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The sound of raindrops is a detestable one. Some people enjoy the solitude and soft sounds of it falling against the window, but not me. To me rain means a night when I’m forced to stay inside my manor. I moved out years ago, I was so excited to do so, but without Father or Lene’s presence it just feels so empty . I suppose I could read a book or something, I’ve continued to receive many recommendations from those close to me. Alas, I just don’t have the heart to at the moment.
It’s only reasonable for a member of my family to try to make a name for myself when they come of age. House François has a reputation to uphold, after all. We are one of the most prestigious and respected names known to man or vampire. I spent my childhood being taught to be the perfect modern vampire. In spite of that I find that my nights continue to consist of tedium and monotony. My fangs have gone without use for too long. It’s true that I don’t need to hunt given my family’s wealth, but I can’t simply keep waiting for something to happen, can I? Surely Mother certainly never would have done that while she was still with us.
I had hoped for some company tonight, or at the very least a letter to lift my spirits, but alas nothing has come. So instead, here I am. Alone in a manor too big for one person to reasonably enjoy, with no guests to entertain, and with the weather refusing to permit me the ability to travel. It’s been hours now and I’m simply sitting in my study, bored out of my mind. This is what they don’t warn you about when it comes to being a vampire. Maybe I should start a fire, just to do something.
Knock knock knock.
Or not.
“Hello?” A voice calls from the door as it creaks open. Who would dare to enter my home unannounced?
The door slams. I hope for the briefest of moments that they left so I could continue my brooding, but the footsteps I hear echo through the halls quickly inform me otherwise. How rude of them to enter without even asking for an invitation. They better not have tracked mud in here. Humans are always like that. They’re only good for being used as food at the end of the day. I suppose I might as well deal with this before they break something.
I silently race down to the entrance hall and see who has entered my home. I scan the hall from the shadows and see a striking figure just rather well lit amongst the darkness. A woman. A pretty one at that. Even under all that clothing I can tell. She has short brown hair beneath a hood she was likely wearing to avoid the worst of the storm. Her clothes are soaked and covered in holes. Despite the fact that her clothes have clearly seen better days, there’s no mud. Thank goodness for that.
“Greetings, traveler.” I exclaim, startling her. My voice echoing through the hall. “Welcome to my home. My name is Claire François. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, my friend?”
The girl finds her composure and speaks. “My name is Rae Taylor. I was looking for a place to wait out this storm. I’m so sorry to bother you this late.”
Bother me you have, peasant, but I suppose you’re someone who’s blood I can feast on. I’ve put on my best performer voice for this human. Their type is far too trusting of anyone who offers even the slightest bit of hospitality, but I should ensure she’s not a vampire hunter before I make my move. I’ve heard way too many stories of vampires falling for the simplest of ruses because they thought their prey was helpless.
I try to stay in the shadows, the manor isn’t exactly well lit this late at night. I don’t want to let her get a good look at me. Nothing I’m wearing should give me away, but maintaining an aura of mystery is a good idea. I don’t want her getting any ideas.
“Have you been trekking through this abysmal weather? How awful! You must be so cold. Come inside, I have a spare guest room you can stay in for tonight and I’ll make you a wonderful breakfast in the morning. Please, don’t worry about a thing.” I’ve never actually made breakfast, but I’m sure it can’t be that hard. I’ve watched others do it plenty of times! I just need to get her inside my home is all.
“Thank you so much! You’re so nice! And cute too!”
What did she just say? “C-cute? What are you saying?” I’ve been called many things, but cute? What does she mean by that? I didn’t even realize that the moonlight was giving me away, I felt myself grow flustered as I realized she could see me.
“Sorry, I couldn’t help it. You’re just the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen. I think I’m already in love with you.”
I - I - I - I - “Y-your room is just down that hallway. I’ll see you in the morning.”
My face felt hot and my body went stiff. I felt a tightening in my chest the more I looked at her. I had to get out of there. Who does this girl think she is? Someone like her should know her place. It doesn’t matter, by tomorrow there won’t be anything left of her. Yes, I’ll kill her first thing tomorrow morning. I’ll even turn in early and sleep the rest of the night away, just to ensure I can wake up at the crack of dawn.
Enjoy your last night here, Rae Taylor.
