Archive of Our Own ^beta

It was a beautiful spring evening in the outskirts of Paris where Claudia and Madeleine now reside. The sun had just finished setting, but the warm orange and pink colors were still slightly visible. There was a slight breeze that settled over Madeleine’s skin as she watched Claudia tend to their garden that they recently started.

It had been about three months since Claudia and Madeleine had left Paris since Madeleine’s turning. They now live in a much smaller city and have their own house with a small backyard.

To Madeleine everything is perfect. Being here with Claudia was perfect.

After the war, Madeleine did not know if life would ever gain back any meaning. It felt like practically the entirety of Paris had it out for her and she would never know peace again. But then she met Claudia.

Her beautiful Claudia whose face shined beautifully even in the dark of the night. Claudia who is her companion for the rest of their immortal lives.

And yet Madeleine craved more.

Madeleine had meant it that night Louis caught her and Claudia hanging out in their room that their relationship was not yet romantic. She wanted it—needed it.

The night of her turning, it was almost as if Louis was not even present. All of Madeleine’s focus was staring deep into Claudia’s eyes as she was being drained. Even as her body grew limp, as her blood was taken from her, all she could do was think of Claudia and the life they will have together. When Claudia sunk her teeth into the other side of her neck—she felt alive.

Claudia has told her how she saw Madeleine’s entire life as she drank from her. All the trials and tribulations Madeleine has endured up until this point, Claudia got to see all of it.

To Madeleine, hearing that from Claudia made the turning that much more intimate than it already felt. Madeleine was in the most vulnerable place she could’ve been and she gave herself to Claudia. Even seeing her life in the most raw and stripped down form—Claudia chose her.

Their life after leaving Paris has been perfect in Madeleine’s eyes and she was a little afraid to burst this bubble they have been in. She thinks that Claudia feels the same way about her and maybe Madeleine needs to grow up and just go for it but she was scared.

Madeleine knew all of Claudia’s attempts of romance in the past had been traumatizing to her as she was too small to be able to turn them. Madeleine couldn’t begin to understand the horror of watching someone you wanted fall limp and die beside you and it all feels like your fault.

Then there was the Bruce of it all.

Just the thought of him set fire to Madeleine’s skin and filled her with rage.

There were still days Claudia had nightmares involving him. Madeleine would wake up to Claudia whispering in her sleep saying his name like it was a curse.

Those nights were hard for both of them. Claudia is a strong woman and fierce vampire, but Madeleine knew better than to think that was all she was. Claudia needed comfort and love just as much as anyone else and Madeleine tried to give her that as much as she could. So, Madeleine would hold Claudia close as she shook slightly in her arms. Their breaths and hearts would sync up as they laid together and eventually fell asleep tangled up with one another.

Madeleine thinks Claudia feels the same about her, however, was she ready for that next step? They had eternity to spend with each other and Madeleine knew she would wait for Claudia in every lifetime. Claudia deserved the world and if staying platonic companions is what Madeleine had to endure she would with no hesitation.

Having no Claudia was a thousand times worse than not being able to have all of her. The what ifs still continued to plague Madeleine’s mind though.

Madeleine snapped out her daze when she felt Claudia’s presence right in front of her.

Claudia tilts her head slightly as a small breath like chuckle leaves her, “Did I spook you?”

Madeline looks towards the ground briefly—trying to hide her blush that she feels forming on her cheeks. She feels like she got caught staring at her crush. Which well she kind of was.

“I don’t think you could ever scare me.” Madeleine spoke softly. “I watched you kill for me, remember?”

It was Claudia’s turn now to look away bashfully. “You love to bring that up. I was just doing the right thing.”

“Oh, so you always save every girl you see in danger.” Madeleine says in a teasing tone.

“Yes.” Claudia says matter-of-factly.

“Liar.”

Claudia huffs out a breath through her nose knowing she can’t win this, “Whatever, it does not matter.”

“You’ve never done this for anyone else. I am special, yes?” Madeleine asks, a little anxious to hear Claudia’s response.

Claudia rolls her eyes, not in annoyance but amusement. “Obviously, we are companions are we not?”

“Hmm,” Madeleine hums as she finds the courage to stare straight into Claudia’s alluring eyes, “sometimes it’s hard to believe I get to have this for the rest of my immortal being.”

Claudia’s eyes seem to glimmer with an emotion Madeleine couldn’t quite place.

