He thought for a little longer, processing the information he'd been given before looking up at her with a squinted eye.
"So, like crepes then? But its food, not a dessert." the boy tried again, based on the associations he'd made. He may have never heard of tortillas, but from the description, they sounded like some sort of crepes meant to be eaten with meat or vegetables - did they taste good tho?
"T-shirt? what does the 'T' stand for?"
He really appreciated her willingness to help him blend in, and felt overly blessed that she offered to show him the outside world, but he didnt know if he was totally ok knowing she spent money on his behalf. Mari had no obligation to do so, thats why Damien felt a bit guilty at the thought
Mari hummed thoughtfully at this comparison before nodding slightly. ”I guess so… That's at least closer. It's just not as sweet.” she said even though she’d never had crepes herself. She’d heard of them obviously but whenever they were an option she always chose pancakes.
She blinked at the second question, tilting her head, before she started chuckling. ”You know… I honestly don't know.” she admitted with a small shrug. ”I don't think anyone really does. Or if they do they never told me at least.”
She really didn't mind spending money on her new friend. She had a fair amount saved up and she wouldn't be spending a lot all at once. Shirts were mostly cheap, depending where you got them, and she actually had an old hoodie he could use. The books she would obviously get from the library and anything else would be her pleasure to give him.
Damien brightened up at his right guess, feeling a little more secure now that he finally had something to reference. Honestly, he was a little curious to try making them, just to see how they tasted.
"Oh, so its kinda just a name for it? To distinguish it from a regular shirt?"
The boy did his very best to try and connect some dots before Mari had to explain them to him, not wanting to look like a clueless fool all the damn time. Sure, times maybe changed, but he wanted to at the very least understand what was new - it was about time, the manor he'd lived in for so long had created a ring of repetitiveness that was a little boring.
He snapped out of his thoughts, remembering that Mari was supposed to be going somewhere at this hour, heck, she might even be late!
"Say, weren't your parents waiting for you? They might be worried…
”Your guess is as good as mine.” she told him, still laughing lightly. They may have only known each other for less than a day, but Mari already thought that he looked so cute when he smiled like that.
Her eyes widened at the reminder and nodded remorsefully. ”Yeah… I should get going. The sooner I get home, I might get into less trouble.” she said as she stood up, not actually sure if she could get away with that but she was going to try. ”I’ll try to be back later but if I can't, then I’ll definitely be back tomorrow.” she promised again.
"Then, i probably shouldnt be keeping you from going any longer" he said, already on his way to the door, one hand reaching out for the handle.
Knowing Mari might get into loads more of trouble if she didnt go back sooner worried him - after all, she'd been so nice and patient with him, going as far as becoming his friend mere hours after meeting. And the fact she was the third person in his life to treat him nice, even after knowing his condition, warmed him up inside like nothing else had in years.
The boy opened the door for Mari, inviting her back into the main room so he could escort her out, making a mental note to come back and finish the dishes. He let her pick up whatever she had brought with her there, even asking her to make sure she did not forget anything, before walking down the stairs and back into the hallway she'd come through the previous night. Instead of going back into the main lobby that lay in disrepair, Damien took her through a small set of well lit corridors, that looked just as well preserved in time as the room the boy lived in, all the while the sound of rain accompanied them in their little journey.
"Here we are" he finally spoke again, after stopping in front of a door leading to the outside. He'd chosen this route because it was the one he used the most, and it also looked a lot better than the initial facade of the manor
”You’re not keeping me. I enjoy spending time with you.” she said, following him. All she had with her was the clothes on her back and her phone since she had put her shoes and jacket back on before breakfast. Though she still thanked Damien for making sure. It was so sweet of him to care about her like that. He really was a gentleman, despite looking so young.
Mari smiled a little as he lead her down a different route, admiring how well maintained it looked. It was kinda amazing how he had kept this little part of the once grand house so nicely.
“Thanks again, Damien.” she smiled at him and cautiously held out her hand for him to shake, letting him make the choice. ”See you later?”
"Ah, i- im glad" he stumbled on his words, blushing again. "i really appreciate it, the fact that you actually like having me around i mean…"
Damien could feel his ears heating up, genuinely happy from being overwhelmed with kind words from her, which only made him want to do more things for her. After all, he may have been scared of people in general, but when he did get attach, he'd do anything in his power to repay that person with as much kindness and care as he could provide. People lke that meant the world for him, after all
Most of the house maintenance had been done by his mother, he only ensured it stayed that way because it was his living space after all - letting it go to ruin would benefit no one.
The boy stared at the hand reached out to him, contemplating what he should do.
"Sure. See you later, i hope" he eventually said, after taking in a deep breath and gently squeezing her hand. His hand was soft, but also pleasantly cool, with a skin tone to match it. He lightly shook their hands before grabbing the door handle and pulling it open
"Oh! Let me give you an umbrella too! Its still pouring outside…" Damien remembered, scurrying to the opposite wall to them and returning with what looked like an era styled umbrella, but looking like it was fresh off the shelf.
