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Nova was staring at the mirror for the tenth time in the last twenty minutes. She was going to be late, however she cared more about the fact that her outfit had to be perfect.
A couple weeks ago Victor reached out inviting the daywalker to be his date to fang formal, of course her answer had been positive. A chance to spend more time with him? Hell yes! A chance to embarrass herself in front of every vampire in high school on Shadyside? Terrible.
The girl wasn't sure if wearing a very daywalker-y dress would be an insult to their traditions, but she really didn't have much choice. It's not like she could just pop up in Shadyside and buy a dress in vampire colors. And even if she could, would it pass the impression that she was ashamed of her origins?
Daywalker dress will be.
She heard the knock on the door, which meant she really had no chance of changing again. Well, she looked cute at least. The red matched her skin well, and her attempt at an updo didn't look like it was going to fall in the next hour.
Showtime.
She met Ray on the other side of her door with a nervous smile.
“Ready?” The boy asked.
“Not really, you?”
“To go to a place with no light surrounded by deadly night creatures? Of course, born ready.”
Nova just brushed past him with a smile, she wouldn't admit it, but she was happy her father made Ray go as an escort. His silly comments made her feel better.
Talking about the commander…
“You look beautiful, Nova. Remember what we agreed. Ray will be by your side the whole time, you will meet our driver at 11, not a single minute late. Otherwise this little experiment will never happen again, okay?” His tone was strict, but Nova couldn't complain, honestly she didn't think for a second he would allow this when she asked. Clearly peace talks have been going better than expected.
She just lifted to her tiptoes and kissed his cheek, “Okay, Dad! No need to worry, we'll be back in no time.” She put on her coat (Victor warned her it could be a little cold for her kind) and added, “Thanks again! Good night!”
Of course Nova was not stupid, so she left quickly, not giving him the chance to change his mind.
The sun was high in the sky while both teens got comfortable inside the car that would drive them all the way to Shadyside. It would take around two hours, so they had a lot of time to enjoy the view, even if there wasn't much to see. It was a small price to pay in order to be able to be there.
She spent the last few days wondering what it would be like. How was the school? Would she meet his other friends? Would people welcome her? Would Victor ask her to dance? The few times they had been able to see each other they were treading a fine line. The vampire was a very touchy person, any chance he got he was holding her hand, playing with her hair, brushing their shoulders, and Nova, who was used to the very impersonal daywalker way of living, was going insane. Not for the reasons others might think. In reality she loved this about him. She loved the feeling of being cared for, of receiving hugs, comfort, even just the casual everyday touches.
Still, no matter what she felt, they were just friends. No matter how much she loved to see his smile or how safe she felt in his embrace, Nova had to constantly remind herself that he was just being himself, it was not special to just her.
But he asked her to the formal, this went a little inside the ‘more than friends’ territory, right? She hoped so. Maybe tonight she would muster the courage to say something, even if she was terrified of losing him because the feelings weren't mutual.
She talked to her best friend for most of the ride, just regular topics, about classes they had and about the latest gossip of someone from the football team. Just simple things to make time pass.
After what it felt like forever for the girl, they finally arrived in the city. Both of the teens quietly staring at the windows, it was so different from what they imagined. It was… beautiful. A bit scary, yes, to be deprived from the very thing that made them powerful. But they could handle a few hours, especially when there was someone in there Nova desperately wanted to see. She would exchange daylight for his presence any day.
Speaking of Victor, as the car got closer to the school, she could already see him waiting at the front. Waiting for her. Nova’s heart stopped for a moment. She could see only his form, not many details since her night vision was not nearly as good as the vampires’, but he was standing next to one of the few streetlights there were out there, likely considering this exact scenario.
She smiled, a big one, showing all of her teeth. Nova was about to have a wonderful night and not even Ray's complaints about the lack of light could dim her spirit.
As the car stopped, she didn't wait for the engine to turn off before jumping from her seat to the outside world. It was chilly, she was glad she brought a coat as instructed. Nova had no time to form other thoughts about the city before she was throwing herself against the arms she missed every day.
She buried her face in his neck, smelling his comforting scent, and she felt gentle but firm hands circling her back, going up and down as if indecisive on what to do.
“You made it.” He stated. A fact, a fear.