She stares right back at Madeleine as she replies softly, “And what is this?”

Madeleine’s breath stutters, not expecting Claudia to ask such a question. They haven’t discussed what they are beyond the fact they are immortal companions. Madeleine knows what she wants it to be. Claudia must want the same if she was asking this out of the blue, right?

God, does Madeleine want it to all be true.

The silence of the question lingers between them. Not awkward or tense—just two people who do not know how to express their wants.

Claudia is the one to break the silence as she inched forward until she was so close to Madeleine’s face she could feel their breaths intermingle. She can’t see what Claudia is holding, but she feels the back of Claudia’s hand brush lightly against Madeleine’s cheek as Claudia places something right behind her ear.

Madeleine was unsure of how to breathe as she continued to stare at Claudia as a slight crooked smile appeared on Claudia’s face.

“Just something I picked from the garden. It matches your hair.” Claudia states seemingly proud of herself.

Madeleine had to bite the inside of her lip to keep herself from practically squealing. It was such a small gesture and yet she felt her heart constricting against her chest.

Claudia had picked a rose from their garden because it reminded her of Madeleine’s hair. Claudia is so sweet that Madeleine felt like she could burst at the seams from how much she liked her.

“We should go out tonight.” Madeleine blurts out abruptly.

“Out?” Claudia asks inquisitively.

“Yeah, we haven’t really done much exploring of this town since we left Paris. Besides when we need to feed.” Madeleine expresses while shrugging her shoulders—attempting to keep her voice neutral.

Claudia beams as she bounces up and down on her tiptoes in excitement, “Yes! There is this one museum that is open late that I have been dying to go to.”

“Ah, the one that's by the river?” Madeleine questions.

Claudia nods her head in confirmation, “We could watch the stars after if you want. It's a clear sky out today.”

“Whatever you want, I will follow.” Madeleine speaks sincerely. She would do anything to see Claudia happy.

Claudia unexpectedly wraps her arms quickly around Madeleine in a tight hug that only lasts a quick second. Once again stunning Madeleine that she doesn't have a chance to hug back.

Claudia pulls away as she says, “Let me go get changed.”

Madeleine watches Claudia quickly turn around and zip back into their home. Madeleine attempts to compose herself as she slowly walks back into the house and walks to their bedroom where she sees Claudia already having piles of clothes on the floor—searching for options.

Claudia looked up at her when she felt Madeleine's presence in the room.

“I was thinking I could wear something red. You know, to match your flower. What do you think?” Claudia asks curiously.

“You look beautiful in anything.” Madeleine says matter-of-factly.

Claudia rolls her eyes fondly. “Obviously, but that's no help. How about this?” Claudia voices as she holds up a stunning dark red, almost maroon, full length dress with puffy shoulder sleeves.

Madeleine immediately recognized this was a dress she made herself. Claudia does not know it, but watching her wear the clothes Madeleine creates makes her heart swell.

Madeleine was able to sell her shop in Paris, but she never wanted to stop creating so she spends her time making new items for Claudia because she knows how much Claudia adores fashion. She hopes to one day reopen a new shop in the city they have, even if it's open for a few hours at night. This city is not like Paris where you see others roaming the streets at midnight—everything is practically locked up by ten o'clock.

“You haven't worn that out yet, yes? You should wear it. It would go amazing with the ruby earrings and necklaces.” Madeleine proposes. The jewelry hadn't been worn yet either as it was from a woman that Madeleine killed earlier this week.

“Ah, you're right. Okay let me get changed and we can leave.” Claudia says, enthusiasm reaping through her voice.

“Of course, I just need to refresh my makeup.”

Madeleine quite liked what she was wearing already. A black and dark blue dress that came down right past the knees which she paired with black tights and sleek black kitten heels.

The two of them finish getting ready in a comfortable silence, but there was no doubt a buzzing excitement in the air.

Madeleine and Claudia walked in stride as they approached the museum. There was a slight breeze as the night progressed, so Claudia decided to wear her fur coat (red colored of course) as a last minute edition. Madeleine's dress was long sleeved so she opted out of wearing one.

Beautiful was an understatement for how Claudia looked tonight. Claudia was never one to wear a heavy amount of makeup—tonight was an exception. A pink blush adorned her cheeks with a black and red eyeshadow look to compliment it.

Madeleine knew there was no one in this world that could ever be as gorgeous as her companion. That still scared her sometimes, her own emotions and how she feels she does not have control over them whenever Claudia is around. She was not going to let her own fears ruin this night they have together.

