A loud screech rang out as the tires came to a sudden stop. The sound was jarring, a horrible noise that made Rosa want to pull her hair out more than she already did. She didn't have the energy for that, however, and that was true for most things as of late.

She stumbled out of the vehicle, her head pounding and her ears ringing. It was like her whole body had been subjected to being stabbed by thousands of needles all at once. She struggled to keep her eyes open as she slammed the door shut behind her, nearly falling to her knees as she walked forward.

She felt nauseous, nearly unable to walk in a straight line. Her whole body was trembling, and her head was spinning more than usual. She didn't remember much of the drive, but she could remember the sheer agony of it. Her whole body felt like it was on fire, like she was being slowly burned alive, the flames crawling across her body like a spiraling hell.

Had it been hours? No. Nights and days didn’t pass in mere hours. Days? Had it really been days? That’d explain how horrible she felt, considering she hadn’t eaten since what happened. No, she could still smell that horrible scent, and whenever she got distracted from driving for more than a moment, the image of death returned to her vision. Her breathing would then become unsteady as the thoughts invaded her head without a break. They wouldn’t stop, not when Elsie wasn’t there to soothe her.

Still, no matter how long it had been, Rosa couldn't tell. She couldn't think much of anything coherent, either. She was barely able to walk forward upon the gravel path she found herself upon, her feet dragging and knees weak.

She could hear the crunching under her feet. It was loud, echoing through her ears, reverberating through her skull. Snow and rocks and dirt and mud and hate.

Or, was it really the ground she was stepping upon? Perhaps, instead, it was the sound of her brain rattling around inside her head. Though, picturing a brain now just made her remember how that specific tissue felt upon her hand, and the crunch of the skull breaking terrifyingly satisfying.

Rosa fell to her knees. The pain was growing worse, and worse, and worse. It was all too much. Too much. Too much. God, why couldn’t it all just stop? Why did she have to keep going?

She couldn't move. It hurt, it hurt, it hurt. She had shoddily bandaged the many scratches across her body, and made sure to disinfect them too, but they just got worse and worse. She was sure that even when they were to become barely noticeable, just faint scars of what was once there, they would still hurt. And now, they ached, insects under her skin eating her away from the inside out.

She just wanted the pain to stop. For all the gnawing of her flesh to cease, to never again have to feel as if she was decaying while still alive.

Through her blurred vision, she looked forward to whatever structure was in front of her. She knew she had to be far away from the main road, but where exactly she was, she couldn't say.

Not until she saw the building in front of her.

"Hah... hah, ahahaha... hahahaha..." Through her hoarse, cracking voice, she laughed quietly, "Haha... Ha."

An old, dilapidated building stood in front of her. Once, perhaps, it was a sight to behold, a beautiful vision. Now, all that remained was a broken and abandoned relic. A place lost to time, and more importantly, lost to its inhabitants, its followers.

It was a church, after all.

A place of prayer, of worship.

Of god.

"God..." Rosa muttered, her voice practically inaudible as she forced herself up despite her trembling legs, supporting herself with her rifle. Keeping her grip around it allowed her to keep going, even despite everything biting at her.

She limped forward, dragging the rifle across the snowy, rocky ground. Each step was just as painful as the last, the cold air stinging her lungs as she breathed it in.

‘God’. What a foolish idea. What a stupid concept.

A being, a higher power, one who created everything. One who had the answers to all of life's questions, a benevolent, all-loving being who would do anything to help their children, their creations.

How bitter. How cruel.

God did not come when Elsie died in front of her. God did not once answer her prayers in that hospital bed, begging to see the woman she loved one more time. When she was younger, she would often hear her mother pray to this god. A god that never once heard her calls, her pleas to know what she should do.

And when she finally understood that the god she prayed to would not listen, she stopped. The General's faith was not dead, but she did understand something.

Her own blade and gun was what she needed to pray to. She’d leave worship for after she perished.

Rosa looked up to her Mother from the moment she was born. The General was a veritable deity to her, a woman who could do anything, be anything.

And like any other god, never once did she look her way.

Rosa's hands fell upon the large, stone doors of the church. Imposing as they were, she opened them without much effort, her body weight against the heavy slab imposed ahead enough to slide them open.

With a final push, she stumbled into the church. She collapsed the moment she was fully inside, her back hitting the closest wall to the door as she fell to the cold, rough stone ground.

The interior was just as broken as the outside. There was dust and rubble sprawled across the area, the walls crumbling under the inevitable entropy of age. The roof had a gaping hole in the middle, letting in a large amount of moonlight that shone down upon the middle of the main chamber.

There were rows of rotting pews lining either side of the room, and at the end was an elevated stage. In the middle of the stage was a raised dais, and atop the dais was a pedestal, one of which held nothing. An empty pedestal for an empty church.

Rosa stared up at the stained glass windows, the images upon them broken and shattered, the colour faded and washed away.

She felt similar to it.

She was broken too, after all. She knew now that she was unfixable without her love.

As she fell to her side, her eyes threatened to close. She wanted to sleep. To fall into a blissful slumber that she perhaps would never wake up from. She didn't want to die, she didn't believe so, at least. But she did want it all to be over. She wanted to be with Elsie again...

She almost wanted to laugh at it. What had to be just a bit more than a week outside of Central City, on her own, and she was already like this... How weak. She was so pathetic. So absolutely pathetic.

No wonder her Mother didn't care about her, no wonder her Father let her go, no wonder she didn’t even think of saying goodbye to her ‘sister,’ though it wasn’t like they were truly related. She just wasn't good enough... She was never good enough. Graduating top of her class at the academy meant nothing if she couldn't even handle herself. If she couldn't even save the one person who meant the world to her.

She really was worthless after all. Her life meant nothing without the one which gave it purpose.

It was cold. So cold. The snow had infiltrated the sanctity of the church, the chill air making her shiver. It was a numbing cold, the type of cold that made you lose feeling. The type of cold that would quickly cause your demise if you weren't careful. It wasn't much better in the car, however.

Rosa couldn't feel her arms, and the rest of her body was no different. It was a painless, empty sensation.

Maybe if she fell asleep, it would go away. Maybe if she just let herself freeze, her pain would fade away.

Maybe she'd be happier frozen.

And as she began to slip away into unconsciousness, she started to believe that was true.

Until she heard it.

It was faint, but in the silent church, it was deafening.

A melody. A song... and she had heard it once before. But where? Just where did she hear such a thing...