“I did. I can't believe my father allowed it." She let a breathless laugh at that. Closing her arms a little more around his body, aware of the fact she would have to let go very soon.
“Me neither, but I'm so glad you're here, I have so much to show you.”
Nova was about to answer when someone clearing their throat interrupted.
“Miss Bright, I will be staying here the whole time, just let me know if you need anything. Your father put me in charge of your well being tonight.” His tone was stern, he did not want to be here tonight, that was a given. That meant Nova had to be extra careful since even the smallest thing would go back to her father.
“Thank you, we will be back by eleven, good evening.”
Quickly she grabbed both Ray and Victor's arms and went to the entrance, the less the driver saw the better. She already slipped with the hug, but who can blame her? Now she made sure he saw Ray walking by her side, until they were inside that's it. The moment the door closed she turned to her friend with pleading eyes.
“Oh no. I'm not going to be alone here, no way.” Ray knew what the question was even unsaid.
“Come on, please Ray! I will owe you one!”
“No!” He insisted, “You want me to be all alone in this place we don't know? That's not safe.”
At this moment Victor chirped in, “Vera and Vargas are here! You can stay with them, they know everyone, it's super safe. No one is going to bother you!”
The daywalker boy looked annoyed at the vampire, before moving his gaze back to Nova. He was met with the most annoyingly adorable doe-like look that the girl had perfected over the years followed by another small, “Please!” That he had no choice but to agree. He was not worried about her, he knew she was in good hands with Victor, it was more his own situation he was worried about. Well, he would figure something out.
“Okay… but I don't want the blame falling on me, ok? Make sure you don't do anything stupid.”
Nova hugged the boy before turning back to Victor and holding his hand.
“Well, I was promised many things tonight… what are we doing first?” Victor's smile alone would have been enough to make the whole night worth it. But there was more, so much more, she noticed that while he pulled her to the way of the gym where the event was taking place. As they passed, she could see many vampires staring at them. At her. At the opposite future leaders together.
She held Victor's hand harder, she didn't mind the feeling that much, especially when he was by her side.
They got inside and Nova needed a moment to recompose herself. It was nice, really nice. There were fairy lights hung all over, looking like stars. The tables had a beautiful arrangement of flowers she had never seen before (what kind of flowers even grew under the moonlight?), and the song that was playing was soft but also upbeat enough to dance and enjoy. She loved it. It was just so different. Vampires lived their lives in such a different way. An event like this in Sunnyside would have been more formal: candles, an orchestra and fine clothing. But here she could hear laughs, they were more laid-back overall, and she even saw someone using sneakers! It was not like her people's traditions were bad and this was better, no, she also loved those kinds of parties she attended her whole life. Nova just couldn’t not see the beauty in the difference. They had so much to gain from each other.
“Thank you for inviting me here. It's beautiful.”
“Thank you for coming, I'm so happy you are here.” He squeezed her hand and led them to a table already full of vampires, explaining on the way, "Although I would love for us to spend time together, you know, only us. I think it is better we get introductions out of the way. After all, this is a diplomatic visit, right.”
Nova had to hold back a squeak, he wanted to be alone with her! That's all she wanted as well, but he was right. They had to do this, show people both species can coexist.
So they did.
Nova was introduced to most of the vampires at the event. She tried to remember all of their names, but it was a little hard since they all started with the same letter (she wondered if this was some rule or just a cultural thing), at some point it all started to sound the same. But she didn't let it get through to her. She smiled back, asked questions and did her best to try to get to know everyone. Some were more open, some could barely hide their disgust. It didn't matter because Victor was right at her side the whole time.
The only downside of the situation was that they haven't had much chance to talk besides the introductions and small talk. They still had a couple of hours, it was okay.
Finally - finally - instead of directing the girl to a new group they haven’t spoken to yet, he turned to face her.
“What are you thinking about all of it until now?” He fidgeted with her fingers (also, they have been holding hands the whole night, maybe that is the reason for her good mood). “I know that it is a lot, we can always take a break.”
“Don’t worry, Victor. I'm fine. I love to meet your people.” Nova smiled at him when she realized the opening he gave her, “But, actually… I wouldn't mind a break. How about you?”
