Chapter 15: Try Again
4233 Words
Chapter 15: Try Again
“I’m afraid the answer is no”
Tiana’s response to the vampire lady’s quiz for another chance in their relationship drains what is left of natural rosy color from Alcina’s face. Howbeit. Before the vampire lady, who’s currently dumbfounded, can ask why. Tiana then starts explaining the true meaning of her words.
“My lady…Alcina” gripping her ladyship’s palm, Tiana clarifies, “It’s no because what you’re proposing doesn’t sound like a fair deal. Truthfully, that’s the main reason why we’re at this point, isn’t it? The imbalance, I mean”
“I beg your pardon?” Alcina’s confused, raising her brow.
The botanist slips out a wry chuckle as she’s jumping out too fast, too soon by talking about things without properly giving enough detail. That is why it may sound disjointed and harder to understand. The thing is, Tiana ponders what’s going on between them thus far over and realizes the main reason for all commotions between the two. In the past month, the botanist’s willing to give up anything to be with Alcina, while the vampire lady’s pulling back in fear of losing a piece of herself. Then, currently, Alcina says she’ll do and will tell Tiana everything for another chance in their relationship. It’s as if they switch the position of sorts. The only term to summarize their bond is that there’s always one person at disadvantage. This cycle causes them enough problems already and it has to stop.
“Our relation was never near the point of parity. Even as I’m deeply touched by how you’re willing to do that much for me, though that’s not how a healthy relationship should be”
“I’m…not sure I follow” Still puzzle, the vampire lady replies.
“What I’m trying to say is, both you and I focus on giving our all to the other too much to the point of straining ourselves” The botanist reaches another hand caressing Alcina’s jowl, carries on, “When it comes to that, no matter how much we love the other, there’ll always be a day when we’ll query ourselves if it’s really worth it? Forsaking the personal pieces of ours to be with one another”
“If that’s the case, are you suggesting we should meet each other halfway? To balanced our relationship out?” Starting to get a grip of what her little prey’s going for, Alcina queries for more info.
“Precisely” the botanist wears a pleasing grin as Alcina’s catching on. Then, continues, “There won’t be a one-sided giver or receiver anymore. What is going to happen between us from now on, I want it to be whatever we both comfortable with. And for your suggestion earlier, you don’t need to push yourself to tell me what you’re still having difficulty sharing. I can’t imagine how severe the past wounded you and I’m sorry for being pushy before”
“And I’m sorry for raging on you. As well as sorry for saying cruel things to you like that. I should know better—” Alcina’s word stops coming out of her mouth when the botanist positions her thump over those mushy lips and says.
“No. The one who has been hurt shouldn’t be apologizing, Alcina. I deserve that” Tiana draws the tall lady near, tapping their forehead together before whispers, “Still…ouch—Your words were, indeed, harsh”
The two titters lightly to Tiana’s effort in lighting the mood up. Tiana, really…what else do you have up your sleeves, Alcina thinks when the botanist’s way of thought astonishes her yet again. The tall lady wishes to stay in that posture for some more, but a fit of coughing from Tiana forces the two to break apart. Seeing her little prey is wheezing audibly and violently, Alcina never feels so powerless as she can do nothing except patting Tiana’s back gently and hoping it’d pass soon. She wants to stop their conversation for now. So, Tiana can rest. However, the botanist ensures Alcina that she’s alright and she wishes to set their relationship straight first.
“Are you sure? We can always talk about this later once your health improved” Alcina talks while gets more blankets for Tiana from the closet nearby.
“I’m okay, Alcina. We’re almost through with it, aren’t we? Besides, you know me—I can’t sleep if something’s still bothering my mind”
“Heh. Fair enough” Snickering, the vampire lady wraps Tiana with fluffy fur overlay. “So, what’s left to say now is…”
“…what’ll become of us now?” Tiana chews on her lower lip in anxiety, unsure how far the tall lady’s willing to go with her. She fixes her gaze downward, avoiding Alcina’s orbs. “I’m in this for a long term, Alcina. I don’t want anything to be I/mine or you/yours thingy anymore. I want it to be us/our things—”
“And you shall have it” the vampire lady brushes her thump to Tiana’s chin, wordlessly ask Tiana not to chew on her lips any longer in concern. Alcina then tilts Tiana’s head up to look at her and says, “Miss Engelbrecht. Would you do me the honor of teaching me how to live not just survive?”
“A, Alcina…” Tiana knows that phrase better than anyone since she says so to the vampire lady herself.
“Would you do me the honor of making me the happiest person in the world by being my girlfriend?” the most tender grin spreads onto Alcina’s appearance as speaking.
At this point, the botanist’s cheeks shade remarkably red. Her pupils water with tears of joy while covering her mouth with both hands as she can’t believe it’s really happening—Alcina’s asking the two of them to be official!
