A/N: Longer chapter! I don't know if I'll do this often but its got two themes songs as well. A lot of internal ponderings from Violet in the first half, but a lot of cute things here too!

Chapter 10 Theme Songs: Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon (first half) and Storm Comin' by The Wailin' Jennys (second half)

The next few weeks passed quicker than expected as my new normal settled in. I spent much of my time outside of school with Heidi at her house. She explained that Luther and the other workers (I still didn't know their names; that didn't seem important to Heidi) generally stayed at another property in the area when needed. My frequent absences thankfully went uncommented on by…other people. As long as I didn't draw too much attention to myself it was fine.

I saw a werewolf sitting with a Chinese menu in his hand,

Walking through the streets of SoHo in the rain.

Currently I was humming along to Warren Zevon and packing what little I had at my house that I wanted to bring with me tomorrow on the trip. I'd placed the leather jacket on top of my other clothes. Hopefully Luther wouldn't mind, but technically it was the first thing that Heidi had ever given me, so I was firmly attached to it. Heidi assured me that it was okay, and that I should expect more gifts in the future. Hearing that felt uncomfortably nice. I knew that receiving gifts was a good thing, but it was taking some getting used to.

The plan was that us students were going to meet at school an hour and a half before classes started and we'd be driven a few hours to Portland International Airport. Everyone else had their parents help them with their passports, whereas Heidi evidently got me one a few days after she told me I was going. Not sure how she did that. She'd also given me a brief (and rather cold) letter to give to It explaining everything. I'd left it on the kitchen table a while back, and it'd either been read or just thrown out.

Much of my time outside school had been spent sitting and talking around Heidi's house, except in the fireside room. I still avoided it like the plague and Heidi didn't ask. When we broached more difficult topics for me, I gave little details here and there, but nothing like the time I broke down about it. Mostly it was filling in gaps like certain incidents and more about my father. Hearing all of this always upset Heidi so she either insisted on some form of physical contact or got up to pace afterwards. I still hadn't mentioned my past suicidal thoughts at all. I wanted to, but my throat clamped up whenever I came close.

I'd now fully come out to her as a trans woman, and like she'd said in the conference room her feelings hadn't changed. On the one hand it was a massive shift for me, but on the other hand Heidi and I still acted much the same as we did before. It was comforting that she didn't treat me differently based on what she now knew. I was slowly growing more used to being gendered correctly, and it probably didn't hurt that I'd hug her or hold her hand whenever she'd use my real pronouns.

I opened up to her about seeing Julie Mason's dress and the course that that day had helped put me on. She knew that the harassment and abuse often came back to who I was, and that "my mother hadn't been very supportive". At the rate it was dropping her opinion of everyone here would soon be comparable to mine.

She did tell me that she'd felt a distinctly feminine energy from me right away when we met. Hearing that put the brightest smile on my face for the rest of the day, but not as bright as when she then asked if I'd like for her to help me try on new clothes. It was easily one of the best afternoons of my life. While nerve-wracking to the point where I couldn't do much more than try on an outfit for more than a few minutes, the joy of dressing up had me coming back again and again.

It was like being free. I could get up, put on clothes picked out by Heidi (lord knows I didn't know how to pick them out), look in the mirror with her grinning behind me, and feel...present. The reflection I saw was me, but a "me" that'd not been allowed out before. A "me" that I'd denied out of fear and self-loathing.

Hell, at times I almost felt giddy enough to run around in the grass outside wearing a dress impersonating Julie Andrews. I mean, I didn't but the thought was there. I felt like the luckiest girl in the world for having found someone who not only supported but celebrated who I was. Well, technically, I'd found a mate.

On that subject we'd also talked more about us being…"mates". Truthfully it did unnerve me still. According to Heidi it was a primal instinct that tied two vampires together on the most intimate levels. The origins of it had been lost to time, but it was thought that the bonds had arisen to help preserve the species, given that vampires could not procreate like humans. Mated couples typically survived longer than unmated vampires given the bond's effect on tendencies like reckless aggression.

Mate bonds between a vampire and human were not unheard of, but they were uncommon. The governing body over vampires (which Heidi didn't elaborate much on) were very concerned with secrecy, so these bonds were scrutinized heavily to protect the vampire world. Although it was not generally detectable to those outside of the bond, humans with an unusual connection to the vampire world tended to smell different. Luther had noticed my scent the day that I had met him and had reported to Heidi his intrigue in me.

At this, I asked Heidi what I smelled like (a weird question no matter what the situation is). Evidently, I smelled to her like lilac and pine, and I said that she smelled like honey and wildflowers. She then "innocently" wondered if that meant she'd taste like honey to me too, and I blushed tremendously while promptly walking out of the room. Her laugh was the loudest I'd ever heard it.

