Chapter 1
Arlecchino suppressed a sigh as she saw the woman walking beside her seemingly in an unchanging, interrupted vocal mode.
Honestly, she knew very well that the other was just doing her job, but after hearing the same speech several, no, hundreds of times and on several different occasions, she was naturally tired.
She did her best to stop one of her eyebrows from rising in response to the monologue she was forced to listen to. Arlecchino was almost overcome by her natural instincts. Well, almost.
Whether by a miracle of fate or the intervention of some higher being, they finally reached the end of the badly tiled path - Arlecchino was about to ask herself if it was infinite. - Both stopped in front of a huge iron gate, slightly rusty and with a few cobwebs scattered across it.
“And that's the end of our little tour, I hope the house is still to your liking, miss-...Lord Arlecchino?’’
Arlecchino pretended not to notice the pink-haired woman's little slip in front of her, she wouldn't get any satisfaction out of making the other woman even more nervous. In fact, she was anxious to send her away soon.
''Although I'd like to get final confirmation from my partner first, I must admit, this place looks exactly like what we were looking for, I believe we'll give you a very positive answer tomorrow...'' Arlecchino pauses, quickly reading the other woman's name on the badge hanging from his jacket. ''Miss Charlotte.''
Charlotte let out a small laugh at this, Arlecchino imagining that a little of the other woman's nervousness had left her, even though she had picked up a little incredulity in her tone.
And Arlecchino wasn't judging her. Looking back when the other woman started rambling - again - as she thanked her for agreeing to visit the house, Arlecchino let her gaze fall on the house built on the huge plot.
And by “house” she was being quite modest, it was large enough to accommodate several rooms, a dance hall, at least two libraries scattered around and an incredibly tall tower in the east wing of the building. The architecture of the place had a Victorian style that was very pleasing to her eyes, with stained glass windows and Gothic colors that would take the breath away from any lover of the period.
And also, the natural “backyard” that surrounded it made everything even better, a slender and mysterious forest spread out on all sides that anyone could imagine. Most people wouldn't venture to live in such an isolated and dark place, the non-existent noise at dusk almost fooled most eyes, but it only took a sharp concentration to realize that you weren't alone there.
And Arlecchino, of course, loved that. It was the ideal place for someone with a lifestyle like her, someone who always seemed to have remnants of her past following her. An ideal refuge for a lonely creature like her. Well, not so lonely if the ring on her ring finger was any indication.
Arlecchino held back a smile as she brushed her thumb against the metal that hugged her finger.
However, before she could let her thoughts wander to a certain someone, a howl from not far away silenced her thoughts, powerful enough that it even seemed to have stolen the words from the woman in front of her.
The silence that followed lasted a few seconds before Charlotte held her hat tightly to her head and cleared her throat. Arlecchino liked to think that the wind was hissing.
''Ahem, I must advise you, Monsieur, night comes more quickly here and it's not very safe for your... partner to wander around, especially into the forest. There are an increasing number of wolves in the area and ...well, it's best to keep your distance, right?"'
Almost as if predestined, another howl cuts through the wind, this time closer to her ears than the last. Almost as if the creature was trying to say something. A signal. Exposing its presence as if to say that it was on the prowl.
Arlecchino couldn't help but have a small smile on her lips, she could almost feel the anxiety and fear of the woman in front of her. Judging by the way her eyes wandered to the green vegetation behind them, her hands probably twisting against each other behind her back and a small bead of sweat running down her forehead, Charlotte shouldn't be used to this sort of thing.
“Thank you for your concern, miss, but don't worry, I assure you it's the forest that should fear my partner.’’ She jokes, smiling just enough for her sharp teeth to show.
The provocative joke that comes out of her lips doesn't seem to calm the other down, or even break the awkward atmosphere that has formed between them. In fact, it seems to do the opposite, fermenting a discomfort that Arlecchino was used to causing in other people.
Not that she minded, after all, she let the words with an ambiguous meaning come out of her mouth for a reason. It was time for Charlotte to go.
''Anyway, it's my time to go now! I'll be here in the morning to finalize the contracts and officially leave the deed in your hands.'' Unconsciously doing what she wanted, Charlotte waved quickly in farewell, the other woman almost tripping on her way to the gate.
Turning as quickly as prey fleeing a predator.
It was comforting, Arlecchino thought.
“Miss Charlotte.’’
Ironically, her voice cut through the air along with another howl. The pink-haired woman's hurried figure seemed to freeze in place. Arlecchino watched a slight tremor pass through the other woman's small body. It didn't help that she had finally let her footsteps make a sound. - Earlier, when the tour had started, Arlecchino had laughed in close proximity when Charlotte had pointed out that she was walking quietly. -
She stops right behind the other, much closer than she used to be to other people. The smile grows on her lips when she hears, literally believe her, Charlotte holding her breath.
Her blackened hand reaches up, cutting the short distance between the other's shoulder. Nails pointed almost like claws and painted scarlet red rest there. A call for her to look at Arlecchino.
''Can I have the key? After all, it's good to keep the doors locked to avoid... unwanted visitors during the night."
Then, almost as if she had recovered her soul, Charlotte turns to her, the color returning to her face. The air trapped in her lungs finally leaving her body.
“The key...? Oh, of course, the key! Haha, how could I forget. Let me... wait, I'm sure it's here, just a second!'' Charlotte says, a relieved sigh leaving her lips as she rummages through her bag. Arlecchino steps back again, giving her time and space to finish whatever she was doing. ''Here! The larger one is the one for the main entrance that I opened earlier, the one on the left is the one for the room you chose and...''
'' Thank you very much. I'm sure my companion and I will figure out the rest.'' Arlecchino gently pulls the key ring from the other woman's hand.
She doesn't stay to listen to the other's nervous stammering after the interruption, instead Arlecchino goes to the gate in front of them, pulling it aside gracefully and effortlessly, unlike the pink-haired woman's failed attempt when they arrived to see the house in the morning.
Charlotte doesn't hide her surprise at the discovery of Arlecchino's apparent strength but seems to pull herself together quickly, rushing through the gate.