As I open my eyes the next morning, the storm continues to fall with the same ferocity as when I shut my eyes. In fact, it seems to have gotten worse, as a crack of thunder shakes the manor. I need to go make breakfast. She’ll be so enticed by the delicious meal that she won’t even notice when I’m sucking her dry. Perfect planning, Claire. Nothing can go wrong.
I might need to grab a cookbook of some kind. Would those be in the library or the kitchen? Probably the kitchen, I’m heading there anyway. Wait, would that have any human recipes in it? I don’t know what humans actually eat. I was born a vampire, I don’t really know anything else. It’s probably not that complicated, maybe we even eat the same things. I bet I’m just overthinking this.
I chose to skip my usual morning routine of curling my hair, I didn’t have a second to waste! With haste I flew down the stairs not making a sound and crept into the kitchen. Sure I don’t use it very often but I’m pretty sure it’s fully stocked. Something smelled nice. Delicious, actually. I walked into the kitchen, only to find that someone had beaten me to the punch. The human looked to be hours into cooking breakfast. How is she up so early?
“Oh, good morning Miss Claire! Please, help yourself.” She said with a smile.
She placed a delicious looking stack of pancakes on the island of the kitchen, along with a side of sausage and poured a red sauce over the top of it.
“What is this stuff?”
“It’s strawberries, mixed into a sauce. Trust me, they’re wonderful. Although not as wonderful as you are! Go ahead and try it!” The nerve of this human! W-well I suppose just this once.
I took a bite out of the pancake and it… was absolutely divine. How am I ever going to eat pancakes with syrup again? This is incredible! Forget about the human, this will be more than enough to satiate my appetite. For now at least. I’m still going to drink her blood. Just as soon as I’m done with this masterpiece.
“This is incredible! You must show me to the chef who prepared such a delicacy!”
“Thank you so much for the compliment! I’m so happy you like it. I know most people prefer syrup or butter on pancakes but -”
Wait wait wait. SHE made this food? Where did she even get this? Could she have had it on her? I don’t think I had this just lying around. Maybe I did? This manor is a bit on the large side. It can be hard for me to remember where everything is. Oh goodness she looks so proud of herself too.
“-And ever since then that’s how I prefer my tea. Oh, sorry Miss Claire. I started ranting there. Oh! I almost forgot to ask. Do you have any allergies or preferences I should know about? I noticed you didn’t have a lot of spices which might limit me a bit.”
“I uh, don’t like garlic.” Wait no that sounds suspicious. I need to add something else. “O-or green peppers! And carrots!”
A perfect recovery. Now she has no idea I’m a vampire. It wasn’t a lie either, peppers are disgusting. I’m allowed to be a picky eater! We normally drink blood anyways. Stop asking questions! This human is too nosy for their own good.
“You don’t? Huh. Noted. Well I’m sure I can find a way to work around using any of those, and I can’t say I care for peppers much either. I could probably find a way to cook the carrots in a way you’d like. Maybe the peppers too. Another time, I suppose.”
“Another time!? H-how long do you plan on staying?”
“Well, this storm isn’t getting any better. If you’ll let me stay a bit longer, it would be very convenient. Given how bad things have been, it could be a few days before it stops.”
I suppose that’s beneficial. My plan is up in smoke right now. Her staying longer means I will have more chances in the future. I can’t allow myself to be made a fool by this girl. I am not one to surrender at the first sign of opposition, after all. We François are a proud family, I will not allow a human to get away from under my nose.
“Yes, you may stay.” I couldn’t help but pout a bit. Dang it Claire, put on a show!
“Aww, you’re so adorable! I had no idea your hair was naturally straight like that. It looks pretty either way.” A-adorable? What does she mean by that? And my hair? It’s not that pretty… oh now my face feels hot.
I stuff my face with food, hoping the flavor can distract me from whatever I’m feeling. It’s not a big deal. She may have gotten away from me this time, but I just need some time to think and then this will all be over. I’ll come up with some way to kill her.
I’d come up with a new plan. One far more cunning than my previous one. I’ll lure her into the study before bed. When she’s gawking at my impressive library of literature, she’ll just have to check a few out, and when she stops to read one, I’ll strike. She can’t say no, both because the weather makes it an ideal time to open a good book, and she’s also a guest so it would be most rude to decline such a generous invitation.
Luring her wasn’t hard at all, I just said that I had something I wanted to show her and she was instantly ready for it. Seriously, human? How could you be so trusting? Now you’ve been led right to your doom. I wonder if her blood will be as sweet as the strawberry sauce she served me earlier. I can’t get that out of my head.
