“You’re rewatching that stupid movie again? How many times can you watch Twilight before you finally have enough?” Sirius complained as he walked into Marlene hitting play on the vampire movie for the second time that week. “Vampire Bella Swan or Alice Cullen shows up on my doorstep, then I’ll stop watching this. You act like I’m on team edward or jacob– I’m here for the hot vampire women.” Marlene replied, to which Sirius started grumbling about how vampires were overrated, saying werewolves were ‘soooooo much cooler”.
Marlene had always been interested in supernatural and fantasy beings– especially vampires, since she was a child. Most of the shows anyone saw her watching had to do with witches, werewolves, vampires, anything along those lines. She kept this interest hidden for the most part, only her close friends really knew how into it she was. And Marlene wasn’t planning on letting it become common knowledge either, not with her new feelings for this new girl at school, Dorcas Meadows. Dorcas was everything a girl could dream of– smart, funny, talented, and not to mention absolutely gorgeous. What was funny was that all of her friends joked that Marlene really did have a type, as they all thought that Dorcas had an aura that would fit right in with all those vampires in the shows and movies that Marlene watched. As much as she hated it, Marlene couldn’t really deny what they were saying because it was true, Dorcas definitely had the looks and allure of a vampire. The way her posture was always perfect, the way her eyes seemed to glow a red hue in just the right light, the way every step she took was absolutely showstopping. Everything about Dorcas was able to draw Marlene in, and a small part of Marlene wishes that Dorcas was a vampire.
But Marlene knew that was a foolish thought as her phone rang, the name tag popping up as “Pookie”. Dorcas. She picked up the phone faster than Sirius when he knew it was James calling, and squeaked out “Hello?”
A melodic laugh resounded over the phone, Dorcas chuckling at the crack in Marlene’s voice. “Hello, dear. I was calling to ask you if you were free right now.”
“F-free? For you, always,” Marlene tried to sound cool but it was coming off as desperate, mentally kicking herself for wearing her emotions on her sleeve, “What did you want to do?”
Dorcas hummed from wherever she was, the sound making Marlene weak in the knees even though she was sitting. God, Marlene would do just about anything for that woman, and it was downright pathetic(or so Sirius says).
“I was thinking we could go on a little stroll? It’s a beautiful night, and I know you like sweets, so I looked it up and there’s a quaint little candy shop right by my house. If you’d like of course, I understand that it’s quite late.” She explained, and to Marlene, it was sounding very much like a date– or maybe she was just being delusional. But delusion didn’t stop her next words, “Are you asking me on a date, Cassie?” Marlene’s face turned a bright red as soon as the words left her mouth, immediately regretting them.
Another laugh rose from Dorcas. “It wasn’t my intention but, who would say no to a date with you Marlene? So yes, it is now.” If it was possible, Marlene got even redder.
“O-oh! Well, I’ll see you soon then! Where do you want me to meet you?” Marlene asked, barely able to keep herself together.
“I’ll pick you up, love. See you in a few.” And just like that, Dorcas hung up, leaving Marlene– and Sirius, who had just witnessed all of it, speechless.
She turned to him with wide eyes. “I have a date with Dorcas.”
“You have a date with Dorcas fucking Meadows.” He parroted.
Marlene shot up from where she was sitting, not even minding the movie anymore, rushing to get dressed.
Clothes were never Marlene’s specialty, but thankfully Sirius was there, helping her to look like she had some semblance of a style. She was dressed in a tight black t-shirt, courtesy of Sirius, and her black baggy jeans. Marlene put on a few gold rings and necklaces to make herself look slightly more put together than just a shirt and jeans, but she knew there was only so much she could do.
But when Dorcas showed up, Marlene never felt more underdressed than she did now. Even in casual clothes, Dorcas still managed to make them look like she was dressed to the nines. Dorcas had on a red lace corset top and black high waisted shorts, which were paired with black lace leggings that matched the top and black boots. Not to mention the leather jacket she had over all of it. On anyone else, it would look somewhat casual, but on Dorcas? Dorcas looked like she could walk into an expensive restaurant and no one would bat an eye.
“Are you ready to go?” Dorcas asked, offering her arm to Marlene. It took everything she had not to melt on the spot. How she had gotten lucky enough to go on a date with her, Marlene would never know. “Yup! Lead the way.” Marlene said as she took her arm.
