A/N: I did not expect for it to be this long since I last updated. Let's just say College homework has taken over my life…Cliché I know, but it's true!

For chapter 8, I have added lots of Ethanessa fluff (though I do hope I haven't gone over the top with it) I felt like the show ended just when these two could've been something:( Well since we can't change that ending I guess there is no use crying over spilled milk, and that is why fanfiction was created;)

Anyways, I do hope you enjoy this chapter and Happy Readings to all! R&R!

Disclaimer: I do not, nor will I ever own Penny Dreadful or its characters. All rights to John Logan, who crushed all our fragile hearts.

Vanessa's POV

I wake up to the feel of gentle kisses tracing along my jawline. I smile but keep my eyes closed, feigning sleep.

Ethan continues his demonstrations until his lips are at the corner of my mouth, then slightly hovering over my lips. Holding my breath, I wait for the press of his against mine, but a moment later he has his face buried against my neck, his beard tickling the sensitive skin there.

Opening my eyes, I let out a surprised gasp.

He chuckles in response.

"I knew you were awake."

Laughing I push him away, and slide up against the headboard, glaring playfully at him.

"You are incorrigible."

He gives me a goofy grin in return, and moves closer so that his face is mere inches from mine.

"How'd you sleep?" he asks.

I let my eyes drift across his face, drinking him in. His skin is flushed, and his eyes are sparkling warmly in the early morning light. I know I must look the same.

We did not go further than our kisses the night before, both agreeing it is best to wait until we know how powerful this demon is inside my head. But we had laid there, in the dark, my head on his chest, listening to its steady beats, while he twirled my hair between his fingers. We stayed like that, in our own safe haven, until sleep overtook us.

It's hard to describe the shift between us. It is almost unexplainable. It's like there is this new intimacy that was not there before, but at the same time, it is that same easy, comforting closeness we have had since day one.

"The best I've slept in ages," I reply.

Leaning in, I give him a chaste kiss and slide out of bed, shivering when my feet hit the cold floor. Ethan gives a grumble of protest but gets up with me.

I go about taming my dark locks as Ethan walks over to the dresser to splash cool water on his face from the pitcher there. I watch him.

There is something uniquely domestic in going through the everyday motions with somebody. Waking up next to someone, getting ready for the day together, are all are things entirely new to me.

I am pulled from my thoughts when Ethan walks up behind me, patting his face dry with a towel.

"Are you meeting with Miss Hartdegen today?" He asks.

Setting down my brush, I look at him through the reflection in the mirror.

"Yes, I have arranged for the carriage to pick me up at ten o'clock."

He nods, but I can see that something is bothering him. It dawns on me, what it is.

"You don't want me going alone." It's not a question.

He snorts.

"Are you sure Aseema's the only mind-reader in this house?"

I narrow my eyes at him through the mirror. He sighs.

"I just don't think you should be alone right now."

Now it's my turn to snort. He of all people should know I hate to be treated like something made of glass. He knows very well I am not.

I walk over to my wardrobe and began sorting out my day clothes.

There is a knock at the door.

Ethan clears his throat and goes to open it. It is Aseema.

"Sir Malcolm would like to know if you will be joining him for morning tea and coffee in the main room."

I nod and give her a slight smile, and Ethan dismisses himself from the room.

"I'll just go and change." He says before closing the door behind him.

We both stare at the door and Aseema turns to look at me, her eyebrows raised in slight amusement.

"Men," I mutter under my breath and go back to my search for something to wear.

Aseema gives a soft chuckle and comes over to the wardrobe and pulls out a thick black skirt and a white long-sleeved blouse with black buttons trailing up to the neck.

I dress silently, thinking about Ethan.

"He's just worried is all." She says, reading my thoughts.

I take a deep breath, smoothing my skirt.

"I know," I reply.

And I do. We have both been through hell and back. He has every right to be worried. But for most of my cursed adult life, I have been independent. It will take some adjusting to. We will both need to learn to accept one another's limits.

Without having to voice my thoughts out loud, Aseema understands, and she only nods before heading towards the closed door.

"Come," she says, "Best not keep them waiting."

I follow quietly behind her.

ooooOOOoooo

When we walk in the room, Sir Malcolm is just coming through the kitchen with a tray of teacups. He smiles when he sees us.

"Ah, there you are, just in time."

I look around the room, searching for Ethan.

"Where is Ethan?" I inquire.

"He went for a walk," Sir Malcolm replies, "Said he needed some air."