They walk into the museum and immediately are greeted by someone at the entrance who tells them what is contained in each room. The museum is relatively small in size, so they should be able to get to see everything anyway.

They depart from the worker after saying a quiet thanks and begin to explore.

Madeleine did not talk very much as they roamed around. She was completely enamored in listening to Claudia's interpretations of the paintings and which one she found the most beautiful.

In these moments, Claudia reminds her of Louis in the way she appreciates creatives. She definitely has his blood.

About two hours pass before they reach the room they decided to save for last: the jewelry room.

If it wasn't for the fact they were in a museum where the proper etiquette is to keep a quiet voice, Madeleine thinks Claudia would've screamed in delight.

Claudia briskly walks over to the glass displays and stares at the beautiful golds and silvers in awe.

Madeleine follows close behind and for the first time in an hour she speaks up, “Having fun?”

Claudia answers while not looking away from the display case, “This is the best honestly, I am so happy we decided to come. Look, these are beautiful.”

Madeleine draws herself closer and sees an elaborate gold piece that is labelled to be from the Renaissance.

“It's beautiful. But, is it more beautiful than looking at me?” Madeleine says in a playful tone.

Claudia shifts her body towards Madeleine now. “Sorry, I have just been looking forward to coming since we moved.”

“Relax, I was joking.” Madeleine voices with a sincere tone. “I would follow you anywhere.”

Claudia has to look away at that declaration to stare back at the jewelry and utters softly, “You're too kind.”

“No, we are supposed to be there for one another. Companions, yes?”

“Always.”

Hearing that meant everything to Madeleine.

The two of them now lay up shoulder to shoulder against a tree in a park as they listen to the ripples and waves in the river.

Madeleine tries not to think about how their thighs are slightly touching or that Claudia's hand is brushed up against hers. Her and Claudia lay in the same coffin together most nights and these small touches are what is making her entire body buzz.

Claudia had wrapped her coat around the both of them when they sat down because it was windier by the river. She had teased Madeleine as she did it saying she told her so. Madeleine just slightly laughed because she did not trust her own voice at the moment.

They had just disposed of the two bodies they fed on in the river and are now enjoying one another's presence.

Claudia was the first one to break the silence.

“The stars look beautiful tonight.”

Madeleine hummed in agreement. It was a clear night out and there was an abundance of bright stars that were scattered across the night sky—the moon shined brightly.

Madeleine felt the back of their hands brush again, her breath hitched.

Claudia for sure heard her as there was no noise to block it out.

Madeleine felt Claudia's hand move slowly and tangled their fingers together, giving a soft squeeze causing Madeleine to look down at their interlocked hands and then to Claudia's face.

“Is this okay?”

This was more than okay.

Madeleine still couldn't get the words out. So, she settled for relaxing into Claudia and resting her head on her shoulder.

Madeleine feels Claudia shift her body slightly and she rests her cheek on top of Madeleine's head. Claudia's coat is practically smothering them now.

“This was a date, right?”

It was the first time today Madeleine could hear the nervousness in Claudia's voice.

“If you want it to be.” Madeleine is able to shake out from her lips. It was the first time she spoke since they got to the park.

“Yes.”

Madeleine shifts then, moving her head from Claudia's shoulder and moves her entire body to face her—causing the coat to fall away from her shoulders. A confidence she hasn't felt the entire night fills her body as she affirms, “Then yes, it was a date.”

It was Claudia's turn for her breath to hitch, not expecting Madeleine to say the truth so quickly.

Madeleine realizes how close their faces are in that moment and inches closer and pauses right before their lips touch.

“Is this okay?” Bouncing back the question Claudia asked her just moments ago.

Claudia doesn't answer her and instead is the one who closes the distance between them.

The kiss was quick, but it was so tender as Madeleine felt their lips slide against one another in tandem. Madeleine felt all the emotions they had held back from conveying to one another and now they did not have to hide it anymore.

Claudia pulls back, but not without placing one more chaste kiss on Madeleine's lips.

They both did not say anything else after that. Claudia is now the one resting her head against Madeleine's shoulder. Madeleine wraps both her arms around Claudia pulling her closer and can't resist the urge to place a quick kiss onto her hair.

Madeleine does not know how long they stay there. All she knows is she now gets to have all of Claudia.

She never has to be scared anymore.