Going back to the vampire government, though, Heidi and I would have to meet with them at some point and I'd learn more about their expectations of us. In the meantime, Heidi assured me that, jokes aside, she would not pressure me in any way regarding us being mates, but did say that our lives were intertwined at this point.

Heidi was giving me space on that topic, which I appreciated. I mean, I was a 17-year-old nobody now bonded to a vampire of who knows how many years. Social and legal convention wouldn't exactly look kindly upon that, but neither looked kindly upon my very existence to begin with. I figured that Heidi and I would probably date at some point considering the situation, and so far I had definitely felt a growing connection to her. I wasn't opposed to things continuing, but I was going to deliberately set a pace that I was comfortable with.

The last difficult topic we explored was the implications of Heidi's vampiricism for my life. Thankfully I had little in the way of other personal connections as no matter what I'd have to keep this all a secret from everyone else. She leveled with me that, yes, her primary food source was fresh human blood.

He was looking for the place called Lee Ho Fooks

Gonna get a big dish of beef chow mein

However, she'd stressed to me more than once that I was in no risk from her. Between the mate bond affecting my scent, as well as her protective instincts, my blood didn't tempt her. Even if those were not the case her long life already as a vampire (I'd felt that it'd be rude to ask for a specific age) had allowed her to exercise a great deal of self-control around humans.

In addition to that, though, she and her workers had gotten a supply of donated human blood that they stored in specially made coolers. She hadn't specified how exactly they'd come across it, but I wasn't about to ask. It was a system that they had come with while out on "assignments" to supplement their needs with occasionally, which minimized risks of being noticed by humans. Cooled blood wasn't pleasant to drink apparently ("Imagine your favorite dinner blended together with mud and chilled"), but it got the job done.

Besides all of those conversations we also had plenty of time to talk about mundane day-to-day life. Walking outside of the house together we'd comment on the scenery and just how beautiful the coastline was. I asked her more about her life, which she was reluctant to talk about. I told her that, in the same way she had given me space, that I wanted her to take all the space she needed. I would be there for her whenever she was ready. She beamed at that and held me for the next few hours, both of us silently watching the waves on the porch (a favorite pastime of ours).

In general, she also wasn't much for talking about her emotions. I wasn't sure if that was just how she was or if it was a result of her job. I didn't press her on it too much, but I did start going out of my way (despite being nervous) to proactively ask how she was feeling. Empathy wasn't an emotional muscle that I was used to working, but even if she didn't always say much I could tell the effort meant a lot to her. She'd done so much for me already and I didn't want her to feel that I wasn't thinking of her.

I even got comfortable enough to where I'd start going on what might be called full thesis presentations on my love of music. I'd launch into the history of my favorite artists, the historical progression of certain genres, the nuanced differences between different sub-genres, and so on.

The first time this happened I got so flustered afterwards from embarrassment, but when I glanced at her she had a look of adoration on her face. That was the first time I initiated a hug, or rather I launched myself at her, at how overjoyed I was that someone appreciated my passion. She was surprised, but quickly reciprocated and gave a hearty laugh. From that point on she would sneakily go out of her way to make comments that'd get me started on one of those tangents.

A few mornings after that time I woke up in my bedroom with a new CD Walkman and handful of CDs I'd specifically talked about, one being the album I was listening through now. She knew in generic terms what had happened on…that day…and Heidi's gifts had made me tear up at their thoughtfulness.

The song I was currently humming along to, in a way, got at how bizarre the whole situation was at having vampires in town. I wouldn't have said this to Heidi, though, because the tune had to do with werewolves. She'd made a passing comment about her distaste for werewolves after hearing me talk about the album. I guess those existed too and interspecies relations were not that great.

Ah-oo, werewolves of London.

How were these immortal and near indestructible predators hidden in plain sight here? As far as everyone else was concerned they were from a rich travel agency here to offer students a once-in-a-lifetime experience on the other side of the world. They were supposedly normal humans who breathed, ate, drank, and slept like everyone else.

You hear him howling 'round your kitchen door.

You better not let him in.

They stood out, but between their sheer beauty and dazzling charm no one questioned them on anything. Perhaps they just saw them as incredibly beautiful travel models. They dressed well enough for it, and these characteristics were equally as intimidating as they were enchanting.

Little old lady got mutilated late last night,

Werewolves of London again.

People here had no idea that humans far away (Heidi said it was sometimes as far as over state lines to help prevent anyone from connecting the dots) were being hunted and drained of their blood. One unnaturally fast move on Heidi's part and a classmate of mine could go from excited about their upcoming trip to lying dead on the ground.

