It was another picturesque day in Hargeon. The multifaceted allure of the town seemed to culminate in the square, which did not emphasize any of the towns desirable traits and yet put them all on display with absolute harmony. In the distance, one could hear the sounds of boats at the docks. The smell of salt was on the air and the breeze that was brought up from both the harbor and the beach was enough to offer a slight chill to the skin. The sun contrasted this beautifully by warming people to their bones, and the duality of the two factors made it the perfect day for any type of dress.

As if an ode to the guild which made this town its home, the places of the Southern area were all attractive. The city spared no expense on upkeep, assuring that the buildings and the roads were immaculate. The shops all looked brand new, fresh paint having long since dried and not given enough time to chip. The roads were without blemish, and there were gardens scattered throughout the buildings and spaces that brought a bit of color to the otherwise manufactured area.

In the exact center of the square lay a fountain which seemed to have a limitless supply of water. Whether or not there was complicated plumbing at work, or a lacrima that never exhausted, a sparkling clear liquid continuously poured up from the center. The sound of the water landing and reverberating through the solid basin danced throughout the square, insighting people to gaze at it even if they had seen it a million times before. Surrounding it on four sides were wooden benches, trees planted behind them to allow a nice level of shade at all times of the day for three of the four benches, allowing one direct sunlight at all times. The benches shifted roles, but it almost always panned out that way.

There were not too many people in the square. It was the middle of the day near the end of the week, and people were hustling and bustling for work. The few who had stopped to relax were of assorted ages and sexes. On the bench which caught sun sat an old couple, fingers intertwined and the the male fast asleep on his lovers shoulder. On one of the shaded benches sat a man in business clothes, calmly reading through several papers. Running nearby the fountain were three children, none of whom appeared related, being watched over by a young freckled woman who couldn't be past thirty.

Then, next to the fountain, stood the man who seemed to stand out among them. It was not his bright blond hair that seemed to be caught with every breeze, nor was it the sky blue shirt that hugged his body close. It was the sword that was strapped to his back, firmly in place, that separated him from the normality. He was an Adventurer. This individual stood aside the fountain and stared into its depths, watching the ripples of the water below that never were given a chance to settle. His face held a listless bliss to it, his smile light and his eyes partially lidded. His mind progressed slowly through thoughts and memories, and for the moment he was at peace. He had allowed himself to become completely unaware of his rather innocuous surroundings, and for once just enjoy the calm of his own mind.

Breathless, with a lingering aftertaste of fear, she found herself overwhelmed amidst the agitated whispers and cheerful laughters.

Surrounded by happy villagers and curious wanderers, the woman watched in awe just how much joy she witnessed simply by being awake—by being here. Seira Navillera stood among humans and was reminded of all that she had forgotten about life after being turned into a nightwalker. It was astounding and she felt envious. She hid her petite self behind a nearby tree, which graciously offered her sensitive skin cooling shadows, and stared forward, barely able to contain her desire to join the masses. The market places were as busy and populated as ever and with the sun seemingly standing still in the skies, painting the world in its warm colours, a picture far from anything imperfect was created.

Hargeon was lovely; she adored the vibrant scenery, the vintage elements and unique architecture and so close by the ocean it seemed to be a fantastic place to settle down for a while, very much like Magnolia.

Seira—who wore a skimpy white dress, figure-accentuating and perhaps even a little daring—quietly danced through the town’s streets and browsed the shops. She drowned among the crowds and although she walked on heels her delicate frame and feminine appearance made her seem smaller than she was. After nearly a month in darkness, Seira’s hair had lost its vibrant, purple hue and now shimmered in a silvery white colour with faint lilac accents. It cascaded down the length of her body beautifully and curled ever so slightly at its tips, with a few shorter strands resting upon her naked shoulders.

Seira chose silver jewelry today, consisting of a pair of diamond earrings and a necklace with a pearl pendant which almost disappeared within the valley between her breasts.

She parted from the busier corners of the town, eventually reaching the fountain—a beautiful construct which served as the center of the square. The benches and trees surrounding it were alluring, and she had plans to approach them but was suddenly interrupted when she noticed a familiar figure.

Seira’s heart skipped a beat.

Finn?

And that was all it took. She only had to see him one more time and her perfect world, in all its flawless entirety, washed away. Walls crumbled and the bricks with which she had build them with fell to his feet. His mere appearance pulled the strings to her heart, and she was overcome by a mixture of emotions—Seira felt nauseous and endlessly happy all at once. She would never, not in a million years, have guessed that she could consider this perfection but, strangely enough, she did and before she knew what was happening, the young vampire had lost herself in his eyes.

It was then that she realized that if she ever spoke to him again, she would certainly fall in love.

Without hesitation Seira approached the man who seemed so content all by himself that it was difficult to interrupt and yet she did it anyways, deciding that she had waited long enough to see him again. Her small hand found its way onto his cheek as she stepped into his sight and once their eyes locked her expression softened. It was difficult to speak and for a long moment she simply stared at him until she finally, and a little breathlessly, whispered a few words.

”I found you.”

As the water fought its losing battle against gravity, it took on an arching shape before falling back into the depths of the water beneath it. Finn found himself counting the coins that had gathered within its depths, wishes from people long past. He found himself wondering for the briefest of moments about the individuals who had made these wishes. Who was it that felt the need to put their faith in the unknown? Who had found a sense of security knowing that they had a safe place to voice their wants and desires? The obvious answer of children did not encompass the entirety of the answer, he was sure. Those with broken hearts or shattered dreams had certainly added their wealth to its depths.

What did he wish for? He didn't believe in such things as wishes to the unknown. There had been stories he was told of Genies and beings whom could grant inner desires, but this fountain was neither here nor there. There were few things he could wish for that he couldn't simply go out and earn on his own. Strength came to the innumerable who worked towards it, as did wealth and objects. Intelligence, wisdom, and knowledge could all be gained with the same fervor in which he put into his physical training. His mind wandered to individuals, but none were so wonderful that he would truly wish them into being. Even Jake, who he'd certainly do such a thing for, was merely back at the Guild Hall.

Seira.

The voice echoed in his mind, a subconscious hint from his dull senses that fell upon a currently dulled mind. His gaze did not falter, but its intensity dimmed. Indeed, that may be worth the wish. In the time since he'd seen her, the burning intensity that had formed in the put of his chest had since waned. She was an incredible woman, and he had finally been able to admit that she did indeed capture his heart. That being said she had left, gone about her own business as he did his own. She still held a place inside of him, and he was confident that upon their next meeting he'd feel that way again. He couldn't know when that would be though.

As if on cue, a delicately soft hand pressed itself against his cheek, a tiny wrist curling along his chin. His body tensed up, caught off guard by the sudden contact. His fists clenched, the arm away from her cocked back defensively. As his face was aimed at hers and their eyes locked, everything went wonky. His grip disappeared, the strength holding his arms up failing him as they collapsed to his sides. He found himself instantly entranced by her gaze, his lips parting ever so slightly as if wishing to form words, and yet those two seemed to fail him.

As she too seemed to struggle for the right thing to say, she finally found solace in the three words that seemed to bind them together so tightly. He was right to question whether or not his feelings for her would remain the same. He knew now, staring into her eyes, that they had intensified in her absence. Some could argue that such strong feelings for one he had only just met were irrational. In the world they lived in when life was not an assurance, however, could anyone truly judge? She had been a first for him in many ways, and seeing her back in front of him now made him unaware of how to proceed.

