiar gesture and I knew that inside, his heart had never aged. He was still the boy with the goofy smile and generous appetite for anything sweet. I had missed him.

"Aidan! You're way too tall! What's in this water?" I teased, and they all laughed in unison. The softest laughter caught my attention and I stared eye-to-eye with his younger sister, Delilah. Her hair scaled down in elegant ringlets the shade of maple syrup, gracefully pinned in a high ponytail. Her eyes were somewhat lighter and almond-shaped.

"Delilah, how've you been?" I welcomed, and she smiled at me.

"Dude!" Aidan interrupted, smacking my shoulder. "You're like - totally little!"

I scowled, scrunching my nose. "No, you're just freakishly tall." I retorted and watched him snort with laughter. His sister eyed him wearily, as if the very sight of him embarrassed her and tarnished her reputation. She studied me crudely, and finally smirked.

"There's a show on tomorrow, you should come with me and my friends!" She sang in a maturing voice. Though Delilah had only barely hit the ripe age of fourteen, she wore her makeup heavy and dark – shrouding her eyes in a shadow of mystery. Her lips were painted deep, foreboding ruby red and were pouted as she awaited my response. I blinked, and nodded.

"Okay, yeah. What show though?" The wariness in my voice was evident even to my own ears, and I grimaced as she sighed theatrically. Delilah was, needless to say, a drama queen and she and I had hardly gotten along.

"Listen, you have to keep up." She scolded me, and I watched her brother roll his eyes. "The bands are having a show; they're all practicing for the Battle of the Bands in a few weeks."

Oh.

"She just wants to go see Vicki." Aidan mumbled, and I laughed to myself. My free hand quickly shielding my mouth in a poor attempt to quiet my delight. He eyed me carefully before joining in with a wide, crooked smile and the strangest pitch of laughter. Aidan's laugh was often infectious and signature, I had never heard another person laugh quite the way he did – with such abandon and enthusiasm. With me around, he had always felt safe and at ease.

"'Vicki', please tell me that's not a boy's name." I turned to Delilah, who held her arms tightly crossed against her sickly thin figure. Her head was tilted in an impressive display of annoyance, and she sighed loudly.

"You can't have him, anyway. He's mine." She growled and the sense of hostility silenced my laughter. I stood straight and stared at my younger cousin, and she finally faltered. Her arrogant façade slipped and I watched a splash of uncertainty stain her pretty face.

"Delilah. I don't need anyone." The words spoken dangerously low, and I languidly pulled my gaze away. Aunt Lily scrambled to us, dragging behind her my two pieces of luggage and smiled brightly at the three of us. Her hair bounced with every step as she finally neared us, and plopped the bags beside my feet. I hadn't even noticed her brief disappearance.

"Was that all of them?" She asked uncertainly and I colored with embarrassment. Aunt Lily was remarkably strong, and the way she maneuvered my fifty-pound burdens was stunning. I mentally reminded myself never to get on her bad side.

"Aunt Lily, you didn't have to do that!" I scolded her, and she waved her hand.

"Nonsense, you kids were catching up. Now come on, let's get home and get to bed."

Yet despite my best efforts, I couldn't help but wonder what awaited me in the next few weeks. Would I fit in, would I hate the poorly populated Colorado? Would I be noticed, or blend in with the extravagantly morbid attires? Silenced filled our walk out of the airport as I mused to myself, hoping that whatever happened – it happened quickly. I was eager to lay beside my beloved Nathaniel, and curl up against his strong frame. And whoever this Vicki was, Delilah could have him.

My heart was securely, and forever taken.

Author's Note: Don't ask me why I didn't post this sooner, it's been written for over a week. I've begun working on Chapter Two already, but most of my attention will be focused of Defiance for now. Consider this a small side project, that I'll turn to when I need some normality. *Laughs* Any feedback would be appreciated, please! This is my first official Non-Supernatural Romance, and it's a bit exciting.

If you spot any errors, please let me know! I only briefly skimmed over this chapter, so I expect a few to be found.

Another thing, the character "Vicki" is based off of a dream I had a few weeks ago, and he sparked this story. If I find the time, I'll try to sketch him out.

Happy Reading & Writing!