So here's another chapter. Two more after this! Hope you're enjoying the story.
Disclaimer: I haven't gained the rights to Young Dracula since I posted chapter 1 about 24 hours ago, no.
When she knocked on Adze's door in the middle of the night, she wasn't sure what she'd expected. What she hadn't expected was a cry of frustration and something being hurled at the door.
"I'm nearly done, Dad, just go away!"
"Um… it's me, Erin. Bad time?" There was a pause, then the door opened, Adze brushing at her eyes.
"What do you want?" Erin blinked.
"I'm wide awake, and, well, everyone else is busy, I thought we could hang out?"
"Oh, well, if everybody else is busy." Adze's expression was sour as she stepped aside for Erin to enter the room. "I'm just packing, but you can stay if you must."
"Packing?" Erin looked around; a few of Adze's possessions had indeed been thrown into a case. "You're leaving?"
"The engagement's off for good, so we're leaving. Well played, breather." Erin stared at her.
"What?" Adze glared at her, but she thought there was a hint of admiration there.
"I don't know how you found out about my preference for women, but you used it to your advantage and now he's free to marry you. It was a good act, but you can drop it now." She turned to throw another cape into her case with unnecessary force, surprised when Erin caught her hand.
"It wasn't an act. I didn't know that would happen, and I didn't know you liked girls, I just… I liked spending time with you, and then when Vlad started talking about getting rid of you again I realised you were right, he's not worth it, and the only person I wanted to see was you because I knew somehow you'd look after me." Adze stared at her, incredulous gaze running down the slayer's arm to where her fingers were still wrapped around the princess' own.
"We… you really just wanted to be my friend?" Erin nodded.
"I still do. I… it doesn't bother me, if that's what you're worried about."
Adze met her eyes then, unable to keep the hope from her voice.
"You still… it's alright?"
"Would you really rather be with me, Adze?" The princess looked away, but Erin could wait her out, their hands still linked between them. She wanted an answer; somehow it seemed important. Eventually it came.
"More than almost anything."
"Then no, I don't want to still be friends. Not forever, anyway." The vampiress was taken aback, and Erin had to explain, stumbling over the words she wanted. "I mean… I literally just broke up with Vlad. I need some time, you know, to sort my head out."
Adze frowned.
"And… then?" Erin shrugged.
"Can't say I haven't noticed how amazing you are." She grinned self-consciously, and watched Adze's face mirror the expression.
"I'm not amazing. You are. Friends, then?" The slayer nodded, paused, then asked the awkward question she suspected she didn't want the answer to.
"Is there any way you can stay?" Adze shook her head.
"Not without being invited. Dad wants me home and out of the way as soon as possible." Erin frowned for a moment, thinking.
"I'll talk to Bertrand. He's our best bet. He'll convince Vlad it's important, no problem." She was halfway to the door again when a thought occurred. "Do you want an invite for your dad, too?"
The princess hesitated, then a mischievous glint appeared in her eye and Erin knew her answer before she even spoke.
"I wouldn't want to keep him from his important business at home." The blonde grinned and continued to the door.
"Just the one it is, then. Oh, and Adze?" The girl looked up from her case. "Pack slowly."