I look to Malcolm, his eyes looking knowingly at me. He comes over and hands me a steaming cup. I take it gratefully.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

I shake my head.

Sir Malcolm gives my arm a tender squeeze.

"Whatever it is, I am sure it's nothing to be concerned about."

Taking a sip of my tea, I give him a small smile.

"I am sure you are right."

Maybe Ethan will be back before I leave. For now, I push my concerns to the back of my mind and scan the room.

In the corner of my eye, I see a hunched figure, at one of the desks in the back of the room, clearly absorb in his readings. My mood brightens considerably we I see who it is. Taking my tea, I walk over to him.

"Dr. Frankenstein," I greet, placing a hand on his shoulder.

He startles and hastily stands up, giving me an affectionate smile.

"Miss Ives," He says warmly, "You have regained your color."

I grin. Always the doctor.

"Thanks to you." I express. I never got to thank him for all he did while I was unwell.

We both sit and I glance over the pages he was reading.

They are filled with diagrams of skeletons. The skeletons of animals; Birds, cats, zebras, and wolves.

Wolves? Surely it's purely coincidental.

"Research?" I query.

He clears his throat and closes the book.

"Yes."

Why would he be looking at those?

Before I can question him any further, the front door slides open and Ethan walks in. His eyes finding mine.

I put Victor's readings to the back of my mind for another time.

Victor stands when Ethan joins us, but I stay seated.

Ethan pulls his gaze away from mine and smiles easily at our friend.

"Dr. Frankenstein, I didn't expect to see you here."

They shake hands and Victor laughs.

"Research." Is all he says.

Ethan chuckles.

As they converse lightly, I notice an almost brotherly affection in both men's eyes. That must have happened while I was out of sorts.

I glance over to the clock and notice the time. Setting my cup on the table, I go over to Sir Malcolm, and plant a kiss on his cheek.

"I'll be back before dark," I promise.

Once my goodbyes have been said, I turn to Ethan.

"Come," he says, holding out his hand, "I'll walk you out."

Taking his hand, he leads me out of the room. And I can feel the curious stares of our company behind us.

OoooOOOoooo

The carriage is just arriving as we step outside. I turn to Ethan quickly, an apology and explanation on my tongue, but he stops me, shaking his head.

"I knew when I met you, that you were not like others," He exhales, his warm breath leaving puffs of white in the air. "There are things you need to do for yourself. I know that. But these past few months have been hell, and I'll be damned if I let anything happen to you."

"Thank you," I say. It's all I need to say.

He smiles, his shoulders relaxing, and cups his warm hands around my chilled cheeks, pulling me in for a gentle kiss.

"Just be careful."

I nod, and with a last squeeze of the hand, I climb into the awaiting carriage.

ooooOOOoooo

I find Catriona Hartdegen at the fencing club. I wave when I see her, and she walks over to me, taking off her white gloves.

"Come," she says, "Let me change, and we will go across the street to the café to talk."

Over drinks, I recount my dream. Not leaving anything out. When I'm finished, she sits back and circles her finger around the rim of the glass in concentration.

"Have you heard of this sort of thing before?" I ask.

She nods.

"Demons can possess someone in a dream, just as they can in real life," She explains, "Though the one in your mind hasn't gotten that far yet."

"The blockage," I whisper.

"Yes, you have not yet given him permission, there is a greater force keeping you from doing so."

I absorb this and frown.

"I have rejected him before, so why does he think I will give him permission this time?" I ask, confused.

Catriona regards me with a serious expression.

"Did he offer you something last time?"

I nod, though I don't tell her what it was.

He had offered me a normal life. Life with Mina and Peter. Life with Ethan, and our children.

Claire and Charles…

Something akin to yearning runs through me at the thought of their little faces. I quickly dismiss the feeling and turn my attention back to Catriona.

"Demons," She states, "Are after one thing. Your soul. And they will bargain anything in exchange for that one thing."

She takes a gulp of her remaining drink and pushes my unfinished one towards me. She waits to continue until I finish mine.

I swallow it in one burning gulp.

"This demon of yours, though, seems to have taken a particular liking to you. And your vampire friend definitely did not help matters."

"So what does that mean?" I ask.

She chews on her lip for a moment before answering, "I don't know yet."

A/N: And a sort of cliffhanger…sorry guys!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter and feel free to leave some feedback, in fact, it is encouraged! I do love hearing your thoughts and suggestions.

Until next chapter,

-S