“I wish you a safe journey back, Miss.’’, Arlecchino couldn't resist the little provocation when the other finally passed her, the way the other woman's body was enriched by her voice not escaping her notice.
Before the other could answer her, she slams the open gate back on the other, already moving away from him and consequently leaving room only for the other to wave goodbye.
Arlecchino didn't need to look back to make sure the other woman had gone, the loud slam of the other woman's car door and the frantic way she turned the keys to start the car was enough.
Despite this, it's only when she hears the car start up that Arlecchino allows herself to relax. Her shoulders immediately slump as she takes advantage of the silence to close her eyes.
An icy drop of water falls on her face, making her vision shoot up to the hazy sky in front of her. According to her guide, the sky in this region was naturally grayish, covered in clouds and always looking sad, in her words, and perfect for Arlecchino, in her own. And although the weather was apparently considered normal, Arlecchino didn't want to be outside if the rain decided to kiss the ground. Much less the few boxes they had brought in case they decided to spend the night in the house.
Hurrying back to the entrance of the house, she couldn't help but hope that her companion would have the decency to return before the rain came down and soaked her, she knew all too well about her habit of not minding getting mud and water all over the floor. God, Arlecchino remembered all the times they had been traveling and she had opened the door of her rented room at dawn only to find the other woman's pleading eyes with a trail of stained floor following her.
She certainly didn't want to spend her first hours in her new home cleaning up something that could have been avoided, especially when there was so much to be done, things to unpack and rooms to be properly cleaned.
Arlecchino stopped in front of the piles of boxes in front of her, it already seemed laborious now and it would certainly be even more so when the rest of her things arrived over the next few days.
Determined to stop procrastinating when another drop of rain falls on her skin, Arlecchino spends the next few minutes carrying the boxes inside. She makes a point of being careful despite her haste, not wanting to duplicate her work in case she breaks something.
The next hour seems to fly by and Arlecchino finds herself in the kitchen, having finished putting away most of the things destined for that room. The coat she had been wearing for a long time lay abandoned against one of the stools, her attempt to prevent it from getting dirty while she cleaned and organized the place.
She was wiping down the dark marble worktop with a cloth when the front door was abruptly opened, the sound of low rain invading her ears before it was closed again. But it was enough for the smell of wet earth to invade her sense of smell. She wrinkles her nose at it.
There are a couple of new footsteps in the house now, she listens as they stop in front of the staircase leading to the second floor before descending and making their way back to the kitchen, exactly where she was.
She doesn't need to turn around to know who has arrived, after all, she herself made known shortly afterwards with a happy little shout. Arlecchino feels that she could hear her excited jumping a mile away. She doesn't try to hide her smile this time.
“Arle, this place is amazing! There's even a lake not far from here and I bet you'll love it, there's a pier that looks like it's straight out of one of your spooky weird books.'' Arlecchino frowns as she hears the other woman's muffled voice, as if there were something in her mouth making it difficult for her to speak.
The sight she finds is pretty much what she imagined, with an added twist that she had forgotten to anticipate, well, her fault after all, Furina always seemed to find a way to surprise her. Arlecchino should have learned that a long, long time ago.
She faced the other woman, letting her gaze linger on her legs, noticing how dirty they were with wet earth, her white shoes that she was sure the other woman had been wearing when she had left earlier had disappeared.
A pair of gray shorts - now almost brown due to the water and dirt on them - with small rips in them accompanied her. The jacket she had also been wearing earlier had apparently met the same fate as her shoes, leaving her with only a blue tank top - obviously also dirty - and unlike the shorts, this one had a huge tear in its side, the thinness of, perhaps, twigs, like when someone stumbles along a bush track at considerable speed and injures themselves along the way - which shouldn't happen very often, she thought. -
Her hands, of course, were also dirty, as if the other had spent time digging or with her hands in constant contact with the earth. But Arlecchino's surprise was not caused by this, much less by her messy hair with a thin layer of dirt on it. No, the look on her face is due to what Furina, with her stupid - and divinely mesmerizing. - heterochromatic eyes, staring at her innocently, held her mouth.
''A rabbit?'' Arlecchino asked, sighing heavily, noticing the animal's blood dripping from where Furina was munching on it and slipping to the ground.
''A hare to be exact. Its ears are longer,'' Furina corrected her, although Arlecchino only understood half of what she was saying. ‘’It looks like a lepus capensis, it probably came from...''
''I thought we had agreed to hunt here together for the first time.'' Arlecchino cuts her off before it becomes a monologue of Furina's seemingly infinite knowledge of animals - mainly mammals. - and their functions in the natural chain of nature.
And don't get her wrong, she always lent her ear to another, loved it in fact, but the smell of wet earth, the hare's blood and the dirt both in her kitchen and on Furina were mixing together and leaving her head with a little twinge of pain.
''Sorry, I was exploring around when I noticed my little friend running around and the next thing I knew I was biting her.’’
Arlecchino shook her head in response, that was a very Furina thing to do, she could almost picture the scene in her head.
''But hey, now we have dinner!'' Furina quickly adds, trying to salvage the situation she's put herself in.
''Oh yeah? And what are we going to do with that meat you brought back from your last hunt in the old house?’’
When Furina didn't have an answer to her sharp question, Arlecchino rolled her eyes. It's not that she needed to eat, but Furina did and she didn't want the other to suddenly fill up on different meats and end up feeling ill - as happened several times when the other fed like this in her human form. -
'' Enough, let's discuss this later. For now...'' Arlecchino closed the distance between them, reaching out for the animal in the other's mouth. In response, Furina unconsciously - she hoped - moves her mouth away from her hand. The blood from the hare's wound trickles faster towards the ground. They both look at the mess that has formed.
Arlecchino takes a deep breath as the other runs away again. “Furina.’’
Finally, Furina seems to notice how close to the limit Arlecchino was, she was about to cross that invisible line when Furina decides to slow down and take a step back. She let go of the hare, swallowing the rest of the blood in her mouth so that it wouldn't fall to the ground and stress the taller one even more.
“Sorry, my lord.’’, Furina tried to joke, the light way she was used to speaking to Arlecchino in jest slipping out of her mouth.
