She stared forward into the pristine mirror in front of her, her gaze focused on her left eye. It was a shade of black the same as the night sky. No, darker, like that of the void itself.

It was a beautiful shade, one she adored. It was the same colour that her father's eyes must have been. She never once saw him, or looked upon his reflective black eyes, but she knew it had to be true.

After all, her right eye was so different. She covered it with her wavy hair, hiding it from the rest of the world. From the rest of the humans.

Her right eye was a cold, dark red. A bloody scarlet. While it would return to its silver shade when she had blood, it was still disgusting. An abomination.

Just like the rest of her body.

The black of her hair was not entirely different from her eyes, for it had streaks of snow white strands running through it. The telltale sign of what she despised most in this world.

Her skin was always pale. No matter how much time she spent in the sun, no matter how much effort she put into gaining a healthy glow, she was always pale. She was always cold.

Her fingernails were not just a tad off. They were pitch black, hard, and pointed like sharp blades. They were more claw-like than anything, but she could still take solace in the fact they were retractable like that of a felid.

Her canines, horribly so, were the same. Sharp, pointed, and deadly.

And then there was the thing that scared her most of all. The thing that made her so monstrous, so unlike her human kin.

Her thirst.

That hunger for the warm, honey-like, liquid that flowed through her fellow human's veins. She could smell it, could feel it in her body. Her throat would become dry, her teeth would ache, and she would grow cold as sweat began to appear upon her body.

What only made her suffering worse was the human blood that ran through her own veins. It may have helped her control herself, let her almost never drink upon the blood of others, but it didn't stop the cravings. It didn't stop the fact she would never be alone from the sweet, acrid smell of human blood. Her own blood.

She hated it. She never wanted to partake in such a disgusting act. She never wanted to harm those innocent souls.

Yet, there was always the inevitability of her lineage. While only half of her screamed out for the taste of human blood, the other half would die too if she let her worse half perish.

Six months. That's how long she could go without beginning to degrade, to die.

And she hadn't drank human blood in six months, and eleven days.

So, it was inevitable.

There was a knock on the door. It startled her, practically forcing her to speedily turn her head towards the wooden frame.

"You almost done in there, Alice?”

Alice's heart stopped, and her gaze fell back to the mirror.

"Sorry. I'll be out in a moment," She quickly replied, fixing her hair before unlocking and opening the door.

She stared at the taller woman in front of her. She had a warm undertone, her skin a dark brown that was complimented by her bright white smile. A smile of which some would say wasn't perfect, she had a gap between her two front teeth, but Alice found it cute. To her, it accentuated her beauty.

"It's alright, we’re not in a huge rush or anything." She let out a slight chuckle before continuing, "But, c'mon, let's get going."

Alice's eyes met the woman's, staring upon their bright, amber hue. Her eyelashes, just the same as the rest of her hair, was a shade of brown. A brighter shade than her skin, with it being a tad closer to red as well. She kept it in a protective braid, tied back keeping any semblance of it from distracting her while they worked.

But what came to her before any of this was that horrid smell. The paradoxically wonderful scent of her blood.

"Remind me where you're taking me, Sera? There’s still work to be done, repairs all across the city…" Alice let out a slightly exaggerated sigh as she followed behind her.

"For the last time, you're in no condition for Enforcer work. You're exhausted, your body will end up collapsing at this rate." Sera turned her head, her eyes focusing on her as she leaned forward. She was so, so close now. “... And I’m not going to let that happen to you.”

Everyone's blood smelled different. In the case of Sera, her's had a hint of fruitiness. Strawberry, perhaps? No, it was cherry. Either way, it was... enticing.

She hoped Sera wouldn't notice the slight flush that had spread across her face.

"I'm fine." She averted her eyes, looking towards the ground, "... However, if you truly want me to go with you, I suppose I... will."

Sera smiled, her lips curled upward in such a way that it would have resembled more a smirk if it wasn't on her face, "I'm glad! It'll do you good."

Sera's hand wrapped around Alice's own, the soft warmth of her palm enveloping Alice's frigid cold as she pulled her along.

She was scared by just how much the feeling made her heart rush.

-

Alice leaned against the car window, a sigh escaping her grayish-red lips as she stared out the window. The cold air was nice, she had to admit. It was soothing... A calm bliss that seemed to ease any urge she might have. It wasn't snowing that day, but that didn't mean there was any less snow blanketing the city. Central was in the north, after all. Though, the summer's got a tad warm, just enough to give relief from the near constant cold they were used to.

Alice preferred heat.

The sun was particularly bright, the light reflecting into her eyes making her squint. Alice's eyes were quite sensitive, a downside to nocturnal vision. Sunglasses helped, but she hated how they felt on her face, how they made the colourful world darker.

"Here," Sera spoke as she got back into the driver's seat, a small smile on her face as she held two drinks in her hand. She extended one towards Alice, "They had your favorite."

Cherry juice. As opposed to the other red liquid, of which she despised, this one she quite enjoyed drinking.

