AN: This story is entirely separate from the last chapter, but for the sake of personal convenience, I'm posting it here.

The Countess heaved a world-weary sigh. Her travels around the world were fruitless. Her every attempt at finding something that would rouse her spirits from the dark pit in which they'd fallen ended in failure. She arrived in Italy a week earlier, but everything still felt hollow. The landscape was stunning, but it meant nothing to her, and nothing she said, saw, or did would bring her any amount of excitement or joy.

Snowflakes were beautiful things, each unique, but none of them ever lasted long before vanishing back into eternity only to be replaced by a hundred new snowflakes only a second later. That was how Italy felt to the disillusioned demon. It was a magnificent country, but ultimately fleeting and meaningless. It wasn't as if she'd never seen a city before, and no matter how famous some of Italy's were, they were still just cities.

The Countess meandered the moonlit streets with a disinterested and inattentive eye. A normal mortal might've found it romantic and splendid, but the Countess was neither normal nor mortal. She was a restless vampire seeking something that could make her feel alive again. Since she knew nothing, not even vampires, were truly eternal, she did not expect long-term pleasure, but she still wanted something more than the dreary and monotonous existence she'd come to know ever since being turned a century prior. In all her searches, she still hadn't found anything.

At last, the Countess found herself in the middle of a small ring of restaurants. Perhaps a meal would do her some good. That was her plan, at least, but she spent an hour simply watching from the shadows. People laughed, talked, sang, danced, ate, drank, embraced, and played. It was nothing but a whirlwind of triviality and ridiculousness, and yet, the Countess couldn't help but envy them that they should be able to find pleasure in their mindless little frivolities while she could not seem to find a measure of entertainment in anything.

Already, the thought of eating felt far too tedious, boring, and strenuous for the Countess to think that it was worth the effort. She passed multiple perfect victims but continuously argued with herself that none of them was quite right, even though she had no idea what "quite right" actually entailed. She only continued to circle the restaurants, watching the people come and go, eating inside and out.

She finally noticed one particular young lady leading a dance in front of a little band performing outside of one of the restaurants. They entertained the tables outside even though they did not appear to work for any of the restaurants. The band plucked merrily away, performing some jaunty Italian tune while the young lady spun and danced for the crowd. She twirled under the moon, and the dim candlelight coming from the restaurants. She invited other people to join her, but she never once left center-stage. The Countess was enraptured, entranced.

The young lady had mastered a perfect balance of invitation and distance that the Countess found wildly attractive. Even though she smiled and interacted with the audience, she radiated a sort of confident independence. No matter how many people joined her dance, she remained the star of the show. The smile on her face conveyed pure ecstasy and delight, and for once, the Countess didn't feel any envy. She stalked closer to the girl, although she still watched from afar. It was as if she was agreeing with the dancer, that she had every right to be so jubilant and free.

Emotion caught in the Countess' chest, and she was surprised by the intense and sudden wave of feeling after so many years of cold and empty silence. She did not feel merry, but for once, she looked upon something without disgust, disdain, or disinterest. Instead, she was genuinely invested in the other girl, and her sensual, passionate dance. She moved so effortlessly and endlessly, bringing more and more dancers until half the crowd was dancing with her, following her every movement and command.

What charisma she had to capture so many people so quickly, easily, and completely. The Countess also realized that she hadn't said a single word. That made her performance all the more impressive, and the Countess wasn't just referring to her dance. Even though she spoiled everyone with a short, personal dance of their own, she managed to maintain an airy sort of distance that kept everyone wanting more.

At long last, the band finished its set, and the girl ceased her dancing with effortless immediacy, giggling and blushing as she curtseyed to the massive, adoring crowd. As sweet and innocent as she looked, though, she made no effort to appear humble. Instead, she flashed her audience a charming smile as she confidently accepted their praise and applause. The Countess found it strangely endearing and… invigorating. It was enough to drive the vampire forward and the Countess finally decided to approach the young dancer.

"Your performance was exquisite," the Countess said as she all but melted from the shadows and appeared right behind the other woman.

"Ah, grazie, signora," the dancer curtseyed and giggled again, seemingly unsurprised by how suddenly and quietly the Countess appeared.

"I simply must know—" the Countess began.

"If I am formally trained?" the dancer interrupted almost smugly, as if she was used to such questions.