“It's good that you are.’’, Arlecchino grumbles as her pushes Furina's dirty hands away from her waist. ''But luckily for you, I'm willing to forgive you after you've had your bath.''
A shrill scream came from the mouth of the other, Furina raising her hand as if Arlecchino had told her she hated Fedra or Le Misanthofe.
“We don't need to be so extreme, do we, Arle? Just one cloth should be enough, I swear, I'll clean up properly!''
''No, my dear lady. I'm afraid I'll have to use the old traditional: hot water''
''Oh, come on, we don't have to go that far, please?'' Furina put her hands together in front of her, as if begging for mercy.
Normally, Arlecchino used to give in to the other, happily letting the other do whatever she wanted with her, be it testing make-up on them or using Arlecchino as her inspiration in the works the other was working on.
In other things, of course, Arlecchino's grip was firm and unbreakable.
And this time? Arlecchino had no intention of showing her mercy. She would be relentless.
“Let me put your little mischief away and get some hair cream.’’, Arlecchino announced, turning to get a board to put the animal on while also trying to remember which box they had put bathroom items in. They would need a lot. Arlecchino didn't want any smells of wet earth wafting through the house.
This time, Furina didn't surprise her, the sound of her footsteps moving away as the girl shouted something like “you won't take me alive” filled the silent house.
Arlecchino sighed, if her wife wanted to do things the hard way, who was she to hold her back? Her mind starting counting from one to ten as she rolled up the sleeves of her blouse in preparation.
After all, she liked the thrill of giving her prey the upper hand.
XXX
''That's awful, I look very...sticky.''
The other woman's voice cuts through the silence of the room as she rises from a brief encounter with the water around her.
''Perhaps it's worth noting, my lady, you're in a bathtub.''
In response, Furina simply shows her tongue in a mocking gesture. Arlecchino ignores this, signaling the other to move towards her and lean against the edge of the bath.
Calmly, she applies some shampoo to her hands before bringing them to the other woman's scalp. She wanted to make sure that no dirt got into her hair.
Furina leaned into her touch, rubbing her own head against her hands in search of more contact. She looked a lot like a puppy, Arlecchino concluded.
The taller woman smiled at this thought, it was ironic if she took into account the nature of the woman in front of her. Ironic and right.
“For someone who wouldn't stop complaining for half a minute. You look pretty comfortable, puppy. ‘’
The woman between Arlecchino hands lets out a small growl when she hears the nickname used for her. Furina holds her hands, lowering them as her small body rises briefly from the tub in all its glory. Their heights matching as the taller one remained seated.
“I'm not a puppy and I certainly don't look like one!’’
Her speech could almost have sounded threatening with the little woman showing her fangs as she let another little noise escape from her throat.
“If that's what you say.’’ Arlecchino adds jokingly as she pushes her into the tub again. She hears Furina snorting again, but the shorter girl doesn't complain, accepting her fate.
She hums as she goes back to cleaning the other woman's hair, grimacing as she pulls another small twig from it. A quiet pleasantness fell over the bathroom as they worked, well, Arlecchino worked, since Furina had decided that she would just lean her forehead against her blouse and turn it into one of her huggable teddies.
Even though her clothes were getting wet, Arlecchino didn't mind, moving on to finish what her had started. Thanks to her agility, it's not long before she's looking for an outfit for the other woman - and for herself too - while Furina is drying herself off a few steps behind her.
“I'll wait for you downstairs.’’ Arlecchino announced as her returned, placing the clean clothes on a bench and bending down slightly to remove the dirty ones.
“Understood.’’ That's what she hears in a forcefully firm voice, which she believes is an imitation of those commando generals or whatever it is from the movies Furina used to drag them to watch.
She rolls her eyes despite the slight smile on her face, closing the door to the sound of her partner's giggles.
XXX
Furina hummed an old tune as she left the room, almost tripping over a pile of boxes on the way. Oops, Arlecchino must have left it there. And speaking of her, Furina remembered that she was supposed to find her as soon as she got dressed, which didn't happen since she had accidentally bumped into her bed and stayed sprawled there for a good twenty minutes - that's all, she swears! - But knowing her wife, Arlecchino should have been aware of this little interruption.
She went downstairs, always skipping steps the way her wife would always complain if she saw her, and when she got there, she looked both ways. No other woman in sight. Concentrating, Furina stops and listens carefully. A clink against the wood draws her attention to the kitchen and it is there that Furina makes her way.
“So this is where my presence is requested.’’, Furina says dramatically as she passes through the door to the other room. She finds the other woman standing in front of the worktop, a large, sharp-looking knife in her hands as she cuts into the meat spread out on the board below. ''What are we doing?’’
''Dinner, of course. I was curious whether you'd like to eat now or not, but I decided to get ahead of myself.'' Arlecchino replied calmly, the sound of the cut reaching the board filling the air.
Furina approached the woman, noticing that in addition to the amount of vegetables already cut up in a bowl beside her - her wife always made her eat, even if Furina preferred meat or noodles. - She was also cutting up a large quantity of meat, both the old one and the small gift Furina had brought earlier.
The image brought a smile to Furina's face, as she knew perfectly well what awaited them next week. The presence of a full moon had been hanging over her for the last few days and she knew that her wife was aware of it. Arlecchino had always been the type to make silent gestures, without seeking recognition or gratitude. It was no wonder that the presence of meat was increased in her meals whenever the call of the moon approached. As Arlecchino volunteered to go hunting with her to keep her stock of meat high, Furina was often distracted by wandering through the woods.
It was funny that if Furina pointed out the attentive care, Arlecchino would vehemently deny it, preferring to be caught dead than to acknowledge such an act. Arlecchino would hide her gaze from hers, her hair falling and hiding her ears - which always seemed to burn when her wife lied, Furina theorized. - And she'd take her mind off things, changing the topic of conversation to something else.
The most ironic thing was that while she kept repeating that Furina was reading too much into things, Arlecchino would always contradict her words. Her actions would always be her worst enemy. The deadliest weapon against herself.
