Salt-sweet breezes of the ocean danced before Klein. Olive skin and blonde hair almost melted with the sand as she rolled onto her side. Languidness was the best companion: it told no lies and always followed wherever she went. The premise of an alternate world entertained her thoughts, but in the end, it was no different from Earth. Maybe she should just run away and find a portal to go through or something. Her stoic expression broke into a smile as she remembered how the family would always go to the beach in the weekends, and there was always a seashell to take home. Her gaze scoured the sand; no seashell to be found. The woman shifted onto her back, and her hand brushed against a metallic bow. A frown came upon her lips. Ah, she lied to the guards that she was practicing. Then again, almost any excuse would work with them. It was like how plentiful the opportunities were to joke around. Pranking that brownie and kistune, on multiple occasions for that matter, never got old. The blonde laughed to herself. She gazed at the clear sky and sighed. It's only been a few weeks? At least a month? Homesickness creeped into the mind again, but she distracted herself by allowing drowsiness to take over. However, her eyes narrowed as a familiar face blocked her view.
"You have some nerve to follow me," she said. Klein hid her irritation with a purr.
He clicked his tongue. "Can't get rid of me that easily, darling."
The vampire plopped next to her and twirled a lock of blonde hair around his finger.
"You should take better care of yourself." He let the strands fall. "I'll be miserable if you didn't."
She refused to respond as he stared at the ocean. Another salt-sweet breeze passed before either spoke.
"I'm worried," Nevra said.
"Fake or not fake?"
"...Not fake. Your behavior is more erratic, and you just don't look energetic like usual. Are you getting enough sleep?"
She rolled onto her stomach. "And? I avoid everyone equally, Dracula. If you're so lonely, go throw yourself at the mermaid."
He said nothing.
She glanced at him. "I call the elf funny nicknames too, so don't feel so special. Well, actually, Valkyon also gets them, but there's some level of respect, so I actually hold myself back."
"Okay, but-"
"Master..."
He let out an exasperated sigh. "Please don't change the subject."
"But I'm fine, Master."
"Do you not trust us? Trust me?"
She broke into a laugh. "Pfft...You're cute, Dracula. I'm almost charmed." She winked as she changed into a sitting position.
His smile lasted for a few seconds, but she saw it lacked the usual playfulness.
"Klein, come here." He spread out his arms.
"...No."
The vampire frowned as his arms fell to his side; Nevra moved closer and embraced her. Klein stiffened, but her arms slowly snaked around his neck. He pulled her closer while she pressed her face into his scarf. After a silent moment passed, Nevra leaned back so that he lay on top of the sand; she, against him.
He rubbed her back. "Don't tell me you dozed off."
There was a muffled response and he let out a chuckle. He continued to rub her back in gentle circles. The sound of her breathing seemed to match the sound of waves. Meanwhile, she clenched the fabric of his clothes and listened to his heartbeat. His body temperature was cooler than the sand. He started to play with her hair again – twisted, twirled, wrapped around his fingers. It really was a strange habit Nevra developed.
"...You actually meant it," she said.
"Hm? Well, of course. I don't remember a day where I haven't thought about you."
"Liar."
She felt the movement of his chest as he laughed.
"And what about you? Am I pervading your thoughts and dreams?"
"Nope."
"Are you sleeping well then? Eating?"
He waited, but she gave no response. His hands then brushed against her sides. She squirmed a bit, but Nevra kept her in place.
"What do you do with the rations?"
She said, "I just return them to Karuto."
"And sleeping?"
"...Can't. Insomnia. Other things."
His grip on her tightened. "And how long has this been happening?"
"Don't remember."
"Klein...Please, don't run away."
She wiggled in his embrace. "It's nothing. Really. It'll be solved eventually. Don't you have better things to be worried about?"
"Wearing a mask won't work on me."
"...Why? I don't understand."
That's how it's always been. That's how it always worked. And yet...And yet...She gulped and suddenly found meeting his gaze unbearable. Nevra shifted into a sitting position while Klein clung to him still. He kissed her forehead, and they both stood. The vampire grabbed Klein's hand, took the bow, and led her back. And as the two walked, she saw he continued to hold her hand as if letting go could never be an option.