"Thank you..." Alice grasped the plastic bottle, opening it and bringing the thin plastic straw to her mouth. "How's Miss Kareena?"

"Surprisingly well, actually. Her legs are getting better, and her mood is back to the way it usually is." Sera looked to the right, meeting her gaze as she took a long gulp of her own beverage.

"... Good." She took a sip, looking down at her legs, "She's strong. Just four days ago she lost her husband... yet, here she is."

"Mm, taking care of her store even if she has to use crutches. It's real inspiring." Sera nodded, looking up, "It's our job to protect them, to protect all of Sanctuary... But I think it's not so one-sided. Seeing them be able to recover even from the worse... It's motivating. It makes me wanna protect them even more."

Alice stared at her, quiet for a few moments, "You're really corny, Sera." Despite her words, she let out the slightest smile.

"Big words from the one who’s in a locked car. Maybe I should keep you here until you learn your lesson... Hmm." Sera tapped her chin, a playful smile on her lips as she leaned over, poking the other woman's cheek.

Alice leaned back, letting out a huff without even realizing, "I could break the door without even trying..."

"Oh, you wouldn't do such a thing while we're on our date." This time, Sera did smirk.

"I would-- Wait, date...?" Alice blinked down harder than she intended, praying that her outward appearance didn't currently match her internal.

"Whoa, that really got you flustered. That doesn't happen a lot..." Sera let out a quick giggle, retreating back to the driver's seat proper, "I'm just playing."

"Of course. Right..." Alice looked back towards the window, taking another sip to give herself an excuse to not say another word.

"... But, if it were a date... I wouldn't mind." Sera spoke softly, the smallest smile on her lips as she stared forward.

"I'm sorry, could you repeat that?" Alice turned her head, a bit too quickly, as she stared at the back of the woman's head.

"You can just pretend you didn't hear what I said. Forget about it." Sera shrugged her shoulders, not looking back towards Alice as she shifted the car into drive, "It was just a thought... A joke, more or less. But, it's fine."

"... Okay." She didn't say anything else, simply placing her cup between her thighs and staring down at her lap.

As they began to drive, Alice thought. That's all she could do, after all, as Sera had grown silent. It was torturous not being able to see her facial expression, though, it did make her wonder.

She was joking, right? She said it twice, after all.

It really was all too strange.

Sera was the first person her age she met when she arrived in Sanctuary, at least, when she became a legal citizen. She was eleven, Sera was twelve. By all means, she was the closest person to her, perhaps only matched by the Enforcer Captain who was practically her guardian.

The two had spent nearly every waking moment together, at least, when their jobs would allow. They had gone through training together, became Enforcer's together, started living in the same barracks... with the rest of the Enforcer's, of course.

What's more, she was the only other Enforcer, other than Commander Ji-Hun, who knew of her lineage. That knew of the abomination she was... and accepted her.

From the moment she first laid eyes on her, she was never scared of her.

–

The steps of the lab coat wearing woman in front of her were loud. She focused on them as she was forced to follow, the silver chains practically dragging her along.

They never told her where they were going. They just grabbed her from the cell she was forced into, dragging her along to do god knows what. Sometimes, it was just an injection. Other times, it was a series of tests, all seemingly designed to see how she would react. To see what would hurt her most. Rarely, they would take her to see her older sister.

She hated that the most.

However, as they reached the end of the hall, the woman turned back, a frown on her lips as she stared down at the child.

"Stop walking so slowly, your legs work fine." The woman crossed her arms, looking back towards the guard. "Go on, bring her inside. I need my lunch break..."

"Yes, ma'am." The guard nodded, grabbing the chain and pulling her along.

She winced, following along quickly as she tried not to trip. She could feel as the back of her collar singed her neck, the burning sensation growing before fading as she managed to keep up.

She couldn't understand why, but he was clearly irritated by the time they had gotten to the end of the hall. She assumed it was because she was there. Either way, he pressed his ID card against the scanner, the door unlocking and revealing the large room on the other side.

"Can't believe they're actually going through with this... Tch, just get in there already." He practically growled, pushing her forward and watching as she stumbled into the room.

She quickly stood up, clenching her sharp teeth as she wiped the dust off her cheap, dirty clothes. She looked back towards him, a frown on her face as she saw him begin to walk away.

She hated the way his blood smelled.

The door automatically closed, though unlike what she expected, she wasn't alone. She looked forward, seeing two people. A young girl, perhaps the same age as her, and a middle aged man with a short beard.

The girl, who was previously drawing in a childish colouring book, perked up as she noticed the other girl enter. She quickly jumped out of her seat, rushing towards her with a grin on her face.

"Hello! Hi! Mister Mun told me that I'd be meeting a new friend today! Is that you? I hope you are, 'cuz I'd love to have a friend!" The girl spoke excitedly, her amber eyes wide as she stared up at her, "I'm Seraphine, but I think it's too long. So, you can call me Sera!"

Alice couldn't help but back up, a worried look on her face as she stared at the other child. She was loud, excitable too. She didn't even have time to process anything as she took a step closer.