“Here we are. Make yourself at home.” I said as I opened the door.
She looked around at my library. Nothing as grand as what my father has, but it’s nothing to scoff at. Bookshelves climbed the walls all the way to the ceiling. She’s probably never seen so many books in her life. If she’s seen a book. Wait, can she read? Should I have asked if she can read? No, even if she can’t she’ll still be impressed by it. Surely.
“S-so what do you think?” It’s not like I cared what her thoughts were, but I needed to ensure she’d stick around so I’d have the perfect opportunity.
“It’s amazing, Miss Claire. I'm so jelly!” Jelly? What does she mean by that? “Oh, is that Between Prayer and Love? I love that series! Are you a fan? I didn’t take you as one for romance, but I guess I was wrong.”
Between Prayer and… what? “I um, I don’t think I’ve actually had a chance to read it yet. But I want to. It’s just, you know there are so many books to read and I just haven’t found the time.”
“I can’t recommend them enough, they’re great. I mean it isn’t perfect. Some people can’t relate to some of the religious themes, and I’m still mad at them killing off my favorite character, but the series as a whole is still really good. Oh you even have the fifth book, that’s the best one! PrayLove is such a wild ride by the end.” She took the book from the shelf to examine it.
Her eyes went wide as she judged its immaculate quality, as if a François would allow anything less than perfection in her home. It was kind of cute actually. R-relative to how she normally looks of course. Calm down Claire. You can salvage this.
“I wasn’t aware you liked such things.”
“Well I admit, I don’t usually like to talk about myself. Although I do like you, Miss Claire!”
Ignore the warm feelings in your chest, she’s just trying to distract you. There’s a book she likes. This is a chance to get back on track.
“Well, why don’t you make yourself cozy and read some. You said you liked the fifth book, yes?”
“Oh no I couldn’t. Miss Claire you’ve already been so generous.” The peasant pleaded.
“No no, I insist.”
“I - okay then, very well. I suppose just one chapter can’t hurt.” She was about to sit down and be perfectly distracted when she just had to open her mouth again. “Oh Miss Claire, why don’t you read some of the first novel? Since you said you’ve been wanting to read it.”
Well I’ll be honest I didn’t even realize I had a book by that name in my library until she pointed it out. It’s rather large, there’s no way I could read everything in there unless I lived in this room for the next few decades. Still, it wouldn’t be wise for me to just stand here, would it? No that would give something away. This can give me some good cover. Yes, I’ll just wait until she’s properly distracted by the book and then strike.
“Very well then, I think I shall.” I grab the first novel off the shelf and find a cozy place to sit, adjacent to the human.
Let’s see here, Between Prayer and Love . The book isn’t that long. Just a few hundred pages, the kind of book you could easily knock out in a day or two. I’ll just read a little bit. I need to get into character. It’s not bad, actually. The author has a clear sense of how to word their prose, and the characters seem nice enough. I guess I can see why people enjoy this so much. Although this one character’s comments have been a bit suggestive. Wait, is this a book about girls in love? Oh no. What is she going to think of me now? Wait, does that mean she bats for that team? Oh my goodness. No, I’m jumping to conclusions. Surely. I’ll just… focus on the reading for now.
It wasn’t long until the sun would be setting but this room was well lit and I wasn’t particularly tired despite the adjustments I’d made today to my sleep schedule. It’s a perfect time and place for reading. As we both turned out pages I noticed just how into her book she was. I could easily strike now. I’ll do it as soon as I finish this chapter. Unless it ends on another cliffhanger like the last one did. Please don’t end on another cliffhanger. Oh my goodness, are they kissing? Already? I have to see where this goes. I can’t stop now!
“I’m so sorry Miss Claire, but I have to turn in for the night.” She places a few books next to me. “Here, this is the next few volumes. You’re already halfway through the first one, after all. I’d love to talk more about PrayLove with you in the future. Be careful, if you end up letting me rant too much about one of my favorite series I may have to fight the urge to kiss you. Either way I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
H-halfway? Impossible. I couldn’t have become so engrossed with this book that I missed my chance! Oh she was smiling so wide. It feels like that smile can cut directly into my heart. I - How am I going to -
“Goodnight Miss Claire, see you in the morning!”
She walked down the hall back to her room, leaving me with no choice but to collect my books and return to my reading. Maybe I should stop after one book. Although the cover of the next one does look enticing. What have I gotten myself into?