“Yes. Definitely YES!” the botanist practically shouts her answer out while throwing her arms over Alcina’s shoulder to pull her ladyship in for a hug.
Alcina titters. Exhaling in relief, the vampire lady can barely believe that only a simple yes would bring her this much happiness. Probably has something to do with whoever says it, Alcina’s convinced. She then returns Tiana’s embrace, cuddling the botanist with her strong arms. The vampire lady runs her hand through Tiana’s hair and kisses Tiana’s forehead with the sincerest care she can find in her.
“Thank you for agreeing to this, Tiana. I couldn’t be happier”
“Me neither” the botanist gives Alcina a quick kiss on the lips, whispering, “Thank you for having me, Alci”
It’s the first time Tiana ever addresses her ladyship with a nickname which makes Alcina flinches in surprise inevitably. It’s a good surprise, of course. Alcina regains her composure as fast before coos at it and meets Tiana for one more kiss.
“Alci…I like the sound of that” Alcina says. She adjusts the fur blanket for Tiana when she sees the botanist’s starting to shiver again. “You never fail to surprise me even once, you know that?”
“What can I say? I've been told I'm full of surprises often and I'd like to keep up the standard” the botanist’s smile has an equal sense of teasing and grateful for Alcina's compliment. "Also. I'm starting to like keeping you on your toes"
“I’m sure you are, little prey. Now, get some sleep. We’ll share this news with the girls as soon as the morning arrives, I ensure you that” Alcina carefully lays the botanist back to the bed as speaking.
“They…won’t mind, right? Having me share your love with them” the botanist fails to suppress her yawn while asking.
“*Chuckles* They would even be overjoyed by this, to be more accurate” the vampire lady pats Tiana’s head to gradually lull her to sleep then emits, “After all, it appears that they start calling you Mama among themselves for sometimes now”
“W-wait, what? Seriously!?” Tiana jolts, truly astounded by the fact she just hears. “Wow. I, *Pleasing Giggles* —Mein Gotto. They’re loveable”
“Indeed, they are”
Both tone and a beam on Alcina’s face are nothing but fondly. She always has this kind of expression whenever talking about people she holds most dear. Realistically, the botanist’s already one on the list of those who matter to the vampire lady even before Alcina’d admit it. While Tiana wants to continue their talk a little longer, she can’t help but let out another yawn since Alcina’s effort in lulling paid off. Though, she manages to say something out before falling asleep.
“Could I sleep by your side tonight? *Yawn* I’d not mind being your side-pillow for the time being”
“Wouldn’t your condition be worsened by my ice-cold body? You’re shivering only from hugging me for a brief just now” the vampire lady quizzes in concern.
“Hmm”
Tiana ponders the situation. It’s true as Alcina states since hypothermia is common for those near-drowning such as herself. She wants to be cuddled in the vampire lady’s arms, nonetheless. As a result, the botanist comes up with an idea. She rolls herself in the fur blanket, trundling from side to side. And this goofy motion of Tiana’s makes Alcina cackles out naturally.
“What are you doing, Tia?”
“Turning myself into a cocoon, obviously. This way, you can hug me while I don’t have to fear hypothermia—See? Case solved”
“We still have to move to my room, though. This small bed of yours won’t be able to support us both, after all” the tall lady eyes Tiana kiddingly, wanting to see how the botanist will react to this.
“Well, Scheiße” Cursing, Tiana forgets to consider the bed size in mind due to her drowsiness. Though, she is already overwhelmed by the soft, comfy fur that she doesn’t want to unroll herself from this state. Thus, she turns to Alcina with shimmering eyes and utters, “Won’t you carry me, please?”
“Such a demanding little prey you are—Certainly, I will”
Despite a bit mocking and teasing in her ladyship’s voice, this is the outcome Alcina’s aiming for. And since she gets it as planned, the vampire lady scoops Tiana in her arms and goes to her room in thrill. After that, the two enjoy each other’s presence and sleep soundly ‘til the morning comes.
“Mother! Tiana! –Tiana’s missing!”
“Mother!”
The following morning starts with the commotions from the three daughters of house Dimitrescu who freak out as soon as they go to check on the botanist in the guest room and don’t see her there. Their voices reach Alcina’s room even before their bodies would be seen. The three even burst through the door with a loud bang to inform their vampire mother of this matter. Even so, they're met by an unforeseen sight instead. The three see Tiana there, being held in the vampire lady’s arms. They can only stare bewildered while their mother and Tiana are cackling along.
“Oh, girls” After elbowed herself up, Alcina helps Tiana sits on the bed since the botanist's cocoon state makes it more challenging to move around. The vampire lady then addresses her daughters who are standing stunned by the doorframe, “Where did you leave your manner at? I recall personally taught you all how to behave like a proper lady. Why didn’t you knock?”