"Here, this one is big and sturdy"
”Of course I do.” she said assuringly. ”You’re a really sweet person. I can't think of anyone who wouldn’t like hanging out with you.” she told him since she didn't think he wouldn't understand being called ”a small adorable bean”.
Her smile grew when he reached out and took her hand. Mari gently returned the friendly pressure and handshake before they separated. She didn't mind that his hands were a little colder than hers. Maybe her hands were just a little warmer than his. It didn't matter if he was a vampire.
”Thank you. I really appreciate it.” she gratefully accepted the umbrella, admiring the condition it was in. It looked like it didn't get much use or if it did he did then he just took very good care of it. ”I’ll bring it back when I return.” she promised.
"I could name a few… But seriously, that means so much to me, thank you"
By a few, he meant a whole bunch of people, most of which he'd met while on his way to get here; now that times were different, he couldnt be as sure, but he took more solace in the girl's words, hoping the world might give him a second chance, after denying him the first time.
Damien nodded, with a small smile on his face, glad to be able to help her, no matter how small the gesture.
"You're welcome" he said, holding the door open for Mari, in case she wanted to step out. "Please be careful out there, okay?"
She smiled at him, understanding that most people would be… uncomfortable around him if they knew that he was a vampire. But if they gave him a chance and got to know him first, they would probably like him.
”Don’t worry about me. I’m a big tough girl.” she smirked assuringly as she opened the umbrella and taking a step out the door. ”Hasta luego, mi amigo.”
Damien had started to feel at peace with the idea he could very well live alone, but meeting Mari was like a stab to his chest, somehow reminding him just how much he'd missed having another soul around. Seeing her go woke up his hope to probably try and re-enter society, if he could. After all, vampires were considered tales, no? He should be fine as long as he stayed low.
He gently returned the smile, hesitantly letting go of her hand, whose warmth he'd fallen in love with.
"Hah, still, you never know" he attempted to chuckle, rubbing one arm with his opposite hand.
Her words seemed very weird, but he deduced it was probably something related to saying goodbye, or something similar.
"See you soon!" he waved back, watching her slowly make her way towards the tree line.
Mari nodded and smiled back as she took a couple more steps toward her home out of obligation. She knew the sooner she left, the sooner she could get the things she wanted to give Damien and come back. The thought of surprising him with some new information about the world and its advances… She couldn't wait to show him.
When she heard him call out, she spun around and waved goodbye before turning back to the trees and continuing her trek. She was sure it would feel like a longer journey then when she arrived here but she didn't want to waste more of her battery by listening to her music until she got home.
In all that time, Damien stood in the doorway, watching her just slowly heading to the tree line through the rain, up until she vanished behind the trees. Only after he was no longer capable of seeing her, did he finally close the door. He hesitated for a little in front of it before slowly making his way back to his room, crashing on the sofa once he got there.
The silence felt deafening to him now, soothed only by the sounds of the rain outside. Damien kinda missed her, even tho Mari hadnt been gone for more than a few minutes at this point, but he already felt like he wanted some company.
Well, at least he could hope she would come back eventually, like she said, unless her parents grounded her too harshly. Then he'd feel somewhat guilty for it, he throught, heading to the kitchen to clean up what was left and maybe have another small snack. Then he could go read that book on his nightstand, so he could finally finish it
Now that she was somewhat aware of the time, she realized that it was somewhere over a thirty-minute walk from Damien’s home in the woods to the main road, at least. The muddy road and the weather had impacted her travel a little. Not that she minded… Plus she could use the weather as an excuse to her parents; saying that she had left earlier than she actually did plus it would help keep Damien’s place a secret.
Mari smiled at the thought, it wasn't very often that she got to pull something so elaborate… But her happy expression didn't last long as she worried about her new friend. He may have been used to being alone and able to handle himself but after finally meeting another person, who wasn't afraid of him, she could imagine he felt lonely again.
I will be back, mi amigo. the young woman renewed her promise to him as she approached her front door. No doubt her parents were both waiting for her to come in. Both of them, worried at first but when they were assured she was alright, then she would be in trouble.
The boy sighed, sunken deep in throught as he cleaned the last dish on the table, placing it away to dry. Somehow, her smell still lingered in his residence, and it felt so nice, despite its simplicity - it was foreign to him, yes, but it was a curious fragrance he liked.
"Haaa, focus a bit…." he told himself, going to check on the plants in the green house, in case they needed any tending.
After that, he changed into some different clothes and climbed into bed, picking up his book and continuing his reading. It would draw his thoughts away from Mari for a bit.