It was moments like when Furina was working on some new work, a difficult script or even a new composition, where Arlecchino would show up with a glass of water in her hand or an invitation for a food break - in which she would always have everything conveniently ready. -
Or when Furina took too long in the shower and came out to find her clothes neatly ironed and waiting for her. The way she would close the windows and carry her to her room if she found Furina sleeping around with a book in her hand.
Or the way she would complain that Furina wouldn't melt when they were caught in a downpour, but would promptly open an umbrella over them, always covering Furina first.
Even when Furina, with her wild habits, tore her favorite coat, she never had the heart to throw it away, but she never had to because it always returned to her wardrobe with an almost perfect seam.
Furina could make an endless list about every little thing Arlecchino did, read it out in front of her and even point it out to her, but the other's answer would always be the same: a shrug and an innocent face saying that they were just coincidences.
“I'd like to eat now, I think.’’. Furina murmurs, earning a nod in response from her wife - who seemed to have anticipated her answer - She picks up the bowl of cut vegetables, moving to wash them.
She does so more enthusiastically when she gets a grateful look from Arlecchino. It was no news that her wife was better with knives and sharp objects than she was. This was also true in the kitchen, even though Furina volunteered to help or just watched her intently from behind - the latter more often than the former - she usually left the task to Arlecchino.
Even though it had probably been centuries since she'd had to eat, Arlecchino was very skilled, even learning how Furina liked her meat from the moment they met. Perhaps she had kept up the habit thanks to the children. And speaking of them...
''I got a letter from Lyney, they're going to perform at the Rosemary theater soon. We could take some time off to visit them, couldn't we?"' She informed the other, even though she knew that thanks to the other “jobs” they had together, Arlecchino would have known about such an act and even the hidden side of such a performance before she did.
Even so, she was glad that the twins and little Freminet wrote to her whenever they could. Perhaps her count of years was skewed, but she remembered perfectly the twenty years they spent together and how someone who incredibly “grew up” on her own - and ironic, coming from the special one she was part of. - It was certainly... different, having more than one, no, four family members around her.
But since they'd reached a certain age, or however vampires counted these things, trips away had become more and more frequent. She didn't ask about these things, content only to hear about their news and plans.
And considering how long she and her wife had been traveling together, moving from house to house when the side they preferred to leave buried from their pasts found her. It must have been at least fifty years since they last saw each other.
A short time for someone like her. But Furina was a special case.
“I'm sure he'll pester us with two tickets as soon as he has them in hand.’’, Arlecchino comments, finished with the meat. She barely seasoned them, knowing that Furina's stomach was sensitive before the full moon. ''What about your work?
''Nothing much. I received a few manuscripts to review, but nothing caught my eye."' There was a resigned tone in Furina's reply.
''Maybe it's time for you to grace them with your own words.’’
''Who knows.’’, Even so, Furina smiled at the other woman's suggestion.
Flames erupted against the low light of the kitchen, the taller woman using them to light the oven, a faint hint of a smile on Arlecchino's face, the flames were old childhood friends - of which she was currently content to use only to light things or warm her wife. - But it still reminded her of her abilities. Conversation raced about their new home as they both waited for the sound of the oven telling them when dinner was ready.
XXX
Furina doesn't know how she's managed to keep her eyes closed with the feeling of the light bothering her face for the last five minutes. But still she tries.
Unfortunately, the next thing she feels touching her face are cold hands squeezing her cheeks, nose and even a stray finger poking her lips.
“Urgh, go away.’’, Furina mutters, trying to crawl under the blanket only for it to be pulled away from her.
The hands disappear for a few seconds, but before Furina can sing victory, a pillow hits her face.
“Hey!’’, Furina grumbles, pulling it away from her face and sitting down on the bed with a grimace. ''What's with all this?’’
''I tried all the usual methods, but you weren't responding to any of them. I had to innovate a little... I still have a few others if you still don't want to wake up."' Arlecchino's voice finally comes to life when Furina manages to open her eyes, the sight of her wife fully dressed at the foot of the bed rousing her slightly from her drowsy state. ''You're a surprisingly deep sleeper for someone like... you know. Anyway, get up, we've got lots of things to do.''
“I was tired after a certain someone made me push boxes all over the house last night.’’, Furina grumbles, getting out of bed. She notices a pile of nice-smelling clothes on the bedside table. ''And I didn't know that one of your normal methods was to put a finger in my mouth. And I'm not even going to comment on your cold hand.''
She hears a low ''Hm'' along with her wife's heels tapping against the floor as she turns away and leaves the room. Furina takes this as a cue to straighten up. With surprising agility - as if she hadn't been dead asleep for a few seconds - Furina was already standing in front of the bathroom sink, her daily routine being put into practice.
A little over ten minutes later, she returned to the bedroom perfectly tidy, finding Arlecchino sitting in one of the vacant chairs near the window - now open, Furina inwardly thanked she for choosing warm clothes for her, the weather outside had dropped almost unnaturally. - Next to her wife, an incredibly full tray of food that smelled very good was waiting for her.
“Sit down and have a bite to eat. We'll be leaving soon.’’, And Furina doesn't need to hear another word, already sitting down - not before pulling the chair that was on the other side of the table closer to her wife. - and taking her place at the table.
''That sounds incredible, dear. Thank you.’’, She compliments her, filling her plate with eggs and bacon, there was even a small bowl of pasta - which she was sure to attack soon after. - ''Speaking of which, you still haven't told me what we were going to do...''
“Swallow first and talk later, okay?’’, Arlecchino scolds her, a sharp-nailed hand lightly squeezing her thigh in rebuke - which soon falls to the ground, as said hand begins a slow, caressing movement up her thigh. - '' And to answer your question, we're going into town. We need some things for the house and besides, Charlotte had an... unfortunate accident coming back, so let's get the house documents and anything judicial from her office.''
She swallows the piece of bread in her mouth, but before she does she gives the other woman a questioning look.
''Don't look at me like that. I had nothing to do with it.’’, Arlecchino retorts, slightly indignant.
“I wasn't going to say anything.’’, Furina rolls her eyes. Had Arlecchino really thought she was going to accuse her of something? ''I was going to ask if it wouldn't be suspicious if we walked back from the city alone. The house is quite far from there, right?’’