“Hmmm, I agree, we definitely deserve a break.” A sly grin appeared on his face. “Care to dance, sunshine?” Since the boy was already holding her hand, he just stepped closer while doing the invitation. She could see nervousness in his eyes, despite the chill attitude.
“With you? Any time.” Nova smiled back and pulled him in the direction of the dance floor, her stomach was fluttering and hands sweating, she had been waiting for this moment since the invitation came. The chance of being this close to Victor… she might get sick.
They got there, and after an awkward pause, Nova finally rested her hands on his shoulders, and his came to lightly press on her waist.
It was nice, they started swaying to the luckily slow dance but there was still something wrong. They were too far apart, looking like awkward teenagers (which, to be fair, they were), not knowing where to look, what was okay to do…
That lasted about half a minute before they both let out a small breathless laugh, and Victor whispered, “You know what,” and finally took some attitude. He stepped closer, guiding her hands so they could rest on the back of his neck and then moving his so they could be against her back. He smiled, now their bodies only a few inches apart as they both relaxed by the proximity.
“I am so happy you are here, truly, it means so much to me.” Victor’s words warmed Nova's heart.
“So I heard,” she couldn't help but to tease him a little. It was nice to see he was as nervous as her. “But me too, I hope this can become a more frequent affair…”
“Did you like Fang Formal that much? Wow, I must send my compliments to the organizing committee.”
She used her hand placement to pull his hair a little, just messing with him.
“No, idiot, I would like to spend more time with you.” Maybe that was her chance. Time to gather some courage. “Victor, I-
“There you are, Nova! I've been looking for you. I can't do this anymore.” Ray's voice interrupted anything she might have said. Wait, what? He wanted to leave? No way. She still had a couple of hours, he was not taking that from her.
Unhappily, she let go of her vampire with an apologetic look and turned with a pointed death glare to her friend.
“What do you mean? What happened?” She could see his hands fidgeting with the bottom of his shirt.
“It's just, I- I don’t know. We don't fit in here, doesn’t that bother you?” Before the girl could answer, he quickly added, "I tried to follow your advice, I stuck around Vera and Vargas, but it's clear we do not belong here.”
Nova was not happy about having her time interrupted, but she knew she had to comfort her friend now. Something was wrong and she would be a bad friend and leader if she ignored it for her personal gain. She apologized with her eyes to Victor and pulled Ray's arm to the side so they could talk a little more privately.
“Why do you think that? I mean, I know it's different from what we are used to, but can't you see the good things in that?”
“Nova… I am trying, you know I am, but it's undeniable how much of a sore thumb we are here. I would never go through any of that in any event in Sunnyside.” He tried to reason, and to some point he was right. Nova knew he was giving his best to be more open-minded. She also knew it was hard to let go of some prejudices and now being here he was thrown right in the middle of it all, with little chance to process things. Still, there was something that activated this panic moment, so with a soft voice she once again asked,
“I know Ray, and I am proud of you. What happened?” She held his hand with both hands, trying to make him open up more.
“It's stupid, it's just I wasn't aware of some cultural differences.”
“Oh please, have you seen any of my conversations tonight? There is no way you surpassed the hundreds of social clues I got wrong. I think I must have accidentally offended at least half of the people here tonight.” She added with a smile, which was true, the number of times Victor squeezed her hand with a side look that indicated maybe she shouldn't be asking that… Well, let’s just say she was glad people thought it was a joke most of the time.
“Okay… Don't laugh. I tried to touch Vera's fangs.”
That made Nova's eyebrows shoot up. Well, that was something. She didn't know what it meant to vampires, but just guessing and based on Ray's reaction, it was bad.
“Why?”
That truly was her only question.
“She kept bragging about how they were ‘so sharp’ and how they were so much better than daywalkers for having it… I just wanted to see if it was true.”
“And it was?” The boy was not expecting the question.
“What?”
“It was? Like she described?”
Ray looked down, once again ashamed. “I don't know, she stopped me before I could see.”
A sly grin spread across her face instantly, “Okay so next time be quicker and let me know.”
“What?” Ray choked.
“Well, I'm curious too, it's not like I haven't thought about it before. It's not a crime.” She raised her hands defensively. That worked, she could see the daywalker was more calm now, the anxiety giving way to the shock of hearing Nova say those things. “But really, don't panic about it. I get that you may have felt a little embarrassed by it, but they know we don't know much about their culture. This is just as new for them as it is for us. I'm sure they didn't think much of it. Just apologize and move on.”