Her blood smelled like cherries.

"Whoa... your eyes are two different colours! And, your hair's got two colours too...!"

She quickly placed her hand over her right eye, her left glaring at her while she inadvertently bared her teeth. She didn't say anything, however.

"Your teeth are sharp! That's so cool! Do you have claws too? Can you scratch me with them? I'm curious..." She stepped forward again, her hands reaching forward as she grabbed the girl's wrist.

"Stop..."

"Oh, you can talk?" Sera let out a quick laugh, a smile still on her lips. "Well, you don’t need to worry! I promise I won't bite. I've never been good at biting. My teeth are flat! See, look!" She opened her mouth, sticking her tongue out.

Alice didn't respond, trying to pull her arm back, though she was too weak. Her throat felt dry.

The man finally spoke up, though his voice was quiet and his words were hard to make out. Alice couldn't focus on him, her attention drawn to the warm blood running through Sera's veins. She didn't understand why she was so focused upon it.

"That's enough, Seraphine. Let her go." He cleared his throat, "What did I tell you about permission?"

Sera pouted, pulling her head back and releasing the girl's hand. She looked her up and down, before taking a step back. "Always ask before you do... Sorry! I got really excited when I saw you since Mister didn't tell me who I was meeting... and he didn't tell me I'd be meeting someone so pretty! Oh, can I call you pretty?"

Alice stared at her, her expression softening as she averted her gaze, "Okay... I..."

"And, I like your voice! It's really soft, but, like, cool and raspy at the same time...! It's like a cat's!"

Her left eyebrow raised as she slowly tilted her head, "... I'm not a cat."

"I know, but that's not a bad thing! It's like… an analogy. Like a metaphor! That's the word I think." Sera grinned, placing her hands on her hips, "You should sit with me! We can talk! Can we talk? I wanna know everything about you!"

"... Everything?" Alice blinked, stepping forward hesitantly.

"Yeah! If we're gonna be friends, then I gotta know everything, right? Right, Mister?"

"You're certainly enthusiastic... Go on, sit down with her," He nodded his head, motioning towards the couch.

"Come on!" Sera grabbed the girl's hand, pulling her along.

Alice could have stopped her. She could have ran off, or even pushed her away. She could have clawed at her.

But, she didn't. She was almost… scared to. Not like the fear she felt for the adults here. No, she just didn't want to hurt her.

So, she let her pull her along, taking a seat on the couch beside her.

"Kay, I've got so many questions... Oh! Let's start with your name, that's important! I told you mine, after all!" She grinned, facing Alice with her eyes wide.

"It's... Ale--" Before she finished her sentence, she stopped herself. She made that mistake before. She couldn't say that name, not here.

Though, before she could do anything else, the man spoke up.

"Her name is Alice. The name her father gave her. It's quite fitting, wouldn't you agree?"

Alice stared towards the man, her eyebrows raised and mouth hung the slightest bit open. "My... father...?"

The man didn't get to elaborate, however, as Sera spoke once more. "I think it's a really pretty name! It sounds like something you'd hear in a fairytale, the kind that has talking animals and princesses! Like you, Alice!"

Alice didn't know why, but she felt the slightest warmth on her cheeks. She muttered, "Like me...?"

"Mm! You're like a princess! You've got the hair, the voice, and the name! And, maybe, you're trapped in a castle, and I'm a knight, and I'll come save you! But, you'll be really strong and fight too-- and together we'll beat the bad guys and run away! Then! Then! We can get married, and live happily ever after! And--"

"Married...?" Alice leaned back somewhat, a tad startled.

"Of course! Knights always marry the princesses, 'cuz they're in love. Don't you know that?" Sera frowned.

Alice shook her head, staring down at her lap.

"Oh... Well, that's okay! I'll teach you everything... After all! We're best friends now!" She suddenly leaned forward, wrapping her arms around her.

Alice froze, her entire body tensing up at the sensation. She felt trapped, though not as if she was stuck in her cell… but an almost comforting envelopment. So, she didn’t pull away, nor even grimace.

Instead, her tense shoulders began to relax. She didn't quite return the gesture, but she did let her arms fall to her sides, staying put.

"Mister said that we can't stay too long this time... but, I overheard some smart looking people say that if things go well, we can see each other again! And then we can talk for longer, and play games, and I can show you my drawings and the toys I have, and, and...!"

"Okay..." Alice muttered, a small smile on her face as her hands fell back to her lap. It was a strange feeling welling up inside of her, but she didn't dislike it. It was warm and soft, like a blanket.

"And then, Alice... Alice?"

She stared at her, her smile still there, though something felt wrong.

"Alice? Aliiiiceeee?"

--

"Alice... you going to stay asleep forever? We're here... C'mon, it's cold out here..." An adult, though perhaps still a tad childish Sera spoke, gently poking the girl's cheek.

"Hm...?" Alice's eyes blinked open, her eyelids heavy as she stared up at the car's ceiling.