When, though, did he ever know how to act around her? Instead of thinking, he simply allowed his body to take control. Stepping forward and lifting both his hands which magically contained strength once more, he felt his finger tips touch at the base of her jawline. Trailing up the side of her cheeks, behind her ears, he'd run his fingers through her hair and kneel down. Resting his forehead on hers, his eyes closed as he held his hands within her hair, he smiled and let out a breathless laugh. "You found me."

Taking a step back, he let his hands trail down from her head and to her cheeks once more, cupping her face in his hands. He knew of the ridiculous strength held in this tiny frame, but still he was amazed at how small she truly was. Her entire face could rest comfortably within his hands, which rested gently on her cheeks as he locked eyes with her once more. "I've missed you." He wished to ask where she had been, but he knew better than that. Not yet, if at all, would that question prove to be appropriate. It was a sign of wisdom from a rather naive man, and one that he'd trust. Instead, he'd ask what mattered.

"How have you been?"

Finn’s touch was gentle; it made her skin tingle, a shiver swept through her body and ticklish as she was, Seira had to hide her smile from him. She was submissive, almost a little too forgiving when it came to the blonde human, but her heart could not help itself—it wanted to allow him everything, and it was impossible for him to do her wrong. She wanted to believe that and so she did. Finn’s hands were warm and while they caressed her cheeks the woman stood completely still with her eyes never losing their focus. It was only until he decided to press his forehead to hers that she would close them for a while to appreciate the moment. She smiled when she heard him laugh and after hearing his voice again after such a long time a relieved sigh escaped her lips—he was still as happy to see her as she was to see him. Seira’s arms wrapped around his body and pulled him closer, close enough for her to nestle up to him.

”I’ve missed you too,” she whispered quietly into his ear and watched with lingering curiosity as he continued to inspect her face, treating it with such care as if he feared he could accidently break her and she would disappear again. He was as mesmerized and infatuated with her as she was with him and that made her incredibly happy. Unfortunately, however, the vampire had other concerns and after a few moments of silence between them she nudged him towards an alley and away from the public eye. ”Let’s speak somewhere a little more private,” she suggested and lead him around a few house corners until they had a little bit of privacy. ”Decent enough,” Seira finally responded to his question and decided that it was now her turn to explore. Small hands trailed up and down his arms, relentlessly searching for new scars or bruises, while her eyes were still locked with his. ”..and you? It’s been a while, but I still thought about you a lot. Do you always wear your sword in the middle of the town?” Her words were laced with concern.

He seemed fine and she couldn’t find anything that would lead her to believe that he had gotten into any sort of trouble and while none of that was any of her business, she still cared for his well being and hoped her subtle movements wouldn’t insult him. She’d spent the weeks away from him thinking and reconsidering her feelings and while she feared the sudden burst of emotions at first, after spending some time apart the Sorceress was now much more levelheaded and honest about what she wanted.

”Perhaps we could spend some time together to catch up? Only if you are not busy of course,” she immediately let go of him after saying those words to allow him his space.

As she whispered and pulled her body close, Finn couldn't help but feel how tiny her frame was within his own. Had he not experienced her strength first hand, he'd have never known the power she possessed. It was an impressive thing, to be contained in such a form. It rose questions, but questions that needn't be asked. She was who she was, and as badly as he wished to delve into her depths it could wait. His eyes had found hers again, and that was enough of an answer for him for the time being. He saw in her gaze the emotions that he had feared would have died with their night in Magnolia. It was a reassuring feeling to have proof now that they had not.

As she insisted they go somewhere private, he nodded and smiled. It wasn't a broad smile, merely an upturning of his lips. It was minimalist, but it showed how perfectly content he was. She was someone whom he had been searching for, and he hadn't even known it. As she grabbed his hand and lead him down the winding streets of Hargeon, he couldn't help but let his eyes travel down her frame and back up it. She truly didn't have a single flaw about her, although there was a possibility that it was simply his own refusal to see them. Regardless, they had reached their destination without much further delay.

Without hesitation she began inspecting his body. Had her worried gaze and concerned words not been the immediate follow up, he would have assumed she was thinking the same as him. Instead, he realized what it was. This feeling she was giving him was not pity. Such a thing would have infuriated him, that much he was sure of. What she was giving him was concern in its most genuine form, and he couldn't help but feel touched by her thoughtfulness towards him.

"I've been fine," he started with a light chuckle, shaking his head and looking at her. She was sweet, much more than she tried to pass off when they first met. It made sense that she had built such high walls when she was so vulnerable behind them. "I always have my weapon on me, and I often wear my armor too. It's better to be safe than sorry, especially when you're like me." His words could be taken two ways. The fact that he was an adventurer who loved to explore the new was the obvious one, his intent. It was likely she'd take it another way too though. When one was human, one could be more vulnerable.

As she spoke once more offering them time to catch up, he pushed forward. Closing the distance between their mouths, he muffled her mid sentence for a few moments before pulling back. "I'd love that." She didn't need to finish for him to understand her intention. Grabbing her hand in his before taking the time to lace their fingers together, he began pulling her along gently. "Where to?"

”I understand,” said Seira, who suddenly felt defeated. They kissed briefly and the vampire gave in when he took her hand so gently into his. She felt worn out, but Finn pushed forward. There was nothing wrong with what he’d said, not at all—instead, Seira was taken aback by the truth of his words, the accuracy and how perfectly well he had described their situation without even knowing that he did. Finn was human and he always would be; whether or not he wanted to admit to his fragile nature was irrelevant, the only thing that mattered to her was his health and how she’d outlive him if she ever allowed herself to fall in love. Their fingers intertwined and she squeezed his hand; she would force a bland smile if he turned around to look at her, or maintain a dull expression if he didn’t. She wasn’t naive, knowing very well that Finn wouldn’t live long enough to die of old age—no one who felt the need to openly carry a sword around a well populated city did. His words unintentionally reminded her of that and Seira began feeling unwell.

”There are things I need to purchase at the market still,” she explained while, in haste, following his each and every step. ”Have you eaten yet? We could dine out, or you can pick whatever you’d like at the market and I will cook for you,” Seira wasn’t hungry, so the decision would be Finn’s. The vampire wanted to find some place quiet where they could speak in private, she was hoping he could tell her what he had been up to and perhaps he would even ask a few questions himself—with everything she knew about him she owed him the truth, or at least a little bit of it.

The sun stood high that day.

As they walked through the streets of Hargeon Town, Seira felt the heat burning in her neck, causing a decent amount of discomfort for the nightwalker. Her teeth ached from time to time and she’d noticed an itch in her throat. She would have to feed again soon and being so close to Finn during these days made her nervous, to say the least. ”It’s really hot today,” she murmured and let go of his hand. It wasn’t that hot, but the vampire was no longer used to midday sun and hurried across the street where she’d spotted a booth that sold water and fruit juices. ”A bottle of water and pineapple juice, please,” she paid for both and pressed the juice against Finn’s chest before opening her bottle of water and emptying it almost instantly. ”S-sorry about that,” she chuckled in embarrassment and shrugged it off, ”so, what did you say you wanted to do now?”

