Crimson Desires

Meet Me At Midnight

Lover had spent the entire day wondering why Reputation had been so cryptic. A short note slipped into her locker at the library the previous evening had read:

Meet me tonight. At midnight. Trust me.

And below that, the location—a place Lover had never been, a clearing in the woods just beyond Moonridge, near the old stone bridge. Lover's heart had raced when she read the note, a mixture of excitement and nervousness bubbling in her chest. What was Reputation planning?

The sun had long set by the time Lover reached the edge of the woods, the last hues of twilight fading into deep blue. As she walked through the thickening trees, her mind raced with questions. What would Reputation say? What could this meeting be about?

The path opened up into a clearing, and Lover stopped in her tracks, her breath catching at the sight in front of her.

The space was transformed. Strings of fairy lights hung from tree branches, casting a soft, golden glow over the area. In the center, a low table sat surrounded by plush blankets and pillows, scattered with candles that flickered in the cool evening air. It was simple but breathtaking, as though the forest itself had been transformed into a dreamscape.

And there, standing just beyond the glow of the candles, was Reputation.

She wore a long black coat, her hair catching the light in soft waves as she stood, waiting, her eyes trained on Lover. There was an intensity in her gaze, but also something softer, something more vulnerable.

"Reputation..." Lover breathed, still trying to take it all in. "What is this?"

Reputation stepped forward, her movements as graceful as ever, but her expression was different—nervous, almost. As if the vampire, usually so composed, was unsure of herself in this moment. She came to stand in front of Lover, her eyes searching her face.

"I've never been good at... this," Reputation began, her voice low, filled with an emotion that caught Lover off guard. "At showing someone how much I care. But you... you make me want to try."

Lover's heart skipped a beat, her breath catching in her throat as she listened. Reputation's usual guarded expression had melted away, replaced by something raw, something real.

"You mean a lot to me, Lover," Reputation continued, stepping closer. "More than I thought was possible. And I know this hasn't been easy for you—trusting me, being around someone like me. But I want you to know that I'm doing everything I can to keep you safe, to make sure you never regret... being with me."

Lover's pulse quickened as Reputation reached out, gently taking her hand. The familiar coldness of her touch sent a shiver through Lover, but this time, there was comfort in it—a warmth beneath the surface, a connection that went beyond the chill of Reputation's skin.

"I've spent centuries alone," Reputation said softly, her voice trembling slightly. "And I never thought I'd meet someone who made me feel... alive again. But you do. And I want to be with you, Lover. If you'll have me."

Lover's breath hitched as Reputation squeezed her hand, her dark eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made Lover's heart race. "Are you asking me to—" Lover started, but her voice faltered, caught in the whirlwind of emotions swirling between them.

Reputation nodded, a small, vulnerable smile playing on her lips. "I'm asking you to be my girlfriend, Lover. To give this a real chance. Us."

Lover felt her chest tighten, a wave of emotions crashing over her. She had spent weeks grappling with her feelings for Reputation—her fear, her uncertainty, and yet, the undeniable pull that kept drawing her back to her. Every time she tried to walk away, something inside her told her to stay, to believe in the possibility that they could be more than the fear and the danger that surrounded them.

And now, standing here in the soft glow of the lights, with Reputation's eyes full of hope and uncertainty, Lover felt the last of her doubts melt away.

She smiled, her heart soaring as she looked up at Reputation, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "Yes," Lover whispered, her voice trembling with excitement and a little bit of fear. "I'll be your girlfriend."

Reputation's eyes widened in surprise, as if she hadn't allowed herself to fully believe that Lover would say yes. And then, slowly, her face broke into the most genuine smile Lover had ever seen. It was a smile that transformed her entire being, washing away the centuries of loneliness and guilt that had weighed her down.

"Are you sure?" Reputation asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Because once we're in this, I don't want to hold back. I'll give you everything I can."

Lover nodded, stepping closer, her heart racing with the thrill of what they were stepping into. "I'm sure. I want to be with you, Reputation. All of you."

Reputation exhaled softly, as if she had been holding her breath, and for a moment, it felt like the whole world had stilled around them. Then, with a tenderness that seemed almost foreign to her, Reputation cupped Lover's face in her hands, her fingers cold but gentle against her skin.

"I promise I'll protect you," Reputation whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "No matter what."

And with that, Reputation leaned in, pressing her lips softly to Lover's in a kiss that was as delicate as it was full of promise. The world around them seemed to blur, the weight of their connection filling the air. It was a kiss that spoke of all the fear, all the hope, and all the love that had been building between them since the moment they met.

When they finally pulled apart, Lover's heart was pounding, her cheeks flushed with warmth. Reputation smiled at her, a look of awe and adoration in her eyes.

"Welcome to my world," Reputation whispered, her voice soft but full of meaning.

Lover smiled back, her heart full. "And welcome to mine."