I come to slowly, the world around me blurry and distant. I stretch my arms wide above my head, yawning as I do before snuggling back down. My head aches slightly and I start to drift off again but hear a voice calling me.
It's a beautiful light voice, one I have become accustomed to. I open my tired eyes and find myself looking straight at the beautiful pinkish-haired vampire who was my secretary.
Wait… why is she here? It was a pleasant sight in the morning, make no mistake, but I was still confused. I rouse myself further, scanning around the room. And that's when I realise something…
This isn't actually my room… In fact, I'm not even in bed, I was resting on York's leather reading chair. The woman in question watches me intently, perched on the side of her bed, clad in her usual military attire.
"My dear commander… there is no rest for the wicked. I think it might be time for thou to rouse thyself. Perhaps one should not hath indulged thyself quite so heavily in wine…"
I wipe my eyes, trying to remember quite how I got here. I had been at the party… with York. We had drunk and danced… then she had fed on my blood in the ladies' bathroom… rather intimately. Then we had drunk and danced more…
She had requested I walk her back to her room, as it was the gentlemanly thing to do. I helped her to her bed… then nothing. I cannot remember…
My cheeks burn. We hadn't… done anything… had we? Surely not… I mean... if we had… I would be in bed… with her, right? Oh god… the thoughts running through my head only serve to embarrass me further.
I'd never been great with women, despite the fact I was surrounded by them in my job, and I'm struggling to keep any form of composure.
The Royal Navy battleship chuckles at me from across the room. "I did offer thou my bed, but an honourable man such as thyself would have none of it, so thou collapsed on my chair. I took the liberty of covering thee when I awoke, twas brisk."
That's when I realise, I'm still wearing my tuxedo from last night, and that I'm covered with a thick blanket. That was really sweet of her. I thank her, and with my face bright red, ask her a question.
"I…um…did you just say you offered me your bed?"
She smiles back at me, flashing her fangs before replying. "Why yes. Thow was far too exhausted to make it back to thy quarters, so I offered thee a place in my bed for rest…"
She must notice that my blush worsens and laughs. "No, commander. It was not that kind of offer. Merely rest. A place at my side, nothing more… Thou was so tired… poor thing."
"I thought thou a fool for declining though. Not often is one given the chance to cuddle with my beautiful form, though it was gallant and proper, and I certainly admire such things."
She could be lying through her fangs, purely teasing me, I have no way of knowing. But I certainly think I'm a fool for declining now if she does speak the truth. I can't remember it, but the fact I could be waking up next to her right now, rather than an uncomfortable stiff chair greatly annoyed me.
"Thou is kicking thyself now? How amusing. Wishing to share a noblewomen's bed… how daring of thee Commander... Nonetheless, work calls. I…"
She looks uncharacteristically ashamed. "…I am truly sorry Commander, thou have only just awoken… but I need thy blood…"
"It's not your fault… Don't apologize… I'm more than happy to do it." I implore her.
She blushes at my words slightly, which is a rare sight indeed. Then she looks down at the floor, tucking a strand of her hair behind her pointy ear, looking ashamed yet again. "Thou art wrong. Thy kindness clouds thy judgement, O' generous Commander. Tis no one else's fault but mine and mine alone."
She looks up at me and down again, unable to hold my gaze. She truly was ashamed? She felt guilty? Why?
I rack my brains trying to think why. It was hardly her fault she was a vampire, that she needed to drink blood.
She mutters to me, head still bowed in shame. "Truly, thou is an innocent sparrow, swept along by the wind… It is a wonder that sparrow hath not been swallowed whole by other… less savoury types."
"I was the one who bit thee. I cajoled thee into it… Remember? I tasted thy blood… so fresh… so sweet. And in doing so, enslaved thee unwittingly into being my caged bird. Without thou… I would likely perish. And that fact is a weight on thy shoulders, around thy neck, subjecting thee at my behest, even if I have no wish to bound thee so."
I see what she was getting at. She felt guilty that she had bit me. That she had developed a dependence on me, one that I technically had no say in, as my conscience would simply not allow her to suffer if I could prevent it.
She's not wrong I suppose. But I react fiercely. "York. Look at me."
She looks up at me curiously, her turquoise eyes still filled with regret.
"It is my duty, as a Commander, to look after every ship in this port. And I allowed you to bite me, remember? Do not be so headstrong as to think you made me do it. I was fully aware of my actions. And I bear the consequences fully. I can take responsibility for my own actions. I…" My strength falters and my loud emotional words waiver.
"I…" I'm not sure what exactly I want to say.
That I let her bite me, feed from me for so many more reasons than my conscience?
That I couldn't bear to see her suffer, not because it was my duty, but because the heat in my chest would never allow it?
That I couldn't bear to see her hurt, even the slightest bit, emotionally or otherwise?
I couldn't tell her that to her face… The thought of doing so burns my cheeks in complete embarrassment.