It’s been almost a week since this “Rae” came to my home. The storm stopped yesterday, and for a brief moment I was worried she was going to leave. Not because I wanted her to stay, it’s just that it would have been humiliating for her to get away after all this. I’m almost certain that she’s not a vampire hunter. Having had a few days to examine her, I’ve nearly slipped up too many times that any vampire hunter would have killed me already. I’ve heard too many horror stories of them getting jumpy over the slightest thing and killing their own kind. Still she could be playing the long game. I can’t be too careful. I don’t intend on seeing Mother again just yet.
The human has made the likely correct decision that the roads are currently in no condition for long distance travel after such a storm. I was more than happy to offer her to stay for as long as she liked. I couldn’t understand why it looked as if she seemed to be crying when I said that.
I, of course, have continued my efforts. Sadly in my infinite wisdom I gave her a bedroom with a door that she could lock at night, meaning that I can’t just break in while she’s asleep. I could just hide there and wait until she fell asleep, but that’s such an undignified way of handling this situation. I am not one to simply take the easy way out here. I will do this right or I will not do it at all.
Even worse are her repeated lies she spews that she loves me. Does she simply act this way as a default? No, it can’t be, can it? It’s admirable that she has kept it up for so long, but I can’t act as though I’ve been a particularly good host. She’s been doing the cooking, and even some of the cleaning. I truly can’t tell what it is that she could see in me. As nice as the thought may be.
The human has been gone for a few hours trying to get to a nearby village to buy more food, as our supplies have run low. I’ve also shamefully finished the second book of her series. A “yuri” she calls it. The look on her face when she talks about it is intoxicating. Her blood better be absolutely amazing. Sweeter than the strawberry daifuku she made for me the other day.
The door creaked open. The sound of “I’m back!” echoes throughout the halls. I put down my book and went to meet her. Despite my attempts to be quiet, she looked up at me as soon as I entered and began to smile. The weather had been much kinder to her today than it had when I first saw her. Her hair looked immaculate, did I put the good shampoo in the guest bathroom?
“I got some of the essentials, nothing you said you didn't like but there are a few things I want to try out. Your kitchen is awesome. I’m going to try making crème brûlée tonight.” She said.
“I can’t say I’ve ever had someone compliment me on my kitchen. Also, what is a crème brûlée ?”
“I'll start whipping one up for you and you can try it for yourself. It’ll be a few hours though, I hope you don’t mind.”
A few hours? Well I suppose there’s no helping such a thing. It’s not as if I had any new plans to finally get my teeth into her for today. Wait, not like that! I just mean like… to drink her blood! Oh I might need some help with this, I wonder if Manaria could write back in time?
I bid her good luck on the cooking in my seldom used kitchen, since it quickly became evident that I had no idea what she was doing. I was nearly finished with the second PrayLove book, so I decided to get back to reading it. Naturally, this is simply a ruse for me to have a way to get close to her. It’s not as if I actually enjoy this rubbish. Wait, oh my goodness, is she going to be confessing her feelings to Shoko? No, there’s no way you can leave us on this cliffhanger! Where is the third book?
… I mean how drab of this book to end on such a boring cliffhanger.
I went back to my library, both to return this finished volume, and to grab the next one. There it was, sitting on the shelf. Although while I’m on a bit of a reading kick, perhaps I could read something else. Lene had given me a book a few months ago I’d been meaning to start. The third book was there, obviously, but I was also interested in finding out just what could pique Lene’s curiosity so much that she’d send me a copy. She doesn’t exactly live nearby.
I sat down, got comfortable, and began to read. As tempted as I was to start the next PrayLove, I wasn’t willing to entertain such a blatant disregard for the audience’s sanity as to leave them on a brutal cliffhanger, so I started with Lene’s recommendation.
It was another book about two girls falling in love. Lene, why would you think I’d enjoy this? The pacing was fast, this must only be a single novel. Goodness, one chapter in and they’re already kissing. How unrealistic. There’s so much tension already, but I just can’t seem to put this down and -
“Miss Claire, dinner is ready.” The human was not five feet from me. I nearly jumped in shock before managing to compose myself.
“Ah, thank you. I’ll be right down.”
She had prepared a lovely meal for us. I admit I was impressed, were all humans this talented at cooking? Surely not. Every bite was more delicious than the last, and then she pulled out the crème brûlée.