“B-but we, well—Umm” Daniela sputters in distress.
“We thought m—um, your plaything went missing and…” the brunette exclaims, feeling no less frustrating than Daniela.
“We imagined the worst and that’s why we broke in—We’re sorry, mother” the eldest sister claims. And to confirm the statement, the three sisters all avert their eyes from their mother with guilt.
Alcina and Tiana laugh at how adorable the girls are. The vampire lady then gestures the three to come closer while eyeing Tiana knowingly. The botanist smiles and nods. Tiana then unwraps herself out of the roll and sits beside Alcina by the edge of their bed before speaks.
“I appreciate your concern over my wellbeing, everyone. Though, there’s something else to be fixed here”
“Yes, we know we should mind our etiquette. This won’t happen again—” Bela stops when she feels a soft shoulder squeeze from Alcina.
“While all you need to work a bit more with your manner, unquestionably, that’s not what Tia’s going for, my dear.” The sisters tilt their heads in meddling to their mother’s vagueness word. Both the tall lady and Tiana find the girls’ lost expression endearing, but the two think they shouldn’t keep the girls in doubt for long. As such, Alcina continues, “Tiana is no longer my plaything, dear”
“Mother…” the redhead whispers in vividly bewildered.
“What’re you saying?” Cassandra’s also amazed by that.
“Does it mean…?” an upward curve is creeping on the blonde sister while Tiana presses on getting to the point.
“Your mother had asked me to be her girlfriend”
“And to my greatest joy, she said yes” Alcina adds to the botanist’s word with a practically glowing expression.
The three daughters break out a joyous ruckus as soon as their brains are done processing the news. Bela rushes to Alcina to give her mother a congratulate hug, while Daniela hops around the room in overjoyed and Cassandra dissipates into a swarm before appears again by Tiana’s side, cuddling the botanist’s tightly.
“I guess it’s fine to call you Mama now?” the redhead joins Cassandra, squeezing Tiana from both sides. She asks if it’d be alright of them to call the botanist as that with pleading eyes, adding, “Please?”
“Oh, I’d be over to the moon—Thank you for accepting me into your family. All of you”
“It’s us who should say thanks, Mama,” Bela says.
“Yes. After all, you bring happiness to mother and us” Nestling her head to gain Tiana’s attention, the brunette speaks that out. “Thank you, Mama”
“Everyone…” the botanist pauses a bit as the contentment washes over her. She turns to kiss both Daniela and Cassandra on their head then utters, “How can you be this loveable, my dear girls”
“What about us, Tia?” Alcina requires some love and attention for herself and the eldest daughter upon witnessing the scene.
Tiana gives it a chortle, gently taps the two sisters to let go of her before welcomes Bela and Alcina into her embrace. The botanist plants a kiss on Bela’s temple while grants Alcina a quick, yet caring kiss on the lips.
“Get a room, you two” Cassandra can’t pass the chance to tease her mother which soon was replied.
“Did you forget you’re in my room?” Alcina pulls back from Tiana with a snicker at her middle child.
“Oww, you know what we mean, mother” Daniela sides with her sister.
The girls make a fake, random kissing noise jokingly to their two mothers. Once settled down, house Dimitrescu ladies, plus Tiana, go to the dining hall for a blissful breakfast they all deserve after much chaos that happened thus far.
The table is loaded with choices of Romanian breakfasts to make this day more memorable. For the mistress of the house and her vampire family, the kitchen staff had prepared each of them a serving of ‘Omletă țărănească’. A juicy omelet with traditional Romanian Telemea cheese, using human's vital fluid as a sauce. Chef also cooks a sharing plate of 'Bulz', the cooked polenta stuffed with human flesh instead of normal creamy filling, and ‘Gogoși’ as a dessert to complete the meal.
As for Tiana’s meal. It’s cooked separately since she’s the only one with a normal human diet who is permitted to dine on the main table. So, absolutely no flesh or blood anywhere on the botanist’s dish, that is.
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Days pass in a blur when the botanist spends all her time in the castle Dimitrescu recovering from her near-drowning shape. At first, the mistress even considered k********g a licensed doctor from the outside world and has the Duke fetches any medical supply or equipment needed to give Tiana the best convalesce chance. But due to the common blizzard around this time of the year, any traveling or transportation is proved impossible.
There’s still some fortunate though. Thanks to attention and care from Alcina, the other lords, the 3 daughters, and the staff of the house Dimitrescu provides, Tiana regains her strength back at long last. Still, the botanist does develop a mild pneumonitis condition from not receiving proper medical attention in time. This said condition makes Tiana vulnerable to the cold, just like the three daughters. She'd cough, has difficulty breathing, and would get a fever if being exposes to the cold for too long. This is why Alcina besides herself with worry and motoring Tiana close as she does to the girls ever since. Nevertheless, at least Tiana will live. And that’s what matters the most.
