soft vampire (Yandere Twilight)

[9]

The bathwater was warm, its heat soaking into my skin and easing the chill, but I hadn't even realised it had settled into my bones. My knees were pulled up close to my chest, the water lapping gently around me. Esme had said it would help wash away the mud and grime and that it would make me feel better and stronger. I'd nodded stiffly when she told me, not sure what to expect, and now that I was here, it felt strange.

The bathroom was large, almost too large, with smooth tiles that gleamed faintly even in the dimmed light. When Esme had first brought me in, the brightness of the room had been overwhelming, the sharp artificial light cutting into my eyes. I'd flinched, shrinking back into myself until she noticed and quickly adjusted something near the wall. The brightness softened, and the room grew gentler and more tolerable. "Better?" she'd asked, her voice calm. I'd nodded again, too unsettled to speak.

Now, alone in the room, I glanced around at everything. The tub I sat in was huge, far bigger than the small streams or rain pools I was used to. The edges were smooth, and there was a strange silver spout above me that Esme had turned to let the water flow. It had seemed magical, almost alive, the way it gushed warm water on command. I didn't understand it. There were other things around the room, too, such as bottles and bars, their shapes unfamiliar. I didn't know what most of them were for.

Esme had shown me what to do before she left, her voice gentle but certain. "Use this to wash your body," she'd said, placing a smooth bar of something near the edge of the tub. It smelled faintly of flowers, light and pleasant. "And this for your hair," she'd added, pointing to one of the bottles. She'd spoken patiently, explaining how to rub the soap into my skin and the liquid into my hair, how to rinse it away. I'd nodded numbly, watching her leave before tentatively lowering myself into the bath.

The soap rested near my hand now, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to use it. My skin was already softening under the water, the mud loosening and swirling away in faint ribbons. Did I really need it? Would it hurt if I didn't?

I glanced around the room again, my eyes lingering on the sleek surfaces and gleaming fixtures. Everything here was so strange, so polished and clean. It felt alien compared to the raw, earthy simplicity of the field and the woods. Even the air smelled different, sharper, lighter. It made me feel out of place, like I didn't belong there.

My thoughts wandered back to Esme. She hadn't seemed to mind how dirty I was when she brought me here, even though the mud had smeared the floor as I walked. Her voice had been warm and steady as if it didn't matter at all. She'd even smiled at me when I hesitated at the doorway, her expression gentle but encouraging.

"You'll feel better after this," she'd said, her tone soft but sure. "I promise."

I wasn't sure if she was right, but the warmth of the water was pleasant. It wasn't as good as holding the rabbit, but it was comforting in a way I hadn't expected.

Hesitating, I reached for the soap bar, turning it over in my hands. It was smooth and slightly slippery, the floral scent growing stronger as I brought it closer. I rubbed it cautiously against my arm, watching as it left a faint trail of white bubbles behind. It felt strange but not unpleasant. Maybe Esme was right. Maybe this would help.

The quiet splash of water filled the room as I started to wash, the warmth seeping deeper into my skin. For the first time in what felt like forever, the cold that had clung to me for days began to ease.

30th November 2024
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