His neck ached where the vampire had bitten him, even mild pressure sent bolts of pain shooting through his entire body. His lightheadedness hadn't eased much, if at all, and he felt as though he just couldn't get warm enough.

He was certain he hadn't let on just how badly the attack at shaken him, certain he'd kept his cool all the way from the lab to the parking lot and holding it still all the way home. Now, he collapsed into the first chair he came to, taking a few minutes to regain his composure.

He could still feel the stickiness of his own dried blood clinging to his shirt collar, and found himself focusing too much on whether he should try eating something and then taking a bath, or if he should take a bath first and then eat. He stood up shakily, still unsure of his course of action. The ringing of the front doorbell was a jarring disruption of his thoughts.

His mind raced in panic- he'd completely forgotten that he'd told Emily to meet him here at home. He considered not answering the door, but quickly concluded that wasn't the best course of action. He made his way slowly to the door, opening it only partway.

Emily: "Are you not going to let me in?"

Andy: "I'm sorry, angel… I think I might be coming down with the flu. I'm going to have to cancel our plans for this evening. I meant to call you back right aw-"
Emily: "Well then I'm certainly not leaving."

Emily was in the door before he had much of a chance to protest. She froze at the sight of him- besides a general feeling of dishevelment, he looked ghostly pale and was trembling ever so slightly. The dried blood down the front of his shirt stopped her breath in her throat.

Emily: "My god, Andy- what happened to you?"
Andy: "I'm ok, angel. I hardly even got a scratch."
Emily: "That's a lot of blood to have come from a scratch. What happened?"
Andy: "Vampire-"

Emily: "Jesus! You could have been killed!"
Andy: "It looks much worse than it is. I was just about to have a bath when you came- let me get cleaned up and you'll see."
Emily: "I'll get you a bath drawn."

Emily was already on her way to the bathroom- Andy realize it was easier to just let her play nurse rather than attempting to get rid of her. He began to follow her, but stumbled after only a few steps. Emily was instantly at his side.

Emily: "Are you sure you don't need medical attention?"
Andy: "I'm just a little woozy, I'll be fine as soon as I get something to eat."
Emily: "Alright, but if you're not, I'm calling your doctor- no arguments."
Andy: "Sounds fair."

Andy followed Emily to the bathroom where he watched her getting the bath ready as if he were hypnotized. He found himself transfixed by the movement of her hands as she measured out bath salts and various soaps, a high foam forming on the surface of the water. When she stood and turned to face him, he was still staring.

Emily: "You can't take a bath in your clothes. C'mon- it's not like I haven't seen you naked before."

Emily: "Are you ok?"

Something had shifted in Andy's mind- his earlier feelings of restlessness had evaporated into thin air. There was now an intense focus- his brush with Erebus was no longer leaving him feeling unsettled. Instead, it was as if he'd been given a taste of the power he knew he wanted, the power he was sure he could get.

Andy: "You're a beautiful woman, Emily."

Emily found all the words in her head were suddenly gone, along with the doubt and guilt she'd been wrestling with lately. How could Mary think Andy was bad for her?

Emily: "Andy…"
Andy: "I'm sorry I tried to turn you away earlier. I just didn't want you to worry about me."
Emily: "I would have worried more."
Andy: "I realize that. I'm very glad you're here. I'm really feeling much better already, and I'm sure the bath is just what I need."

Emily: "I'm going to get some food ready for you. Holler if you need anything."
Andy: "Emily…"
Emily: "Yes?"
Andy: "I'm pretty sure this tub is big enough for two."

Emily hesitated, her mind suddenly racing with uncertainty. She smiled falteringly and let out a nervous laugh.

Emily: "I'm sure it is, but you really need to eat something. I'll be back soon."