"Hey, there, princess. Took a bit longer than usual to wake up... You really were tired." She let out a slight chuckle, looking down at her as she stood right outside the car.

Alice rubbed her eyes, stretching her back as she began to stand, leaning on the vehicle for support. "Mmhm... ugh…” She let a quiet groan escape her. “Where are we?"

She squinted, looking left and right through her foggy vision.

"The middle of nowhere," she smirked, looking at the rows of trees in front of them, "Out around the outskirts of south-side. You haven't been around here, right?"

Alice shook her head. While she knew Sanctuary fairly well, the residential area was much more interesting to walk around in compared to what was pretty much uninhabited land. The forests were rather untamed, with all attempts to make use of it useless. There were so many trees that it was hard to even walk in a straight line, and cutting them down wasn't an option. The soil was fragile without them, prone to flooding and excessive runoff. Thus, it was mostly ignored, other than the stray structure here and there.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

Like the one standing in front of them.

"Knew it. Just as I expected." Sera grinned, pulling herself into the bed of the truck and gathering various items, handing some towards Alice. "A friend of a friend told me about this spot they set up. And, yours truly here managed to plead and beg enough to let them lend me the key!"

"... A cabin?" Alice looked in front of them, staring down the wooden structure. It was a stone's throw away from a dirt road, the only remains of whatever would have set up shop there ages ago.

"How astute of you! Alright, carry the stuff over, already!" Sera gave a thumbs up, watching her as she began to make her way towards the door.

Alice gripped the pile before picking it up with ease. Carrying such a small bundle of supplies was easy for her, as much as she wished it wasn't.

She caught up with the brown-haired woman, though neither said anything as she simply took the key and unlocked the door.

"Behold," She thrust her arm out as she pushed it open, her teeth showing as a large grin spread across her lips.

Alice blinked. "... An old building."

"A very nice old building. One that we have to ourselves today and tomorrow! It's... alright, right?"

Alice took a step inside, putting down the excessive amount of supplies on the ground, "I'll give you my answer if you tell me why you brought us here in the first place."

"'Cuz..." She sighed, taking a step inside, "You've got your blood thing in two days. You always get sad after, so I wanted to cheer you up! ... In advance. Hopefully that works..."

Alice frowned, letting her hair fall in front of her right eye as she averted her gaze, "... You don't have to do so much for me, Sera."

She walked over, reaching forward and parting Alice's hair as she gently cupped her cheek, practically forcing Alice to stare at her. Alice wasn't against it, however. "I know I don't have to. I want to. It's... the least I can do, right?"

"You..." Alice mumbled, subconsciously leaning into her touch as her own hand reached forward, holding onto the sleeve of Sera's coat.

They looked at each other silently, perhaps longer than what would be considered normal. Alice's gaze slowly fell, staring upon her lips as she wondered. Pondered aimlessly upon what they must have tasted like.

Neither said a word.

Until Alice broke the silence.

"You have to tell me what's for lunch, now. Otherwise, I'll have no choice but to eat you."

"... Huh?"

"I'm hungry, Sera. Tell me what we have, or you'll end up as food." She spoke in a bland manner, trying to put aside any emotion she may have felt, "I'm already starting to hallucinate... you look like a turkey leg right now."

"What the hell are you on about..." Sera let out a snort, removing her hand as she leaned back, "Fine, fine. We've got plenty, anyway. Sit tight, I'll get things cooking."

Alice watched as she left, a sigh escaping her as she leaned against the wall. She closed her eyes, placing her palm against her forehead as her face flushed.

This was bad.

What in the world had just occurred? Why was her heart beating so quickly once again? She didn't do anything physically strenuous, no... and why exactly was her face warm? She was used to her skin being oh so cold... was it because of Sera's hand? No, her entire face was practically burning... and the tightness in her chest wouldn't explain that either.

Her mind was spinning. Recently, this had been happening a lot. Whenever Sera did something like that, it was as if her heart had completely changed its pace. Her mind would stop, her eyes would focus solely on her. And, she'd want to get even closer. She'd want to feel that warmth that Sera gave off.

She was scared. She was so scared.

What exactly did it mean? Why was she acting this way? Was it her lineage? Or was she sick? She almost never caught a cold, but it wasn't impossible...

Whatever it was, she needed to gain control of herself. She couldn't do something that would make Sera see her differently.

She couldn't have her look at her the way everyone else did.

No, she couldn't lose the one person that truly accepted her. The one person who she could consider her friend.

–

"You really didn't have to cook all of this..." Alice mumbled, staring at the table of food in front of them.

"Oh? I thought you were hungry? I mean, I could just have it all, if that’s what you want..."

Alice rolled her eyes, grabbing the plastic plate and beginning to fill it. It was all fairly simple, some leftovers from the week prior. She was sure they'd have enough to last until tomorrow.

She stared at her plate, taking a few bites here and there, before glancing towards the woman next to her.