It was soothing, really. It sounded something akin to a piano, but almost smaller, more delicate. A gentle instrument that was almost perfect in how well it played. And as she listened, she noticed how every minute, it began to repeat. It was an endless cycle of the same notes, over and over.

A recording? Here, of all places? No...

It had to be it... One of the machines of a Vampires she had only seen once before.

A music box.

It played from somewhere inside the church, but she couldn't tell where exactly it originated. However, she could begin to feel the direction in which the music echoed. Through the dilapidated structure... somewhere, there was a person... Or more likely, a Vampire.

She didn't care.

If this was to be her last day, she would die knowing there was one less Vampire plaguing the world.

And with those thoughts, she began to stand as her grasp on her rifle got tighter. She tensed, her grip on her rifle dulling as she took silent steps forward. She quickly came upon a hole in the wall, one blocked by a large cabinet nearly cracked across the middle.

She knelt, pushing her weapon through the small gap, and with as much strength as she could muster, she lifted up the cabinet. Before it could fall back and crush her, she crawled through the hole. It crashed, dust filling her mouth while she let out a restrained cough and wiped her eyes.

Inside the room was a staircase leading up to a second floor, and facing her was a hallway leading down to another section of the church.

She didn't think, only followed the sounds of the music. She could hear it even louder, and with every step, her heartbeat grew quicker and her breathing became heavier. Still, as exhausted as she was, she tried her best to be silent, to walk in tandem with the howling winds to cover her sounds.

With slow and steady steps, she came upon a large door, its hinges broken and the wood cracked and splintered. It was ajar, and the sound of the music was clear as day. It was behind here that the other person must have been.

This was it. She was so close.

As she held her rifle close, she stepped forward, entering the room with a steady breath.

It was a bedroom. A simple room with a bed, a desk, and a wardrobe. There was practically nothing left but dust and mold, fleeting reminders of age and disrepair. It wasn't a room fit for a person, not anymore.

But perhaps that was as it should be, as there were no people here. Only a monster, and a dying person.

Upon the floor was a woman, a Vampire, and upon her knees was a box. A music box that had stopped playing the moment this Vampire's blood red eyes fell upon Rosa's void like, inky black ones. Her hair was that of the snow outside, long and flowing, and as for her clothes, perhaps they were once beautiful, but now, they were tattered and torn.

"Human..." The Vampire whispered, her voice smooth and light. Her skin was pale, almost grey in hue, with crimson lips and dark bags under her eyes.

Rosa didn't wait for another word as she pointed the rifle directly at her skull.

"... Vampire." She spoke under her breath, neither taking a step forward or back. She looked down upon them, slumped against the wall. She looked weak, emaciated. But she knew that wasn’t true– a vampire was even more dangerous when Bloodstarved. "I'll–"

"Please. Kill me."

The world went silent as the Vampire spoke those quiet words, as if it was a secret. As if the world would fall apart if any other living being was to hear what was spoken between the two.

Rosa, still aiming the rifle, narrowed her aching eyes, "I... won't fall for your tricks. You... you won't infect my mind."

The Vampire caressed a small wooden box, running a thin finger across its hard surface. It was decorated, ornate, and clearly old. It looked as though it would shatter the moment the Vampire gripped it, but still, she held it tenderly.

"Even if I could... I would not. So... just kill me." The Vampire replied, her tone cold and empty as she stared forward.

Rosa bit her bottom lip, her gaze darting around as she struggled to think of something to say– Or even just an excuse for why she hasn't killed her. Why hasn't she killed her? It would be so, so easy... One movement. Pull the trigger. And that would be it.

"...I will," She spoke, a sense of unease and uncertainty in her voice.

"... Then, get it over with. It's... bitter, this. All of it… I hate it…" She dropped the music box, a quiet, sorrowful sound echoing as it hit the floor and stopped its tune. "Waiting... I do not want to wait anymore. Just... make it quick. I… I really hate pain."

Rosa was silent as her hand trembled ever so slightly, a mixture of emotions welling up inside of her. She must have just been tired... She wanted to blame it on the exhaustion, the cold, the pain, the fear...

"So go on," The vampire closed her eyes and tilted her head up, giving an even clearer shot, "End it. I’m sick of it… Without her, there’s not much purpose." For some reason, that last part felt like someone else was speaking when Rosa heard the words.

The room was silent. Silent as even the wind was tamed for but a fleeting moment. Silent as the snow piled outside, slowly burying the remnants of a dead civilization. Silent as a heart slowed and breaths shortened.

And then the world was shattered.

Rosa's hands shook as her gaze softened, her mouth opening, but no words coming out. Her eyes looked her up and down, shaky yet sharp as she finally worked up the will to speak, "... Your eyes are sunken."

The vampire’s eyes, in return, opened slightly in response to her words.

"Your skin... it's even more gray than what's normal for a Vampire. Your eyes are a deep red, since all the remaining blood in your body is rushing to your head to keep you alive... And your veins are dark, nearly black... You’re Bloodstarved, or on the cusp… But you’re not hunting... What are– Are you… starving yourself...?"

The vampire looked away, her eyes falling upon the floor. "I... Maybe… I am."

"Why? Do you really hate life that much? Is... is it really that easy to just– to just... give up?" Rosa's voice trembled as her words became more desperate, her hands gripping her gun tighter as her knuckles turned white, though her finger had drifted away from the trigger. "Just– just because it's easier, is that it?"

"Do not misunderstand," the vampire looked back up, her expression one of pain, "I have not just ‘given up’… I don’t have any purpose in being here anymore... and, I’m tired of waiting."

"Waiting for what?!" Rosa snapped, her words echoing throughout the small room, "Death? Do you think we have the luxury to be so selfish?! What about your friends?! Family?! You'd just... abandon them?"

The words stung like a dagger to her own heart as she spoke them.

"Don't– do not act... as if you know me, Human... You cannot... possibly understand." She spoke with a strong dedication to her words, but underneath, there was something else. Something even more powerful.

"You..."

Her mind raced as she tried to understand why she felt this way. Just like before… Compassion. No, it was just like she was told in the academy: The vampires would do anything to survive, even infiltrating your mind to make you feel for them. To make you not want to end their wicked lives.

She kept telling herself she wouldn’t fall for it.

Why was she so foolish?

She dropped her rifle to the ground, a loud, clattering sound filling the room as she took a step forward. With shaking hands, she took out her cleaned silver knife as she moved closer and closer. She didn’t break eye contact with the vampire for even a moment.

"What are you–?" The vampire tried to say something, but she was quickly cut off.