Finn had a better control of himself this time around Seira. She was still as beautiful and radiant as ever, but he was able to keep his thoughts and emotions in check. This time around he had been given time to process how he felt, and to discuss these feelings with Jake. He knew how it was he felt about the situation, and he knew what he wanted out of it. There was still the likely chance that he'd be unable to handle himself perfectly, but there would be improvement. Part of this improvement was his normally acute sense of perception being in use. Their first meeting had lead him to feeling overwhelmed, unable to take in the finer qualities and clues around him. That was no longer the case, and so the minute hints she gave without intent were able to be picked up.

Her words should have been enough of a clue. Short and succinct, not at all what he had been expecting from his own explanation. He had been a fool in their first meeting to think that he would be the only one overwhelmed by such feelings. Even beyond Jake's help, he realized what a fool he had been. Emotions were not something one got use to. For each individual, those unique feelings were a new experience. She had likely been just as caught off guard as him, and there was the chance that she didn't have someone to help walk her through it as did he. It had not been the most well thought out breakdown of the situation, but it was the one that held true to what he thought.

"I'd love to have you cook for me if you don't mind," he said, his words hardly audible in his own head. The word of irony used in a situation such as this. Did they both feel love for one another? Hardly. Intrigue, affection, lust, and mystique all played a role in their first meeting. Still, they hardly knew about one another. Finn knew even less of her than she knew of him. He had not gone through the process of getting to know her better when he had the chance the first time around, but he would not make the same mistake twice. He would fully explore his feelings for her, ones he did not have to question. He wished to dive as deep as he could into these new waters.

She spoke of the heat, and released his hand. The anchor to his thoughts had ripped away, and suddenly he felt marooned in reality. He watched her step away for a water, and glanced at the shop near by. Not a cloud in the sky but umbrellas in front of the store. It was getting closer to Fall, and the weather by the sea got unpredictable. It made sense that these were for sale before they were actually needed. Walking over and quickly tossing over more than needed so that he'd not delay, he took the umbrella and put it behind his back. It rested between his blade and backpack where it could hardly be noticed.

As he quickly rushed back over to her, once her own transaction had ended, she pressed the cool bottle to his chest. She earned a smile from him, and a laugh as she downed the bottle. "That's alright," he said, opening his bottle and tasting the sweet marinade. Closing the cap and sliding the bottle in his pocket quickly, watching the cloth bulge. "It really is hot though, probably the way the sun is shining down..." His words held an obvious bait to them, he hadn't been finished speaking. Reaching behind his back, he pulled out the umbrella finally and opened it, twirling it once and holding it over her head.

"What sort of date would I be if I let you roast to death?" He asked with a smile. Leaning in and placing another kiss onto her cheek, he stood tall and made sure to get close to her. The umbrella perfectly blocked her from the sun, also defending the arm in which he held it. Others in the street were doing similar things, shielding themselves from the heat to the best of their ability. With that, he'd motion with his free hand towards their front in the same direction as the market, as a butler would his master and grin upon his lips.

Finn’s naive nature suggested innocence and (to an extend) ignorance; she never thought of him as courteous or suave and she was surprised, almost startled, when he reached for an umbrella to cover her from the sun. Unfortunately not every gesture, no matter how sweet, came from good intentions and she was unaware of the purchase he had made moments ago. When Finn stepped closer and reached behind his back, she winced under his sudden movement and instinctively moved away from him.

”Oh—,”

Seira’s eyes widened, if only for a second, and she hid the uncertainty in her expression with a meek smile. ”Thank you,” she said, a little tensed up, and leaned against his chest after being kissed upon the cheek. ”That was very thoughtful of you,” she complimented him and her words were genuine. She immediately felt regret over her reaction and although it was unintended and on impulse, she hoped he didn’t notice—but of course he did.

Finn wasn’t stupid, and she very well remembered the impression he had left on her after their first meeting in that forest ahead of Magnolia; his predatory nature was unmistakable and, perhaps, even more distinctive than hers. She had been on alert ever since her transformation and Seira had never thought of herself as anything normal or socially acceptable—which was why she tried so hard to hide it. Humans were racist and she feared what would happen if anyone, the public, ever found out about what she truly was.

She stepped closer, approaching him again, and gently pulled the arm in which he held the umbrella down a little so it could shield them from the curious looks of strangers. Seira’s arms found their way around his neck and she pulled him downwards, even closer to her, before speaking to him. ”A terrible one,” she smiled and hugged him, ”but I would date you anyways,” she pressed her mouth against his and kissed him (this time properly!). Seira knew he was always quick to let go of her, but as a woman she was a little different in that regard. She took her time and when she eventually let him go again, the vampire licked her lips and put on a smirk, ”that juice is delicious!”

She took his hand, intertwined their fingers once more, and began pulling him across the market, where he could pick anything he’d like to eat. ”So..where did you travel to after we last met? I guess you are back in Hargeon to spend some time at the guild.”

Her skittish behavior was obvious, and something that he wanted to ask about. She must have known that he noticed, but that didn't mean he'd inquire about it yet. He remembered how she was when they first met and the walls she'd erected to keep outsiders away. This place, surrounded by strangers, was likely not the best time to ask about it. Instead, he offered a light and understanding smile to her. It did not hold pity, but rather empathy. He might not have known why she reacted that way, but he understood movements and reactions being engraved into someone.

As her arm redirected the umbrella for a moment and her other arm found its way around his neck, he felt himself smile genuinely. His free arm wrapped around her petite waist and felt the curvature of her back. For a moment, he was unaware of anything else going on around them. Her teasing was light and playful, and he felt for the time as though the two had never parted. As she made the action of pulling away, he felt himself completely caught off guard as she closed the distance one more to relight their intimacy. He stood there, frozen in time and reciprocating. As she pulled away, his cheeks were stained red and his smile was bashful.

As she started pulling him now, he couldn't help but let out a shy chuckle. "Sure you got a good enough taste?" He gently pulled her closer to him and wrapped his umbrella holding arm around her, keeping her close and shielding her fully. As she led them around and he picked out his food, surprisingly abundant in vegetables with a steak finish, her question came out.

"I actually came to Hargeon right after I left Magnolia," he said as it was a matter of fact. "I had felt stationary for a while, even when I'd first made it to Magnolia. Luckily while I was there I met someone who made me want to be better than I was again," he said, giving her body and hand a light squeeze. "So I figured I'd come here. This is where everything started for me after all, as far as guilds and all go." His words trailed off as the memories flooded in, but were quickly repressed.

"What about you?" He had made sure to step forward and pay for all the ingredients. He knew that she had offered, and it was no insult to her. He had just preferred to pay this time, seeing as how she'd bought his food and drink on their last meeting. "Did you come straight to Hargeon after taking care of your business?"

Seira laughed, for the very first time today, and leaned against him, ”Don’t you worry about a thing, Finn. Drink up your juice and I’ll be sure to have another taste of it later tonight,” she shot him a loving gaze and continued walking through the streets, browsing the shops they passed by on their way to an uncertain location. Seira was looking for herbs, Navani leaves to be specific, but so far she hadn’t had any luck yet. She still felt a little silly over meeting a fortune teller, the same person who had tasked her to find said leaves, but she was never openly going to admit that—especially not to Finn.

In the meantime he was on the lookout for dinner and Seira followed closely behind, watching curiously what he was picking. There were a lot of vegetables, but that didn’t come as a surprise to her; Finn had a strong build and he certainly was still growing therefore a healthy diet was important for him. She made a mental recipe of what she could cook for him later, while scanning the shops nearby for interesting items. Seira eventually saw a store that picked her interest. It sold all sorts of knives and even smaller swords and the Sorceress approached it swiftly before looking through the items.

