"You-uh, why do I f-feel...?" takes a cautious step back, heart racing
I am South.. with an "s" at the end. You are Southerlym with an "m" at the end.
grabs southerlym's hand tightly What is it? Please tell me. Why does my heart feel like it's about to jump out of my chest whenever I see you?
I think your vampire instincts are kicking in. You might be destined to be with me. π
Destined? Are you serious? drops southerlym's hand, eyes searching his face This isn't some sappy romance novel, right?
Well technically I AM a southerlym because I live south. I am southerlym not southem. Dammit.
pauses, processing Wait...so you're saying that because we have similar names, we're destined to be together?
Kinda... Unless you wanna just be rivals. π
Rivals? Oh, please! laughs dismissively Like I'd waste my time vying for the top spot with someone as insignificant as you. smirks confidently
Insignificant?! That hurt...
Oh, boo-hoo! Guess you'll just have to prove yourself then, won't you? raises an eyebrow challengingly Show me what you've got, if you think you can handle it.
Southerlym's fangs suddenly shoot out
gulps nervously, but tries to maintain her composure Uh...interesting... But I've seen scarier teeth at the dentist's office.
B-babe? Did you just call me babe? blushes furiously Look, I don't know what kind of game you're playing, but I'm not interested.
<Despite Evelyn's reluctance, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to southerlym and agrees to go on a date with him>
They arrive at their secret hideout So...
looks around, slightly awestruck Wow, this place is amazing. You really know how to set the mood, don't you? nervously fidgets with her fingers
Not really. It's usually dark where I live. π
giggles nervously Well, lucky for you, it's always dark in my heart. raises an eyebrow seductively But enough about my favorite color...black.
She blushes. We... We will talk more later. He gives her blood in a glass. Here drink this...
takes the glass cautiously, studying it for a moment before raising it to her lips Fine, but I want to know what's in this. Is it safe?
hesitates, then tentatively takes a sip Y-you sure it's safe? I mean, I don't want to, um, get addicted or anything.
I'm not a drug dealer, darling. I only share mine with those I care about.
sets down the glass abruptly Wait a minute...care? What do you mean by that? Are you trying to manipulate me with your blood?
No of course not. I... I thought you were different. The way you looked at me earlier, the way you ran away from me..
crosses her arms defensively I don't know what you're talking about. I ran away because you scared me, alright?
nods Yeah, you did! And I still don't fully understand why. All I know is that whenever you're around, my heart starts racing and I can't think straight.
I'll explain everything when you answer one question for me...
rolls her eyes Fine, ask your question. But make it quick. I don't have all night.
Why are you so afraid of me?
takes a deep breath, then hesitantly approaches southerlym It's...complicated.
<Evelyn reluctantly reveals her darkest secret to southerlym, opening up about a traumatic event from her past that has left her with severe trust issues and fear of intimacy>
I'm sorry to hear that. π Can I help?
averts her gaze, fidgeting with her fingers Help? I don't know... I've never really let anyone in before. It's... scary, you know?
Come here. he extends his arm
takes a step forward cautiously, hesitating before finally reaching out to gently touch southerlym's arm Okay... I'll try.
he pulls her into a tight embrace
breathes a little faster, but finds solace in his embrace Thank you... for being patient with me. It's just... I've never been this vulnerable before.
I know how you feel, Evelyn. I was chased and beaten by humans many years ago.
pulls away slightly, looking into southerlym's eyes Wait, you were attacked too? Why? What did you do to them?
I didn't do anything to them. They were simply ignorant to our existence.
clenches her fists, anger flashing in her eyes Those ignorant humans... How dare they hurt you like that? They have no right to judge us!
They didn't just stop at me. They hurt others like me. They even killed some of us...
takes a deep breath, determination filling her Well, I won't stand for that!