She knelt down, lifting her knife forward as her breath became heavy. With one quick motion, she slashed her own wrist after rolling up her sleeve. Rosa could hear a small gasp from the vampire as her blood dripped down onto the floor, leaving a trail along her now bare arm.

"W-what are you doing, Human...? Are you..." The vampire's words trailed off as her eyes widened, her mouth open as she was seemingly lost for words.

"You... you can't just stop– you can’t just die. H-here," Rosa held out her hand, her wrist bleeding heavily as she trembled, "Drink."

"I... I won't," The vampire protested, her eyes locked on the blood dripping down, "I can't."

"Just drink! Even if you're a vampire... I'm– I'm not going to just let you die here... alone," She paused, taking a breath and speaking quietly, "... I won't let you be that stupid."

The Vampire's eyes seemed to light up for a moment before she shook her head, looking to the ground as she heard Rosa's blood drip down, drop by drop. "You say that, but don't you understand how idiotic you're being...? With you this close, I… could easily kill you..."

"Then do it. Go ahead. K...kill me," She leaned forward, her eyes meeting the vampire's, "If that's what you really want... better than you choosing to die."

"But you... you're doing the same thing as me. Deciding to die," Her eyes lowered, her sharp fangs noticeable for an odd moment as she clenched her teeth.

"No, I'm not. I'm..." She stopped herself, her breathing heavy. What was she doing? It didn't make sense, did it? To do this. Why did she even care? It was a Vampire... A vampire... The same monster that took away all she loved... The very same... "... I just can't leave you alone… You shouldn’t die alone." Once again, she was infected with compassion. Was she under this Vampire's control? She had to be... to do something so stupid. She had to be.

"Human… You… you can’t…"

"Please. Drink." She pushed her wrist forward, the blood trailing down her forearm.

The vampire's eyes widened as she bit her lip. Her eyes dilated as her gaze was locked onto her wrist. She didn't blink, or even breathe, though, eventually, she took a sharp breath in. "I... I suppose that even I cannot refuse... not when you ask me like that."

Her voice was low, a gentle whisper, a breath, as she opened her mouth. Her sharp, needle-like teeth gleamed as they came into view, her crimson tongue sticking out for a moment as her lips parted. And as she felt the Vampire's tongue gently glide across the open wound, she let out a sudden gasp whilst a jolt of pain shocked her.

It felt as if her arm was scorching hot, a burning inferno that only intensified as she felt the Vampire's frigid hands grip her wrist. It hurt, it really did, and she found herself nearly wanting to pull away, but the sensation was too overwhelming. It was strange, and she couldn't tell if she liked it or not, but as the Vampire's lips fell upon her wrist, her trepidation evaporated.

It had been so long since she felt like this, and even then, never had it felt like this. Her face was heating up, her eyes fluttering open and closed, and she began to wonder if the blood loss was making her delirious. After all, there's no way this Vampire was truly this... beautiful.

She could see her now. Her snow-white hair flowed like a river of silk, her pale skin contrasting the red blood trailing down her chin. Her dark, crimson eyes slit, dilated and half-lidded, her gaze wholly focused on the blood. On her blood. On her. The entirety of her attention was on Rosa, and Rosa alone.

But as nice as it all was, the pain was still present, even more so as the Vampire began to suck. However, never once did she allow her fangs to pierce her skin, no. She kept them far away to make sure she wouldn't turn the Human she drank from. But still, it hurt, and with every passing second, it seemed to become worse.

"H... hurts..." She whimpered, the words leaving her mouth without even attempting to speak. A near uncontrollable, powerful survival instinct made her beg, begging her to make it stop before things went wrong.

The vampire paused, her tongue resting on her wrist like a cat grooming another for a moment before she pulled away. "I... apologize... Are you alright?" She spoke, her voice sounding even more serene and angelic after having tasted her blood.

Rosa began, "... Don't..."

The Vampire slowly tilted her head as she waited for her to continue.

"Don't stop..."

As the words fell out of her mouth, a surge of embarrassment shot through her at the same time the Vampire's eyes widened. Just what in the world was she saying–? No, what was she thinking? This is a Vampire, her mortal enemy, a bloodthirsty creature whose sole goal in life was to kill her, and yet...

She continued, pleading in a raspy voice, "... Please." The words were out of her mouth before she could even finish thinking them. They came out so quickly, a near silent whisper that would've gone unnoticed if the Vampire wasn't listening so intently.

"Are... are you serious?"

"... Very." She would have hidden her face if she could.

The vampire paused, her face contorting in contemplation for a moment before she nodded. "... If you are sure…”

Her grip tightened, her frigid, pale hands wrapping around her warm wrist once more. She almost seemed stronger than before, and what's more, her skin had more life to it. There was a subtle pink color, one that was more like a human's, and her eyes were filled with life, a silver gleam beginning to replace the scarlet.

With one last, quiet exhale, the Vampire leaned forward. Her lips pressed against her wrist, the pain once again flooding back. Though, it was less of a sharp pain, and more a dull ache that was quickly being drowned out by an encroaching sensation.

A sudden feeling of emptiness filled her, though it was not as unpleasant as before. Warmth left her wrist, the pain no longer there instead replaced with a faint suction and a tickling feeling. Along with that, A strange sensation of cold air hit her now wet skin, and the vampire's soft lips pressed against it in a gentle manner.

She could feel her heartbeat growing faster, the blood pumping through her veins with a purpose of only satiating the thirst of the Vampire. The feeling was indescribable, and what’s more, the most amazing thing she'd ever experienced. She had never felt so... wanted. So needed. She was absolutely necessary to this Vampire, the very thing that kept her alive. And yet, as she drank her blood, it seemed like the vampire was also giving her something.

A sort of blissful euphoria filled her.

Every inch of her body tingled, her face heated and her breathing grew more labored. Moment by moment her heartbeat sped up as her head began to spin, a veritable high filling her as she fell forward, her body limp but trembling.

The vampire quickly moved her hands, catching her and gently pulling her in. She was awake, though clearly out of it. After all, she was still breathing, but her eyes were fluttering open and closed, her mouth slightly agape.

"I... apologize, this can't be comfortable for you..."

Rosa's voice was weak and quiet, barely audible, "No, no, I'm... it's okay... I can keep going..."

"No, I insist. I have had enough of your blood... I won't allow you to put yourself in such danger... Not after how sweet you were..." The Vampire's voice trailed off, as if there was a word she wasn't allowing to come out.