''About that... Finish eating first.''
''Urgh, I don't like this mystery.’’
XXX
''A car?’’, It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Furina's eyes nearly popped out of her face when they reached the gates outside the house. Her wife's hand on her back was a firm reminder not to jump in surprise. ''I honestly don't know whether to be surprised that you put a car here or that you bought one in the first place. Speaking of which, Arle, how the hell...?''
Arlecchino laughs at the shorter woman's exaggerated gesticulation about where they were. With a gentle pressure on the other's back, she leads them closer to the vehicle parked there. A Lincoln Continental bathed in a different shade of black than usual. An ebony as deep as when night appeared in the sky.
‘’I made a few... calls after you slept. And no, it's not mine yet, you know I don't like things we definitely don't need. But if you want it, just say so, my lady.''
''It would certainly be nice if we were to stay here for more than a few decades. Where are the keys, dear?’’, Furina murmured distractedly, getting out of Arlecchino's grip and turning the car around, watching him meticulously until he stopped next to the driver's door. '' What's with the look on your face?’’
''Furina'' her name comes out in a cautious tone, her wife takes the keys out of her pocket and clutches them against her chest.
''Huh? I got my license in 1890, well before you, by the way.’’
''That would be strictly the problem, dear.’’
''Nonsense, you know, driving is just like writing, you never forget it naturally, it's like it's stored in your memory. Now, the keys, please.'' Even with a worried sigh, her wife throws the keys in her direction. Furina grasps them perfectly. ''Anyway, it's not as if we could die. And don't forget your seatbelts, we have to do as the law says.’’
In fact, Arlecchino definitely doesn't forget her seatbelt. Even if an occasional accident didn't injure her, she still held the belt tightly to her body as Furina descended every slope and curve from her house to the city as if she were in the race that would define her life or not. Arlecchino hardly knew how much the woman next to her had slowed down the forty-minute journey they had made yesterday with Charlotte - of course, they would have gotten there just as fast or even faster if they had used their... skills. -
“And... we're here! See? I told you I could do it.’’, Furina says beside her, a dark eyeglass on her face, in her own words, making her look elegantly beautiful. Arlecchino wouldn't disagree, although her opinion wasn't very neutral; after all, she thought her wife looked wonderful in everything she wore - or didn't wear. -
“I certainly never doubted you, my love.” Arlecchino says and if she could breathe, her lungs would surely let out the air accumulated from the trip just now. Regaining her composure, she got out of the car just as the other woman had done seconds before.
Arlecchino took a moment to observe the small town around them. It was so small that even if they parked their car in the parking lot next to the town's only park, which was right in the center, they could still get around it entirely on foot. It was true that they had barely passed through it yesterday on their way to the new house, but Arlecchino could already tell that there wasn't much more to it than that.
With a small number of streets, they were right in the center. Surrounded by a few shops, a single bank, something she imagined to be the town hall and in the distance, a street or two later, she could see a simple church. The whole appearance of the place gave off the air of something truly ancient, a town forgotten by everyone. It was perfect for people like them, who would use the place already far removed from what a civilization should be to move further away, their own house, made far away from them and on the outskirts of the forest was an obvious reminder of this.
“Well, what shall we do first?’’, Furina says as soon as she reaches her side. Arlecchino extends her arm to the other, which her wife happily accepts.
''First, let's go to something I was surprised they had here. One of the true abominations you adore. '' Arlecchino snorts during the explanation, making them walk to the place she had asked Charlotte about on the phone earlier.
“Oh my God, I can't believe they have one of those here!’’, Her wife hummed as soon as she noticed where they were going. The establishment in front of them was the only large building in town, bumping up against the church she had seen from afar. A giant box of human deformity. A reminder of the bloody, capitalist constitution that snaked through the human world. A... “A department store!’’
Her wife's words cut through Arlecchino's unenthusiastic thoughts about the place. Arlecchino sighs knowingly, already accepting that they would be spending more time there than planned and that the list of things in his pocket would be totally ignored by the end of this no longer brief stroll.
Almost bouncing now, Furina dragged her inside. Arlecchino honestly couldn't understand how people could stand walking around a circus of sorts, an agglomeration of different things, objects and even food, all in one place. In fact, her children had already been to a circus, right? Arlecchino apologized for putting the two words together. A circus was nothing like this horrible place. It was a very heavy offense.
“Don't make that face, mon amour. You'll frighten the other customers.’’, Furina said next to her. She removes the glasses from her face with her free hand and fits them on the tall woman's face. She squeezes her nose lightly in jest before pulling her hand away.
''As if this place was ever full. I can count the people in here on my fingers.’’, That's what she mutters quietly, even though she knows her wife would hear. She gets an elbow against her left side that doesn't really hurt.
“Look how nice, we can take it home to decorate the house!’’, Seeing something that excited her, Furina let go of her and walked towards a shiny bookcase.
''I'm sure Christmas is over, my love'' Arlecchino mutters as he approaches her, noticing the twinkling lights in her hands.
''So what? They're half price and we can always have our own festivities. The wonders of free will!’’, Furina deliberately strikes back, placing a reindeer bow on top of the taller woman's head. ''I'll take that one too.’’
Arlecchino keeps to herself the information that they were probably doing stock burns in search of uncontrolled people to buy for which the description fitted her wife perfectly.
She removes the bow from her head, placing it on her wife before walking away and disappearing into the corridors. She can tell that Furina barely notices her clutching strings and strings of blinkers, ugly stockings and decorative tinsel.
Fortunately Arlecchino returns before her wife notices her lack of presence - or in this case, notices her lack of extra arms to hold things for her. -
“Oh, a cart!’’, Furina exclaims as soon as Arlecchino stops beside her, a feigned cough to get her attention. ''How thoughtful, ma chérie.’’
“If we're going to stay here, we'd better do it the right way, hadn't we?’’, Arlecchino says, helping Furina remove the lights she was holding around her body and putting them on the trolley. ''Besides, this was one of the last ones in the store, thank the little old lady who happily let me have it after I reached out to her.''