(wanna skip a bit or smth? q3q)
(Sure. I can just start when she's on her way back. Should it be just later that day or the next? Cause I'm having a hard time picturing her parents letting her off easy enough to be able to leave the house until the next day…)
(I think the next day would be better - no parent would let you go the very same day u got grounded :")) she'd also hav plenty of time to think about what she'll bring to Damien ^^)
(Very true. Thanks ^^)
It was around noon the next day when Mari found herself on the hidden trail to Damien’s place. She felt pretty bad that she hadn't been able to visit sooner but part of her punishment had been having to stay home for the rest of the day and an earlier curfew for the rest of the week. Though she couldn't really argue with either of those conditions since the first allowed her to make a list of some of the things she wanted to bring/give her new friend.
She had stopped by the public library earlier with that list and checked out a couple of books, which were now in the canvas messenger bag swinging at her side along with her history book from last year plus a couple other things. She may have told a little white lie when she told her parents that she was going to spend the day at the library but she couldn't risk telling them where Damien lived.
The young woman smiled eagerly and quickened her pace when she saw the large house ahead of her. She couldn't wait to see her sweet friend again and show him everything she brought.
Damien was coming back from the greenhouse, as per his usual schedule and crawled back on his couch, grabbing his book again and flipping through the few pages he had left. All the reading he'd done over the years had turned him into a fast and avid reader, therefore finishing his current book was an easy task.
His mind had drifted away while his eyes hovered over the typed words, wondering about when he would see Mari again. It had been roughly a day since they had parted ways and he already kind of missed her.
Mari struggled a little as she made it through the gate, though her bag got caught briefly. She entered through the front door, mostly because it was polite but also because she wasn't completely sure where that other door from last night was.
”Hello? Damien?” she called out as she made her way to the little hallway towards his room. ”It’s me, Mari. Are you down here?”
Damien's trained hearing picked up a very faint noise resulted from the main entrance door creaking so loud it echoed in the building. He could not tell just yet what it had been though, so he froze in his couch spot, listening intently for any more potential noises coming from the main lobby. Normally, he should have gone to investigate who was entering his domain, but his paranoia kept him pinned. It was only after hearing the now familiar voice of Mari, that he rolled off the couch with a thud, almos scrambling for the door.
Reaching the door knob, the boy slowly regained his composure, asking himself why he'd reacted the way he did just now. Was he that excited to meet his only friend….? well, it seemed like it.
With a shy gesture, he twisted the knob and slowly pryed the door open.
"H-Hello?" he managed to whimper out, his voice carried through the empty corridor
Upon hearing the thud, Mari perked up and continued down the hall a little faster. ”Damien, are you alright?” she asked, slightly worried about the boy.
According to some of the legends she had heard, vampires were supposedly very strong and resilient beings with only a few weaknesses. But since she had met Damien she didn't know what was true and what was made up about them… For all she knew, her new friend bruised like a peach.
She smiled a little when she heard him answer, though he sounded nervous again. ”Hey, it's alright. It's just me.” she assured calmly as she approached the door. ”Sorry if I scared you.”
"Yea, im okay" he answered slowly, pushing the door a little more so he could come to greet her.
Instinctively, Damien went in for a hug, although he later attempted to step away from the girl, a little ashamed of his sudden outburst. He'd missed her so much even his usual shyness could not stop him from showing a bit of affection to Mari.
"It's okay! i wasnt too scared, more like on edge, thats all. When i heard your voice, i was just so happy…" he confessed, leading the way back to his main room.
Him rolling off the couch hadnt caused him any injuries, through his leg still pulsated from the adrenaline triggered by his sudden excitement. It might hurt a little later on, but just because he pretty much tackled the floor in his hurry to get to the door.
Mari froze for a moment as Damien nearly hugged her. Not that she would have minded, actually she would have been happy to return the gesture, she was just a little surprised considering how reluctant he had been the other day.
”Well, that's a relief.” she smiled as she followed him into the room. ”I understand being nervous. Especially after being alone for so long.” she sighed, looking apologetic. ”I’m sorry I wasn't able to come back yesterday. Part of me being grounded was pretty much being under house arrest for the day.” she explained. ”But I was really looking forward to seeing you again too.”
Damien pretty much sunk in his large sweater, trying to fight off the triggering anxiety in him resulted from the attempted hug. Mari's small smile calmed him down a little, as she didnt seem to mind it at all, so that was good in his eyes.
"Mustn't get attached too fast" he told himself, before taking a seat on the bed and inviting Mari to sit next to him.
He gave a small awkward smile to her, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Honestly, being alone for too long just sort of puts you on edge, as you're used to total silence"
His eyes were now drawn to the bag the girl had brought in with her, making him curious about its contents.
"Oh, im so sorry you were grounded. I shouldnt have made you stay that long, i am so sorry"
Just knowing that his friend had been grounded made him feel somewhat responsible for it, even though he technically wasn't.
"I… I was eager to see you again too"