The vampire helped Rosa sit upright, and though she was still dizzy, her eyes began to focus once more. The vampire looked... better. Her skin was no longer gray, and her eyes no longer sunken like the dead. Instead, she seemed radiant. The vampire's beauty was no longer eclipsed by her malnourishment. She was strong, too, as her grip tightened upon the gash on her wrist to stop the now slow bleeding.

She was absolutely stunning. There weren't enough words to describe just how beautiful she was. Her face was perfect, like a painting, or perhaps even a sculpture. It was difficult to believe that a woman could even look as incredible as her. She was absolutely flawless, not a single hair out of place. Her features were soft and gentle though her jawline was paradoxically sharp and her cheekbones set high, her white eyelashes long and her reddened nose pointed.

She was... truly gorgeous.

She wanted her to keep looking back.

To never look away.

"You... are not going to turn me... are you?" Rosa whispered, her eyes focused solely upon her.

"No. No, I would not allow myself to do that. You have my word," The Vampire replied, her tone reassuring, "... And I suppose you are not going to kill me either, are you?"

"... No. I'm not," Rosa replied, her eyes falling down to her lap, "You're too pretty to kill." She paused for a moment, blinking as she realized just what she said. She hadn't meant her thoughts to come out in such an apparent way, but unintentionally, she had laid them bare. "No– I'm sorry, I..."

Before she could finish, the vampire giggled, placing her hand over her mouth. "Do not apologize. It is quite flattering, especially coming from someone as cute as you."

Rosa felt her heart skip a beat as she saw the Vampire smile her way. It was a smile that she missed, one she hadn't seen in so long, a pure and genuine smile, not one filled with sorrow or veiled truths. It was real.

She felt her face heat up as her heartbeat quickened once more. She looked down, not wanting the Vampire to notice the apparent blush that had formed across her face. She didn't know why, but something about this situation made her nervous. Yet, she had no reason to feel nervous. It was just a compliment. She shouldn't feel so embarrassed, so anxious, so excited.

But she did. She felt all of it.

She looked up at the vampire once more, her eyes darting back and forth between her and her lap. She couldn't think of what to say, what to do, anything. She was just there, sitting there, staring at her as she helped to stop her bleeding, the very opposite of what a Vampire should have been doing.

The Vampire was quiet, seemingly unsure of what to say herself, her head tilted slightly to the side.

"You're... not like any Vampire I've met before... You're so… human…" Rosa's voice trailed off, a sense of hesitation and fear in her tone from her own words.

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"And you're not like any Human I've met before, either. You are different," The Vampire's voice was soothing, relaxing, and almost reassuring, "You... are kind. Sweet."

Rosa blinked, a small gasp escaping her as the Vampire reached her free hand out. She could feel her heart race, her blood pump, and her breath catch in her throat as her hand fell upon her cheek, gently caressing her. She couldn't help but lean into the touch, lulled into a state of bliss by the cold touch of the vampire. It was so, so close to how Elsie made her feel.

It was the closest she had felt to her since she died.

"So, so very sweet," The vampire continued, her words barely a whisper as she pulled Rosa closer. She moved slowly, gently, her motions delicate, as if she was handling a fragile doll, one that would break apart if handled even the slightest bit roughly. “I’m sorry, I… I suppose I’ve just been lonely. I missed… the feeling of skin.”

Even without seeing it, Rosa knew her face was completely and utterly flushed. The feeling alone was enough to confirm that for her, and looking in her eyes didn't seem to make it better. No, it was a strange, yet inviting feeling that came upon her as she stared into her silver eyes. It was almost as if she was being hypnotized, enthralled by her beauty, her grace, and the scent of her breath. She smelled of a strange, yet intoxicating aroma, a scent that she couldn't quite put her finger on, but one that she was quickly becoming attached to.

She felt as though her heart would burst out of her chest, her mind racing and her thoughts becoming clouded. She could barely breathe, let alone think straight, and all she wanted to do was stay here. Stay in this moment, this moment where things were good again. She just wanted to feel okay. Was that so wrong?

As Rosa leaned in, she felt the other’s breath upon her lips.

"What are you–?" The Vampire's voice was hushed, a near mutter as they never once broke eye contact.

"... Kiss me."

The words left her mouth almost instinctively. As if she had been waiting for this, wanting this, needing this. Her voice was barely a whisper, and her hands trembled as they reached out to hold onto her back. She grabbed at her tattered cloak, clinging onto her like a lost puppy, as if the moment she let go, everything would disappear.

"Please, kiss me," She pleaded, her voice wavering, "... Until I forget everything."

As the Vampire heard her words, Rosa could swear she saw the faint trail of a pained expression fall upon her face. A fleeting glimpse, a vision of sorrow and guilt, one that quickly vanished as the Vampire leaned forward and Rosa readjusted her position.

She pulled her closer, holding her close, their bodies mere inches apart.

She felt the Vampire's hands move, though perhaps with some sort of untrained hesitation, one gently grasping the side of her neck as the other wrapped around her waist. Her fingers traced along her skin, the sensation sending a shiver down her spine while she struggled to maintain her composure.

She could feel her heartbeat quickening and the warmth radiating from her body becoming hotter by the second. Her breath became ragged as her hands grasped her cloak tighter, trying her best to stay grounded, to not fall into her arms and drown in her touch.

It was hard, though, when all she wanted was to feel the Vampire's lips upon hers, to be embraced, to be touched.

"If that... is what you want."

Rosa let her eyes close as a serene, calm feeling washed over her. It was warm, unexplainably warm despite the howling, snowy winds, and the icy body of the Vampire. She could hear her own heartbeat, pounding in her chest like a drum. Her breathing became shallow, her chest rising and falling with every inhale and exhale.

And as the Vampire leaned in, her lips mere centimeters away, the world seemed to stop.

For a fleeting moment, she could imagine she was back home, with her. Back in that tiny apartment Elsie lived in. It was old, the heating broken and the wallpaper peeling off, but it was comfortable. The two of them, curled up together on her couch, a blanket over the both of them as they talked and held onto each other. They would spend hours just speaking to one another, just listening to the other's voice and enjoying the moment. And eventually, their conversations would turn to quiet, whispered words. To promises and sweet nothings, to a future that could never happen, but was always there.

Then, they would kiss. A short, tender kiss. One that lingered and felt right. They would kiss and fall asleep together, holding each other close as the world faded away.

And now, she could see Elsie's face.