Once again, rather than finding her egotism disrespectful, the Countess found it refreshing… and sexy. Even though she preferred to be the dominant one in a relationship, she always liked when her lovers had some spirit and fire in them. This girl certainly seemed to have both in spades.

"No," the Countess replied, giving a smug smile of her own. "I simply must know if you are always so flirtatious when you dance!"

"Oh?" For just a moment, the dancer seemed genuinely surprised by the question, but only a second later, her confidence returned.

"I would not consider it flirtatious, signora," she purred. "But if that is how you saw it, then, well…" she gave a soft chuckle. "I do not always try to be intentionally alluring, but I have heard a great deal of men and women alike talk about how attractive I am. I think it merely my raw talent at dancing that captivates them so." There was a lilt in her voice as she started swaying her body suggestively. For the umpteenth time that night, the Countess was so entertained by the dancer's wit that she almost laughed.

"Perhaps it is simply your gorgeous face and body," she said, trying to match the girl's seductiveness. The Countess had known many brave (or perhaps moronic and insane) men and women in her time, all of whom were bold enough to try flirting with her, but none of whom ever caught her attention or interest quite the way the little Italian dancer girl did.

The Countess was quickly starting to see why. The dancer was just so effortless in her banter. She wasn't trying to impress the Countess, she was just naturally impressive, and she knew it, too! Both of which were traits that the Countess was also charmed by.

"Ah, you are too kind, signora!" the dancer bowed again, this time making sure the Countess got an eyeful of her cleavage before she stood back up. The Countess very much liked what she saw. "Yes," the girl continued. "I am flattered that you should think so highly of me."

Her voice practically oozed sensuality as she purred up at the Countess, giving her the most adorable pout she could muster. She even dared to reach out and take the Countess' hand in her own to kiss it. It was enough to earn a laugh, a real laugh, from the Countess, warm and amused. The girl looked quite proud of herself for getting the Countess to laugh.

"What is your name, mia bella?" she asked, and her little term of endearment earned another low laugh from her latest admirer.

"Elizabeth Gage," the Countess replied. "But what about you, my darling? What is your name? I hope it is befitting of a girl so lovely and naughty!" the Countess gave the girl a small wink. She couldn't remember the last time she'd enjoyed herself so thoroughly!

"Ah! You are quite the charmer yourself," the girl replied, dodging the question at first to return the Countess' mischievous look. "Of course, you must be, because you are so stunning, and you have certainly managed to charm this little snake from her den!" she added. "So if you really are so interested in learning my name, I suppose I can tell you. It is only fair, after all, since you have so graciously given me your own!"

But even though the dancer said she would give the Countess her name, she kept evading the question. She wanted to see if the Countess would break and ask her to hurry. Because the Countess knew what she was trying to do, though, she only smiled back and shook her head.

My dear sweet little mouse, you may think you will win this little game of yours, but I can assure you that you will not. I have the patience of the ages on my side… I am willing to wait years and years to learn fully who you are, can you say the same?

For a time, the Countess only continued to throw innocent pleasantries at her companion, making it clear that she was not going to yield. Pleased and amused by the Countess' resolve, the girl finally decided to surrender the match and give up her name quickly.

"It is not often that I meet people like you," she said, and the Countess looked quite pleased with herself. "You are charmed by me, or so you say, but you do not cave as quickly or as easily as the others. It is refreshing, and I think I quite admire it."

"Well, I am glad you find me admirable," the Countess replied graciously, thinking likewise about the human.

"Very well then," the girl sighed, finally having exhausted her last attempt at stalling. "I will tell you… My name… is… Carmelina Lorenzini." She bowed again as she said this, acting as if she'd spoken the name of God himself. Perhaps, in her mind, she had.

"Carmelina," the Countess repeated. Then she smiled. It was a beautiful name for an even more beautiful girl.

"Ah, I very much like the way you say my name," Carmelina smiled. "… Elizabeth."

The Countess laughed again. "I do believe I quite like hearing you say my name as well," she said.

"I wonder how else we might call one another's names, and if the results would be just as enjoyable," Carmelina mused, but even though her voice was airy and innocent, the way she was looking the Countess up and down was anything but.

"Well, there is only one way to find out," the Countess replied, offering her hand to Carmelina. Carmelina was more than happy to take it.

Neither of them had any way of knowing for sure, but even back then, on the night they met, they could both feel that they were going to be very close friends for a very long time. The realization was slow for the Countess, but all at once, it occurred to her that she was suddenly looking forward to life again. She was looking forward to doing things. She finally had someone worth doing them with or for. In the back of her mind, she realized that it felt a little bit like being born, truly born.