Oh the crème brûlée.
It was absolutely divine. The texture, the flavor, the theatrics of it, why it was all unlike anything I’d ever had before. I demanded to have another as soon as I had finished, then another. I was upset to see she hadn’t made more than 4, and she had already eaten the remaining one herself. These humans are pure evil, undoubtedly.
“By the way Miss Claire,” The human asked. “What was with that book you were reading when I came in?”
“O-oh, I had finished the second of those books you had recommended to me and wanted to give another book I’d been recommended a try. It was good, I was enjoying what I’d read.” Although I was wondering why things were going the way they were, the pacing in the back half must be dreadfully slow.
“I see, I just never took you for that kind of person. I guess some people’s tastes aren’t what you expect them to be.”
“W-what do you mean?”
“That book is an erotica. A good one, I might add. Oh the stuff they get up to in the third act. ”
A-an erotica? You mean in that book they… oh my goodness and she saw me reading it. She’s going to assume I’m some kind of degenerate! Lene, why would you send me something so vulgar?
“What are you implying?”
“Hm? Oh nothing. Don’t worry about it. I’ll let you initiate first when it finally happens.” What did THAT mean?
“I… I think I’m going to just finish PrayLove for now” I stammered, feeling a blush invade my cheeks.
The human just giggled and flashed a cheeky grin at me. “Well I’m just glad I got a chance to see your cute blush.” Honestly.
Ugh, the human was always poking over my shoulder, even when I was trying to read. Is she attempting to discern if I’m a threat? No, if nothing else I’ve done a good job of not giving her any reason to be suspicious whatsoever. I just need to lure her into a false sense of security and then I’ll strike.
“Do you mind giving me a bit of room?” I prod, hoping to return to focusing on my reading and not the strands of her hair that continue to fall into eyesight.
“Sorry Miss Claire, I just wanted to see how far you were. Book 4 is an interesting one. Even if I do miss Shoko, I can’t deny that even here the series is great. Plus you’re almost at book 5, which is the best one!”
“Yes you mentioned that the other night when you were complaining about her death. Sometimes I can’t tell if you love this series or despise it.” I looked over to her, realizing that this was now a conversation I had no choice but to take part in.
“It comes from a place of love. I promise. I do like this series, even with its flaws. I wish more yuri would tackle religion in this way.” She confessed with the same smirk she always had when discussing things she liked.
“Are you religious at all?” I asked, mostly to gauge if she could have any holy water on her and certainly not because of any personal interest in her history.
“No, not particularly, I have some friends who are members of the church but it’s never appealed much to me. I don’t hate it or anything, it’s just that when you’re gay it can be hard to find a place in religion where it feels like you fit in. I know they exist though, maybe I’ll consider checking them out one day.”
Not religious? I suppose that’s not unheard of in a vampire hunter but normally… wait did she just say she was - “Are you…” No I can’t ask that out loud, can I?
She nodded at me. “Gay? I don’t really care for guys, if that’s what you’re asking. Stories like Praylove actually really helped me come to grips with that.”
I… she just… openly admitted to being gay? I would NEVER do something like that. Granted I am not gay whatsoever. Well okay there was that one time with her but that was one time. It doesn’t count! It was one time! A fluke! Actually this girl kind of reminds me of her in some ways. Wait! Ignore that! I uh -
“Anyways, I don’t really like to talk about myself much. Besides, there's not much to tell. I’d much rather talk about you, Miss Claire.”
“Hmph. I’m under no obligation to share my personal history with you.”
“Ah well. Do you mind if I read some alongside you? I notice you’ve been here a lot lately and I would like to get my Clairium somehow.”
Clairium? This human never ceased to come up with such strange words. I suppose it would be rude not to allow her such a small thing as sitting beside me. I motion to my right where an open seat is and she takes the hint. Sitting next to me. Annoyingly close to me. Just focus on your book, Claire. Ignore that woman who seems to occupy your mind at all moments these days. Focus on the words. Words in a line. Lines on the page. Pages that you turn. Eventually you reach the end of the chapter. That’s how books work. It’s very simple.
Is she still here?
Don’t look, Claire. Whatever you do you can not look at her right now. I don’t care how hard it is, you have to be stronger than that. I feel a sudden weight on my shoulder. Is she making her move? I should have known she was playing the long game! Today must have been the day she had marked out in her brain to finally strike. I shouldn’t have trusted her! I - oh. She’s just asleep. On my shoulder.