Her lips were soft, gentle, and cool. She could feel the Vampire's hands on her back, holding her close and running her fingers along her spine like a musician playing an instrument. Her touch was delicate, careful, almost as if she was afraid of hurting her.

She didn't realize how much she missed this. Not just the sensation, not just the feeling of someone's skin against hers, but the intimacy. The closeness, the comfort. To know that she was loved, and that someone was there for her. It was something she craved, something she yearned for, something she needed – and without it, she'd wilt.

She needed constant care and attention, to be held and kissed, and the thought of not having someone else's hands on her body was... painful. But now, as the vampire pulled her closer, their lips never once separating, her hands gripping her close and her body pressed against hers, she could forget.

She could forget everything.

She could pretend that it was her.

She could pretend that the one she was kissing was her, not a Vampire she just met.

But it was a quick fantasy, and a fleeting moment, one that passed just as quickly as it arrived.

The Vampire pulled away, a quiet gasp escaping Rosa's mouth as her grasp softened. Her eyes slowly opened, a sense of clarity returning to her as she tried her best to steady her breathing.

The white-haired woman looked away, her hands falling to her sides as she spoke in a near murmur, "Was that... okay?"

The moment she finished speaking, Rosa cupped her face with her hands.

"I love you."

She spoke in a breathless, low whisper. Her voice was shaky, her hands trembling and her breath ragged, and yet, her gaze was solid. She wasn't thinking, not a single coherent thought could go through her head now.

The Vampire's eyes widened, her lips parting and her jaw dropping, her cheeks flushing as much as was possible for a Vampire as she blinked, "You–?"

Rosa didn't allow her to finish, pulling her into a kiss once more. Her eyes quickly fluttered shut as she pressed their lips together, her hands moving from her cheeks to her shoulders. She didn't want to think right now, not as she pushed up into her against the wooden wall behind them, nor did she want to consider the consequences, the weight of her actions.

The Vampire was caught off guard, a gasp leaving her mouth as their lips met, but she didn't pull away, even as, for a moment, Rosa felt a hint of hesitation in her movements. However, that was short-lived, and with a slight shift, the Vampire's hands found their way around her once more, firmly placing themselves upon her hips.

She could feel the Vampire's nails dig into her skin poking through her overlaid, thick pants and shirt, but she didn't care. As long as they stayed where they were, that they didn't venture high to her neck, she might even find it oddly comforting. A sharp pressure that told her that she was there, that she was held.

She could feel her own blood that had dripped down upon the Vampire's chin smear on her skin, a warm contrast to her otherwise cold saliva of her's that coated her lips. The smell was strong, unpleasant, but it was masked by the much more pleasant scent of the rest of her.

Although she felt her fangs poking out from the edges of her lips, she could tell that the Vampire was being careful, even now, to never allow her fangs to puncture her skin. No, not even the faintest scratch would form as their lips touched, not as they held each other close.

Though, without warning, Rosa prodded her tongue forward, lightly touching the Vampire's bottom lip, as if asking permission to go further. Her lips parted slightly, granting her entrance, and in one smooth motion, she pushed her tongue in, the taste of something sweet, as well as a strong iron appearing.

It was a strange feeling, almost alien, to have her tongue in her mouth. An act of which she had never done in the past, one she'd merely heard tell of, and yet, it was far more natural than she'd expected. Something that was right, that was meant to happen. She couldn't explain why, but something about it just felt proper. How it was meant to be.

That was, until the taste of her own blood truly became noticeable, overwhelming. How the scent, the taste, the image of her wounded arm, how they all reminded her of...

She suddenly pulled back, resisting the urge to gag as her breath quickened to a point of near hyperventilation. The Vampire let go the moment she saw her, a concerned expression upon her face as Rosa quickly stood, stumbling backwards, her eyes darting around the room.

"I apologize– Is something–"

"No– No! S-s-stop... talking..." Rosa stammered out, her voice weak and shaky as her body trembled, her heart pounding and her head spinning.

Her eyes locked onto her, her breath caught in her throat as a lump formed along with a sinking feeling in her stomach. What was she doing? What was this? She shouldn't be here, she shouldn't have done that. She shouldn't have done any of this. This was a vampire, the same monster that ruined her life! That ruined EVERYTHING!

It was just a few seconds, a mere moment before she snapped back, the realization hitting her like a truck. This Vampire... this monster took control of her mind. She had to, she had to have made her think she wanted this! That was the only logical explanation, the only thing that could possibly make any sense.

"You... You did this! You– you did something!" The corner of her eyes felt wet as she yelled out, staring down at the Vampire with a strange expression spread across her face.

"What...?" She slowly stood up, her eyes wide and her body rigid.

"I– I would never..." Rosa took a step back, her eyes filled with tears and her bottom lip quivering, "This is your fault, you did this to me...!"

She felt her stomach churn as she looked into her eyes. A deep, dark sense of guilt washed over her. How could she be so stupid, to fall for the Vampire's tricks? To even believe, for a second, that the creature's would change, would do something other than kill and maim and hurt!? She couldn't believe herself, and, more than anything, she couldn't believe that she allowed herself to fall in love so soon. Not for anyone other than Elsie.

"I didn't– I wouldn't... Do you still truly believe I would do such a thing...? Even if I could...? " The vampire spoke, her voice breaking, though Rosa knew she must have been delirious now. After all, there was no way this Vampire was truly crying. "Do you think so lowly of m–"

"SHUT UP! S-STOP– STOP LYING TO ME!" Rosa shouted, backing up into the wall behind her as she clenched her fists, "Just... st-stop..."

She could feel her heart sinking into her stomach as the tears began to flow. The look on the Vampire's face, the hurt, the pain, it was... fake. It had to be fake. It was all fake! Lies, a clever deception as she tried to have her way with her! Just like... just like that other Vampire from before... Just like the Vampire that killed Elsie.

The thought made her sick.

"You... you made me think I– I loved you... You..." She couldn't speak, not a single word came out after that.

"I did nothing of the sort! If anything, you did that to me! You tricked me into thinking I had fallen for you... you were so kind... and sweet... I-I just wanted to return the favour... to do what you wanted me to! Didn't you say–" She was cut off once again as Rosa grabbed at her own forehead, her eyes shut tight.

Practically screaming at her, Rosa frantically shook her head, her voice hoarse and cracking as she yelled, "NO! I-I didn't say anything, you did, you did...! Just– shut up! Shut..."

"Stop saying that...!" The Vampire's voice was desperate and pleading as she reached out towards her.

