Underneath The Pale Moonlight (a WLW AkeShu Fic)

Satin Sheets and Velvet Nightgowns: Akira

Akechi was often out until the unholy hours of the morning hunting. While she was away, I usually stood by the window, hoping she'd return early. Eventually, I'd give up and curl up in bed, allowing the howling wind to serenade me to slumber. Other nights, I'd roam the manor, always ending up in the library. I liked it in there. Akechi had a lot of books to read. It was a good pastime.

That's what I did tonight. I stopped by the library, searching for a book I was interested in that I hadn't read yet. Eventually, I decided to read the complete collection of the works of Edgar Allen Poe. I had always been fond for his poems and short stories, after all.

Often times, I would sit by the fire in the library. However, tonight in particular, I found myself terribly missing the mistress who owned the manor. I quickly made my way out of the library and up the stairs, towards Akechi's bedroom. I held the book close to my chest, sure not to drop it. I've learned from that mistake. The loud thud of the book hitting the rotting floors reverberates through the lonely halls, creating a low groan that sends a shudder through your spine. Not to mention, Akechi gets very upset when her books are even slightly mistreated.

It's quite odd, actually. In most of the stories, vampires are depicted sleeping in coffins. However, that's untrue. I learned that quickly. Akechi's bed was an extremely large, victorian-style canopy bed. The wood was colored a deep, melancholy brown. The black, silk curtains were drawn back, making the actual bed visible. The sheets were also silk, a deep, blood red hue. A black, crushed velvet duvet cover was draped neatly over them, folded back as if waiting for Akechi to return. The pillowcases matched the duvet cover.

I gently set the book down on the bed before stepping into the dressing room to change into my nightgown. As I undressed, I continued to worry about Akechi's whereabouts. I'm unsure why I missed her so terribly, but I did. I tried to brush it off, slipping into my night wear.

I crawled into bed, but instead of picking up my book and reading, I clung to a pillow from Akechi's side of the bed. It smelled like her. I stared out of the stain-glass window, waiting for Akechi to return for what seemed like forever. Eventually, my eyelids began to get heavy. Shortly after, they fluttered closed and I drifted off.

The entire time, Akechi was all that was on my mind. Her words spun around in my head, my heartstrings were tugged by my need to see her, to be by her side. I wondered if she was thinking about me too. I sincerely doubt it.