Amidst the shadows and the secrets

Night Three

"You really want me to say this." She hid her face with both her hands. 

"Chisana," he removed her hands and lifted her head, "I'm a scientist and experiment using one or two. It's not new to use such methods." 

She took a deep breath. "It doesn't matter what I want. As a vampire you have enhanced senses, no?" 

"I do," he confirmed. 

"You tell me. Would you smell it if I used a tampon?" She closed her eyes while continuing. "What is safer to use so I don't tempt you any more than usual?" He would know what method they prefer so they won't smell too much. 

"Tampons, you still have to change it on time so we smell it but less than some girl who uses the other method." Reiji pushed his glasses back. "I have to get started on dinner. But next weekend, you'll have what you want. There is still time, right?" 

To have such a conversation so early. "About two weeks," she replied while avoiding his eyes. "I could write a few things down and make a small list. I always use a day and night cream, shampoo, body gel, body lotion, and other things." 

"You can make a list. Everyone does, and based on their lists I order the groceries." He saw the time. "I need to get started. I'll make sure there's always apple juice." 

She placed a hand over her mouth. "I am so sorry. I almost forgot that the family dinner is tonight. I've taken too much of your time." I'll see what I need for next Saturday and make that list. Not that I need much. 

Reiji walked away with a faint smile. "We have to get to know you and that takes time. I didn't know the conversation would take this long. I'll see you later in the dining room." 

"Do I need to change for dinner?" She asked him her last question. 

"What you are wearing is fine, Chisana." He left by teleporting to the kitchen. 

*** 

Waiting for dinner to be served, Chisana looked around the table. She sat between Shu and Subaru with Reiji on the corner. She noticed Yui on the opposite side on the corner next to Ayato with Laito next to him. Kanato sat opposite Reiji. Dinner isn't served yet, and they don't even say a word. If I wait until we have our dinner not everyone can react. It's rude to talk with a mouth full. She thought of something else. "If I may ask, Reiji, what kind of drink is served with dinner?" 

"Wine is best served with steak," answered Reiji with his eyes on her. 

"I never drank alcohol, and I don't think it's wise to drink wine. Maybe one glass can affect me and it could get worse if someone bites me. I prefer my juice." My health is important, right? She saw him getting up. 

Reiji teleported to the kitchen to get her juice mix and came back.

"Thank you, Reiji." Chisana smiled and poured her glass while being served dinner. Oh, lovely, a steak, vegetables, bread with butter, and soup. They don't eat traditional Japanese food. A welcome change. She looked around the table and recognized the sweets on Kanato's plate. Here goes nothing. She gathered the courage with one more bite of her steak. How do I formulate it without angering them? 

"What is on your mind, Chisa-chan?" Laito picked up on her uneasiness. 

Chisana turned her head to the table. "I'm sorry that you are missing out on three school nights because of me. You weren't even aware of my arrival, and I lost a lot that day." 

"It's nothing, and we can catch up easily," answered Kanato. He loved staying at home. 

Realizing the girl kept apologizing, got under Yui's skin and made her think if Chisana did it to gain their attention. She kept quiet about it because saying something about it could get her into trouble.