"No, you did– you did this! I wouldn't do this, not for– for you! You did– you... did... this… to me... I... I don't..." Rosa finally began to notice how heavy her eyes had gotten, her words trailing off as her vision became blurry.

She could feel the hot tears trickle down her cheeks, her entire body shaking, trembling, unable to keep itself up. She just wanted to curl up, to fall to the ground and lay there, to just stop existing.

"Why... Why did you make me feel this way... You– you took her away from me, and now you're doing it again..." She muttered, her voice barely audible.

"Wh– what...? I didn't take–"

Suddenly, Rosa fell to the ground, the Vampire rushing forward to catch her before she hit her head. Rosa didn't move, her legs too weak, her body too heavy. The tears wouldn't stop coming, and as the Vampire sat her down gently, Rosa curled into a ball, covering her head with her shaking arms.

"... Why...? Why did you do this to me...?"

Her voice was low and broken. There was no anger in it anymore, only sadness and exhaustion. The Vampire was silent as she mumbled, unsure whether to hold or close or leave her be.

"You... you made me think... made me think I was going to be happy... that again... I could... I could have..." She took a breath, a sharp inhale that cut through the air, before she choked out the last word, "loved."

The Vampire froze, her entire body becoming rigid as her eyes widened. Her face twisted in a myriad of emotions, an amalgamation of sorrow and guilt. It was when Rosa's eyes shut tight, and her breathing grew shallow, that the Vampire seemed to come to a decision.

–

It was so cold.

Like death itself had wrapped its boney hands around her and wouldn't let go.

Rosa could feel the snow hitting her face, the freezing cold seeping into her skin, into her bones.

It was all she could focus on, all she could think about. The cold. It was the only thing keeping her sane, the only thing grounding her to reality.

But even that might slip away.

She could feel the cold seeping into her skin, her bones, her soul. She could feel her blood turning to ice, her heart slowing, her lungs filling with frost.

It was so cold.

And it was so lonely.

There was no one there, no one to keep her warm, to hold her close. She was alone, alone with her thoughts.

Until a figure suddenly wrapped her arms around her, the warmth of their body contrasting with the cold.

"It's okay... don't let go, alright? I'm not letting you go. Not now, not ever."

The words were gentle, reassuring, and she couldn't help but lean into the embrace.

"Mm..."

"I know, I know. If Ramirez is still alive, he's gonna fucking kill us... but better than dying here."

"..."

"Hey, hey. Don't give up on me. I'm here, aren't I? You've just got to keep going, just a little longer. I'll carry you if I have to."

"I'm sorry... I'm such a failure..."

"You're alright... you're alright."

The cold was beginning to fade, a warmth growing in her chest. The snow, the ice, the wind, they were all disappearing, melting away.

But she could still feel the cold.

The ice.

And as she opened her eyes, she...

She… saw…

Nothing.

Rosa's eyes fluttered open in a daze, a dull ache permeating throughout her body.

And then she saw two silver eyes looking down upon her, a woman atop her on some soft surface. A bed.

"... You're awake..." The woman murmured, her eyes wide.

"Wh... what...?" Rosa spoke back, her vision still blurry.

"... You fainted, so... I brought you to where I used to live... before I chose to die."

It took a moment, but the memories started to come back to her. The church, the Vampire, the... the kiss.

"Vampire."

"... Human."

It was quiet for a moment as the two stared silently.

"... Why are you on top of me?"

The Vampire flinched at the question, her cheeks flushing, "... Well, you... you were speaking in your sleep. And when I came close to hear, you... hugged me, so..."

"..."

"..."

"Can you get off?"

The Vampire nodded, backing up as she sat down in front of her. She kept her distance, giving her the space she seemed to want.

Rosa pushed herself up, sitting up as she looked down at her lap. She was alive... alive and not cold... and she was comfortable. Not just because of the soft bed, but...

She was in different clothes. Clean ones. She could smell the faintest hint of lavender on them.

"Did you... change my clothes while I was asleep?"

The Vampire didn't look at her, her gaze falling to the ground, "... Yes. Your old clothes were very dirty and soaked. If it makes you feel better, I tried my best to do it in the dark so that..."

"... But Vampires can see in the dark. I don't see how that would help."

The Vampire's cheeks flushed a deeper red, "... I was hoping you didn't know that..."

Rosa sighed, shaking her head, "You could have just closed your eyes..."

"It's not like I was staring. I just did what was ne–"

"Just stop, please." The Vampire fell silent, and Rosa's eyes narrowed. "Where did you get the clothes?"

"They're old ones I used to wear when I was younger... They fit you well, apparently. Though, you're a bit more muscular than I thought you'd be…”

Rosa raised a single eyebrow, her expression shifting to something between a grimace and a pout. "... Why do you care?"

"It was just surprising... Do not get me wrong, they… um, look good on you..."

Rosa shook her head, another sigh escaping her lips, "And why did you bring me here...?"

"I wasn't going to leave you there, and it was getting too cold for a human. I saw your car outside and... drove us here. I made sure to remove any tracks just in case."

Rosa nodded slowly, her gaze falling to her wrist. It was bandaged, the wound cleaned and wrapped.

"And you treated my wounds."

"I stitched it shut as well. It shouldn’t get infected, but... as much as I want to say it won't scar, the cut was rather deep..."

Rosa shrugged, gently putting her hand on her bandaged arm. "What's one more scar when I already have so many? But I'm surprised. A vampire that knows how to treat a wound? I would've thought that kind of information would be useless to you..."

"... I learned so I could help someone."

"A human?"

"... Yes."

"Huh."

Rosa looked at her arm for a few seconds, and then back at the Vampire.

"... Why didn't you kill me? You took control of my mind, so–"

The Vampire clenched her teeth, leaning forward as she cut her off, "How many times do I have to say it? I did not take control of your mind. That is not something I can do!"

Rosa flinched, the anger in the Vampire's voice catching her off guard.

"If that isn't the case, then why did I want to... k– kiss..."

"Maybe you should be asking yourself that question… Not me."

"I don't know why! That's why I'm asking you!"

The Vampire scoffed, standing up and crossing her arms, "Fine. If you're so determined to blame me for everything, go ahead. Most of you humans do that anyway..."

"What?" Rosa scowled, looking up at her.

The Vampire rolled her eyes, "Humans. The lot of you think you're better than everyone else, that you're entitled to the world. But you're not. You're no different from anyone else, just like we're not. We're all equal, we’re all trapped in this world in the same one, even if you refuse to admit it."

"I didn't ask for a speech."

"And I didn't ask to be born. Life is full of disappointments."