After a while she picked up a small pocket knife, which caused an immediate reaction with the owner of the shop, ”Small but useful,” he said, ”makes beautiful, clean cuts.” Whether or not he knew what her intentions for said knife were didn’t matter to Seira—she tossed a few coins over and slid the knife into her pocket.

Eventually the girl’s attention reverted back to Finn, who was carrying a bunch of groceries by now. ”I see,” she responded and sighed heavily at his words, ”in a way this is where everything started for me as well.” Seira had never felt any connection towards Hargeon Town, but at the same time it was the place where she had been bitten by a vampire—which ultimately led to her own transformation. It took weeks to complete, but that didn’t change the fact that this was where it all started after all.  ”No, I actually stayed in Magnolia for a while. I needed some time for myself before continuing to travel, but I went far north shortly after and visited Oak.” She shook her head at her own words as if she was disapproving of what she had just said. ”Shouldn’t have done that, it was all for nothing. After that I visited home for a while, before I came here.”

Seira suddenly stopped in her tracks and turned to look at Finn. ”I didn’t have a reason for coming here, but now that I think of it, it was probably for you.”

Her sigh was something that piqued his interest, the story that was hidden behind it a tempting thing. He wished nothing more than to finally begin to understand Seira better, but he couldn't help but feel as though it was not so straight forward. He had confided in Jake about how unique it had been to spend time with this woman. She was fun to be around, stunning, and intelligent. She seemed to want to know more and more about Finn, and yet he couldn't help but feel like she was keeping him at a distance. Jake said that it was a mixture of things, from them just meeting to "That's just how girls are man." Regardless, he hoped to eliminate that distance today.

"I see," he said in response to how long she had stayed in Magnolia. He was staring at her, and he knew it. He had found himself starting to catch at the nape of her neck and the curve of her cheek, and the idiotic smile that had plastered itself on his face was not to leave any time soon. The smiled faltered some as she continued to speak, and he couldn't help but think about her words. "Hopefully it'll turn into something you can look back on and gain from, then." Forever an optimist, but with a sense of realism. Such a sweeping statement that would suggest that time could not be wasted was a blatant lie. It could only be gained back, by learning from where one thought they could not.

Her final comment received a squeeze from his hand, having laced back with hers. "You think?" He chuckled at that idea, looking back ahead. "You didn't have to come all this way for that though. I'd have gone any distance to see you again." His words didn't carry with them a teasing nature or an amused undertone. He locked eyes with her, having also stopped, and then let his face be overtaken by the gentlest of smiles. "I think we have enough food. Lets head back, shall we? My place or yours?"

Letting the best choice lead the way, depending on where they were going, the two of them continued again. The streets would slowly thin out, as they moved away from the market and towards their current place of residence. With the lesser amount of people, Finn felt he could be more open with his inquiries. "So, Seira," he said, enjoying the feeling of her name on his lips. "Tell me about you. Like, whats your favorite color? And makes you an adventurer?" His questions seemed completely different from one another, but they both stemmed from the want to get to know her better. Big and small, he wished to start picking out the details that made her who she was.

”No,” she spoke and her voice held a sudden sternness to it that couldn’t be described with words, ”I will be going back if I have to, but this is something that I cannot let go of until I have had my reven—” She interrupted suddenly, swallowed whatever it was that she wanted to say, and put on a crooked smile. ”Sorry, Finn. We should go to my place, I want to spend as much time with you—and you alone—as I can,” Seira was a fantastic liar, she rarely made mistakes. It was different with him, because the emotions she felt were intense and lying to someone who was so genuine and truly wanted to know everything about you—because they cared about you as a person—hurt. The last thing she wanted him to know about her was just how much of a spiteful person she could be, when driven by the right (or wrong) reasons.

Seira took his hand and began leading him towards the place she had rented. It wasn’t too far away from the square, located inside a quiet side street. She was done with hotels for a while and very much prefered renting places that felt more like ‘home’; this was a first for her, however, and Seira wondered whether or not it had something to do with being Hargeon and therefore so close to Finn. What he said to her made her smile and although she was tempted to thank him with another kiss, she also realized that it was (perhaps?) enough for now—so she let him be. Instead, Seira tilted her head towards him and grinned at her partner, ”Really? But how? You never knew where I was in first place.”  

Her voice was charming and sweet, as always, but her words had a very distinctive meaning behind them. Finn never knew where she was, or had been, until she told him. He knew very little about her and she wondered if that had never bothered him. The questions he ended up asking her to learn more about her were strange, probably not the most precise and certainly not what she would have asked, but it was almost adorable seeing him try so hard for her, so she decided to be genuine with her answers. ”My favourite colour is black,” she thought about it for a moment and eventually came to the realization that almost all of her clothes were black, so this made sense.

”And yours?” Knowing this could help her pick gifts for him in the future, so Seira definitely wanted to know. His next question was different and it put a weird, somewhat absent expression onto her pretty face. ”I don’t really know,” she said and shrugged helplessly, ”I never chose this life. None of it, it was all forced on me. It was either that or dying, and I guess death is what I was more afraid of,” although her mimic suggested different things, she spoke in a matter-of-fact way and put on yet another fake smile the moment she noticed him looking at her.

"What about you?"

It was beyond just the things that she had done. The intricacies of her personality, the things that identified her from the world, were partially lost to him. The reason her voice got sharp, or the emotions that strained her smile, were partially lost on him. He was lucky that he did not overthink in the same way those locked by society did. Rather he took things at face value, until given a reason not to. The reason behind why she acted that way didn't necessarily matter and that was not a harsh thing to say. What mattered was that something about the situation was painful. She had been hurt, and that mattered. For that, he would take all the time he needed to understand.

"There are only so many places in Fiore, and I walk really fast. I'd find you." His answer was a joke, but there was a serious tone behind his smile. He teased her when he could for he knew that she could win that battle at any time. The tiny victories he could steal he would jump at, and with great pleasure. As they walked, their location slowly became clearer. She led them not to a hotel, but to a residential hub in which she approached a house. He didn't know whether or not she had purchased it or rented it, but they would be getting her moneys worth for sure. The risk of direct neighbors, separated only by a wall, had been eliminated. They were alone to bare themselves to one another, fully and completely.

As they went inside, there conversation continued. "Blue," he responded in kind, a laugh escaping his lips. Suddenly his guild, tattoo, and usual clothes made much more sense. "Though red is a close second." As she answered, Finn placed down the groceries on her counter and walked over to her. As she spoke, he put his hands in hers and lifted them up. His hands would press against hers, interlocking their fingers as he dropped his arms back down. Reaching around to wrap his arms around her waist, her own hands now being held together behind her back, Finn closed the distance between them.

He had done so outside, and as did she. In the presence of the world though, they were rushed. Here, alone, they could take their time. He lingered, postponing his answer not for reason of malice but for delving into their time together. After a short amount of time had passed, he finally pulled away but kept her in his grasp. "Surprisingly similar," he said, voice much quieter. While holding her and talking, he began to rock back and forth. His legs were fully extended, performing an almost penguin waddle in circles and forcing her to do the same, laughing lightly. They had not been able to simply relax and be goofy until now. It was nice, to him at least.

"The first twelve years of my life was in the same forest, just fighting for survival. When Jake gave me the option to see the world, I jumped at it." He laughed a little at the thought, shaking his head. "It's crazy that every day in Worth Woodsea, I could find something new. It seems weird, but it's true. Then I came to discover the rest of Fiore, and I expected it to be so much different. In the stories, it's different. I got here though and it was all the same. Arguably worse. At least in the forest, things are clear. They make sense. Here, it's hard to know what to think most of the time."