He's the hairy handed gent who ran amok in Kent.

Lately he's been overheard in Mayfair.

My conscience was still mixed on this, but mostly I avoided thinking about it too much. There were undoubtedly decent people who got caught in the crossfire of all this, but were passing thoughts for them more meaningful to me than Heidi? No, selfish as it was. In the time that I'd known her she'd quickly begun to steal my heart and attention in a way that no human ever could.

I kept humming as I zipped up my backpack and duffel bag. My alarm was set for incredibly early tomorrow morning, and after putting on sweat pants I was hoping that I could get a few hours of decent sleep.

You better stay away from him,

He'll rip your lungs out Tim.

Heh, I'd like to meet his tailor.

Ah-oo, werewolves of London.

"Violet". I heard a familiar voice, muffled by my dreams. "Violet" this time an arm shook me lightly. "Ugh, what…wait…Heidi?" It was 4:45 AM Wednesday morning and Heidi had decided to get me up before my alarm. She didn't look too guilty about it either and without thinking my eyes narrowed. "What…the hell", I muttered.

"I'm sorry for waking you, Violet. I will explain more later but it's imperative that you get ready quickly". I blinked a few times, groaned, and got up. Picking up the clothes I had laid out the night before, I went down the hall. Time blurred together as I washed up, and when I got back to my room Heidi was leaning with one hip against the wall by the window. Still not fully awake I stopped and stared at her. She raised an eyebrow and smirked, "Enjoying the view, Violet May?"

A few weeks ago I would have just blushed furiously and turned away. After spending so much time with her I had started to develop my sass and responded instead with, "Its…early…s-sue me". Her eyebrows raised a bit higher, and my blush came out, "S-sorry…tired".

Still smirking, "It's fine. I realize that I've woken you unexpectedly at an early hour". I smiled a little and started to grab my backpack and single bag of luggage. She walked forward as if to take them away, but I laughed softly "It's o-okay…Heidi. I c-can…carry them". Sighing again she acquiesced, and we began walking down the stairs to the front door. As we neared it, I heard a cough from the living room. Turning, I saw It putting shoes on, diner uniform already worn, and coffee sitting on the table.

When the storm comes,

Don't run for cover.

Neither of us said anything. Her expression was unreadable, and I wasn't about to make conversation. After a few moments Heidi gently pushed me forward towards the door. I guess Heidi had come in through the front door (I doubt that she had asked for permission), because her presence wasn't met with surprise. I couldn't see what sort of look Heidi had sent, but I heard a small gasp. With that we walked out to the driveway, to her expensive blue car, and got in.

After I buckled my seatbelt (Heidi had become more particular about my safety as she'd learned about my life), Heidi handed me a to-go cup of coffee. It tasted like the roast she usually made me at her house. I took a few sips as the dark world passed us by. I'd been irritated at being woken up, but the coffee was quickly buying her my forgiveness. As we pulled into the parking lot I finally was awake enough to say "Thanks". "My pleasure Violet. Now, I promise that I did not wake you up this early for no reason. There are a few things we needed to discuss before everyone else arrives."

When the storm comes,

Don't run for cover.

Don't run from the coming storm.

There ain't no use in running.

She paused at this, and the coffee was kicking in. "What…w-what's up?" I asked. "Well…I've been in touch with my employers…about us". I furrowed my eyebrows, why would her employers care? "There is still much you have yet to learn…My employers are known as the Volturi. The Volturi are…the vampiric governing body I told you about.

My irritation was quickly rising back up, blessed caffeine or not. I didn't care if Heidi worked for the government (vampire or human), but knowing that this "assignment" was, for whatever reason, government sanctioned made it feel a lot more stressful to be involved. Also, for the love of god it was only just past 5:30 AM before I leave for an international flight, and I'm now learning that my...mate...is a vampire government official?

When the rain falls,

Let it wash away.

Breathe in. Breathe out. I repeated this mantra in my head as I sipped my coffee. We sat uncomfortably as I had to calm myself down, Heidi sensed that this was a time to give me space. "O-okay. I…f-fine", I didn't know how else to proceed.

"Violet…there's more I have to tell you about this trip-" "Oh n-now what", I spat out and she stilled. I immediately felt awful, having sounded like…someone else. "S-sorry, g-god Heidi I'm…I'm s-sorry". My emotions were a mess this morning already.

Heidi reached over and squeezed my hand, with a remorseful expression. "It's alright Violet. I…I feel guilty about how much your life has changed around me. How much it will continue to change…"

For the first time she seemed insecure, and I felt the sudden need for fresh air. The atmosphere in here was stifling.

