The Familiar

VI. The Decision

As they walked, sometimes Sebastian's hand would go to the spot in between Lucy's shoulder blades on her back to speed her up if he felt she was slowing down. He was constantly vigilant. Lucy thought that if removed from this particular context, his protection and diligence would have been sweet. In this context, however, she couldn't stop thinking about the fact that he was a vampire. That he could turn on her at any minute. 

She had read books where vampires were the romantic interest. Who hadn't? She wasn't going to deny her curiosity in fictional supernaturals. However, that had been through the safety of a medium. There was no real world to go back to after this story was over. She was living in it. 

To think that vampires had still been fictional to her just a few short hours ago. Ignorance really was bliss. 

They reached the front of Lucy's apartment building and she paused, unsure if she wanted to show him exactly where she lived. 

But he wouldn't be able to enter, right?

Except she'd seen him in daytime classes. How could he be out in daylight? Unless what had been culturally decided as the characteristics of vampires were incorrect or skewed, and any vampire could enter her apartment. 

"Lucy," Sebastian said softly, rousing her from her thoughts. She looked up at him, but her eyes didn't quite reach his. "It's okay. I wouldn't hurt you."

Lucy stepped away from him. "But why not? Why won't you hurt me? You're a vampire. I don't even know you. Even if you were human..."

Sebastian pursed his lips. "Can we talk once we're inside?"

"No," she declared. "I don't want you in my home. I want to keep some place safe to myself."

"Fine," he declared, trying to keep his anger in check. "Just get yourself inside. Vampires can't enter without being invited in, so you'll be less vulnerable in there."

The relief was visible on her face. "Really?" she breathed. 

Sebastian gave a small smile. "Yes. Believe it or not, a lot of the myths are true. Just...maybe for different reasons."

"Then...I'll be fine. Thank you for...what you did tonight," Lucy said, looking down at her shoes. After a pause, she started walking to the stairs. 

Sebastian watched her go. He was always watching her go, watching her walk away. 

Not anymore. 

He took in a deep breath. "If you leave me standing here, you won't get your answers. You'll just be left alone with your curiosity." Sebastian had been taking a guess, but he was glad when her steps hesitated, and her shoulders stiffened. He could tell she was frustrated. Because he was right. Humans were by nature curious creatures, and he'd always figured her among the most curious.

She swore quietly to herself, but he heard it. 

Groaning loudly, she turned back to look at him over her shoulder, eyes narrowed. "You win."

Sebastian swallowed his smile and followed her up the flights of stairs, neither saying anything to one another. 

Finally, she stopped in front of a door. Lucy checked her pockets to make sure she had all of her things. With a sigh, she realized her phone, her cards, and her key were all still there. The one time skinny jean pockets worked in her favor. She pulled out her key and unlocked the door, opening it, the moonlight filtering in through the window, its blinds drawn.

Lucy stepped forward and then looked back at Sebastian. He stayed just outside the door. She cocked her head to the side, studying him, her eyes appraising him. 

Sebastian lifted an eyebrow at her in question. 

"I'm thinking about it," she answered, reading his expression. Her eyes met his, and she saw a challenge in them. 

"You're gonna need to be a bit more verbal about it," he told her. 

She hummed and left the door open as she walked away, turning on the light switch. From that position, she looked at him again. He gave an over-exaggerated sigh, raising the other eyebrow now too. 

"If you suck my blood or kill me, I swear," she warned, "I will haunt you from the afterlife."

"Duly noted," he replied drily, wondering if that would be such a terrible idea. 

Lucy knew she shouldn't. She liked to think she was smart. But, if he wasn't going to erase her memories, and if she needed to prepare herself in case she ran into other vampires anytime soon, she was going to need information. And...she wanted answers for personal reasons. 

Curiosity killed the cat. 

"Come in," she said, sealing her fate. 

But satisfaction brought it back.