“Arlecchino’’, Furina rebuked her, looking around as if the lady was going to appear, saying the last part quietly so that only they could hear - not that there was anyone nearby. - “I can't believe you threatened an old lady.’’
''Not me, there's still such a thing as elderly kindness, she let me take the trolley'' Arlecchino smiled at her, but Furina didn't seem to think it was funny, stepping lightly on her foot as she passed her.
To be honest, Arlecchino hadn't even done anything. After all, she reached the cart before the lady with her obvious speed. But Furina didn't need to know that.
“I'm going to ignore this for your own good.’’, Furina declared, turning down the aisle for her next materialistic shopping spree. An excited squeal burst from her lips as the woman eyed the row of colorful, embellished sweaters that pleased her. ''Look, Arle! We could...''
“No.’’, Arlecchino is quick to deny it as soon as the shorter woman turns to her with two of them in her hands. ''Don't even finish your sentence. I wouldn't wear that if pigs flew. We're not buying that.’’
XXX
''.... and I'll also have a double bacon, another portion of fries and, ha! Do you have any sweets?''
Arlecchino sighs in annoyance as she rests her head against the wall of the establishment they had stopped at. Not because of her wife's voice, not ever. But because of what was on the other side of the table, or rather, the three bags lined up next to the other woman (and there were more, but Furina decided to leave the others in the car.) One of them being a reminder of her defeat an hour earlier. A defeat in the form of two red sweaters with reindeer designs in the middle that coincidentally matched.
Arlecchino sat fully upright again, arms crossed, still with the bitterness from earlier. If Furina had been paying attention, she might even have thought - wrongly, Arlecchino claims - that she might have had a peck on her lips. Nonsense, of course.
“Arle, do you want anything?’’, Furina pulls her out of her thoughts. She finally turns back to their surroundings, noticing the poor waiter in a cold sweat from the amount of things his wife had probably ordered for herself. She suppressed a smile in amusement.
“A coffee would be perfect. And no sugar.’’, Finally, she decides to give him a break. The poor guy nods, quickly jotting it down in the notebook in his hands. He leaves after mumbling that he'll be ready soon, with a request that would probably scare the chef. ''The next full moon is in three days, right? Any changes? Pain or desire?’’
Furina laughs at her concern, turning her attention to the other woman again. Her wife places a hand under the table and Arlecchino takes the hint perfectly, stretching out her own to intertwine their fingers together under the wood.
“Your way of asking is lovely, dear. But no, nothing I haven't already dealt with over the last few centuries, right? ‘’
Arlecchino knew very well that an ancient being like Furina - such a description could be both good and bad - would already be used to such things. A werewolf generally had a considerable lifespan beyond that of humans and they spent all of it living with and adapting to the call of the moon. But Furina was... different. Her age was proof of that. Only werewolves didn't live as long as her.
Even though Arlecchino had already witnessed several - countless - full moons by her side. That twinge of worry, which she no longer hid, was always there. Even if she tried to disguise it.
And it was again due to her companion's special way. She was a creature of the night, yes, but her body reacted differently to others. Normally, creatures like her possessed unusual strength by nature. But Furina didn't, unless she made an effort, drawing such strength from within, she usually had the same as an ordinary human. In fact, sometimes even far below an average human, as if her body wasn't made to sustain such abilities. Just as her adventures through the forest cost her energy and a lot of mastery over her own body to carry out.
Logically, during a full moon, things would be different. As her wife would describe it, she was on edge, as if she were on the edge between her normal state and something... different, dangerous. She used to have a greater appetite for pleasing the thing inside her.
In her long years of life, Arlecchino had never met a being like her wife. But she knew when there was a limit to ask if it wasn't offered willingly. She was no hypocrite, after all, when they met, they were both people without pasts, fugitives from something greater. And sometimes, some things should stay buried, overwritten on the steps of the present.
“Hey, don't think about it too much, okay? It'll all work out.’’, The squeeze on her hand draws Arlecchino's attention again. ''And if I overload myself again, you'll catch me like that time. I trust you, Arle.''
''I... You're right.’’, She admits it, partly because she wanted to see Furina's reassuring smile thrown at her and partly because it's what she really wants to believe. She hides, for the moment, that she feared it wouldn't be enough if something changed. Something they weren't used to. But that was for another time. Probably when Furina was asleep or busy with some new art, where Arlecchino could research and read all the books she could find about beings like her during the full moon, just because she would like to help her if something went wrong.
''Let's talk about something more pleasant. I was thinking of having a Christmas dinner after the full moon. You know, we celebrate together.’’
“A Christmas dinner... in January?’’, Arlecchino mumbles in confusion, accepting the change of topic.
''It's our house now, we can do whatever we want. ‘’
''Oh yeah? Because I think you just want an excuse to use all the trinkets you've bought.'' She raised an eyebrow questioningly, knowing that she had dug herself into the middle of the problem. ''And by 'we' you mean that I'm going to cook while you drink wine and chatter after me, correct?''
“See? A perfect plan, darling, I love it’’, Furina has the audacity to say, batting her eyelashes innocently at her. In response, Arlecchino just stares at her, her face still accusing. Her wife snorts. “Yeah, guilty. But let's think about it, shall we?’’
Arlecchino gives her a small, victorious smile, although they both know that the moment Furina joked about the question, Arlecchino would have already agreed. The little bubble between them is burst with a snort from the side. Almost synchronously, they both turn to the two new additions standing next to their table.
‘’Hello, I couldn't help but notice some new faces here. It's a small town, even quiet if we're being honest, so any addition is a nice change of scenery. In fact, it's always nice...'' A tall, blonde-haired figure practically recites excitedly next to them, her hand linked to that of another woman dressed almost entirely in blue in an outfit that reminded her of an authority figure, badge and all. Probably a policewoman? In fact, there was probably a police station around here.
The blonde seemed to get on perfectly well with Furina, both of them being a pit of animosity. It was the one in blue that set Arlecchino's nerves on edge. She stared at another. A hunch slipped into her mouth but didn't leave her lips. This woman was like her.
Her gaze was equally reciprocated, and Arlecchino already imagined that the other woman would soon feel the same. Perhaps this was a kind of recognition? She couldn't say, but she was prepared for anything that might happen. With the changes in the new world, she knew that many like her didn't like “sharing” cities.