"I… don't. Just don't blame yourself. Ever. And as a matter of fact…" My strength returns and I speak confidently again, emotion clear in my strained voice.
"Never be ashamed of your nature and never blame yourself for it, it's who you are. And if any of the other girls or your sisters can't see that, or bother seeing past it. Screw em."
I'm not entirely sure where that whole rant had come from. But seeing her forlorn at the party yesterday, after Monarch had caught us, her reaction this morning. I didn't like seeing her like that. York was supposed to be strong, fearsome… sultry… and hell, maybe she also had a bit of a soft side. But it didn't feel right when she looked so sad, so lonely. I hated it.
York is staring at me, her mouth wide open in surprise. She blinks a couple of times, and a new expression settles on her face. Pure, undiluted happiness. She grins at me, a fanged grin. "…well said Commander. I can see why thee is a leader of this fine port. Thy comforting words… they truly mean a lot to me. Thank you."
She comes over with the bottle. "May I?" She gestures and I nod. She bites my wrist, and collects the blood just as she had done a handful of times already. However, this time, when she has finished, she sets the bottle on the side then turns, and before I realize it, she's taken me in a deep hug.
This was… different. I had received hugs from other ships before of course, some were just friendly like that. And even from York, I had received pecks on the lips, on the cheek and even passionate kisses that would make lovers blush, all as thanks for my blood.
But this… this was so… affectionate. I never saw York as the hugging type. She just holds me close, and I can feel her faint heartbeat through her chest. This was nice… really nice.
She moves slightly, readjusting her grip, yet she doesn't pull away, staying close. "I…" I can hear her voice in my ear… she pauses slightly… the ever confidant York was embarrassed, I was shocked.
"…thank you. So much Commander. These last few days as your secretary… they have been most memorable… You… are good for me… for my heart." She speaks in a different tone, none of her usual high-class speech or refined cadence, just complete honesty.
Only once she has whispered that in my ear does she slowly pull away. She seems to force herself, she does it slow, like she has no desire to break our embrace. She gently kisses me on the forehead before pulling back slowly.
Good lord. She's blushing… heavily. I'm amazed. After all the things we had done… she had made out with me… hell, I'd run my hands over her clothed body, even ran my hand up and down her thigh, gripped her breast, yet it was this, an affectionate hug that embarrassed her far more. York truly was a strange lady at times.
I have trouble re-organizing my thoughts after that. Did we… just share a moment? All the other stuff… there was a pretence to it, an exchange, her way of thanking me for allowing her to feed from my body… even though I would allow her regardless. That was different… caring and sweet. I feel my own cheeks heating up at the thought.
Surely not… I'm sure it was just York playing with me again… maybe just another way of her showing her appreciation for my support. Yea… I'm sure that must be it… right? Because what was the alternative? I don't dare give that question in my heart an answer, instead opting to ignore it as my blush deepens.
York quickly regains her composure. "That was… pleasant, but unfortunately for thee, thou needs to get changed before work begins. I have some time before my shift. Thou should return to thy quarters."
She was correct, I certainly couldn't head into work wearing the tuxedo I had worn yesterday. I groan as I get up out of the leather chair, stretching slightly before heading for the door.
"Bye York… Thank you, for last night."
She winks at me. "Thou is most welcome. Twas a lovely evening… I hope one gets the chance to experience it again sometime. Although perhaps thou should regulate thine alcohol intake next time…"
I chuckle and wave, closing the door behind me and heading off towards my quarters to get changed for the day ahead. I don't get far until I hear a voice call me from a side corridor.
"Commander… I didn't realise you were one for the walk of shame…" I glance to my side, revealing Wales grinning at me in amusement. Oh god… she thought that…
I quickly bring my hands up waving them in protest. "I…um… it… you see…" My nervous stammering does nothing to convince the battleship. Finally, I manage to find my words. "I…It's not like that…"
She raises an eyebrow at me and continues to smile, enjoying my embarrassment. "Oh really? Because it looks like your leaving York's room, early in the morning, after going back with her drunk, still wearing the same clothes as yesterday, am I not correct?"
"I… yes, that's correct. But I escorted her back. Nothing more… I simply fell asleep in her chair… Nothing happened between me and your sister…" I defend myself before Wales.
Her teasing grin doesn't waiver. "Really? How interesting. And how about the other times you have visited her room? Was that merely for sleeping in her chair too? You do realise half the dorm knows about your night-time visits… I know they say to face your fears, but sleeping with them is certainly a new one…"
My cheeks burn bright crimson. Oh god… she knew about my evening visits to York's room.
"That… I… was just checking up on her… it's nothing…."
"Oh… and I suppose Warspite heard nothing then? She's in the room right next door… Apparently, you can be rather loud Commander, shame on you… some of us Royal Navy folks are trying to sleep…"
I wish I could just curl up into a ball and die of embarrassment. I immediately knew what she meant. When York fed… sometimes the pleasure had been a bit too much… and I had moaned rather lewdly.
