Labor of Living

III

He notices a different scent on her as they exchange pleasantries on her way to her room and makes a mental note as it's washed away, then he turns his attention back to the tv.
''You think the Webb space telescope launch is gonna go smoothly?'' She says plopping down next to him
''I hope so,'' he replies curtly.
''Everything alright? That's a rather dry reply for someone that's fascinated by space,'' she says, turning towards him.
''So how'd you get used to enhanced senses?'' he says.
''Appreciate the new way of life but if it's doesn't disturb your peace then leave it alone,'' she replies dryly.
''So basically just give myself time to get used to it?'' he clarifies.
''Glad you're using that supercomputer we call a brain, have you fed yet?'' she asks while patting his head.
''No, but I haven't felt hungry again yet,'' he replies, moving her hand.
''That's weird, make sure you feed before going to bed,'' she says before turning back to the tv and leaning on him. He stiffens up at her doing this as they watch the documentary on black holes.
''I hope your not this stiff when having sex,'' she teases him.
''Of course not you ass but you've never done this before so it caught me by surprise,'' he says, loosening up. They sit and watch tv when there's a knock on the door.
''Expecting anyone?'' Mirabella asks.
''No, but I'll go get it he says, getting up. ''Who is it?'' he asks.
''Your mother, now open the door,'' Kelly demands. He slowly grabs the doorknob and takes a deep breath before opening it.
''Hey ma,'' he says, showing all his teeth with outstretched arms. She pushes past him without saying anything.
''Hello Mirabella,'' she says, sitting down at the kitchen island.
''Hey Ms. Kelly,'' she replies back.
''So yo—''
''Care to explain how you go from broken legs and arm with massive internal injuries to hey ma, she says with air quotes. ''And when the hell did you start wearing contacts I thought you were scared of poking yourself in the eye,'' she asks
''It's something like a miracle mom; I woke up and was all healed. I'm not that same weak and sickly kid that you did a great job of raising, he says, giving her a hug. ''And um I decided to suck it up this afternoon since I got a second chance at life,'' he finishes.
''I guess I got stupid written on my face but I'd rather not argue. You could've at least called and tell me? I had to go to the hospital to find out that you left overnight? Is this how you treat your mother?'' she says, not returning his embrace.
''Come on don't be like that, there's just been a lot going on these past days and I wasn't trying to bother you with anything else,'' he says, pulling back and sitting in the adjacent chair.
''You're my kid, no matter what, so as long as I'm alive I'm going to always do my best to help you with anything; so don't ever feel like a burden or that you're bothering me she says, putting her hand on his. ''I made the choice to give birth to you and it's easily been one of my favorite choices in life. "So don't ever say anything like that to me again okay?'' she says with a smile.
''Okay ma I understand, how you feeling though? How was work?'' he asks.
''Work is work, more importantly how are you feeling? Mr miracle man,'' she asks.
''I actually feel great and better than ever, I just can't wait to start doing all the things I've been yearning to do,'' he replies truthfully.
''That's good, I'm happy to hear that, she says. ''I want you to do the best that you can do with whatever you want to do, but I have work tomorrow so I'm sorry I can't stay longer but I had to see and know that you were okay and safe, I love you,'' she says, getting up and giving him a peck on his head.
''I love you too mommy and always will,'' he says, giving her another big hug. He walks her out and locks the door. He turns around to see Mira staring at him.
''Woah! Don't be scaring me like that girl,'' he exclaims.
''You're transformation is nearly complete so tomorrow I'll start to tell you about the types of vampires and who you should avoid okay?'' she says.
''No need since I don't plan on dealing with anyone of our kind besides you, he says walking past her. ''And how you know my transformation is almost done?'' he asks bewildered.
''Because I can barely hear your heart, don't take this shit lightly just because you aren't interested doesn't mean others aren't,'' she says, rolling her eyes.
''Alright master, fine, I'll have my thinking cap ready,'' he says with a grin.
''God you're annoying, I'm going to bed,'' she says walking away.
''Hey, wait, he says, grabbing her arm. ''Um, I mean this exactly how I'm asking it but can we sleep together?'' he asks unblinkingly.
''Okay, but I gonna be the big spoon'' she says, meeting his gaze.
''I didn't know you'd be okay with cuddling but that's fine with me; only if I can be the big spoon next time though,'' he says, rubbing the back of his head. 