Finally, the other woman seemed to break eye contact. Whether she had found what she wanted, Arlecchino couldn't say.
'' Navia.'' With a tug on their joined hands, the woman seemed to cut through the other woman's chatty bubble.
''Sorry, I always talk too much. Let me formally introduce myself. Pleasure, I'm Navia, you can find me in the town library. Actually, it was a small shed that was recently renovated and...'' Another tug seems to break the blonde-haired woman's next ramble. ''And this is my girlfriend, Clorinde. She works at the police station on the other side of town, you don't usually want to meet her out and about, after all, it's usually because you've broken some law.'' Navia finishes jokingly.
The other woman, Clorinde, gives them a polite nod.
“Arlecchino.’’, She offers her name briefly. Matching the other woman's polite nod. She feels a slight kick against her foot under the table.
''Forgive my wife, it's a pleasure to meet you too. I'm Furina.’’, Furina gives her a smile, dropping her hands on the table to offer them to the other woman. Navia grabs her excitedly and doesn't let go.
“See, Clorinde, I told you! Oh, sorry again. It's just that we don't usually meet people our age around here. Especially such a young couple.’’, The blonde explained, still looking very excited. ''Nothing against Mr. and Mrs. Del Rivia next door, but you know...''
''Of course, I understand you perfectly, miss...''
''Caspar. Navia Caspar.''
“Miss Caspar.’’, Furina repeats, still smiling and finally retrieving her hand. ''I have to agree that it's been a long time since my wife and I have seen such a young couple too. Right, Arle? ‘’
''It really has been a long time.’’, Arlecchino repeats in agreement, watching Clorinde's eyes squint slightly. Interesting. If her hunch was correct, only the policewoman was a creature like them, a piece of information to keep on top of, for sure.
“Forgive my partner here, we don't want to take up too much of your time.’’, Clorinde comments politely. Arlecchino wonders how many times she hasn't done this before. ''Navia.''
''But already? I didn't even manage to invite them to our game in the library. ‘’
''A game?’’, Furina stands in the middle, looking interested. ''And don't worry girls, you won't get in the way. ‘’
''Well, it's something new that Clorinde and I are starting. Most of the people here, well, they're not very close and the children soon tire of it, but it can be fun with the right group!'' Navia explains, scratching her head as if embarrassed by the last sentence. ''It's like a board game, it's easier to demonstrate than to explain, but in the big picture we follow a script of...''
''Oh, a script? Like that of a troupe?’’, Furina cuts her off, suddenly much more interested. Arlecchino risks a glance at the other woman, but Clorinde has her attention entirely on the blonde next to her.
“Precisely! Depending on the script, we can do and be many different things, from digging up ancient treasure to protecting a city! And without bragging, Clorinde's new one is a lot of fun.''
''Not so much.’’, Clorinde mumbles, looking bemused by the information revealed and with all the focus on her.
''Nonsense, it's wonderful. Anyway, we need players for the group next... Wednesday? How does that sound to you?’’
Wednesday. Arlecchino didn't need to look at her wife to know what was on her mind. Even with her excitement, Wednesday was ironically the exact day the moon changed in the sky. Before she could say no, Furina spoke up.
“I'm afraid that Wednesday won't be possible for us. But with such an interesting promise, who am I to refuse? Can we try another day? A Friday, perhaps?’’, Furina proposed, ignoring Arlecchino's questioning look.
Arlecchino hid a sigh at that. Normally, Furina was quite exhausted after a night with a full moon. Friday was relatively close to the date and the possibility was high that her wife was still not recovered.
''I need to check at work. You know, it's complicated.’’, It was Clorinde who answered, but Arlecchino had the feeling it was addressed to Miss Caspar.
“Well, we can arrange a date over the phone, how about that?’’, Navia comes up with a solution to which Furina quickly agrees, already giving her the number of the handset in her house.
Arlecchino is lost from the rest of the conversation, still thinking about the choices made by her wife. Even when the other two leave, she still keeps her thoughts to herself. This town seemed more than it was and she certainly didn't want unwanted ears poking around.
She senses that Furina wanted to comment on the decision, but neither of them broaches the subject for the next few hours while in town. Ah, if only Arlecchino hadn't taken them to that establishment.
XXX
Furina sighed softly as she slid deeper into the hot tub. Even though she strangely didn't like water much during the week around the full moon, such a state at the moment was perfectly distracting. She submerged herself, letting the water reach just above her shoulders, only her head appearing out of the water.
It was as if her body was finally relaxing from the hectic day she had had. There, in the steaming heat of the tub, Furina let her thoughts wander about the day. To be more specific, about what had happened when the two of them had decided to stop for something to eat, well, Furina had.
She knew how cautious her wife was when they moved cities, especially those where she wanted to spend more time than usual. After all, things could quickly get awkward when they realized that the two of them hadn't aged at all in the last five, ten or fifteen years. Curiosity led to questions, which turned into investigations and conspiracy theories. Once a human had crossed the veil to discern what was natural and what wasn't, fear set in.
And that was the most dangerous stage. For as much as they were both powerful creatures, able to live a life that wasn't as reclusive as others, humans were still unpredictable. Things could get heated very quickly, panic got in the way of most reasoning, with consequences for both sides.
And Furina didn't want to hurt anyone, even if it happened unintentionally. But she also knew that her wife would go to great lengths if anything stood in their way. If something threatened Furina.
Furina was no stranger to the fact that that other woman, Clorinde, was just like them. More specifically, like Arlecchino. She also knew how unfriendly vampires could be if they were interested in different covens, especially with the animosity that existed between the snezhnaya coven and the rest of vampire society. There was wisdom in Arlecchino staying on her guard, but Furina was tired of always expecting the worst.
If there was a chance for them to settle in this town, where human coexistence wasn't very necessary because they lived far from the small community, Furina would certainly like to try.
But before trying to establish a proper coexistence in another vampire's territory, she still had a full moon to spend. She knew that Arlecchino was worried about this too, after all, her first full moon in a new place could always cause unwanted consequences. It was good that they were away from other people, but an excess of caution, in this particular case, wouldn't do them any harm.