The Countess wasn't the entire way there yet, but she was feeling alive again, that was a good sign. She could tell that her loneliness was finally drawing to an end. That was an even better sign. It seemed that her trip to Italy was not in vain after all.

"If I'd known what was waiting for me, I would've come much sooner!" she whispered to herself as she and Carmelina walked the darkened city streets together. Ah, well, it was as they said, better late than never.

ooo

For the first few months of their relationship, Carmelina remained ignorant to the truth of the Countess' identity as a vampire. It was almost comical, but the Countess conjured up such a clever and convincing story that Carmelina was easy to deceive. It was only after those months passed that the vampire finally revealed her true nature to her mortal companion.

"You are not afraid of me, then?" the Countess asked as she bared her fangs at Carmelina. But she already knew the answer.

"How could I be, amore mio?" Carmelina asked back sweetly. "We have been together for months now and you have never harmed me! At least, not unless I wanted you to…" She winked seductively at the Countess, thinking back on all the scandalous nights they'd shared.

"So this does not change our relationship at all?" the Countess asked. Just like before, though, she already knew the answer. She, too, smiled at the memory of all her glorious nights with her human companion.

"Not at all!" Carmelina promised. "Although I quite look forward to seeing what you can do as a vampire…" she added with a grin.

"In due time, my dear, in due time," the Countess laughed lowly. She was glad to have confirmation that Carmelina didn't mind her being a vampire, and she certainly wanted to bring her fangs into the bedroom more often now, but as she said, all in due time.

"Ah, you wicked thing! Making me wait for it!" Carmelina pouted playfully. "Maybe you, as vampire, are patient, but I, as a mortal?"

"Ah, but you know you love it," the Countess gave Carmelina a wink as she pulled the other woman into her arms.

"That I do, Countess, that I do…" Carmelina admitted, willingly resting her head against her lover's chest and smiling all the while.

ooo

Several more months passed and the Countess came to Carmelina with yet another serious matter to discuss.

"I know we have only been together for about a year, but I can confidently say it has been the best year of my entire unlife," the Countess began, and Carmelina knew she was serious because the Countess did not usually speak like this. "Now, I have an offer to make you."

"Oh?" Carmelina raised an eyebrow, even though she already had a hunch.

"It is not one I have ever made before. My kind rarely ever extends such invitation but to the few mortals who are able to hold our attention long enough to survive multiple feedings, and hold our affection long enough to become an equal rather than a pet or a plaything."

"You wish to turn me?" Carmelina guessed.

"Yes," the Countess nodded. "The choice is yours to accept or deny, though, and you have as long as you wish to decide."

"Well, I do not want to wait too long, Countess! Or I shall be old and ugly while you remain young and beautiful!" Carmelina joked. But the Countess only shook her head somberly. Although she appreciated Carmelina's sense of humor, now was not the time for such jests.

"Listen to me, Carmelina," she said, not unkindly, but very firmly. "This is a big decision to make. You cannot undo it once it is done. That is why I wish for you to take as long as you need. This decision cannot be made lightly! And even if you say no for now, you may always change your mind later, of course. Just be aware that it is a unilateral decision. That is why you must think hard on it first!"

But the vampire's face softened shortly thereafter. "I also hope you know, my nearest and dearest and most beloved companion, that I will gladly accept whatever decision you make. I would never fault you for wishing to remain mortal. You should know by now, my dear, that I would never force you into anything against your will. You are much too precious to me… as a friend, a companion, and a lover…"

The Countess had not spoken so gently in many decades, but with Carmelina, although her eyes were still set and stern, they softened. The Countess was not incapable of affection, after all. But with her part finally finished, she allowed Carmelina a chance to reply.

"What if I choose to say yes?" she asked.

"I would accept that as well," the Countess said. "But either way, I will insist that regardless of your choice, you spend at least a couple more years as a human before I turn you. I want you to understand the full extent and gravity of your fealty before you pledge it, so that you know what you will lose once you join the ranks of the undead. Do you understand, dearest heart?" she asked gently.

"Si. Grazie, amore mio," Carmelina said. "I accept, but I hope you know I likely will not change my mind even with the extra years."

"Then it should be an easy wait," the Countess replied with a shrug. "Perhaps to a human, years seem like eternities, but to vampires, years are mere seconds. I only ask for years because anything else feels too short from my perspective."