"W-we'll figure…it out, but l-let's…talk outside". Heidi nodded. In a flash she was opening the door for me and holding my hand to help me out of the door. We walked towards the wooden fence that lined the parking lot and leaned back against it. "S-so…you w-were saying?".

When the rain falls,

Let it wash away.

"Well, maintaining the secrecy of the vampire world is our most important law. The Volturi consider even the threat of exposure, intentional or not, as a crime punishable by death. They are rarely merciful, and I believe that my status as one of their guard", this was also new, "has bought me some leniency in how slow we're taking this. There will almost certainly be…conditions that they have".

I resisted the urge to shiver at those words. What would the vampire government want with me, not to mention a bunch of other humans? "W-what…are they?".

Heidi paused again, "One is that…they more than likely will not allow you to return here". I paled. Deep-rooted loathing for this town or not, sudden change scared the hell out of me. Did that almost mean I was going to be separated from Heidi? "W-wait…are you…a-are you s-staying…here…w-without me?"

"No!", she said putting her hands on my cheeks and making me look at her, panicked that I had thought she'd leave me. My heart steadied, but I was still completely out of sorts. How did I really feel about leaving this place behind forever? Was there anything keeping me here? I thought of this town like a festering sore and no I'd no reason to stay, but dammit it was so early in the morning and I was not prepared for this!

Let it wash away,

That falling rain,

The tears and troubles.

"I'll…need t-to…process that". Heidi nodded but did look relieved that I hadn't gone off on her. My earlier rise in temper and subsequent guilt was doing a lot to hold back any anger. "Any…t-thing else?" I gave a dry chuckle out of anxiety. I doubted that we were done yet.

"Yes. As I said I've been nervous to share all of this with you. This has all been…unprecedented for me and I fear I've not handled it all the best. The last thing for now, though, is…that they will insist on you being turned at some point. Regardless of my influence they do not tolerate any humans knowing of our existence while remaining alive for long. I'm…I'm sorry. I was afraid to say this, afraid of how you'd react, but you need to know".

When those lights flash,

And you hear the thunder roar.

Oh my god.

I had to become a vampire.

When those lights flash,

And you hear the thunder roar.

I was grasping at straws mentally. Sure, I'd wondered about it, and even almost asked Heidi about it a few times. But here were actual plans being made about turning me into a vampire by who knows how many shadowy, vampire figures and who knows what they thought about…

"O-oh my god Heidi d-do they…do t-they know about…m-me?" Immediately cluing in she promptly said, "No, Violet. I did not out you to them. I would not do that to you". I sighed in gratefulness and nodded. At least I had that going for me today.

"Forgive me if I overstep, but as I understand it some humans wish to include medical interventions as part of their gender transition. I can't promise anything, but if you'd like to we can discuss those and see about bringing any requests before them". She must have been reading more about this since I told her, which did sound like something she'd do.

"O-okay…let's…let's c-come back to…t-that". I hugged her, partially for my own sake because I needed comfort.

Will you listen to that thunder roar,

And let your spirits soar.

We held each other for a few minutes, before she pulled back, "Other students are arriving soon. I'll head inside and come out when more show up. Don't worry, I'll be watching over you…and watching them". My protector and…sort of kidnapper? Not exactly, but instead of thinking further I turned back to my coffee and proactively took out a few Tylenol for good measure.

With Heidi now gone I leaned against the fence, head still spinning. Bags at my feet and, sure enough, the headlights from a few cars drove up to parking spaces closer to me. Julie Mason and her dad got out of one car and went around to the trunk. "Goodbye honey, have a great time on your trip! We love you!", Julie's mom had come out and they both hugged their daughter. I couldn't help but slump my shoulders seeing and hearing that interaction. I'd never had that sort of love or acceptance here. I never would.

I came to a decision in that moment, Julie Mason having unknowingly inspired a second life-changing realization. Even though I hadn't even gotten close to fully accepting everything, I was committing to one day making it happen no matter the cost.

Never coming back, becoming a vampire, drinking blood, being mated to Heidi, and anything else that came with this. I was going to embrace all of it. What did I have to lose by never coming back to anyone or anything in this town? Never coming back to It?

Come hell or high water, I was going to take the hand of my blood-sucking angel and leave everything else behind.

You gotta stand on up and let it in.

You gotta let love through your door.

Chapter Theme Songs Used So Far:

The Passenger – Iggy Pop

Grinnin' In Your Face – Son House

Get It On (Bang a Gong) – T. Rex

Breakdown – Guns N' Roses

Numb - Portishead

Come Away With Me - Norah Jones

Sprained Ankle - Julien Baker

Level - The Raconteurs

Columbia - Oasis

Werewolves of London - Warren Zevon (&) Storm Comin' - The Wailin' Jennys