Nova hoped her speech helped, because she desperately wanted to go back to dancing but she couldn't until Ray was okay. Surprisingly, it worked.
“Okay, you are right. I can do this.” He said it mostly to himself, and she was so proud of seeing him trying. “Thanks, Nova. I'm sorry to bother you.”
“Don’t worry about it. You got this.”
And just like that, he left.
“I can't believe he did that.” Nova's heart jumped out of her chest as the voice came out of nowhere.
“Victor!” She exclaimed, “I told you, I am the last person you want to sneak upon, I was ready to burn you!”
He let out a laugh that showed he definitely believed her, but he couldn't help it.
“Also, I can't believe you were listening! Privacy is an important thing, you know.” He raised his hands as in defeat,
“Sorry, I wasn't trying to snoop or anything like that, but you are in a room full of vampires, that's like the most expected thing.”
She just huffed, not really mad, just trying to hold the dramatics for another second before adding, “But yes, I can't believe he did that either! I may not be the most well-versed person in vampire customs, but even to me this sounds absurd.”
“Yes it is, the kind of thing you definitely don't want to be accidentally doing with anyone.” Enough about Ray. “So… I have something else I would like to show you…”
“Really? Lead the way.” Nova offered her hand, which was already aching from being so long away from his, she would go any place he wanted to.
Victor guided her to outside of the gym, they crossed some dark hallways before stopping in front of a couple lockers. He turned back, now facing her and took a step closer. She could see his deep breaths before he started,
“Nova, I-”
“Hey guys, coming for some snacks too?” Vargas' voice was happy, but she wanted to scream, why now? Victor also looked a little thrown back, but he still managed to mutter a sharp.
“Not really. I just wanted to talk to Nova in private.”
The other boy clearly missed the pointed look, apparently they needed to update their ‘bro code’ because even Nova could see how clearly he was trying to say ‘piss off man, can't you see I'm busy’.
Vargas did not notice or did not care because he stepped right between the two of them, forcing their hands to part, before opening a locker and picking up… something.
“What is that?”
“Oh, this little thing? It's a bloodfruit sucker, you know, Victor’s locker has the best snacks. You should try one.”
“Humm, thanks, maybe next time.” Nova looked back to Victor, wondering what he was going to say before the interruption. It seemed serious, and he did say to Vargas he wanted to talk to her alone. What could it be? Maybe he noticed you were about to confess and did not want to make a public rejection. The voices inside her head betrayed her. She really hoped it wasn't that. Especially because she didn't want the driver to see her crying and report right back to her dad.
“Your loss.” Vargas said as he stepped back, leaving the couple alone once again.
“So here is the spot if I’m ever in need of candy?” Her voice was trying to sound carefree even though inside she was terrified of going back to the previous conversation.
“He’s exaggerating a little, but I do usually keep some stuff around. Especially now that we have unlimited bloodfruit again, it is nice not having to worry about that.” He was nervous as well, Nova could see in the flicker of his eyes, the trembling of his hands. “But if you ever find yourself in need of candy or anything, really, just let me know and I will make it happen.”
Nova stares into his eyes. It was not fair. He says the right things and looks stupidly perfect and she just stays speechless. Not fair at all.
“Uhh, thanks. I will let you know.” Could she sound more stupid? “I- You- you were going to show me something, right?” Better to get back to that. If he started speaking again she could shut up.
“Yes!” He breathed, “I actually got you a gift…” Victor’s voice trailed off, as if he weren't sure where to go after that.
Nova, on the other hand, had a lot of questions. “Really? What is it?” No matter what it was, she would love it just because it came from him, but still she couldn’t help but feel nervous. Does that mean he also has been thinking about her?
“Well, it’s nothing big or anything, so don’t set your expectations too high! Is just…” He took another deep breath, dear sun, she was terrified of what was coming. “Nova. Every day since I met you I feel like there is no one out there that knows me better than you. I read a book and I think ‘Nova would love this’, I see someone laugh and I think about how much I miss yours. Something happens in my life and you are the first person I want to tell, and, this might be pathetic, but I don’t care. All I do is miss you and want you close every single day.” He said all in one breath. Nova’s brain was working overtime to understand and process all of it, so he kept going, “And I have been trying to hold back, because I don’t want to scare you, because I know that we are friends, just that, and that’s ok because I will be the happiest vampire alive if I get to call you, the coolest and most incredible girl out there, my friend.”