She was always rather quiet during meals. The quiet was nice, even if she did love Sera's voice. However, she did notice something off this time. Every so often, she would glance up at her. And, whenever Alice returned her gaze, she'd quickly look away, acting as if she wasn't staring.

Perhaps...

"Is there something on my face?" Alice tilted her head.

Sera's eyes widened, her gaze snapping to Alice's, "Nothing out of the ordinary... just your usual beauty."

Alice stared, blinking as she took another bite.

"You know... What I mean is-- you look good."

She looked at her again, not saying a word.

"You're pretty! Alright? How else do I have to say it?"

Alice let out a prolonged sigh, meeting her gaze with a deadpan expression. "I never told you to say anything."

"Not vocally, but you were giving me the 'I'm trying to figure out what this weirdo is thinking' look. So, I had to say something."

"That is not a look I give you."

"It is, and you just confirmed it. Your facial expressions are so subtle that it's easy to miss, but I've spent so much time with you that I can decipher the difference between your looks. Like the 'I'm currently feeling murderous rage' look, or the 'I am incredibly irritated at everything' look, or the 'I'm a cold-hearted bitch that wants nothing to do with any of you' look. Oh! And right now, you have the 'You are irritating me, yet I don't actually mind it' look. I like it. It's cute."

Alice placed her utensils down, her eyes narrowed just a bit, "Are you done?"

"Nope, one last thing. Your 'I want to strangle you' look is the best, I think. The one you're giving me right now. I like how your eyebrow twitches just a little bit." She leaned forward somewhat, resting her head on her palm, "Although, I wouldn't be against you strangling me."

She had to process the other’s words for a moment, "... That's weird. Why would you want that? It would hurt... and sounds uncomfortable. Don't be stupid."

"No, no. Not like that." Sera's grin grew. "I'm pretty sure you know what I mean, Alice."

Alice narrowed her eyes, "Don't start using double entendres. I hate those."

She giggled, "For someone so smart, you're rather clueless. Another cute thing about you..."

With a grumble, Alice shook her head, her gaze falling down to the table. She hated that Sera was right. "Why do you keep calling me that...?"

"Cute? Why? Do you want me to stop?"

"Because you're making fun of me. You're trying to... make me flustered, or something."

Sera stared at her without a word, shaking her head as she stood up. "Do you really think that's what I'm doing? That I'm messing with you? Just… trying to get a reaction?"

"What else am I supposed to think...? You're always teasing me."

Sera began gathering the empty plastic plates, piling them up in the corner. "Yeah, I guess I am... but that's not the purpose of it, Alice. It's... a compliment. Genuinely."

"Don't lie. I'm not cute." She narrowed her eyes, fidgeting with her fingers.

"That's not true. When you're asleep, you look just like a kitten," She finished clearing the table, walking up to Alice as she stared down upon her frame, "When you're focused on something, you get this really intense expression, almost like a glare. Despite how intimidating you can look sometimes, it’s still adorable... Like how when you're embarrassed, you try to hide behind your hair, but it always falls in the same way."

"You're doing it again," Alice muttered, crossing her arms.

"And, when you get mad, your nose scrunches up the slightest bit. Or, how you play with your fingers when you get anxious."

She placed a hand down on the table in front of her.

"Sera, I don't--" She was cut off.

"When you smile, the right side of your lips curl upward first, while the left is just a second behind. It's really cute."

Sera leaned down a tad, trying her best to look her in the eyes; both her eyes.

"Why are you…”

"Or, how you're always trying to push people away, even if you want to get close. Or, how you hide your fangs when you talk, how you constantly try to cover your right eye with your hair... even when I tell you they make you beautiful too."

Sera placed her free hand upon her chin, delicately trying to get her to look back up at her.

"Or, how you're the strongest person I've ever met, yet you never try to use it to your advantage. Or, how you care more about other people than you do yourself."

Alice let her guide her head, her gaze meeting Sera's once again.

"Or, how... how... no matter what you think, no matter what happens... you're not a monster."

Alice didn't move, her lips slightly parted as she stared up at Sera with her eyes widening. She could feel her heartbeat growing louder.

"And, how..." She leaned forward, her head tilted and their lips nearly touching. "I really want to kiss you right now."

Sera was so close. She was right there, and she could have done it.

But, she didn't.

Instead, she backed away, a slight smirk spreading across her face.

"I need to take a shower. You going to be okay if I leave you alone for a bit, princess?"

"... You're the worst."

"Mhm. Call me all the nasty things you want after I'm back."

Sera didn't seem bothered at all, a rather playful tone to her words as she grabbed a small duffel bag and began to make her way to the bathroom.

Alice didn't reply, however. Her eyes were still wide, her hands tightly clutching her sleeves as her heart raced. The moment she was fully out of view, she covered her face with her palms.

What the hell was that?

She wasn't sure if her mind was playing tricks on her, but... did Sera want her to kiss her? No, it couldn't have been that. She was just playing around. She was always doing stuff like this, it's why she was the only person she could really open up to.

But, why did her heart rush at the thought of it? Why was she thinking so intensely about what would have happened if she leaned forward?