That’s even worse!
Okay. Just focus. You can get out of this. I can’t just get up, then she’d lose the shoulder of mine which she’s using as a pillow and wake up. Maybe I can turn into a bat and fly away? No, that would face the same issue. I could perhaps prop her up on something else? No, too risky. Oh no! I’m looking at her now!
It really is unfair that this girl looked like this. She was genuinely pretty, and she barely even had to try. I… no! I don’t want to just run away from her, I want to drink her blood! She’s asleep right next to me. I finally have a chance.
She’s so cute when she’s sleeping. It’s an awkward angle but I bet I could finally end this little game. I just need to lean back a bit and bend all the way over. I can see the back of her neck, a perfect spot for my fangs to sink in. It’s just a few more inches and I’ll start falling! No!
“Ah!”
I fell directly on top of her, sticking out my arms to break my fall. Thankfully the angle isn’t too awkward. Neither of us should have any significant injuries. But the problem is I’m right no longer near her neck. Instead my lips sit just inches away from hers!
The human’s eyes are open. How long have they been open for? She’s blushing. I’m blushing. This is too much! Someone help me!
“M-miss Claire.” She stutters. She looks so soft. So vulnerable. I… what are these feelings?
“I uh - I have to go! Excuse me.” I leap off of the girl and take off. We were so close! So so close! How am I supposed to react to that! Oh mother forgive me, I might need help after all. Even when I shut my eyes I still see her. What did I do to deserve this!
I throw another letter in the garbage. Useless! Manaria has been no help, Catherine is simply making fun of me, and Lene just doesn’t seem to understand the reality of the situation because she just sent me another one of those books. Honestly, who does she think I am? You’d think after all the years she’s worked for me she’d know me better.
I can’t just let the human leave, that would be disgraceful for a François to allow a human to slip out from under their nose. Especially after all this time. She’s been living here for months! She’s even started getting letters addressed to her! I’ve gotten so worried every time she’s gone into town for supplies, fearing she wouldn’t return. It’s not as if I can go with her, she goes during the early morning, yet each time she returns without fail before sunset, happy to see me.
It’s even worse than just that. I’ve caught her on occasion hiring someone to help transport what she purchases in town and she acts nothing like she does with me. She can be NORMAL ? Does she think I’m special? What about me is so special to her? Oh no now I’m feeling weird again!
I realize I could just ask someone else for help, or throw her out on the street, but I just can’t. I have my pride. It’s not because I want her to stick around or anything. My request for her to stay a bit longer this morning was purely theatrical, just as it was like last half dozen times. For the briefest of moments I felt lighter than air when she agreed, but it must have simply been my imagination.
“Good morning Miss Claire! You look as radiant as ever this morning. Let me know if there’s anything you need! Maybe a kiss?” She said with a wink before returning to her task.
The human had passed me by in the hallway, on her way to do her laundry. She even offered to do mine, and I failed to find a sufficient excuse for declining. I enter into my study, not to do any work like I’d told her. I don’t know how to tell her that I possess enough gold that I could afford to do nothing for the next several centuries. No, I have another purpose for being here. This room is important to me, it has one of the few portraits of my mother in it. I miss her every day. She looks so serene in this one. Like she knows everything in the world. I wish I could have her wisdom, her courage, anything that made her so special.
“Mother, what do I do? I still haven’t been able to kill her. I’m not even sure if I can. The way she makes me feel, it’s… I don’t know what to do. What should I do?” I ask the painting, trying to think of what she would say. Maybe that I should look within myself? Trust my gut?
My gut says that I should kill her. Without hesitation. No matter how it’s done now. Even if I can’t do it the most dignified and glorious way. My head, on the other hand, says to simply cast her out. Let this be a small in-joke among my friends and nothing more. Either way I am certain I could survive whatever it leads to.
What does my heart say?
My heart?
“My heart is… unimportant. Father always says that ideals alone are not enough to carry me.”
I am a François. I have to be better than this. I am noble and proud. I must find a way to complete my goals if I am to live up to my parents’ legacy. My father is as powerful as he is feared. He’s repeated those words for me countless times. He says its how he holds his power. Then there’s my mother. Wise beyond her years and beloved by all who knew her. Though she passed on from this world while I was still at a young age, I’ll never forget her.