“Oh.”
Friend?
That's all he thought of her?
Maybe he saw her palpable disappointment because his tone became even more rushed as he tried to fix,
“No, no! That’s not what I meant! I don’t want to be your friend!”
“You don’t want to be my friend?” She might cry.
“No!” He was a mess.
“No?” If he wasn’t in the process of breaking her heart, she might have laughed at his obvious confusion and despair.
“I mean, yes! I do!” Man, he sucked at whatever he was trying to do.
“Victor, you don’t have to lie to me to make me feel better. I am a grown-up girl, I can deal with the fact that you don’t reciprocate my feelings but you need to be straight with me.” Nova reasoned, her tone stern as she grew more defensive. Was he toying with her? She liked to believe Victor wouldn't do that, but she was taught to guard her heart all her life, so it was not like she didn't expect something like that the moment she opened up.
But still, it hurt. Especially since he apparently planned a whole speech just to turn her down.
“No, no, Nova, that is not going how it was supposed to go. I-“
“Nova! I did what you said and you won't believe what those shampires said!” Ray once again cut their conversation. This time she was kind of glad, since it meant she had a chance to leave this conversation. Maybe the other side of Earth would be a good place to hide and never show her face again?
“Ray, can’t this wait a moment? We are kind of-“
“No, it’s fine.” Nova interrupted Victor's attempt to get rid of the daywalker. “So, what happened?” She pondered if they should go somewhere else, however she could see the hurt on Victor’s face and while she was sure hers reflected the same sentiment, she could never leave him alone like that. So just a small break in their conversation it is, maybe he could take the time to consider better what he wanted to say since he was definitely having a hard time at that.
“I can’t stand that girl! I went to apologize like I said I would then you know what the answer was?” Holy sun, he was fuming. Nova shouldn’t have found that funny, but she did. It's good to see she was not the only daywalker infuriated by some vampires.
“Cut the chase, what?” Victor replied sharply, desperate to go back to their conversation as the other boy was getting on his nerves.
“Well, if you must know, vampire, it was something like ‘if I was one of you, I also would be obsessed with our fangs, they are way cooler anyways’. Can you believe it? You all are so full of yourselves! As if I was anywhere near as ‘obsessed’ with anything related to you.”
Maybe Ray really was not, but Nova couldn’t say the same for herself. She, for once, could maybe be described as ‘obsessed’ with their fangs. Not like in a crazy way or anything like that, she just wondered. A lot. And because of that, if sometimes she just happened to stare a little too much at Victor ‘s… Well it's just scientific research, after all, it's the first time in centuries any daywalker has had the chance to see them up close. Earlier what she said to her friend was mostly an attempt to make him feel better about himself, but, let's be honest, the questions were all true.
Anyway, she has to keep the role of leader so she just replied tiredly, “She’s just trying to get to you. And it’s working. Think of this as her way of saying that it’s okay and she is not going to make a big deal out of this.” Looking out for Ray felt like a full-time job. Funny her dad thought he was the one who was going to take care of her.
“But Nova…” He whined.
“No ‘but Nova’, we are supposed to strengthen our relationships among species, just get over it. You can’t make every little thing a big deal.” She scolded him. She was tired, confused and with no patience to deal with that. Luckily, Ray was smart enough to gather that he was not going to receive more sympathy from her. Which just made him sigh and look between the young couple, he apparently noticed something was off, because he did a double check before looking into the girl’s eyes and asking,
“Are you okay?”
“Yes.” She didn't really feel like it, but it was the easier answer, no need to have Ray picking a fight. She let her voice get softer, it was nice of him to care. They were doing so much better since the camp incident. “Thanks for checking. Something else?”
“Hm, I guess not. Don’t forget it’s already ten.” He said as a goodbye and proceeded to leave the girl alone with her vampire - not hers - once again.
She turned back to Victor, ready to finish whatever it was happening.