"..."

"..."

Rosa frowned, looking up at the Vampire. Her expression was stoic, cold, though almost faltering at times. Her eyes were like ice, and her demeanor was rigid, stiff.

"... What's..."

She couldn’t help but think the expression looked pretty on her.

"What's your name, then...?"

The Vampire tilted her head, her gaze turning away, "... My name? Do you really care to know it?"

"... I can tell you my name, first, if that makes you feel better. Just... just to be fair. And, maybe it would make me feel less weird about kissing a vampire I don't even know the name of."

The Vampire paused, looking back at her,"Okay... What's your name, Human?"

"It's Rosa."

The Vampire blinked quietly before responding, "That’s… It fits you. Pretty."

"..." Rosa looked at her lap, silent.

"You can call me Lysa, then, Rosa. Now you know the name of the Vampire you kissed."

Rosa could feel her cheeks heat up, the embarrassment finally starting to set in. "... I wasn't myself, so, it doesn't count. So... just forget about it, alright? It doesn't matter."

"..." The other muttered something near silent.

"I mean it. Forget about it."

"Why should I?" Lysa leaned towards her face as she stared into Rosa's black eyes. "Why should I forget my first kiss?"

Rosa froze, her gaze widening, "Your... what?"

Lysa's cheeks seem to become a tad pink, "You're my first... as the one who stole my first kiss, you should take responsibility."

Rosa huffed, looking away from her, "You kissed me! Don't turn this around on me!"

"That is not how I recall things happening. I was delaying things, and then you suddenly leaned forward."

"That's– I don't remember doing that..." She shook her head, frowning, "Besides! You– you hypnotized me..."

"You're still going on about that...?"

"It's true!"

Lysa crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow, "And how would I have 'hypnotized' you?"

"It's something all Vampires can do! It's common knowledge! They can make you fall in love with them, and they can make you want to kiss them!"

"There's no way that's how they phrase it..."

"Well, maybe they didn't put it exactly like that... especially in the military academy... er–" Rosa paused, her cheeks reddening, "Don't look at me like that."

"I didn't realize I was looking at you in any sort of special way. Though, now that I think about it, if a Vampire could control your mind, I doubt you'd even realize you were being controlled."

Rosa clenched her fists, though, in time, her grip loosened as she sat on her knees, "I just... I don't get it... If that isn't what happened, then... why did I want to kiss you...?"

Lysa looked down at her feet, "... Perhaps the answer is simpler than you realize."

Rosa was silent, looking up at her.

"You're a very sweet girl, Rosa. Perhaps you just wanted to be kissed, and my actions led you to believe that I felt the same way."

Rosa's breath hitched, her heart skipping a beat.

"No… that’s…”

Lysa sat down in front of her, her gaze not meeting Rosa's.

"Perhaps you were just lonely. It would make sense, considering how kind you were to me."

Rosa looked away, biting her lip, "I wasn't trying to be kind... I just..."

"You saved my life. The life of a Vampire... and you obviously hate us, but still, you gave me your blood… even after I told you to kill me. That's not something most people would do."

"..."

"It's not something I'd expect from a human."

"..."

"... Wait, did you not like kissing me because I'm also a woman?"

"WHAT?!"

"You just looked like you were disgusted when I mentioned the kiss. Did it bother you that you kissed another woman? I understand, some humans can't accept themselves–"

"No, it's not like that! I just–"

"I'm not mad. I understand... It's difficult to understand who you are sometimes, and when you find someone that makes you feel that way, you're afraid of learning something new about yourself, and you don't know why. It's okay, Rosa. I understand."

"Lysa, listen, it's not like that–"

"But, I do have to say, I think you're a very good kisser, at least in my experience. Which is none, to remind you. You stole my first kiss, if you forgot."

"I'm a lesbian, Lysa. I like women."

Lysa stopped, blinking. "Oh."

"Mhm."

"Then... why did you not like kissing me...?"

"I– I never said that. I never said I didn't like it!" Rosa huffed, her hand moving forward as she placed it down in front of her, moving closer, "I just didn't– I'm confused, okay? My girlfriend was… she–"

"Oh dear–" Lysa covered her mouth, nervous, "Did... did I accept a kiss from a taken woman? I'm so sorry..."

"... She's dead. She died weeks ago."

Her voice cracked as she spoke, but she could say it so clearly now.

She hated that.

Rosa’s words seemed to affect here a lot. More than almost everything before she had spoken to her, "... Ah. I am still sorry, then. For your loss, this time."

"Thanks... I guess..."

It was silent for a moment, neither of them saying anything. Then, Lysa broke the silence, "Do you still love her...?"

"Of course I do. I can't just... throw that away. She was the love of my life."

"..." Lysa stared without saying a word. She seemed to be fidgeting with her fingers.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"What about me, Rosa? Do you feel something for me?"

"What...? Of course not. How could I? We only met today."

"Then... why did you kiss me...? Why did you say those things… I tried to guess, but... I still don't understand. I thought kissing was supposed to be special... a declaration of love."

Was... was the Vampire in front of her... pouting? A Vampire? Pouting like a jealous child? Was she seeing things again?

"It was an impulse. I... I don't know why, okay? I can't explain it, and... it was a mistake. It won't happen again."

"I don't want it to be a mistake."

"You’re not–”

"...I want it to be real. I want to experience that feeling again."

"Lysa... what are you saying?"

"I've never been in love before, Rosa," Looking back at her, she began to move forward closer to Rosa on the bed, "I want to understand why I'm feeling this way... I want to understand..."

Rosa could see her lips quiver, her eyes beginning to tear up, and then her cheeks turning red.

"You're... crying."

"I... I'm not," She wiped her eyes with her sleeves, taking a deep breath, "I'm not crying. I'm not. It's just the dust. This place hasn't been cleaned in a while."

"... I'm not gonna judge you for crying, Lysa." Rosa looked away from her, her lips slightly apart, "... You're a lot more childish than I expected, though..."

Lysa blinked, still wiping her tears, "I'm not childish."

"..."

"I'm not. I'm hundreds of years old."

"I refuse to believe that's true."

"... Okay, I lied. I'm twenty."

"Huh... you're one year younger than me... That's... odd."

"Is it?"

"... Well, it's..." She froze for a moment, her mind returning to the young vampire she failed to kill back then... What was her name? It was... No, she couldn’t remember. "... No, nevermind. I think it's just weird to think about an immortal Vampire being younger than me..."

