Polly, up before dawn as always, turned to watch Mal sleeping. She was glad they were finally returning home, to rest before the nextwar - but mostly she was glad they were alone. Her vampire was now a lieutenant, being naturally smart and good at being obeyed; it hadn't taken her long to be promoted even if she was a woman. Polly had come close to being promoted, but had suddenly and inexplicably become Jackrum's double making it 'unwise.' She smiled as she remembered Blouse's surprise and hint of pleasure in seeing the officer backtrack as fast as he could.
She was brought back to reality by the sun's first light filtering through the tent's think canvas and Polly watched as Mal - without waking up - pulled their blanket over her head. Polly did the same, still watching her vampire and waiting for her to realise she was being watched.
The vampire's eyes opened suddenly, focussing on Polly immediately. She grinned, the smile both frightening and attractive to Polly instead of just frightening. The two watched each other as the sun rose higher, until Polly finally sighed and sat up. Mal laughed softly, she loved proving that Polly was incapable of staying in bed for too long in the morning.
As Polly stretched, pale arms were suddenly around her and she felt Mal's lips on her neck.
She hesitated and then decided the day could wait.