"Stop..." She muttered to herself, shaking her head as if to snap out of it, "You're being stupid."

She couldn't deny that Sera was important to her. She was her closest friend, after all. The only one she was truly comfortable around, the only one she'd willingly share a meal with, the only one she'd sleep around, the only one...

Her thoughts stopped, a sigh escaping her as her shoulders relaxed.

"She's... the only one I'd be willing to share a bed with."

That was the only thing she could think of, what her mind kept jumping back to. It only got worse once she heard the shower begin running, images filling her head as she thought. Of how warm it would feel, of her body against her--

She shook her head rapidly as she stood, her breath quickening. She had to do something, anything, to get her mind off of it.

So, she decided to do the dishes. It would keep her busy, and, at the very least, would be something rather than nothing.

All the hot water was being used by Sera, so it was rather cool. It made getting all the gunk off a tad more difficult, but that was fine. It was fine. She just needed to do something... anything.

Though, the harder she scrubbed, the worse the thoughts in her head became. She was being ridiculous, acting this way... she had to stop. She had to throw it all away... There's no way Sera would... would...

... Perhaps it was the fault of her blood thirst. Her instincts were always heightened right before, weren't they? That had to be it. She was just being controlled by her body.

That... that would have made sense. But it wasn't true.

Not once did she even think about Sera's blood. Not once did she think about sinking her fangs into her, nor did her heart race in the same manner. It was different. So, so different.

But, the only thing that was consistent was Sera.

Just what was it...? Just what made her feel like this? What made her heart flutter? What made her crave her touch, her presence? Why did she feel like she was being torn apart down the middle?

"What is wrong with me...?" She whispered to herself, her arms hanging by her sides as the water still ran.

But all thought, action, and feeling was cut off as she felt two arms wrap around her waist. She felt as Sera rested her chin on her shoulder, the soft sensation of her freshly washed hair against her cheek.

She didn't say anything, nor did she try to push her away.

Instead, she leaned back into her.

"Hey, I was gone for, like, ten minutes and you're already debating whether you're crazy?" Sera muttered, a small chuckle escaping her as her breath tickled Alice's neck.

Alice sighed, trying not to let the sensation of her breath get to her, "You're soaking wet, Sera… Did you even dry yourself off?"

"A bit, but I couldn't possibly be away from you for so long... Oh, I'd just perish...!"

"Shut up." Alice mumbled, rolling her eyes, "Ugh, now I'm wet too..."

"Honestly, kinda the mission objective for me.”

"... What? Why would you want that…? That's just cruel..."

Sera finally relented, letting go as she stared down, "Right over your head as usual... I swear, sometimes you're as dense as a rock."

Alice huffed, staring up at her with a growing frown, "I'm not a rock, or anything like a rock. Rocks are weak... I could kill a rock with ease. I wouldn't even have to lift a finger..."

Sera leaned on the counter, now staring at her at eye level. "Right now, you're making the 'I'm playing up my incompetence for attention' look. It's adorable, really."

"... I'm not doing that." She pouted, “And stop staring at me like that."

"Staring at you?" Sera's grin grew, "I wasn't aware that I was. I suppose the only solution is for you to stare back..."

Alice averted her gaze, letting her hair fall in front of her face, "I don't want to look at your dumb face. It's distracting."

"Oh? My face distracts you...?"

"You're being annoying."

"Mhm, mhm."

She took a deep breath, shaking her head, "I'm done with the dishes. I'm going to take a shower."

"Have fun, princess. Your dutiful knight will be awaiting your return."

She frowned as she heard the word, that one word, "... You're so weird. How long are you going to keep up that princess and knight thing...? Over a decade now... right?"

"As long as I live, I'll call you princess. That's what you are, after all."

Alice walked past her, however, stopped after a few steps.

"I'm not a princess." Her expression sharpened, her tone cold.

"Hm...? I'd have to disagree. You're beautiful, strong, and have an air of confidence around you. If not one already, you’re a Princess in the making.

"... I'm not, and I won't ever be. Princesses are supposed to be... pure. Kind. Compassionate. Gentle, and loving. They have to love others, and want to protect them, no matter what. No matter what happens to them."

Alice's shoulders tensed up, her arms shaking.

"But, I don't. I can't."

She turned, looking at her through the corner of her eyes.

"Because, princesses can't want to hurt people. They can't want to bite and tear and drink their blood, and... they can't... they can't be monsters. No matter what you say... that's what I am. A monster."

"You're not, and that's that. Stop saying things... like that." Sera's tone was firm, her usual smirk absent.

"Why... why are you always defending me? Why do you keep trying to make me feel better? Why can't you just be honest?"

"For fuck's sake, Alice. It should be obvious..." She pushed herself off the counter, walking towards her, "I care about you... and, I really like you. Every part. Even the parts you hate."

Alice couldn't look her in the eyes, her jaw shut tight.

