What Makes a Monster

♱Sixty-Five♱

A new dilemma has arrived.

How does one date their immortal vampire boss? Because, personally, I am at a loss.

I've dated before so I have some experience. In Chandri my first boyfriend was someone I had known almost all my life, but we didn't date until we were fifteen. He worked with his father as a blacksmith, long hours spent working in the hot summer over an even hotter forge. We used to play in the river as kids and complain about humid summer days the moment we had a break. There wasn't much to do in a small town so dating consisted of spending time after work, perhaps taking a walk down old dirt roads or sitting in fields counting stars, which is in no way a complaint. We dated for two years and maybe we would have kept dating if his family hadn't moved to a bigger town after his father got an offer to open up a shop.

Second boyfriend wasn't much of a boyfriend, one of those guys that I had a spark with that was so intense that it felt like love, but it burned out almost as quickly as it started. Two months later we were at each other's throats, and not in a good way. Didn't really date again after that, saw someone here or there, but the thing is--all of them were human, of the same or similar social class and, obviously, not my boss.

Acting like employer and employee has actually been easier than being together. I got up this morning wondering if I would be the one to attend Soran, but it was Layne. I admit there was a sliver of disappointment watching Layne ascend the stairs with Soran's morning tea, but I understood then wondered if perhaps that would be weird? Having his partner serve him, even if I have up to this point, might make Soran uncomfortable. Hell, it might make me a little uncomfortable, I'm not really sure. Layne and Higra have been with Soran the longest though and, considering the mess that the estate is in, there's a lot of work to be done.

So I ate breakfast with Hael then got to work.

The estate is busy yet again with movers, painters, carpenters and more. Moldings have been cracked, stairs splintered. Once elegant walkways have become worn as if aged a hundred years. Some are still sweeping up glass or brushing away dust. The landscapers probably have it the worst though. Sidewalks have been crushed to dust, once lush gardens burned to ash, even the fountain in the garden has crumbled, laying as rubble in murky water.

I spotted Soran three times throughout the day, but he was busy either speaking with Higra and Layne or some of the workers. I never said hello. I wasn't even sure he spotted me because he never said hello either before he disappeared. Now the day is almost over and I'm wondering what to do next.

Is it alright to go see him? Is he busy? Does he want me to visit? I can't lie and say that I don't want to. I would like to see him, to spend only a few moments together even if I haven't a clue what to talk about. Suddenly, there's a wall, one that reminds me of our positions. I want to laugh at myself for being so ridiculous. When do we stop being an employer and employee? Is there some type of timestamp we need for that because I honestly don't know. This was even my request but I'm totally lost!

It's for the best though. Today was no different than yesterday. Everyone is cautious with me, seeming not to know where the line is. Cool, cool, I get the feeling. I'm wondering where that line is too, although in this case it has to do with me and Soran. I totally get why people say not to date your boss, this shit is confusing.

"Ah, Wallie!" Layne calls. He comes down the hall with a slightly awkward smile that I do my best not to return, well, I return the smile, but hopefully it isn't awkward.

"I was looking for you," he says. "Lord Makai wishes to see you."

My heart skips a beat.

"Oh, uh, ok, I'll go up once I take this to Higra." I hold up the papers that Elamir gave to me earlier. Apparently it's a list of any unaccounted for items, not sure if that's because they think some are still missing/broken or perhaps someone stole during the chaos. I wouldn't put it past some people.