𝐃𝐎𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐃 || 𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐘 𝐁𝐈𝐗𝐋𝐄𝐑

𝐕.

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐈𝐜𝐞
𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬: 𝐍/𝐀
➳

"Are you sure nothing is bothering you?" Beth asked as she began to plate the baked spaghetti she had made for dinner. She noticed how Danny had seemed a bit upset since he had gotten home. She wasn't sure if it was because of their conversation the night before, or because of something else that had happened. Either way, she felt inclined to ask, just to be sure.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine." He replied as he sat silverware on the table. It was clear Beth didn't believe him by the look on her face. "Really. I'm fine, Beth. Let it go." He insisted.

"Okay, fine. Letting it go." She replied though the look of concern remained in her eyes. "You know you're allowed to talk to me, right? I know I wasn't really the most present aunt ever, but... I'm supposed to protect you now, and... you talking to me is part of that. Only if you want, but I'm an open ear whenever you need it."

Danny didn't reply at first, only staring at the raven-haired woman. "What happened to letting it go?" He finally asked, an annoyed look flickering in his eyes for a moment before disappearing. Beth didn't have a chance to say anything else before the doorbell rang. "I'll get it." Danny hummed, walking over to answer it.

He opened the door, and there stood Sera with a bouquet of white roses in her hands. "Hey." She said, that same calm smile on her face. "You okay? You kinda disappeared earlier today." She said, feeling the need to check.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine. Just needed to back out and breathe." He replied quietly, letting her in. "Can you not mention earlier to Beth?"

"Of course." She hummed in response, giving a small nod. Danny felt a bit better, knowing his little secret was safe with her. He hummed a soft "thanks" before beginning to walk back to the kitchen, Sera walking beside him.

"Hey, Sera." Beth greeted with a smile upon seeing her.

"Hi, Ms. Beth. It's nice to see you again." She replied, handing her the flowers. "I figured some flowers would be nice. White roses have many different meanings, but one of them is that they represent new beginnings. Since you moved to town recently, I figured it was fitting."

"Oh, wow... those are really nice. Thank you." She replied, a small smile on her face as she went to put them in a vase. Small footsteps could be heard from behind, and it was Kassie approaching, holding an older and beaten-up stuffed elephant.

"Hey, Kassie. Good to see you again." Sera said as she turned around to the girl. "Who's your friend?"

"His name is Treyson. Ms. Alexis told me that this town used to have monsters that roam in the night and would kill people, and tear their throats out. She says they're all gone now... but I have Treyson just in case to keep me safe!" She exclaimed, holding the stuffed animal close.

"Monsters that roam in the night? What? Like vampires?" Sera asked, trying to hide the worry she was feeling. Who the hell else knew about vampires in this town? Surely not all of them remember the incidents, right? They were so long ago... She needed to be careful.

"I dunno. They sounded scary, though." She shrugged before moving to sit down at the dining table with her stuffed animal.

"Does it matter where I sit?" The auburnette asked Danny as she turned to look back at him, quickly moving on with the subject and trying to push it to the back of her mind. He simply shook his head no, and went to sit down. Before sitting down, Sera peaked her head into the kitchen. "Do you need me to do anything? I really don't mind helping."

"Oh, no, no. That's fine. I already got everything done. Just hope it's actually good..." Beth replied, mumbling the last part to herself as she carried the last of the plates into the dining room, setting them down. Sera sat down by Kassie, smiling over at her.