They reached the candy shop pretty fast, and Marlene picked out a few lollipops while Dorcas just watched, a fond smile never leaving her face. “You’re not gonna get any?” Marlene had questioned, curious since Dorcas had been the one to pick the place out. The taller girl shook her head, causing her braids to fall into her face just the slightest bit. It made Marlene want to tuck the strand behind her ear. But Dorcas began to speak, pulling Marlene away from her thoughts, “I don’t really enjoy candy, it doesn’t… how would you say? Sit with my stomach the right way.” Marlene nodded mindlessly, thinking Dorcas couldn’t stomach candy in the same way Marlene couldn’t stomach milk– always made her feel sick afterwards.
After they had left the candy shop, they just walked around the neighborhood, just as Dorcas had suggested. It truly was a nice night too, not too hot or cold, and the moon was clear in the sky. Marlene couldn’t help but let her mind wander towards the creatures of the night; What they would be doing right now if they existed.
Dorcas stared at Marlene with interest, curious. “What’re you thinking about in that head of yours?” Now it was Marlene’s turn to laugh, “You sound like my mom, she always says that.” This got a sheepish laugh from Dorcas, realizing how she sounded.
“But,” Marlene continued, “I’m thinking about the moon.”
“Oh? What exactly about the moon, if I may ask?” Dorcas slowed her pace, almost to a complete stop, awaiting Marlene’s answer. Marlene fiddled with her fingers, heat rising up her neck as she admitted, “Well, about the creatures that thrive under its light. Like werewolves and vampires.” Dorcas’ eyebrows rose at her confession, which made Marlene shrink in on herself just the slightest bit.
“You believe in those things?” The question was inherently non-judgemental, but made Marlene terrified that Dorcas thought she was weird now.
“W-well no– I don’t exactly believe in them per say, I just like them. I’ve always been interested in fantasy and supernatural media, you know? It’s always intrigued me, the thought that there could be so much to our world, let alone another. Not to mention all the absolutely amazing creatures; Vampires are my favorite. They’re just so cool and stylish and the concept of them is to die for and–” Marlene cut herself off when she realized that she had begun to ramble, “I’m sorry, I got too excited.”
Dorcas, though clearly surprised, smiled at Marlene. She has to be an angel, Marlene thought, because who else wouldn’t be completely weirded out by now.
“You don’t have to apologize, it was nice to learn something new about you. I’m quite interested in vampires myself.” Dorcas smiled as she saw Marlene perk up at those words.
“You too? Do you have a favorite Tv show or movie? Or maybe a book?” Marlene shot off questions left and right, asking Dorcas about different things pertaining to the subject. But she ended off with, “So, how’d you get into this stuff?”
Dorcas stared at her for a moment, seeming to contemplate something in her head. Marlene stood there, waiting as Dorcas had a whole back and forth argument with herself inside her head. Eventually, she sighed, seeming to have come to a conclusion of what she was going to say.
“Well, I didn’t get into it by choice really. Once I was bitten, it only made sense for me to learn more and consume stuff about vampires since I am one.” There was a beat of silence between them, Marlene not sure she heard Dorcas right.
“Sorry, I don’t think I heard you right… Did you just say you’re a vampire?”
Dorcas nodded, watching Marlene’s face carefully. “Yes. Yes I did. I was turned in 1901, and am 123 years old technically.” “Technically?” Marlened questioned, confused and curious, not caring how ridiculous this statement would sound to anyone else. “Well, even though I have been “alive” 123 years, I still feel and think like I am seventeen. You get what I mean?” Marlene nodded, soaking in all this information happily. This whole situation felt like a dream to Marlene. Not only was she on a date with Dorcas, but Dorcas was a vampire. If this was a dream, Marlene never wanted to wake up. “Wow… I can’t believe this. This is amazing! God, I have so many questions. Can I ask you some right now?” Dorcas stared down at Marlene, making Marlene wonder how many people she had told before her. She also wondered how many of the responses Dorcas had gotten were positive…
“...Sure. I’ll answer the best I can.” Dorcas nodded, her words laced with slight hesitation. Marlene’s eyes lit up at the permission. “So, let’s get the most obvious question out of the way; You drink blood, right?” Dorcas nodded again, inspecting Marlene’s face. If anything, the smile on her face grew even more. Marlene saw her staring, but she knew Dorcas could see she wasn’t pretending. “What was it like to become a vampire? Did it hurt? Or were you born this way?”
