Work Text:
Streetlights flicker in the parking lot. Tinny music interupted by emergency broadcasts filters in from the speaker outside the lobby. The curtains hang lifeless and drab in the room; an illusion of safety.
One bed for the both of them. With flat pillows and a stiff comforter. Sheets scratchy, trapping the heat between them. The air is still. Only broken by quiet breathing. A whisper. “Eden? You awake?”
A rustle, blankets shifting. “Yeah, why?”
“Do you want to eat me?”
A giggle like windchimes.
Her chest tightens, warmth pooling. She wants to hear it again.
“No, silly, we had pizza for dinner.”
“You do drink blood, don’t you?” She turns to face Eden in the dark. Her eyes shine, twin stars. A constellation waiting to be completed by her third eye.
“Yeah, but it doesn’t taste as good.” The silhouette of a one armed shrug under the covers.
“Would you, though?”
“No. Not if I’m in control.” Eden’s voice is soft, serious.
They both knew the truth; she wasn’t always in control. But the thought of Eden hungry, starving. Losing herself to the bloodlust.
“I’d let you. If you needed it,” she says in a rush. She wouldn’t— couldn’t let Eden hurt like that. Not with vitae in her own veins.
Eden smiles. Looks at her and smiles. The tips of her fangs barely peeking out. Sharp white glinting in the dark. “Thanks, Jessie.”
And it’s butterflies and pride. Heat and hope. “No problem.”
Eden rolls onto her back. Stretches. Yawns. “Goodnight.”
The moment of lucidity fades slowly, replaced with even breaths and lax limbs. Impulse and bravery armored by the dark and almost-sleep, Jessica extends her hand under the covers. Fingertips brush along Eden’s wrist. Soft skin, delicate pulse, and a small shift away.
Jessica’s breath catches. Regret like ice water filling her lungs. A moment of surprise, hesitation, anxiety passes. Eden flips her hand palm up, and they slot together.