"I like the way your eyes light up when you learn something new. I like how your eyebrows raise the slightest bit whenever I tell you a joke. I like how your face always turns red whenever someone compliments you. I like the way you twirl your hair without even noticing, the way you look at me whenever you think I'm not paying attention. I like your voice, and how soft your hair is, and, I like how I'm having to rant about everything I like about you again!"

Sera went silent for a moment, taking another step closer.

"But, most of all, I like how kind you are. Even when you're a pain in the ass. Even when you're rude, or push people away. Even when you think the world hates you, you look back at it and try to do good... even if you're scared, hurting... and alone."

"But... you can't. I'm... a..."

"Just... shut up, Alice."

She was right in front of her, her hands falling upon her shoulders.

"I like you, alright? Can’t that be enough…? So, stop with all the self-loathing, already. I'm tired of hearing it. Tired of watching you try and destroy yourself..."

Sera leaned in, resting her forehead against Alice's.

"I just want to see you smile... so... please..."

Alice looked back, their gazes meeting.

Sera... wasn't lying. There was a desperation in her eyes, one she only saw in a person when they were cornered. When they were scared. She hated seeing her look so worried.

She closed her eyes, "... Let's... sit. Please." She didn’t care about showering anymore.

"... Alright."

Holding Alice's hand, she led them to the couch only a few steps away.

Alice couldn't stop herself from gripping onto them tightly, as if her life depended on it. She wasn't sure why, but her palms were sweating, her body trembling.

Why was she so scared...? This was Sera. She was safe, and kind, and... she accepted her. Yet, she was more nervous now than when she was in those white rooms.

The two sat down on the couch, the only sound coming from Alice's rapid heartbeat.

Neither of them said a word for what felt like ages.

"... I'm sorry." Sera finally spoke up.

"For what?" Alice tilted her head, trying her best to push down the ever growing feelings inside of her.

"... I think I... said too much, didn't I? I just got frustrated. I wanted you to stop thinking I was joking-- or... just saying things to make you feel better. I just..." Sera shook her head, letting out a sigh as her shoulders lowered. "... I just... I care about you, Alice."

"... I know." She whispered, averting her gaze, "... You care about everyone. You show it so... easily. Like it comes naturally... But I..."

Sera didn't interrupt as much as she wanted to, her thumbs gently running against her hands, reassuring her.

"I care about you... too, Sera. A lot... But, it's... different. I’m sorry, I…” She knew now was the only time she’d be able to say those horrifying words, to speak the truth which she knew might tear Sera away from her. “It's not like how I care about others. It's… more." Her voice lowered even further, almost inaudible, "... I don't understand it. It's... scary. I'm scared."

Sera didn't say a word, perhaps too busy contemplating Alice's. However, she was eventually able to break the silence between them.

"... Alice, I have to be honest." She muttered, taking a deep breath, "... I'm scared, too."

"Why... would you be scared...?"

"I... well..." Sera shook her head, her grip growing tighter, "Because, I care about you, but... I think in the same way you care about me, Alice... if... I'm getting you..."

Alice's eyes met hers, her bottom lip quivering as she tried to speak. She was desperate to say anything, to say what she wanted to.

"Please... I... I need to understand what this feeling is. I just don't-- I don't..." She shook her head, frigid tears beginning to form in the corners of her eyes, "... Please... No one ever told me about any of this... how-- how I'm supposed to... feel. What any of this means. What..."

"Alice..." Sera frowned, reaching up and wiping away the tears that had formed, "I think... all this time, we were scared of the same thing. You didn't want to ruin what we already had... and I was too afraid to say anything plainly... I kept trying to hint again and again-- God... I'm an idiot."

"... You were... hinting?"

"Yeah... I wasn't exactly trying to be subtle, either... I mean, c'mon. Two days alone with each other in a small cabin in the middle of the woods? I'm not a professional in the field, but I don't think that's a normal friend thing... and... earlier, when I got close to you..."

"... When you said you wanted to kiss me. That wasn't... a joke, was it? Or... something you said just to tease me. You actually meant it, didn't you?"

"... Yeah. I really did. I got scared at the last moment, though. You looked so scared, and I thought that if I tried anything, it would ruin what we had..."

Alice shook her head, "I wasn't scared– Well, I was... but, not because of you."

"What was scaring you, then?"

"... I was scared that you didn't want the same thing. That... it was my blood, or some kind of sickness. Something... that wasn't normal... that was dangerous. I don't..." She gripped onto her sleeves, "... There's no greater abomination than me, Sera. The child of a Human and Vampire... A Dhampyr. Something both sides will always hate... and, as much as I try to ignore my mother's blood, it's always there. It always flows through me... It'll always... always... make me a--"

Sera leaned forward, her hands pulling away as they instead cupped her cheeks, her fingers interlocking behind her ears. "That's bullshit, Alice. From the moment I learned of that, I didn't care. It didn't make you any different from me, any better or worse... it was just another part of you... and it certainly doesn't mean... it doesn't mean..."

Sera clenched her teeth, tears beginning to flow from her eyes just as the same did for Alice.