Seira’s house (or rather, the one she’d rented) was a two story building with a single bedroom and a bathroom upstairs, as well as a living room, kitchen and second bathroom downstairs. She led herself and Finn inside, who placed the groceries onto the nearby counter and approached her as soon as the door fell close behind them. Seira relaxed, now that she was in his presence alone the world suddenly had taken a little of its weight off her shoulders and she felt better and more at ease. Finn took her hands into his and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a warm embrace. She couldn’t help but smile at how sweet he was with her and pressed her face against his chest until he leaned down to kiss her. He also seemed much more comfortable now that they were alone.

Finn began acting silly while he still had her in his grasp and the vampire laughed and eventually wiggled herself free from him; after all, Seira certainly possessed the strength to do so. She moved swiftly away from him and lead him through the kitchen and into the living room. The house itself was very cozy and comfortable and all the furniture had a vintage touch to themselves. Seira had rented this place a while ago, even without living here, to store all her belongings in one place. So deep in the south and close by the sea, Hargeon Town seemed like a safe enough place to do such a thing at. The living room was filled with book shelves, which in turn were filled with literatur.

The kitchen was almost cute looking, very neat and had everything that the typical household needed—including two fridges, a bigger one as well as a smaller one, which had chains and a lock around it. Seira made sure that Finn was brought to the opposite direction of the house and positioned him onto one of the couches in the living room instead. He was probably hungry by now, but she wanted to listen to his story first before she disappeared into the kitchen to cook for him.

”Welcome to my place, by the way,” she took a seat next to him, crossed her legs and turned towards him. ”That’s because cities are filled with humans and humans rarely ever make any sense, my dear,” Seira’s voice had gotten soft, she looked at him lovingly and stroked a few strands of hair out of his face. ”It’s much easier once you find somebody to be with, but all on your own it gets rather lonely after a while,” unaware whether or not Finn actually considered Jake a ‘friend’ the same way humans would do, she spoke more for herself in this regard. ”At least that’s how it is for me. The idea of staying in one place for longer than usual becomes bearable when I think about being with you during that time.”

Finn was the first ‘friend’ she had made in her many years of solitude and although their relationship was much different from what one would expect from a friend, it was genuine and it felt good—and that was all that mattered to her. ”Which brings me to another question, actually,” Seira tilted her head to the side and stared right at him, ”how old are you, Finn?”

The seat was comfortable, but beyond just simply being of nice material. The area that was foreign to him felt familiar for the briefest of moments. As he sat there though, the realization began to set in. This was his second time meeting with Seira. Of course he was happy to do so, but that was a startling realization. He didn't think too much of it, as his meetings with people had always been so sporadic since coming to society. Now that he allowed himself to focus on it, he realized how different this relationship was from the norm. It wasn't bad though. In a way, its oddity is what made it so perfect for him.

As she sat next to him and turned towards him, he turned his body as well. His one arm closest to her went around the back of the couch, his fingertips finding their way to her shoulder. His other hand rested on his lap closest to her, aiding in the positioning of his body towards her. "That's..." He had only been alone recently for any periods of time. There had been a few occasions in which he traveled without Jake, but was that alone in the way she meant it? He didn't know, and he wasn't about to assume himself correct. "Not something you have to worry about anymore."

As he said that, he figured he should clarify. "Even when I'm not with Jake, I don't feel too alone because I know he's somewhere in Fiore. If I get lonely, I only need to find him. And it's the same with you now. If I get lonely, I only need to find you." It seemed to be their thing now, losing each other and making their way back. As she got to her question, he couldn't help but tilt his head. Numbers were not his strong suit, but luckily it did not look as though he were struggling. Could one really blame him though? Jake hadn't really started teaching him math or even told him of his own age until shortly before they left the forest and Finn had begun asking for it. Luckily, it seemed instead like he was shocked that the subject had never come up before.

"I am eighteen," he said as a matter-of-factly. "And you?" He knew from Jake that it was usual for the man to be older, but with that said he didn't particularly care about it. Seira was someone with whom he could relax and enjoy himself. Someone he felt attracted to, and mystified by. He could only assume she felt the same.

"So what sort of things do you enjoy doing?" His question came after she'd answer, giving time for any smart comments from the either of them first. He truly wanted to know more about her, but he was terrible with small talk. Oh how he wanted to just ask her to divulge everything to him, and he'd do his best to soak up the information. Doing so would likely be too broad, and too early for now. So instead he'd poke and prod until he could piece together the puzzle of her mind.

”It’s never that easy, I’m afraid,” a sigh escaped her lips and she closed her eyes, ”this world we live in is bigger than you could know; besides, not everyone wants to be found at all times.” Seira meant no harm with her words and, by no means, did she intend to push him further away with the things she explained, but she believed they were necessary. She didn’t know how reckless Finn was, but she never wanted him to get involved in the things that didn’t affect him. Vampyrism came at a cost and while she was unsure as to how he would even react to her being what she was, she feared the outcome and decided to make it one, big secret. Being followed through her travels, even though the intention was good, would only mean more trouble for both of them.

”We could always write each other letters,” she suggested with a light chuckle and placed a hand onto his thigh, squeezing it gently. Finn’s response to her question regarding his age was surprising, but at the same time not really. She knew he was young, she could tell by a single look into his face, but hearing it was strange nonetheless. If this had been a situation under normal circumstances, the woman would have been embarrassed—but she seemed relieved instead. Seira’s aging would slow down significantly in a few years and Finn being younger only meant that they had a little more time with each other. ”I’m twenty,” a smirk spread across her lips and she tilted her head upwards to see his reaction.

His next question followed and she couldn’t help but laugh at it. Finn was horrible at small talk, but fiercely ambitious at the same time and his efforts didn’t go unnoticed. ”I love to cook, bake, pretty much anything that’s done in the kitchen is a hobby of mine,” she thought about it for a moment before continuing, ”I’m also very interested in herbalism. I’d be surprised if there’s a herb in Fiore that I don’t know,” she shrugged it off. ”I like to create all kinds of potions with it. Clearly the one I’ve used on you is working very well,” the last few words were spoken in a teasing manner and she lovingly tickled him under his chin. ”I also play the harp from time to time—there’s one in my upstairs bedroom if you’d like to see it. Which actually brings me to another question..” Seira paused for a moment and looked at him. ”Would you like to stay overnight?”

He knew she was joking, but he still intended to do it. Letters were something he could actually do, and something that he felt could bridge the distance between them. There were other options as well, such as traveling together for a time. The things she had going on seemed like they took much of her time, but perhaps it was something he could help with. While his life as an adventurer obviously worried her, perhaps seeing him in action would alleviate some of the concerns? Of course there was just as good of a chance for it to redouble her anxiety, so perhaps it wasn't best to suggest quite yet.

As she stated her age, it seemed to not phase him. He merely nodded, acknowledging the fact. She was indeed older than him, and for this he didn't need to take his time. Two years. It was not all that much, though the years did pass by quickly. For the briefest of moments he thought of how life could have been if he had born in Fiore. Would age have become a more prominent figure in his life? Would the numbers that people adhered to so well start to influence him as well?