“I was turned,” Dorcas stared off into the sky, her eyes having this faraway look that Marlene wanted nothing more than to know the reason for, “It was unwillingly, but I don’t think I can imagine another life– or death rather– for myself. And yes, it did hurt, mainly because our venom– as most venoms are, are painful. But, after a couple hours or so, you’re basically numb at that point, so it doesn’t hurt anymore.”
Marlene watched as Dorcas explained in awe, soaking in every bit of information. Before she could filter her next question, one that had been sitting in the back of her mind since Dorcas had told her, the words slipped from her lips, “Can you turn me? Into a vampire?” Dorcas’ eyes widened at the request.
Before Dorcas could reply, Marlene decided it would be better to give Dorcas reasons, as she had thought about a moment like this for so so long, “I promise, I’m not just saying that on a whim. I know exactly what I would do. I would write all my friends notes, explaining why I couldn’t be near them for a while– not until I learned to control myself around humans– and they would understand, trust me. They know I've wanted this for YEARS, and would honestly probably be happy for me, you know? They probably think that would finally shut me up about all this stuff and–” Marlene stopped when she heard Dorcas start to laugh, the soft sound feeling like music to Marlene’s ears. “I understand, Marlene. I wouldn’t expect you of all people not to be prepared; You wouldn’t leave your friends and family hanging, you love them too much for that, which I find very sweet.”
Marlene blushed at Dorcas’ words, stuttering out a thank you. “Of course, dear. And yes, I can turn you. But in return can I ask for one thing? But you can refuse if you don’t want to.” Dorcas smiled playfully, stepping closer to Marlene until they were less than a foot apart, “Will you let me have the honor of being your girlfriend?” Marlene gasped and stared at Dorcas with wide eyes, feeling the heat rise to her face. Dorcas wanted to date her. She guesses that should’ve been obvious since they were on a date, but still. Marlene couldn’t believe her ears. Both of her biggest dreams were coming true. Realizing she still hadn’t answered, Marlene nodded quickly, her response coming out in a rush, “Iwouldlovetohaveyouasmygirlfriendhonestlyitwouldbemyhonor.” Another laugh left Dorcas’ mouth before she leaned in towards Marlene, “Is it alright that I kiss you, love?” Marlene started to nod but then she almost hit Dorcas in the head, so she just ended up saying, “Yes please.” She internally kicked herself for sounding like an idiot, but that didn’t last long when she felt Dorcas’ lips on hers, the whole world– and every thought that spiraled in Marlene’s head, faded away. Marlene had dreamt of this moment for months; every little day dream, every time she gushed to James, Remus, Sirius, and Lily, all of it. And now here she was, kissing Dorcas, who was now her girlfriend.
Eventually, Dorcas pulled away, leaving Marlene breathless. Up close, in the moonlight, Marlene could see the red flecks in Dorcas’ eyes so much clearer. They looked like little flames in her eyes, and Marlene thought it was fitting, since vampires were always seen as creatures from hell. Creatures from the flames below. That never mattered to Marlene though, especially now when it came to Dorcas. If Dorcas wanted to damn Marlene, Marlene would follow her happily. Not because wherever Dorcas went was heaven, but because it was Dorcas. She would do whatever Dorcas desired, give her anything she wanted. Somehow, Marlene knew she would receive that same devotion from Dorcas.
Dorcas leaned into Marlene once more, making her think they would kiss again, but instead Dorcas leaned into Marlene’s neck. With a chaste kiss, her lips pressed against Marlene’s skin gently, pressing kisses up to a higher point on Marlene’s neck. It all happened so quickly– one second Dorcas was kissing her and the next Marlene could feel her fangs in her neck. A voiceless gasp left Marlene, and she closed her eyes, giving into the sensation.
She knew there would be pain. That there could possibly be darkness lying ahead of her. But with Dorcas’s lips on her neck, Marlene could die in peace, waiting to come alive once more for an eternity with the love of her life.