“Claire. Do not surrender to reality and abandon your ideals. If you are to call yourself a François, you must not commit to your ideals and make them into reality.”
Those words… She told them to me back when I was a small child. I’ve never forgotten them, but I don’t understand them, even today. I just don’t get it. What should I do?
“Miss Claire?” A call echoes throughout the halls.
The human?
I sprint down the stairs and greet her, seeing her look somewhat dejected. She appeared to be holding some sheets that had a rather large hole torn in them. The damage wasn’t too significant, but for some reason she was holding back tears.
“I’m so sorry, Miss Claire. You lent me these sheets and everything. I can fix these somehow. And if not I’ll pay you everything they’re worth. I’m so sorry.”
Are you kidding me? This is what she’s upset about? Sheets? Does she have any idea how little that means to someone of my status? I have at least a dozen sets of spares in cabinets and closets throughout the manor. It’s fine, I’ll just… wait a moment.
I can use this.
She’s finally slipped up. The moment has finally arrived! I just need to take advantage of it. I suppress the urge to dry her tears, she’s vulnerable and I can finally strike. This… this is what I want. And I know exactly what would ensure this human is thrown off her game. Time to see if your little flirtations were genuine, mortal.
“It won’t be an issue, although you’ll have to sleep elsewhere tonight.”
“O-oh. I understand. Thank you for being so generous, Miss Claire. Just show me where you want me to sleep from now on and I’ll do just that.”
She struggled to string her words together, it pained me to do this, but I have to. I have to. Even if it’s the middle of the morning… well maybe I could wait. Can I? Screw it, we're supposed to be nocturnal anyways. I grab her by the wrist and start dragging her up the stairs. She doesn’t even try to resist. She stumbles at points until she realizes where I’m taking her.
“M-Miss Cla - I - that’s…”
Soon I see it. My room. A perfect spot to devour her. There’s only one exit point too. Things haven’t gone exactly according to plan, but it’s been perfect. Wait, that would mean it had gone exactly according to plan. I’m contradicting myself! Heat rushes to my face in what must be embarrassment. That’s what this woman does to me! Ugh!
I shut the door behind us and push her onto my bed. The human looks all kinds of out of sorts. I’ve never seen anyone blush like this. Her eyes are wide and her mouth is open. Even with this horrifying etiquette she still looks way cuter than she has any right to. I’ll have to correct that. B-by killing her obviously. I didn’t mean anything else. Oh my goodness her eyes, they’re literally sparkling. She’s like a cute little puppy. I could easily - No Claire! You have her cornered! Don’t get flustered now! Focus on the task at hand! You’re better than her!
I climb on top of the bed, watching as she tries to understand what is going on. The two of us are in a competition to outblush each other, but who really cares? No one will know. I’ll just ask Lene to clean some sheets for me next time she visits. It’s not like it’ll be the only set that needs it.
I grab her face and she doesn’t even try to resist. Oh my goodness her features are so perfect. So pristine. They could have been carved in marble and not looked so immaculate. What right do I have to strip something like this from the world? No, I have to. It is my duty. And duty takes priority above all else.
I reach in for the neck, my fangs at the ready. I move in for her neck. There’s nothing in the way. She’s not even resisting. I just need to -
“I love you!”
Wait what?
“I - I’m sorry. I know I was kind of hiding it as a joke before but I mean it. You’re super pretty and so incredibly kind and I don’t want to leave you! I’ve been making up excuses to stay because I - I’m madly in love with you. I want to be yours and for you to be mine. Even if it’s not perfect, even if it’s hard, I want it.”
I’m frozen. She… she’s really not bluffing, is she? There are tears in my eyes. Why are there tears in my eyes? What should I do? I don’t know. No one has ever told me what to do with this. I raise my head up to meet her eyes, they’re in tears as well.
“I know you probably don’t feel the same way but I want to say that the time I’ve spent with you has been the best of my life. I know to some people that’s probably really sad but just being with you makes life worth living.”
Has she… what? Does this cheeky girl not know what’s going on? I’m trying to eat her! Not make love to her! A girl like me and a girl like her, it’s impossible, right? I think it’s starting to rain again.
“You’re too cheeky for your own good. You know that?” I somehow manage to say.
“I’m sorry Miss Claire. I can’t help it.”
“Well, don't stop now.” I say without realizing it.