“Look, Victor…”
“Nova, what did you mean when you said I didn't reciprocate your feelings?” What kind of question was that? Was he going to make her explain with all words? Like she hasn't been humiliated enough.
“It’s nothing.”
“It’s not nothing. What did you mean by it?” He was serious, so serious. The way he said it she couldn't find the strength in her to change topics again. His hand holding hers, fingers brushing the back also helped to open up.
“I- you said that beautiful speech about loving to be my friend and I am so happy for it, for you. But also, I couldn't help but to wish we were… more. But I get it. You don't feel the same way, so can we just forget this conversation ever happened?"
They stood there. Deep breaths and a silence so thick you could slice it with a knife. Victor inched closer, a spark of something shining in his eyes.
“Goldie… I know that I messed up in the last bit, but I think you got a tad bit wrong…”
Was he making fun of her?
“What? It seemed pretty clear to me.”
He smiled, a big smile. Nova's heart melted a little, maybe the situation was not so bad, not if his beautiful smile came to life like that. Victor's eyes still held a nervous shine as he finally admitted the truth.
“Clear that I'm absolutely in love with you?”
“You…are?” Nova was dumbstruck, she wasn't sure about what she heard, it didn't make any sense. Her brain was not catching up to what was happening. It was stuck on the two words: in love. What did he mean, in love with her? She couldn’t be lucky enough to have someone as perfect and amazing as him being in love with her.
Whether he noticed or not the daze in her eyes, the fact she was still processing the change of events, he kept going.
“Can I show you what I got you?”
“I… guess...”
At that he let go of her hands, turning to the same locker Vargas opened before. His hands were slightly shaking and she thought with the back of her head that it was cute. He being nervous around her would make her smile in a different setting. Vitor picked up something and turned to her, now in the dim light of the hallway she could see it was a necklace. She eyed him with a questioning gaze, waiting for an explanation. Brain still not functional enough to form full sentences.
“Here, it's a connection crystal, so you can always know when I'm thinking about you.” The daywalker blinked once, twice, but no words were needed as Victor kept going without giving her any room to speak, “Nova, I am sorry I wasn't clearer, I thought it was obvious how I felt and you were just trying to turn me down gently. I am in love with you.” He punctuated every word in the sentence. “I’ve loved you ever since the first time I saw your face in my dreams. I've loved you since you first smiled at me, when you didn't run away from the night, instead you could see its beauty. I've loved you ever since you shared your hopes and fears with me, and showed me I was strong enough to face mine. I love you every day as I see how strong, smart, compassionate, curious, generous, and every single other good adjective out there that you are. And I am baffled by the fact you don't think I feel the same because in a way you are right, I can't picture you being as obsessed with anything as I am with you.”
Nova could feel his thumb brushing her cheek, wiping away a lone tear that had fallen somewhere in the middle of all the beautiful words. She inched closer. Hands forming fists in his dress shirt, holding herself in fear her knees might give out.
“Victor… I- don't even know what to say. For so long I have been scared. Scared of being myself, scared of stepping up and being a leader, scared of not being good enough… and you… you are always there to help fight my fears. You make me a better person, someone who is not afraid to be herself, and I… love you for it, too.”
It was his time to be speechless. He opened and closed his mouth, she could see him swallowing hard. Getting closer, he whispered,
“Say that again.”
“I love you, Victor.” Now that it was out there, Nova felt freer than she ever had. If he wanted to she would say it a million times more. She would say it to anyone who crossed her because it was true. The grass was green and Nova loved Victor, simple facts.
Her words had a big effect on him. She could see now how his pupils dilated, focused completely on her. All of his vampire concentration only on her, her words. Not being able to help herself, she lifted to the tip of her toes, wanting to be closer to him. The movement caused his eyes to shift to her lips, just for a moment but it was enough for her to notice. Was he going to kiss her? Now that she thought about it, she couldn't stop. Nova felt like she needed him to breathe.
Butterflies danced like crazy in her stomach as they both inched closer and closer. His hands circled her waist just like when they were dancing but somehow more. Nova used the opportunity to cup his cheeks, finally being able to learn the feeling of the soft, slightly cold skin of his face she has been wondering what is like for months now. His eyes fluttered close as in reflex at the touch and Nova couldn't help but feel a little smug about it, she was responsible for this. It was her touch that made Victor come undone, no one else’s. She would have time to gloat about that later. Now she needed to know what his lips against hers felt like, so after a final look at his face, at how unguarded he looked, Nova finally closed her eyes and tuned in to her other senses, now just barely away from him.