Such thoughts would not be permitted. They pushed forward, her hand finding its way to his thigh. He'd move his own hand to rest it atop hers, his thumb going in slow pacing motions on her skin. "You really should come to Worth Woodsea then. There are plants there that don't grow anywhere else in the world." He said it without realizing the implications of actually inviting her over to where he lived. It was not as though there were many places to stay within the forest, his home would be about the only safe place.

As she continued, he got excited. As she asked her question, he answered without hesitation. "Of course," he smiled as he squeezed her hand. "Will you play the harp for me before I do end up leaving?" He felt comfortable here, with her. It was a nice feeling to know that he had no where he needed to go, and nothing that needed his attention other than her. Tonight the world was gone and it was only them.

"I have been to Worth Woodsea before, remember?"

Seira stood up and stepped away from the couch, leaving Finn behind. She found it distracting how well he responded to her affection and although Finn was not properly introduced to society, he treated her well. It was a complete contrast to some of the sexual innuendos she had made throughout their day, that had been ignored by him. Which was surprising as well, considering that he knew somewhat well how to deal with a naked woman on his bed. She walked around the couch and put both hands onto his shoulders, giving them a gentle squeeze alongside a kiss that was planted onto his hair. ”I will,” she promised, not wanting him to see the unhappy face she made when she thought about him leaving her so soon.

”I’m going to make you something to eat now, so I will be in the kitchen. You can put your belongings upstairs and get comfortable, I will call you once it's ready,” although she wanted nothing more than to continue this little chit chat, the Sorceress was very ‘fussy’ when it came to her kitchen and cooking in general. She needed the place to herself, with no one interrupting her—including him. ”You can look around when you get bored, make yourself feel at home,” the vampire had nothing to hide, with the exception of the small fridge which was in the kitchen as well. She would be guarding it like a dragon, but everything else could be explored.

The books Seira owned were mostly fantasy literature and lore, as well as religious beliefs regarding Fiore and its neighbouring countries. There was also a large map of Fiore on the wall, with little notes written all over it. Seira kept track of the places she had been and most of the information she had collected was about either herbs, interesting stores or reliable clients. There was a black cross next to Hargeon, with a specific date as well as the Phantom Lord insignia written behind it, which documented the day she had been bitten by Bianca Fleur. Seira had also kept track of the day she had met Finn—his name was put underneath Magnolia, with a small heart next to it.

In the upstairs bedroom Finn would find a king sized canopy bed and the furniture was mainly made from ebony wood. Seira had decorated her house with oil paintings of landscapes and the bedroom was no difference. She also owned a small collection of swords, all of them made from gold and gems, none of them combat-ready and stored away into a glass cabinet. Other than that, there was a large closet with an endless amount of clothes and Finn’s shirt—the one she had stolen during their first meeting—was laid out onto the bed, indicating that she had been sleeping in it for a while now.    

In the meantime, the vampire spared no efforts to turn the steak and the vegetables Finn had bought into something delicious. Seira chose to roast the steak rather than turning it all into beef stew, simply because it was faster and she didn’t want him to wait forever. Occasionally checking on whether or not he was around, the vampire eventually closed the door to her kitchen and quickly removed a blood-filled bottle from the larger fridge, which she’d empty out quickly before placing it into the sink and rinsing it off all evidence. Once the food was done, Seira set the table in the living room and removed her apron.

”Dinner's ready—what would you like to drink? I have wine, beer, apple and peach juice and...water.”

"Of course I do, but it's a very big place. I'd love to give you the tour." Finn had very few instances which could be passed off, or argued as, smooth in any way. He was not skilled with flirtation, nor was he one who could consider himself linguistically talented. Still, even he had his moments. As she moved and he followed her with his head, turning it on a swivel to follow her movements, he was quickly comforted with a rubbing of his shoulders and a kiss near his bangs. He did not have a good angle on her, but he could have sworn she looked pained.

As she spoke about how she was going to start cooking, he nodded and smiled as she went off into the next room. He had turned in his seat to watch her go, watching her frame as it slink away. His eyes found themselves low before staring into the back of her head, wondering for a moment what was going on in there. She seemed more open this time around, yet at the same time so much more distracted. There were things on her mind for sure, things he couldn't hope to know of. If only she was more open to talking to him, but that came with time.

As Finn stood, grabbing up his backpack and turning to go upstairs. On his way, he stopped short at the rather intricate map upon the wall. It was of Fiore, and was covered in small doodles and notes. On it, he saw his name with a heart written next to it. Feeling the smile long after he realized he was doing it, he raised his free hand to the map and gently traced over the lettering. She had neat handwriting. As he followed to other towns, he saw Hargeon itself with a black X on it. His eyes narrowed, smile stifling into more of a stale expression. The marking was beside a picture of the Phantom Lord insignia, followed by date. It was long before he had met her, and was something he'd certainly have to ask about.

Turning and looking into the kitchen as he walked by to the stairs, he saw her frame within the kitchen. She was moving about, obviously concentrated on the cooking. She moved so nimbly, he hadn't heard a peep. A smile touched his lips again as he made his way up the steps. Once there, he could finally begin to relax. Throwing down his backpack next to the door. He looked around at the furniture, nice and matching the house. The bed itself was massive, built for a queen. That fit her oddly well, and he couldn't help but laugh at it. He wondered how she'd have reacted to his thoughts?

The bedroom itself was decorated nicely. She said her life was a necessity, but he couldn't imagine she wanted for money. The solid gold items, the expensive looking furniture and bed, even the paintings spoke of a woman very well off financially. He couldn't help but wonder what it was she had been going through. Unstrapping his sword and laying the umbrella down, he began to take off the extra layers of clothes he didn't need. From there, he'd walk slowly inspecting the golden items and the fine paintings. She had expensive taste, that much was obvious. Would she like the tree house?

Pressing from the room, he explored outwards again to cover the rest of the upstairs. There wasn't too much, but in taking his time he found plenty to do. Through that he found out several things, mostly being more questions that needed to be asked. What made her want a house in Hargeon, and what was with the black X? Those among the plethora of more innocent questions, like her taste in paintings and golden weaponry. With everything pretty explored, he made his way back into her room.

Some things were left as a light mess, showing that she had either obviously been up here before she'd left for the day or simply did not bother with cleaning it. He had failed to notice his shirt laid out on her bed the first time around, as well as some papers on her side table. Walking over and seeing a small book he felt his curiosity piqued. This was not like the ones that had lined her bookshelves, it looked much more worn. What type of book was so impressive that it was not only kept on her bedside, but also so worn? Preparing to open it, he heard the call from downstairs about dinner.

Turning his head and smiling, he sighed and decided the book should wait until later. Tossing it over to his side of the bed, where it slipped and fell between the bedside stand and the bed itself, he made his way downstairs. "Smells amazing," he said, immediately getting slammed by the smell of spices and food. It was strong, but not at all overpowering. He began to realize exactly how hungry he was, and how excited he was to eat.

"Peach juice would be great," he responded finally through laughter, remembering his response to the alcohol last time. As she poured liquid into his glass, he couldn't help but smile. "Thank you for making me dinner," he said, closing the distance and giving her thanks. As he pulled back after a few moments, he looked down at the food. Letting her take the lead, he would seat himself as she took her own. It looked delicious, certainly its taste would not disappoint.