"It doesn't mean you can't feel love, Alice. No matter who or what your parents were, no matter where you came from... no matter how many times people hurt you, or abandoned you, or said that you weren't worthy of existing...! It doesn't matter! Because, you're here now... and..."

"Sera..." Alice mumbled, her vision growing blurry, her voice shaking.

"I love you. And I'm not letting anyone-- or anything, for that matter, change that. Not your blood, or your lineage, or your own stubbornness. I won't let anyone or anything stand in my way."

Sera's hands began to shake, her eyes closing.

"Because, if you can't be loved, then no one can. Because, you're the only person that's ever cared enough to stick with me. To listen to me ramble and talk and do stupid shit that I only really did because I wanted to see you laugh… To let me make you laugh, or let me hold your hand whenever I needed someone. or... to make me realize that, yeah, there are people worth caring about. That there's people who don't care if you're weird... if you're different. That there's someone out there who won't abandon you... and... and..."

She was crying, the tears falling down her cheeks as she spoke, the words spilling out of her mouth without giving her brain time to catch up.

"... I won't leave. I promise. No matter what happens, or what you do... I'll never abandon you. So... please. Please. Tell me that I'm not crazy, Alice... that, somehow, despite everything... you feel the same way about me, somehow. That, even after all these years, and all the stupid stuff I did, that you could possibly..." Sera took a deep breath, a shaky one, before opening her eyes. She saw how Alice began to lean forward, her face filled with just as many tears. "Love me too..."

Alice wrapped her shaking arms around Sera's back, her grip tight. She buried her face into the crook of her neck, her tears beginning to wet her black shirt.

"I..." Alice began, her voice quiet and trembling, "I do... I must... because, I think it's been true for as long as I've known you... and... I'm sorry."

Sera's arms moved from her cheeks, her hands instead running down her hair, "Why are you apologizing...?"

"Because I... I hurt you, Sera. I kept... I kept running from you. I knew everything you did must have meant something-- that... that I was trying to convince myself that it was just my imagination, that... that you'd never... because, even if you did, I thought that it would only end up with me hurting you, or you hating me. Or..."

Alice's breath quickened, her hands trembling as she gripped onto her.

"You don't have to say sorry... You're not the only one at fault. I could have told you directly, could have stopped with the teasing and the hints. I should have, really..." Sera gently ran her fingers through her hair, her own breathing calming.

"... We both made mistakes, then... At times, we've hurt each other, but..." Alice pulled away, though not fully. Her arms stayed around her, their faces now just inches apart, "We can still fix that. I don't want us to be hurt anymore, Sera. Not by ourselves, or by others. And, I don't want to hide from you, or run away. Because, you're the only person who has made me happy like this... and, I..."

Her heart was beating so quickly, so strongly, that it was almost painful. Her lungs burned with every breath, and yet, her lips were dry. Her mind was a mess, more a mess than usual. And, despite it all, she didn't care. She didn't care if her face was red, or if her hair was messy, or if her voice cracked.

She didn't care, not anymore.

"I don't want to run from you anymore. So... can I..."

She could feel Sera's warm breath against her face.

"... Can I kiss you, Sera...?"

She nodded, her hands slowly moving up her back, "I would have asked the same thing if you didn't say it first..."

And, for once, Alice didn't question the words of the woman in front of her. She didn't wonder, or hesitate.

She finally did what she wanted, what they both wanted.

Her lips were so soft. Just as warm as her body, just as warm as her touch. And, her tears only fell harder as her heart raced, her face burning.

And yet, the smile on her face was the biggest she'd ever felt.

It wasn't perfect, though. Far from it, in fact. It was a messy endeavor, neither knowing what they truly should be doing. Their noses bumped into each other here and there, and the kiss wasn't exactly smooth, or the most gentle.

And, it was all the more wonderful for it.

"Mmmh--" Alice slipped and fell forward, taking Sera with her. Not even this broke the kiss, however, for she was just as eager to continue. Despite the uncomfortable position they were in, no matter their clumsiness or inexperience, they didn't stop.

They didn't want to stop.

And, as they separated for air, Sera giggled, looking up at Alice, who was now on top of her.

"So, does that mean we're like... a thing? A couple?" She smirked, and Alice's heart felt like it was melting. Typically she would wonder if there was something inflicting her, but now, she simply enjoyed the feeling.

"In the fairy tales.... that's how it works, right...? A confession, a kiss... and... the happily ever after...?"

"Well, you already are the princess, and me, your dashing knight... But, are you sure? Is this really how you want the story to go, your Highness?" Sera tilted her head, her grin never leaving her face.

"I want to be happy... You make me happy. Besides, we already spend all our time together... this is just a bonus, right? A cherry on top. It's... what we both want, too…”

"Then..." Sera sat up, and Alice followed. Now, they were sitting side by side, their legs still tangled, "It's settled. The princess, and her knight, are now happily ever after. Together. Just like they've always wanted."

"Together. Forever."

And they lived happily ever after.

In a childish universe, that is.