“Seems like every girl of mine can’t get along with the cold then” Alcina smirks with that remark about her girlfriend, making Tiana pouts lightly.
“Come on. Let me be, dearest—*Cough* *Cough*” a severe cough disrupts the botanist’s word.
This startles Alcina to the point that she feels she need to do something to lessen Tiana’s suffering. As a result, the vampire lady rushes around, carrying Tiana closer to the fireplace, adding another log to the fire, and calling for the girls to bring more shawls for their Mama. Although still coughing, the botanist lifts her hand to stop Alcina, patting the tall lady's arm to soothe her down.
“It’s okay. I’m already feeling better”
“But—” the mistress’s about to protest, yet Tiana stops her.
“Please, Alci. I’m fine. Besides, I don’t think I can wear any layer than this without turning into a walking ball of wool”
What Tiana says isn’t extravagating at all when the girls and Alcina almost emptied the closet just to keep one person warm. She understands their concern and feels grateful for that, though. Because if something like this happens to the three daughters or Alcina, Tiana would have done the same.
“Don’t worry too much. It’ll pass soon enough” caressing her ladyship’s arm, Tiana ensures the tall lady once more. “Now. Don’t let me keep us away from our works for too long. Those piles of reports aren’t going to finish themselves, you know?”
Tiana gestures to the towers of papers sit still on Alcina’s desk by the other side of the room. Starting since the 1st week of her recovering, Tiana feels restless of doing nothing except lying on the bed most of the time. The three sisters are so sweet, keeping their Mama company, but it’s still not enough for an active and energic fella like the botanist. As a result, Tiana seeks any kind of work she can be of help while not pushing herself too much. She ends up assisting Alcina with some of her ladyship’s countess duty. Alcina’s against the idea at first and the two quarrel a bit. But when the botanist states that by letting her helps with Alcina’s work, it means less time Alcina will have to spend in her office and more free time the girls would get to spend with their mother. As well as the two of them will have more personal moments together while working and getting the job done too. Thus, the mistress surrenders to Tiana’s demand in the end.
“Heh. Fine. I’ll try to worry less. Only under one condition” Alcina’s lips curve up in a mischievous grin.
“Uh-oh. What I’m getting myself into this time?”
“At the very least, take a quick break, my dear. We can have tea and pastries with our daughters in the meantime while you tell them fascinating story as usual” Alcina already rang a bell, ordering the maid to set up some refreshments without waiting for what Tiana has to say since she knows the botanist will agree with her idea eventually.
“Wait, you bring out the topic of taking a break? You, the workaholic countess, of all people? –Who are you? What did you do to the real Alcina?” Tiana asks with a giggle.
“Can you blame me? Spending time together with you and the girls is sort of becoming the 2nd thing I’m looking forward to each day now”
“Ooh, only the 2nd? What’s the 1st you’re looking forward to then?”
The sudden creep of a naughty smile on the vampire lady’s face makes Tiana regret asking that out already. Her ladyship rakes her hand ever so softly from Tiana’s nape to rest on the small of her back, bending down to whisper,
“Do you need to ask? Cherishing you in the evening, obviously”
Tiana’s burning up to the frisky tone her ladyship uses only with her. Her breath goes shaky when Alcina’s hand drifts down to her thighs and provides them a rough squeeze, capturing Tiana's lips with a craving kiss at the same time.
"Hmm...Alci--" the botanist's words slip away in the mist when Alcina pointedly nips Tiana's nape with her plump lips.
Before the two would take it too far, suddenly, figures come bursting through the door. Bela, Daniela, and Cassandra walk into a rather compromising position between the botanist and Alcina. This yanks a squeak out of Tiana as she jumps in shock, sending herself off balance and almost falls on her back. Lucky her, Alcina has a quick reflex and catches the botanist's hand just in time. The three daughter’s eyes widen as they realize what their mothers were doing just now, a blush spreading across their cheeks. Bela uses a shawl in her hand to cover her eyes, while Daniela uses her hand to do so, and Cassandra swiftly turns her back on the scene.
“W-WE DIDN’T SEE ANYTHING!” the three sisters shout in unison while Alcina delicately massages the bridge of her nose, swaying her head.
“Girls. How many times do I have to tell you before you’d knock first before coming in?”
Tiana can only laugh out wry to that. Though it’s embarrassing as hell for both sides when parents are caught doing couple-ly, bonding kinds of stuff by their child, such as deep kissing or making out—The girls have to admit this’s the sign that the relationship between Tiana and their mother is doing good. Great, even. Anyway. After everyone calms down, they finally enjoy their family time together at last.
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To Be Continued >>
- Writer