“You.. you mean it Miss Claire? Even if it’s not always easy? Even if I’m…”
What do I do here? I know what I want. I want this girl in my life. But can I really take the chance? She’s right here in my arms. I am a François, we don’t fail like this. This would be accepting defeat, in a way. Mother, what would you think of me?
The two of us stare at each other for what feels like hours, I can only guess what she’s thinking. I’m not even sure what I’m thinking. We simply exist, unmoving, waiting for each other to make their next move. Fortunately, or maybe unfortunately, Rae is the one who breaks the tension first.
“Whatever you choose, either way, I love you Miss Claire. I really, truly love you. For now and for eternity, I will always choose you.”
What do I choose?
I don’t want to make a decision I’ll regret. I… I want… no I need to have a taste of her. Of my Rae.
I know what I’m going to do.
I take a bite. And it’s more delicious than I could have possibly dreamed.
“Good morning, Rae.” I say as I reach the kitchen. Her cooking smells delicious as always.
“Good morning, Miss Claire. I hope you enjoy it.”
I sigh. “You don’t have to call me Miss Claire anymore.”
“I know.” She flashes her cheeky grin at me. “I want to.”
This woman is so unfair. How am I supposed to respond to that? I ignore the blush slowly consuming my face and begin to fill my body with the delicious meal she’s made. I’m ashamed to say that I have been missing out by only drinking blood for so long. The food she makes is incredible. Perhaps I should try my hand at cooking myself?
It’s been some time since we… I mean since I… since the incident . My Rae and I have been enjoying each other's company ever since then. I can’t help myself from staring at her. She blushes a bit when she notices, which makes her even more enticing. I don’t think she realizes that.
“So do you not need to like, drink blood at some point?”
…
WAIT WHAT?
“W-why would I? I mean, I’m not a… Rae Taylor what are you saying!?”
“Oh, was that a myth? I’m so sorry Miss Claire I didn’t mean to stereotype. I just thought that all vampires had to drink blood at some point to survive. I’m so sorry if that was offensive. I - I had no idea.” She knows? How? When? I’m not ready for this!
“H-how did you know?” I muttered.
“How did I? Miss Claire, what are you talking about? I knew the moment I met you. Were you trying to keep it a secret? I’ve never once seen you in sunlight. Your library has books on the most effective ways to mix blood into wine. There isn’t a single mirror in this manor. You’re not even hiding your fangs.”
I moved my hand up to my mouth. I had forgotten that these could be visible at points. Did I really mess things up that bad?
“W-we don’t need it that often, a-and I have reserves in the cellar somewhere.”
“I guess the more you know. Let me know if there’s anything else I should know about. This is my first time dating a vampire, I have to admit.” Her smile returned to her face. Already?
“How can you stand to be near me? Don’t you know we vampires tend to… eat humans?”
“I’d let you do anything to me if you wanted. Plus I have a few places in mind that I think you’d like to taste.” She chuckled. “You’ve already proven to be pretty good at kissing, after all.”
I push away my food and put my head in my hands. What did I do to myself by letting this girl stay? How did this happen?
Rae puts her hand on my shoulder and sits next to me. “I’m sorry, that was probably a bad time for a joke.”
I nodded in silence before letting her continue. Just the sound of her voice was helping put me at ease.
“I didn’t really know if you were going to kill me or not a few times, but you haven’t done it yet, and I want to make this work. I don’t really know what I’m doing, I’ll probably mess up a bunch but that doesn’t change things. I love you, Miss Claire. I’ll say it as many times as I need to.”
“I really did try, you know. I just, I don’t know what to do anymore?”
“Well what does your heart say?” She asked, the sight of her wonderful smile breaking through my feelings. I put my hands in my lap and enjoy the sight of her before answering.”
“I think, I think maybe I should follow my ideals. Even if loving you is complicated, I want to do it.” Rae looked at me starstruck. “What?”
“Miss Claire, you just said..”
I SAID WHAT?
“Uh… I mean I… I hate yo-” Rae suddenly ran up and hugged me. The nerve of her!
“I love you Miss Claire! I really do!”
“I - ugh… I -” Come on Claire. Just say it.
But it’s embarrassing.
Maybe I don’t have to say it yet, we just started this, but I… I think I want to.
I think back to Mother’s words. “Claire. Do not surrender to reality and abandon your ideals. If you are to call yourself a François, you must not commit to your ideals and make them into reality.”
I won’t, mother. I promise.
“I love you too, Rae.”