"Immortal is a bit of an exaggeration. We just stay pretty and live for a long time." Lysa mumbled, her eyes closed as she wiped the last of her tears away.

"True. If I staked you through the heart or cut off your head, you'd die."

"That's... violent. You wouldn't do that to me, would you...?"

"Weren't you the one who said you wanted to die?"

"... that was before. I'm a changed woman... I think... I have a purpose now..."

"A purpose...?"

"I..." Lysa crawled closer, practically on top of her now, "I want to make you fall in love with me. That's my purpose now."

Rosa blinked, staring up at her as her breath caught in her throat, "You... You're not serious, are you?"

"I've never been more serious in my life... You made me fall in love with you, Rosa. I can't throw that away. I can't."

"... I don't believe in love at first sight."

"I didn't either... but usually, it doesn't involve a passionate kiss."

"It wasn't passionate!" Rosa raised her voice in a rush, avoiding her gaze.

Lysa got closer, her eyes wide, excited, "It wasn't? Then, what would classify as passionate? Good lord... would it involve more than just tongues...?"

"I-I wasn't thinking then, okay? It was a heat of the moment thing!"

"Rosa. Would it involve more than just tongues?"

"Stop– stop asking that!" Rosa covered her face, her breathing heavy.

"Rosa."

"Ugh– What?!"

Lysa grabbed her wrists as she let out a sudden gasp, moving them out of the way as she leaned forward, their faces close, "Tell me."

"You– or... or what?"

"I'd do nothing. That'd be rude." She blinked slowly, tilting her head, "I have found out that I like being in this position, however. I'm going to take note of this."

"... You're weird. You're really weird."

"That may be true. But, I don't believe a Vampire would be a normal lover for a human, anyway."

"You're not my lover, Lysa... We met today– Yesterday?"

"Lover to be, then... It has a nice ring."

“Ugh, stop.” Rosa suddenly pushed her over, pinning her down in return, "Listen to me."

Lysa stared back, her eyes wide as she blinked rapidly, her cheeks turning a brighter shade of pink, "... Apparently, I also like being in this position..."

Rosa frowned, "Quiet. Just... just listen."

Lysa nodded, letting her speak.

"You can't just... tell me you're in love with me and expect me to suddenly accept that. We met way too recently. We've barely talked and we know nothing about each other. This isn't love, Lysa. It can't be."

"..." Her mouth fell agape slightly, though she didn't interrupt her.

"Do you understand...?"

Lysa looked to the side, "I don't."

"Lysa, listen. This can't happen, alright?"

"It doesn't make sense, though, Rosa... You kissed me, and then you told me you loved me... and then kissed me again. Why would you just go back on all of that?" Lysa's nose scrunched up a tad as she spoke, "How is that fair? How can you just tell me that it didn't mean anything to you and just expect me to move on?"

"Lysa..."

"Is it because I'm a Vampire?"

"... No. It's... it's not that."

"Is– is it because I'm just... not good enough? Is that it?"

"No. Lysa, stop."

"Is it because of your dead girlfriend? Is it because you don't want to move on?!"

"Stop!"

Lysa flinched, her mouth clamping shut.

"Please. Just stop. You're... You're acting like a child." Rosa’s face fell, her eyes becoming glossy. "Just stop."

She looked away from her, turning her head to the side. Rosa could feel her heart pounding against her chest, her palms sweaty.

"... I'm sorry. I... shouldn't have said that... but–" Lysa's hand moved forward, grabbing her wrist gently, "I just... I just need to understand what I did wrong..."

"You... you didn't do anything wrong. I swear."

"Then why...?"

Rosa pulled her hand away, pushing herself up and standing, "Because... I'm not ready for a relationship yet. Not right now."

Lysa watched her stand, her eyes following her movements, "And... if you were ready?"

Rosa paused, her eyes shifting to her. "... If I was?"

"Would I... would you... want to be with me, Rosa? Would you want to be my lover?"

"... I don't know, Lysa. I... I don't know. Maybe, maybe not. I... I don't think I'm the kind of person you should fall in love with."

Lysa sat up, her eyes glistening, "I already did. And there's nothing you can do to change that."

Rosa shook her head, closing her eyes.

With a somber tone, Lysa mumbled, "... If there really is no world where I have a chance with you... then– just one more time... please... kiss me."

Rosa's eyes opened slowly, her gaze turning back to her.

"If this is the only chance I'll ever get to kiss you... I want to remember it."

"... I don't want to confuse you further."

Lysa's hand reached out, her fingers intertwining with Rosa's own, "Please. Just once more."

Rosa swallowed, her grip tightening though she didn't dare say a word. She stepped forward, her eyes locking with Lysa's as she leaned in, her heart pounding.

Lysa's eyes shut tightly, her lips quivering.

"Please... kiss me."

Rosa could hear the desperation in her voice, the sadness, the fear. It was the same tone she had used when she begged her to kill her.

She couldn't bear to hear her sound so defeated, so hopeless.

She didn't want to be the cause of it.

And that's exactly why she felt so horrible when she covered Lysa's mouth with her palm, her eyes low as a look of shame appeared on her face.

"... I can't kiss you, Lysa. Because... if I do, then you might just fall even harder for me, and you won't want to stop... and neither will I. And I can't handle that. I can't... do that."

Lysa's fingers trembled, her body trembling as she stared at her, her eyes threatening to fill with tears.

"... But I don't want to leave you like this. I don't want to leave you alone or without closure..." She removed her hand, taking a deep breath. "... So, if you're still willing... Come with me. I'm leaving Sanctuary to find a Vampire. I need to kill him... it's more important than even my life... and... and after that, if you still feel the same way about me, then we'll see about a relationship."

Lysa's lips quivered, her eyes widening, "... Really?"

"I can't guarantee anything. But, I... I owe it to you to try, at least. And, if not for that... I do wanna know more about you, too."

"I... that's..."

"..."

Lysa stood up, grabbing Rosa’s hands, her grip firm.

"... Then I'll come with you. And we'll find him together. And I'll kill him for you. I'll end the bitter feeling you must be overwhelmed with... And then... then we can be together, right?"

Rosa's lips parted, her cheeks becoming warm.

"... Maybe. I can't promise that, Lysa."

"I'll take a maybe. I'll take anything." Lysa pulled her into a hug, burying her face into her shoulder, "... Thank you."

Rosa stood still, her hands resting on her back. She felt warm.

It was an odd sensation.

"Hey, Lysa."

"Yes?"

"... Do you have any food here? I haven't eaten in days."