"I understand," Carmelina promised solemnly. "Besides," she added, a more humorous tone returning to her voice, "I will not age too drastically in just a few short years, no?"

"Well, even if you did, I do have friends that could probably help with that," the Countess smiled, finally indulging in Carmelina's jests.

"Other vampires?" Carmelina asked interestedly.

"Yes. And witches too," the Countess nodded and Carmelina's eyes lit up again.

"I suppose that explains how you have been able to take such good care of me so far!" she mused, thinking back to all the strange and wonderful things the Countess had been able to do for her.

Back then, Carmelina assumed that it was all part and parcel of being a Countess with many, powerful connections, but now… ?

"Yes, and some day, I promise I will introduce you to all of them," the Countess swore. "You will have full access to every part of my world."

"I very much look forward to that day," Carmelina replied, extending her hand to the Countess.

The Countess said nothing, but she smiled as she took Carmelina's hand and shook it firmly.

ooo

A couple years later, it was finally time for the big moment.

"Are you certain you are ready for this?" the vampire asked her soon-to-be.

"," Carmelina replied. She sounded scared and nervous, but excited, too. There was also a steely resolve in her eyes. No matter how she felt about what was coming, she planned to see it through to the very end.

"Very well then," the vampire replied, then she bit down on Carmelina's neck. Hard.

At first, Carmelina flinched in pain as her lover's razor-sharp incisors broke her skin. A few seconds later, that burning, stinging pain was a warm and pleasurable tingle. It hurt in all the best ways, and she reveled in the feeling of the Countess' mouth and fangs on her neck. As she felt her life essence drain out of her body, she smiled euphorically. Then she felt the Countess pressing something to her lips. More blood. This time, though, it was the Countess'. Carmelina lapped up the blood greedily while the Countess fed from her until she was completely drained.

The world grew ever colder and darker for Carmelina, but she felt no fear, only bliss. In her final moments, she managed to grab the Countess' hand and squeeze it tightly. That was her very last sensation as a human, her and the Countess holding hands, each of them clinging to the other. Then suddenly, it was over. It was a good, peaceful way to die. Carmelina couldn't have asked for a more satisfying way to pass.

After long enough, though, it was as if the clock started ticking in reverse. Carmelina felt herself coming back, waking up. It felt like coming home after a long, arduous journey, even though she couldn't remember a single second of it. She just felt a cold ache, but it was fading away already, the life she was leaving behind forever. All that remained was the hope and expectation of the life she was stepping into. Today, she was born, truly born, and it was absolutely incredible!

I have a feeling that I won't be so lonely anymore, Carmelina thought to herself as her thoughts slowly came back to her. She opened her eyes. She felt as though she'd been freed from a cage she didn't even realize existed. It really did feel like seeing the world for the very first time, even better, though, her first sight was of the Countess, smiling down at her. There was so much pride, joy, and love in her deep, dark eyes that it was almost overwhelming, for both of them, but in the best way possible.

How fitting it was, that she should be the one to share Carmelina's first moments in this new world. Although Carmelina was never as melancholic or moody as the Countess, she was no stranger to loneliness or isolation either. Finding the Countess was just as good for her as finding her was for the Countess.

Even more fitting, Carmelina had been the one to hold the Countess' hand through a major moment in her (after)life. When the Countess had no one, Carmelina was there, and Carmelina helped her find a new life, together. Now, the Countess had the perfect chance to return the favor, right by Carmelina's side when she took her first "breath" as a vampire.

"Amore mio," Carmelina sighed as she reached up to touch the Countess' face and smile dreamily at her.

"My love," the Countess smiled back and touched Carmelina's face at well. In that one moment, an eternity of promise was made and both of them knew that no matter what happened next, they would always have each other. They were born together, so they would die as one, as lovers did. But the day of their death was very far away, so for now, they simply enjoyed one another, and the moment that they were born, truly born.

AN: Another Dangerverse fic I wrote not long after the other one. I just couldn't help myself, LOL! I wanted to explore the backstory of these two Best Girls and this was the result! I'm such useless lesbian trash, LOL!

Trivia fact, the title and arc phrase of this story were inspired by a line of dialogue from Carmelina in "Seduced by a Vampire/Werewolf/Yandere Witch Crossover ASMR Roleplay Part III - (Gender Neutral)" at the 4:10 mark.