''I mean you did say sleep together right? Not just sleep in the same bed? And ooh I see you want this to be a reoccurring thing?'' she says with a smirk leading him to the room.
''Maybe,'' he says, unable to stifle his growing smile.
''Ew stop being weird and come in,'' she says, smacking his chest as they go into her room.
''Speaking of coming in, is that thing about us needing permission to enter homes true?'' he asks, walking to the outside of the bed.
''Yeah as corny and annoying as it is, you do need permission to enter through someone's front door. And uh, no, this is my favorite side to sleep on,'' she says walking to the same side.
''Yeah but I'd protect you if anyone busts in,'' he says.
''That has nothing to do with this and I'm way stronger than you, she says, flicking his nose while laughing. ''Now get in bed so I can spoon you,'' she says, holding the comforter open.
''Aye stop being a freaky old lady and acting like you boutta put something in me,'' he says and slides in.
''I already did put something in you nasty, she says getting in after him. ''See that wasn't so hard, now come here,'' she says, grabbing him and snuggling him close. ''But this can't be a recurring thing, Setsuna, okay?'' she whispers to him.
''Why? we're not doing anything wrong,'' he replies.
''Just because something isn't wrong doesn't necessarily mean it needs to happen. She says squeezing him tighter. ''If you haven't noticed; my behavior towards you has already become offkey,'' she says.
''I just feel like you're not making any sense, why wouldn't I engage in the things that make me feel good? And if we're stuck together from now on isn't a little change in your behavior to be expected?'' he asks.
''Some lines don't need to be crossed is all I'm say—''
''I understand you don't want things to become messy and convoluted Mira, he says, then turns to face her. ''But what happened to the woman that was literally joking around when I was laid up in a hospital with two broken legs? He says rubbing her face. ''You're a bit too serious for me right now,'' he finishes.
''That was before I was forced to do something agaisn't my will, she says, staring at him. ''And plus there isn't time to joke around. ''I don't know what lies ahead of us and that isn't good so I'm planning something out but I need you to be serious,'' she says, closing her eyes.
''I really don't care about any of the vampire politics but I'll listen to you since you're old as dirt and should know what you're talking about, he says, turning back around. ''But jokes aside, I'm glad I can continue to be with my best friend,'' he says, holding her arms while drifting off.
Setsuna feels a suffocating pressure all around him and he opens his eyes to see the pale man above him. His red eyes piercing into his soul, Setsuna lashes out but his hands fall short as the man just continues to stare. Until he's flung against the wall and the pale man's skin morphs to black as he pins Setsuna.
''Power like this can be yours but you must choose,'' the pale man whispers in his ear.
''Get. Off. Me.'' Setsuna continues struggling against the man's grip feeling helpless.
''—ake up! Wake up Setsuna!'' Mirabella shakes him awake as he jumps up out of his sleep with ragged breaths. ''Are you okay? Sounded like you were having a intense nightmare,'' she says .
''Yeah but I'm alright now,'' he says, getting up and stretching.
''Are you—''
''Yeah I'm sure, please don't worry about it,'' he says, leaving for his room.
''Well, okay then,'' she says telepathically.
''I just don't want to worry you further, he replies. ''My heart finally stopped by the way, so you should call me lord Setsuna from now on,'' he says mocking the voice of Dracula.
''You shouldn't mock him lest he comes and eats your heart out my lord,'' she replies back laughing.
''That doesn't scare me, I have master Mirabella here to protect me, he says, laughing in return. ''But I'll be back later, I'm going to office hours,'' he says standing in the doorway.
''Feed first, she says, pointing to the basement door. ''We can't have you losing your mind out there, I don't care if the transformation is complete there's still a chance of you acting out you fledgling,'' she says.
''Fine, I'll drink your damn bag juice, he says rolling his eyes and walking down the steps. ''And you're gonna drink 'em with me,'' he says, returning with bags for her as well. Setsuna watches her hesitancy to open the bags.
''How come it doesn't look like you enjoy drinking from these,'' he ponders to her.
''Mind your business,'' she shoots back.
''Fine, be like that, he says, internally gagging from the taste of the bagged blood. ''But now that I'm done I'll be on my way and seeing you later,'' he says, making a beeline for the door.
''See you later Suna,'' she says back.