I open my eyes to the smell of food, strange. I stretch from my sitting position before standing up. I was in the spare room last night to give Val space, don't want her to think I'm weird. I walk into the kitchen and admire the woman standing there. Why can't I feel that spark? Damnit. Val turns slowly and smiles.
"I thought I'd get some food to cook, sorry."
"You're good." I chuckle. "I'm sorry, I haven't had a human stay here in a while."
"I understand." She sits at the dining table.
I sit across from her and look through my diary, barely any bookings, but that's normal for February. After Christmas, the next few months can be slow because people don't really have the money.
"Can I ask you something?" Val speaks while she sips her coffee.
"Sure."
"Has anyone taken your picture before?"
"When I was younger." I hum softly.
"So, you don't do selfies?"
I shake my head with a laugh.
"Can I take some?"
I look up at her with a raises eyebrow.
"Pictures, of me?"
She nods slowly.
"Maybe you can use them on a dating profile."
"Meeting people online isn't my thing." I lean on my hands, placing my elbows on the table to hold my head up.
"Then, just for fun." She sighs. "You take pictures of everyone else, make everyone else happy but when was the last time you did something for you?"
I stop to think about it for a moment, I can't remember the last time I did something for me.
"I don't know."
"Then, let me do something for you."
"Alright, fine."
She jumps up excitedly, rushing to get behind my chair.
"Get into something nice and do whatever." She grabs my shoulders lightly.
I manage to style my hair, slicking it back. Maybe I should trim my beard, it's getting scruffy. When was the last time I went to my Barber? I should make an appointment for a haircut. Have I been showing up to special events like this? I shake off the anxiety and walk on into the studio. Val shoots me a sly smirk, holding my camera in her hands.
"Please, be gentle with my baby."
"Its lighter than I expected it to be." She bounces it lightly, making my anxiety spike. "Relax, I won't drop it."
"Okay, you're the photographer. What do I do?"
"Stand there." She points to a spot on the floor.
I follow her orders, miss bossy. She lifts the camera to her face, her face fills with concentration making me chuckle. The flash hits quickly, I blink rapidly to rid my vision of the little dots.
"Smile." She peaks over the top of the camera.
I try to force a small smile, but she's not impressed.
"Genuine smile!"
"What?" I huff.
"Smile like you mean it!"
I can't help but laugh at the attitude, if I had to say anything I'd say Val was a brat. A very big brat. I hear her mumble softly as she snaps a few photos.
"Much better." Her smile grows.
I roll my eyes, rolling up the sleeves of my shirt which gives Val time to sneakily grab more photos.
"You're good at this." I mumble.
"You haven't seen them."
"Yes, but the fact you captured something so natural without being told is quite professional." I shrug.
"Wise guy." A scoff makes its way through the words. "Should we see them?"
I nod slowly, carefully taking the camera back.
I have to say, Val is quite the photographer. Not quite professional level, but they're good nonetheless. It takes time and practice.
"Your logo is nice...kinda old though." Val frowns.
"I've had it since I started this business."
"How long ago was that?"
"Six years." I click through the photographs and start editing.
"How old are you?"
"Twenty four."
"Like...a hundred and twenty four?"
I laugh, tossing my head back in delight.
"No, twenty four and just that."
"Its just that you guys live a long time." She looks away.
I turn in my chair slowly, taking her hand in mine.
"I know, it was quite cute."
"Don't call me cute." Her face slowly turns a shade of pink.
"Are you blushing?"
She shakes her head, attempting to hide away from me. I take a chance and pull her towards me, even if there's no spark I should be allowed to have fun right?
"You know, you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." I whisper.
A small squeal breaks out as she tries to hide even further into her free hand. I slowly remove it from her face, looking into her bright blue eyes.
"Stop." Val whines.
That definitely ignites something in me, that whine...I'd like to hear more of that.
"Why?" I chuckle.
"You're mean." She smacks my chest lightly.
"I'm being honest." I place a hand on her cheek.
She sighs softly, leaning into my hand as she closes her eyes. It's such an innocent moment and part of me relishes in it. The other part wants to know how far I can take this.
A gurgle loudly breaks the silence between us, making us both laugh.
"Hungry?" I raise an eyebrow.
She nods slowly.
"Come on, we'll go shopping."
"What, are you kidnapping me?"
"It looks like it, but I'd say you're pretty willing to stay." I shrug.
"You make me feel comfortable, you're not a creep like a lot of guys I've met."
"I was raised with manners."
"I can tell, are your parents still around?"
I shake my head slowly, Val looks up at me with a sad look.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked."
"Its a normal question to ask, we may as well get to know each other." I smile. "What about you?"
"Adopted, my parents are still around." She shrugs.
"Any siblings?"
"A brother and sister." She grins happily. "What about you?"
"No, Elise is basically my sister." I start to lead us out of the studio. "We've known each other from babies."
"No feelings there?" She frowns as I hand her a hoodie of mine.
"None at all, in fact she kicked my ass many times."
Val laughs before she realizes I was serious.
"I let her win, vampires have great strength especially as youngsters. As we grow, we learn to control it."
"So...you'd be able to spank someone pretty good."
I freeze in my place, trying to remain calm again that.
"I'm kidding, you're so serious!" She laughs, patting my cheek gently.
"I mean, in theory yes." I clear my throat.
"Have you ever though?"
I stop and watch her eyes, she's enjoying this a little too much.
"As a matter of fact, yes."
She gulps, nodding her head slowly.
"Now you're flustered." I smirk.
That gains an eye roll, brat. Definitely a brat.