Breaking away from their shared concerns, Furina let her thoughts wander to herself and the changes she would face in her body in a few days. She stays there, immersed in thought for the next 15 minutes, the water that was once steaming, now almost cold.
She sits upright in the bath, trying to decide whether to call it a night or stay there, marinating in thought for a while longer, when she hears the sound of approaching footsteps tapping against the wood of the floor, footsteps that were a careful warning from whoever was approaching, because she knew full well that the other woman could be like a shadow if she wanted to. She waited for them to stop outside the door and announce their presence again.
''Furina'' That voice, well known to her, cuts through the silence that Furina had forced herself into for the last few minutes. She hears the almost imperceptible touch of the other woman's hand against the wood of the door, but even so, the handle doesn't move. ''May I come in?’’
“Of course.” Furina replied softly, turning her attention to the figure opening the door. The first thing she notices is the other woman's loose hair, then the lack of her rings and bracelets on her hands and arms until finally she stops at the open button-down shirt, a small crack in its middle, showing the pale skin along the outline of the other woman's body that was normally hidden under layers and layers of clothing.
“Well, well, I certainly didn't expect that.’’, Furina teases, even though it's only a joke.
Her wife rolls her eyes, but Furina reads the question in her gaze. She nods invitingly to another. Her eyes never leaving the form of her wife getting rid of the remains of her clothes. From the shirt being completely removed and folded to the shape of her muscles working in such an action. Arms with elbow markings, although the skin beneath them was already less blackened than when they first met, moving to get rid of the lower garments.
Furina had always admired the other woman's physique, but she admitted that her undoing had always been her legs, the shape of the clear, long skin was perfect for her claws to roam there, her mouth would follow the path through the marks of ancient times, leaving a trail of kisses and bites until Furina reached the other woman's middle. The place where she was wanted and pushed with the firmness of a commander, and who was she to deny it?
Her thoughts, which had been wandering down dangerous paths, were cut short when her wife finished piling her clothes on the bathroom counter, approached and entered in an elegant manner, different from Furina's - who would always spill water in the process - and carefully sat down opposite her. Furina can't help but notice the space between them.
There is a deep silence between them for a few seconds. Furina could almost see the gears turning in her wife's head. She was really considering her next words, so Furina decided to be the one to make the first move. Moving, in a very limited and unconsidered way she must say, she narrows the gap between them, almost crawling onto the taller woman's lap.
Arlecchino seems a little stiff at first, but soon slips an arm around her waist, pulling her even closer and allowing Furina to settle into her lap. The water overflows slightly as their bodies join, but neither of them cares at the moment.
“Hi,” Furina murmurs as soon as she manages to settle awkwardly on the other's lap. Her head had somehow stopped and fitted perfectly into the curve of Arlecchino's neck. Sometimes she wished she could hear the other's heartbeat, Furina wondered if the beats would calm her as much as Arlecchino's presence did.
“Hey, you,” Arlecchino returned, accepting the light joke. She let out a long sigh, using her free hand to roam around the other woman's body. The caress went on for a few minutes while Arlecchino worked up the courage to make her thoughts known. It wasn't until Furina was almost drowsy that she broke the stillness of the place. “Are you sure?
Furina could have prolonged the sentence by asking for an explanation, but that wasn't necessary, as they both knew what Arlecchino was asking. She let out a breath of air; the call of the moon had always worried her, like a curse she would never get rid of. Each time, over the centuries, that it happened, Furina felt her thin chain of control slipping. The previous moon would never be worse than the next, she knew.
But this time... who knows, strangely enough, Furina felt that she could get through this one in a better way. That she wouldn't lose control and they could finally stay in this city after a long time wandering around.
“I... no.’’, She begins slowly, concentrating on an old scar on her wife's neck. ''But I have a feeling that we'll get along just fine. You know, Arle, I like to think that around you I can do anything. Even beat the moon. Does that sound stupid?’’
“I don't think so.’’, Arlecchino murmurs in a thread. A hint of emotion escapes from her voice, the rest mirrored in the way her grip on Furina tightens. ''Whatever happens, Furina, I... will be there for you. If I have to pull you back from the shadows of the moon, then so be it."'
The firmness in the other woman's voice made her shiver, Furina had a half-pleased, half-sad smile on her face. She knew that her wife was referring to the full moon of twenty years ago. A day she didn't remember very much, but perhaps it was for the best. But not this time, Furina wouldn't let it happen again.
They could whisper promises to each other all the time, but honestly, Furina wanted to forget a little about everything that was going on after spending an entire shower being tormented about it.
“For someone who doesn't like clichés, that's very romantic.’’, She jokes, pulling away slightly so that she can lose herself in the red crosses in her wife's eyes.
“Quiet.’’, Arlecchino grumbles, shifting her gaze to some point on the wall behind them. This only makes the smile on Furina's face playful now, the slight twinge of happiness she had during the day gradually returning.
“But thank you, for putting up with me.” Arlecchino adds, leaving a confused Furina on her lap, she opens her mouth to retort, but Arlecchino seems to have more to say, so she patiently waits.
“I know that sometimes my concern... can be very suffocating.” Arlecchino finishes, her eyes still fixed on the ceiling, as if she can't face her at the moment.
Furina lets out a sigh at this, she brings her hands up to her wife's face, holding her on both sides, her thumb tracing the outline of her cheeks as she brings her gaze to her. Furina bites her lip, trying to think of something to rid the other woman of her worries. Something that would sweep away the torment in her gaze, the vulnerability that was shown to her on a shiny plate.
''Arlecchino'' She begins with a seriousness in her gaze. The words dancing in her mouth, ready to be offered to another woman. There was only one thing she could say, the only truth that was hers and that she could offer her. ''Je t'aime, ma lune.''
‘’ Je t'aime plus que la lune ne le fera jamais, mon loup.’’ She barely recognizes the spoken language than escapes the other woman's mouth, her senses almost short-circuited, all Furina can do is press her lips even more tightly together. Wishing that their time there could hang on forever.
And maybe it will.