His breath was ragged, she noticed, as she could feel the air coming through his nose right at her lips. This was taking too long and Nova was never one to stand still, so she finally decided to cross the line. She pulled him close, closer than they had ever been, and, just as her lips brushed his, there was the sound of someone clearing their throat.
They jumped apart, still too alert and unsure to not have that as their first reaction. Nova was ready to burn alive whoever was responsible for interrupting possibly the most expected event of her life until now. They turned to see some older vampire woman standing in the hallway.
“Victor. Miss Bright. That's certainly not how I expected to find both of you on this diplomatic visit.” She emphasized in a way that made it very obvious the distaste for their current predicament. Nova didn't regret it, but she felt sorry for the fact that it would get around to more people, likely her father. So much for keeping things between them. “I wanted to greet you, Miss Bright, and welcome you to Shadyside High. I apologize for the delay, headmistress duties always show up at the most unexpected times, you see.” She looked both of them up and down, likely deciding if she wanted to deal with that situation or not. If it were two of their students, she could take some action on the fact they were alone in some dark hallway in an area they were not supposed to be for the night. However, Nova was not part of the docents and was in fact representing a people they were in peace-making with so the woman couldn't just scold the teenager.
With a sigh, the headmistress (as Nova gathered from her previous sentence) completed, “Well, we are delighted to have you and your friend here, Miss Bright. I hope you enjoyed the event and that Victor properly showed you the ropes. I expect to see all of you in the celebratory ending speech. For now, I must leave. Good night.”
And just like that, she left. The daywalker couldn't believe her luck. She looked back to the one person who consumed all her thoughts just to find him already staring back. She smiled, ready to start speaking and hopefully returning to the thing they were interrupted earlier. But before she could say anything, Victor put a finger in front of his lips, the universal sign of silence, and pointed to the still fading heel clicks of the older woman in the empty hallway.
Vampire audition. Yeah, right, Nova forgot about that for a moment. She could still hear them. Nova frowned at the thought, she didn't want to waste a second of her time with Victor… Better move to lighter topics than stay silent, she guessed.
“So, my necklace. You didn't give it to me. I want to see it.” Did her voice really sound that weird and breathy or is it just because of the muffling in her ears?
Her vampire, of course, understood her and proceeded to lift it up again so she could see.
“Oh right! As I was saying. It's a connection crystal. They come in pairs, so every time one is touched, the other lights up. I was in hopes you would wear it so you can always know when I'm thinking about you-”
She jumped forward, massively hugged him and interrupting the end of the sentence. It was beautiful, she loved it already. Nova buried her face under his chin and held so tight he might have trouble breathing. She never wanted to let go. Here, surrounded by his scent, safe in his arms was where she wanted to be for all eternity. Screw propriety, he said he loved her back and they would find a way to be together, and that was final.
“So… I assume you liked it?” He chuckled against her hair. She could feel his chest vibrating along with his words and she was already addicted to that.
“Liked? I loved it. I am never going to take it off.” Nova slowly pulled away from the embrace, already regretting it but having to so he could put the delicate chain around her neck. “Can you put it on me?”
They were still really close, which meant Nova could clearly see his look shifting all over her face and how he swallowed once, his Adam’s apple going up and down as he finally nodded, maybe a little too enthusiastically but she didn't really care.
She turned around slowly until her back was to him. After two or maybe three seconds of silence, she felt his fingers brushing her hair to the side. The motion was slow, deliberate, she could feel goosebumps showing up on her skin every place his hands touched on the nape of her neck. Her eyes fluttered close, just enjoying the sensation of him being this close. He had never touched her like that before, with reverence, like she was the most precious thing he could not believe he had the opportunity to touch. And oh sweet sun, didn't that make her feel beautiful.
The necklace finally entered Nova's field of vision, resting on her chest. A red stone shaped like a crystal that appeared like it belonged right next to her skin. After a moment of Victor meticulously closing the jewel, she turned back to him, stepping even closer. Her eyes were expecting, moving so fast trying to register every single detail of his face.