"That's… not…. I… Come on Wales… you know I'm telling the truth…Don't you?"
Her expression changes from amused teasing to curiosity. "Huh… You're actually serious, aren't you? You're not sleeping with York? Shame… I was happy for you both. But then what have you two been up to?"
Immediately I pale in fear. Shit. I should have just let her believe me and York were sleeping together… at least that was an easier way to explain my morning and evening visits.
Her eyes narrow in suspicion. "Commander… my sister hasn't been… bleeding you? Has she?"
I immediately deny it. But Wales does not look even slightly convinced.
Before I know it, she has drawn her sword, and is pointing it straight at my neck. My heart stops.
"Wales?" I ask nervously, what exactly was she doing?
Then, she uses the tip of the blade, cutting my top button open and using the sword to pull my shirt to the side carefully, exposing my neck.
She gasps and brings up a hand to cover her mouth as she beholds the 2 vampiric pinpricks on my throat, proof of York's feeding. "Oh… Commander." She looks at me sadly, lowering her sword slightly.
"Is she forcing you? I swear, she's always been trouble… Are you ok? You should have told someone… I would never have let her be your secretary if I thought she would take it this far…. I'm so sorry Commander."
Her speech is rushed, it's clear she is genuinely horrified by what York has done to me, and feels very sorry for me. She doesn't realize that our relationship is more complicated than that and that it was of my own volition.
But before I can correct the misunderstanding. A figure materialises in front of me, and I hear the ring of metal against metal as the figure swings their sword against Wales's, leading to the two blades scraping against one another before the figure pushes their sword with great force and two ships back away from another, weapons still raised.
"Wales. Doth thee hunt the same prey as me? Foolish Sister." York speaks haughtily with a gleam of competition in her eyes.
"York! How dare you! How could you! Are you blackmailing him into it? I at least thought you wouldn't stoup that low…"
York smiles, displaying her fangs to her sister. "What I partake in is of no concern to thee, Wales. More importantly, thou seems to have thy weapon levelled at the Commander of this port, a most erroneous transgression. As his esteemed secretary, and therefore bodyguard, I demand thee lower thy sword at once."
Wales hesitates, looking confused. I take to the opportunity to quickly intervene. "Wales. It's ok. I allowed York to do it, she doesn't have a choice. She can only feed off me now. I won't go into details, but it's all fine. Please, don't judge her for it."
Wales looks even more confused by my words, but sighs in resignation, and sheaths her sword, with York following suit.
"…apologies Commander. I shouldn't have pried. I was just worried for you… And…"
She squirms embarrassed and shifts her gaze to her sister.
"Sorry. York. I shouldn't have accused you so. I should have had more faith in my sister. That's my fault… It's just…" She pauses. Then flashes us a bright smile.
"Doesn't matter… come here…" She steps forward with a smile and envelopes her sibling in a hug.
York immediately stiffens up and doesn't reciprocate the gesture. Wales pulls away quickly. "Sorry… forgot you're not much of a hugger… Anyways… How is life as a secretary, disregarding the other… stuff." Wales sheepishly asks.
York smiles, retreating to my side. "Tis a great opportunity to work with the Commander and while I thought I would prefer my standard duties… I hast grown rather fond of it…"
"Is she as good as I was, Commander?" She directs this question at me with a teasing grin.
I was glad the situation seemed to have been diffused, I breathe a sigh of relief, answering Wales with a coy smile. "Now now, Wales. You know I can't answer that…."
She giggles. But her expression turns serious. "I… Look. I don't know what's going on between the two of you. But if the Commander is ok with it, then I am. Just… be careful… don't hurt him."
Her eyes switch to me. "And that goes for you too…. York is still my sister… I won't forgive you if you hurt her in anyway…"
She smiles awkwardly, then turns and walks down the corridor, and out of sight.
Both me and York stand there, and I feel my damn cheeks heating up yet again. Did she mean hurt her, emotionally? As in, break her heart? Oh god. I squirm at the implications.
York herself has a light blush on her cheeks, but she quickly overcomes it and shakes it off, giving me a smile. "Wales is too curious for her own good. She needs to mind her own business. But… her intentions are honourable, I concede that. Though, she should know better than to pry into others evening activities, particularly when hers are so... sordid… barely a night goes by without her bringing some poor soul back to her quarters…" Heat rises in her cheeks before she shakes it off and clears her throat awkwardly.
"…Anyway… I shalt head to the office. If thou wishes to be punctual, thou should quicken thy pace…"
She is correct, and I was almost certainly going to be late at this rate. I give her smile and quickly head towards my room, my head abustle with my thoughts about this morning's events.
York wasn't a hugger? She certainly didn't seem to mind with me before… Did that mean anything? Was it really a moment between the two of us?