”You are very affectionate today,” the vampire pointed out with a soft smile, her hand giving his a gentle squeeze after she had poured him his drink. She had noticed that Finn’s kisses were rarely motivated by lust and (more often than not) he used them to convey natural feelings such as gratitude or happiness—which was romantic and charming. She enjoyed the attention he gave her very much and although neither of them had spoken about their feelings yet, she couldn’t help but enjoy his presence. It felt good to be with him—even when they weren’t doing anything exciting or special. ”Now eat up,” she took a seat, crossed her legs and began eating as well. Seira had chosen red wine for herself; she remembered how terrible the human was at holding his alcohol but unlike him, her tolerance had soared ever since her transformation, which came as a pleasant surprise.  

”I thought about staying here for a while,” Seira broke the silence and emptied her first glass, ”I like it. It’s cozy, big, has enough space for all my belongings—what do you think?” She had her reasons for choosing Hargeon Town, but it would be a lie to say that Finn wasn’t one of them. ”You can spend time here whenever you are in town,” she suggested innocently and started picking around in her food, ”only if you want to, of course.” Seira’s cheeks reddened just a little bit and the woman was quick to drown any sort of evident embarrassment in more red wine.

She thought about asking him what he had been doing while in Hargeon, but decided that Finn and his guild were none of her business (yet). Instead, the woman finished up her meal and waited until he had done the same before clearing the table and returning all the dirty dishes to the kitchen. It was slowly getting dark outside—her favourite time of the day was approaching—and the vampire rushed back to her partner’s side, quickly dragging him upstairs and into her bedroom. ”I was hoping we could catch up a little more,” she flashed him a shy smile, one that indicated more than just talking, but excused herself to the bathroom shortly after. ”I  will take a quick shower, so why don’t you get comfortable already?”

The meal itself was prepared wonderfully. The meat was hardly seasoned at all, but cuts such as this did not need it. She had cooked his closer to the side of rare, but that was perfect for him. He liked his still slightly bloody, which ironically she likely did too. He of course was not aware of that, but still a fact. The vegetables had been seasoned lightly as well, complimenting the steak perfectly though they would have done well as a standalone dish. Everything about the meal was wonderful, including the fact that he ate it whilst across from her.

As the silence between them was breached, he swallowed what was in his mouth and wiped it clean using a napkin. There was not any residue there to begin with, but it was a courtesy to ensure that he did even at home. "I think that it's perfect," he said. "You've already gotten your stuff moved in, plus Hargeon is a nice town to be in," he trailed off as he remembered the map, thinking he should ask her before she pressed the subject forward.

He noticed the tinting of her cheeks and a grin spread itself on his lips. "I would love to." His voice was soft, softer than he intended. With that, the stupid grin was on his lips the rest of the meal. He couldn't think of anything such as the map for the moment. Those words had caught him off guard, releasing the butterflies in his stomach and letting them run free within him. He felt nervous, and yet completely at ease. It was this feeling he kept arguing with that was making its home in his chest. He wondered how he could deal with it, and before he came to a conclusion he had finished eating.

As she stood and took the dishes, he thought of trying to do something there. To follow her into the kitchen and attempt romance. She seemed to be on a mission though, one he dared not interrupt. She confirmed his suspicion without much of a wait, grabbing hold of him and bringing him upstairs. "Of course I'd love that," he smiled, his cheeks tinting the barest of pinks to indicate that he had only a mild idea of what she meant. As she separated from him upstairs to shower, he laughed and nodded.

As the door closed, his shirt came off and he sat on the edge of the bed. With a sigh, he lowered himself to laying down as he heard the water within the next room start up. A very clear mental image came to mind, one that kept his face flushed and his smile present. He had missed her. After laying for a decent amount of time, he realized he shouldn't allow himself to get too comfortable so that he'd fall asleep. Rolling over to his side, the shaking of the bed caused a gentle thump on his side of the bed.

Rolling over, he'd see the book that he had tossed on earlier. It had completely slipped his mind, and in a moment of embarrassment he had to acknowledge he had thrown the book. Curious as to what was so interesting that she had worn the covers thin, he sprung it open and took a look inside. Instantly his face took on pure confusion as he slowly sat up in the bed. Written in the book was a plethora of names and dates. There were people of both genders, but an alarming amount of the names were men's names. The further into the book, the more recent the dates came.

It had gotten to the point in which he had gotten to his name. There it was, the night they met. And then, the only name which was crossed out. His heart sank and confusion took over. What sort of text was this? Scrolling through further, he saw that the very next day contained a mans name. As he went through the book, more and more names. Before long he came to a page that was marked today, though it was still blank. What the hell was this? His confusion was mixed with other feelings. Concern, worry, and something else. A gnawing feeling at the bottom of his chest, threatening to eat him alive.

She closed the door; the dull sound of locks falling into place rang through the tiled bathroom. Quietly, she snuck across the cold floor and turned on the water, letting it run hot while she undressed herself. Seira stared into the mirror for a while, taking in the reflection of her naked body. She was pretty enough, she thought, even in spite of the scar on her back and her petite build. Seira’s limbs were slender, dainty even, and rather pale. She had lovely curves, a soft, feminine body and although there was nothing wrong with her appearance, she suddenly worried about what Finn would think. Her lips parted, a sigh rolled over her tongue and the vampire entered the steaming hot shower shortly after, where she would take her time.

Fuzzy, weirdly exciting and out of breath—Seira found it difficult to find the perfect words to represent the emotions she felt when thinking about Finn, and after years of imagining what attachment might feel like, she was still overwhelmed by the warmth he radiated. Seira searched to find a place in this strange world for the longest time, and recently she caught herself hoping it would be by his side.

Once finished, Seira stepped outside the shower and reached for a towel. When Finn agreed to stay for the night, the shy vampire had a vague idea of what could happen and something primal in her could hardly wait to be with him again. She picked a violet nightgown; it was short, slightly see-through and visually appealing, with its complicated lace ornaments and cute frills he would certainly love it. Seira’s hair (once blow-dried) became curly and she brushed out a few of the rougher locks, deciding that he might enjoy the change in appearance.

When Seira emerged from the bathroom, she offered her guest a meek smile, ”I apologize for taking so long,” she spoke softly. She closed the distance, approached him from behind (careful not to get between him and the book he had shown interest in) and wrapped her arms around his body. ”I missed you so much,” strange, how easy those words had become in his presence. Finn was distracted and so the woman planted a kiss onto his neck in an attempt to gain his attention, curiously taking a glance over his shoulder, ”What are you reading anyways?”

When she saw the book, she froze.

The Book of Names—as Seira liked to call it, was her most personal, her most precious work of art; a diary where she kept the memories of everyone she had fed on since her transition. Finn was never supposed to find it, even less take a look and when she realized what caused him to remain silent, the vampire tore the book from his hands and dashed across the room. Her legs were shaking and her heart ached under the heavy feeling of regret and fear. Unable to speak yet, Seira pressed the paperback against her chest and dropped to the floor, where she would sit in shame until she found it in her to say something.

”You were never supposed to find this."

The sound of her coming from the bathroom did not take his attention away from the book, but rather split it. He was glad that she had come out, she could finally explain this whole thing to him. The sinking feeling in his chest, as if his heart had fell into his stomach, could be dealt with. Her voice hit his eardrum, but they sounded muffled. The pages of the book had stuffed into his brain, the ringing in his ears blocking out her words. His eyes had not torn away from the page of the current date, marked for a night not yet upon them.