“So, how does it look?” Her voice was small, hopeful.
“Beautiful.” He said it as if it was as easy as breathing. “But that's not thanks to the necklace. You always look like a goddess.” Under the scrutiny of his eyes, she couldn't help but blush at his words. Is this how this is going to be like? She really had to step up her game.
You know what? That's enough. He was going to be speechless for once, she decided. So, without any time to back down or be interrupted again Nova surged forward using her hands to pull Victor down and meet their lips together.
It was quick, their kiss, but it was warm and full of feelings and real - so real and so much better than her dreams, he really was her dream come true. It made every part of her body tingle. She felt like she might light something on fire with all the energy pulsing through her and she was not the only one, because after she pulled back slightly to gauge his reaction, she could see him blinking fast. Eyes going from red to brown to red again as Victor tried to get a hold of his control of the darkstone. They would have to work on that, since she was expecting many more kisses on their way in the future.
“Wow… Nova… I…” His mind was blank, his eyes lost in a daze, every thought being consumed by Nova and how she felt like in his arms, in his lips…
“I know.” She completed the unsaid thoughts. With a breathless laugh she added, “Why were we waiting this long?”
He seemed to finally gather control of his powers because a smile slowly made its way to his face as he took in every inch of her, every place where they touched. “Because I’m an idiot.” Nova didn't like when he was self depreciative so her eyebrows formed a slightly frown before she added,
“Well, we are both idiots then.” She said it like it was final, so Victor couldn't counter that. She moved one of her hands to touch the small pendant that barely made any weight on her neck. Nova was sure she was never going to take that off, which made her remember something. “Where is your necklace? It comes in pairs, right?” Just as she loved to wear something from him, she wanted to see him using something that was connected to her, that symbolized how they felt to anyone else.
Victor’s eyes sparked at the reminder, “Yes, it's in my locker as well.” Even as he said it, she expected him to make a motion to grab it, but no, he didn't move an inch. They were so close, basking in each other's presence, the moment was so perfect neither wanted to pull away.
While one hand went to keep playing with the hair on the back of his head, the one in contact with the pendent stayed there, holding it close. She ran her thumb through it once, twice; the stone felt as real and strong as them, their feelings.
The thought alone made her lean forward once more, just because she could, her lips captured his so fast he could feel the noise he made with the back of his throat. She could go like this forever if it weren't for a weird complaint noise she heard coming their way. Nova would be enraged if it didn't sound so much like someone was going to be sick.
They pulled away, bodies mostly touching but enough to see a very green-looking Vargas coming their way.
“Guys, I don't feel so good…” His voice came with a slur that concerned both teens, he was holding his stomach, which at least gave them a good sense of the problem.
“What happened?” Victor asked as he came closer to the other boy, putting a hand on his shoulders to keep support. He and Nova exchanged worried and disappointed looks.
“What you had in your candies, man? I feel about to throw up.”
“Umm, nothing different, just regular candy,” Victor answered quickly, looking at the still-open locker. Nova, somehow, was the one who clocked the problem right away.
“Victor, did you keep your connection crystal right next to the crystal-looking candy?” Sometimes, she had to agree, he was an idiot. She didn't even need to look at his face to see the guilty look as he wanted to deny but couldn't.
“Why is my stomach shining?" Vargas’ voice interrupted again and just then Nova realized she was still holding her pendant, not even thinking of the fact.
She and Victor exchanged more guilty looks as he weakly added, “Well, at least it's good to know you are thinking about me.” And there was no way she was not going to smile at that.
They proceeded to take Vargas to the med bay, but before they finally arrived at a more crowded area, Victor turned to Nova and said,
“And, about that conversation you had earlier with Ray… If you have any more questions… let me know.”
And then he winked at her. Winked. That bastard.
She was sure she had an undeniable blush on her face for the next hour, and if she had a pleased smile the whole time… well it was nobody's business (after all, her soon-to-be boyfriend had just sort of given permission for her to touch his fangs, a girl can dream, okay?)
(And after, even though she had to go straight from the med bay back to Sunnyside, she still had the brightest smile on her face. She was happy and had been promised a brand new pair of connection crystals, life couldn't be better.)