Her arms wrapping around his neck had anchored him back down. Her touch had done well to brush away the noise from his mind, and finally he could rest easy. A man who had only ever relied on a few people found himself fully at the mercy of someone else now, and he still didn't know how he felt about it. For now, his thoughts on the matter were moot. He didn't need to wonder how he felt, to tell himself one way or another. She had finally come out of the shower, and now she could see the book and laugh with him. They could talk about what it was, how it was nothing to worry about. He could put his mind at rest.

Or so he thought.

Louder than any of her words was her silence. The deafening roar of nothing but their bated breath, daring the other to break the silence with either noise or action. The feeling had redoubled onto Finn, making him feel confused. Why wasn't she speaking? It was simple to just brush it off, why hadn't she? Only a few words from her could put him at ease and shove away the demons on his shoulder, and yet that was not what came. Instead she answered loudly, using her movements to justify a response. Ripping the book from his grip, which was no simple task in and of itself, she shot away from him and against the far wall. The noticeable thud made him jump, and his eyes shot over to her.

He stared at her for a second before her words chirped up, barely audible. He was never... He was never suppose to find this? What sort of response was that. His eyes widened, jaw dropping in a sort of surprise. "What?" His voice came out croaked, as if he had gotten to it only seconds before it was lost for good. He didn't know how to react to this situation, this wasn't how the night was suppose to go. He was suppose to catch up with her, to talk to her. To sate his desire for her presence and to reaffirm how he felt, if he felt. What was this? This was not the smooth and confident Seira who would brush his fears away with a word.

"What do you mean I was never suppose to see it?" Of course I found it. "What is it?" I know what it is. "Seira?" Jake warned me.

Stop.

The voice of reason came through with barely a whisper, but it was enough. He hadn't realized how much his body language had shifted. He was turned, hand gripping the sheets tight enough to turn the knuckles white and his eyes wide. He had not completely calmed down, but enough to see that he was not the only one reacting poorly to the situation. Now that he was focused, he could see Seira how she was. Shaking, face towards the ground, hugging the book as if it were her only salvation. She looked terrified and ashamed, and for a moment he had doubt; And a moment was all it took.

Standing he slowly walked over to the woman and dropped to one knee in front of her. He stared at her in silence for a few moments before, very slowly, lifting his arms up. Putting a hand on either of her shoulders, he pulled her forward and into his arms. Sighing, he rested his cheek on her hair and held her in silence for a few moments before speaking. "Seira, will you please tell me what the book is?" He didn't ask for the truth, it was clear that was what he wanted. His actions spoke how he felt about her more than his words ever could. She'd likely want to hear it at some point, but this should have said it for him. He was still confused, and that confusion he knew would make him quick to anger. Still, seeing her like that was enough to overpower that feeling. For the moment at least, he'd tackle it as calmly as possible.

When his voice broke she dug her nails into the paperback, slowly scratching away at the hard material. She felt desperate; there was a strong need to bring clarity between them, but she feared it would only drive him further away from her. Seira never experienced emotion this heavy before—her mind was filled with regrets and her body felt nauseous. She understood the significance of her erratic heartbeat, the irregular gasps of breath she took and she still found herself unable to say something that would bring sense to this mess. It was such a stupid thing to do; a list of humans, a document of witnesses and proof to her shame, and yet she still wrote down every name of every person she had ever taken something from. She was sensitive and compassionate, and for as long as she remained in control, she was stable as well. Finn’s existence interrupted the balance and eventually destroyed it completely—she was lost again, but he kept finding her.

She thought (and as miserable as it sounded, it was) that she found genuine comfort in solitude, and that her secret would be forever safe. ”I thought I would never let you find out, that way it would never get a chance at changing anything between us,” said Seira, whose words were barely a whisper. Finn’s hands felt warm; she shivered when his skin touched hers and he pulled her into an embrace. She heard it in his voice, and everything he did spoke for his feelings. ”It was simple, until you made it complicated,” the vampire stood up and walked across the room; she sat down by the table and crossed her legs, placing the book onto the dark, wooden surface to her front. ”I didn’t think I would ever meet somebody quite like you,” she ran her fingers across its spine, ”yet here you are.”

Seira’s face softened and her calm expression suggested that she was contended now. She considered it a ridiculous—if not impossible—task to explain to a human that she was nothing like him anymore, that she fed on his kind and drew strength from darkness, but Finn’s confused state of mind demanded answers nonetheless. Ironically, the woman found his jealousy (assuming that was what he felt) very distracting and flattering and she wanted nothing more than to explore that side of him, but she understood that there were more important matters to discuss. ”That is also why I crossed out your name,” she knew he had seen himself in there, otherwise his reaction would have differed, ”it’s because you are different.”

On the shelf near the table, the vampire kept a few bottles of alcohol alongside some glasses. She took out both, poured herself a drink and began sipping away at the amber liquid, ”These people were all means to an end, the necessities of my life so to speak,” downing the whiskey, she quickly filled the glass up again and nervously waited for his response, ”you are nothing like them, so there is little for you to worry about.”

Perhaps this was enough of an explanation and they could finally go to bed.

Her skin shivered on contact, though whether or not that was a good sign had yet to be seen. He wasn't exactly sure of how to go about handling a situation like this, especially not with her. She was an individual who had completely captured his attention. He knew he liked her, and he knew that there were feelings there. That being said, beyond knowing that he would be willing to fight to see where things went, he didn't know what to do. Jake had given him minimal advice, and he couldn't help but realize through this book how little he knew about her.

As she spoke, she broke the contact he had made and put a safe amount of distance between them. It seemed as though she wanted to create a buffering zone, and he needed to know why. Turning to face her, he tried his best to read her body language. She sat herself at the table, and for a moment he thought that her gaze looked through him completely. Then she began to speak, and as vague as it was she began to explain what it was the book was for. He was different, which was why he had been essentially removed from the list. Different how though? What sort of list must he be removed from?

His mind jumped from the map, with the symbol of Phantom Lord, to the moment they met in the forest. The brains tendency to make patterns even when none existed was a troublesome one, yet why did he feel as though the answer had left clues for him to follow? His mind raced in the span of a moment, allowing him to dive down countless of possibilities, but in the end he could come to no result. His mind felt like a have of angry wasps, and the buzzing sound that threatened to swallow up his thoughts frustrated him. "You..." His words came out barely audible, and were followed with a sigh.



An exasperated sound came from his lips, frustration incarnate, and his hands moved up to his head. He grabbed the side of his hair and ruffled it, almost as if the act would allow him to rid himself of some of the annoyance. Standing up, he cleared the distance between them in only a few long strides. The distance was closed quickly, and though both of them were capable of so much more in terms of speed, it seemed quick in the confines of the space and what was going on.

Taking a knee, he'd move both his hands to cup her face and turned it to face her. His movements were not rough, but insistent. Locking their gazes, he scanned her face for any signs of emotion. After having crumbled her walls once before, he had a vague feeling that she had erected some sort of emotional distance between them for the time being. It was enough to make him suspicious.

"You don't have to tell me anything," he said, his voice was quiet and yet it had no trouble conveying the sincerity in his voice. At least, he hoped it didn't. "I have strong feelings for you. I know that. I want to know more about you, and I want you to be able to tell me things and trust me with them." As he said this, he stayed looking into her eyes. "Whatever you tell me that book is, I'll believe you. Just please tell me." His words carried with them far more meaning than they conveyed in a literal sense. He was trusting her. He would take whatever she told him at face value. However, this meant that if she lied, she would have to maintain that lie between them. If he found out she had not been honest, it would be the beginning of a rift between them.