Vampire Nightlife

Lukas wasn't supposed to be happy with that–it meant that they were possibly in more danger than what they were in. And yet if it meant that Chaerin would be more cautious and on guard with the "Great Leader" then it was enough.

"What are we supposed to do then?" Lukas asked. "We shouldn't try any of their foods and drinks, then? Maybe try to escape in the night–"

"I hope that's unnecessary." Theodore said.

"We won't be able to get past here again if we end up on bad terms with the group." Chaerin frowned and crossed her arms. "Do you not think that it's better to have good faith in them?"

"They threatened to cut off our heads earlier." Theodore pointed out.

"But surely, that's them testing us." Chaerin said and looked at Lukas. "Do you trust me? I don't think they're really malicious, even if they have separate agendas."

Lukas knew that the answer was supposed to be yes.

That had to be the good boyfriend's answer, but it was also fair for him to be able to look past things that Chaerin was unable to see and make sure that they were on the right path.

"Let's just wait and see then." Lukas decided to say.

It was an answer that satisfied both Theodore and Chaerin–not completely, but it was enough to not annoy either of them. The assassin looked around the thick mist that surrounded them with annoyance.

"Whatever actually makes the forest so misty–it's annoying. Even our own visions can't see past through it." Theodore rubbed his face. "I don't feel secure staying here any longer than necessary. We need to get the van back and leave the moment that we can. That shouldn't be difficult, right, Chaerin?"

"I guess so." Chaerin shrugged.

Theodore was not completely satisfied, but what else could he do or say? Lukas on the other hand chose the wrong moment to nearly get knocked out of the tree as he leapt towards Theodore's platform.

"Ugh." Theodore scrunched up his nose. "I'm going down now to wait for those folks."

Lukas couldn't help but feel grateful, as much as the assassin seemed like a jerk–he could at least read the atmosphere and know when it was time for him to leave.

"Chaerin." Lukas finally stepped on her wooden platform and she looked at him in surprise.

"What is it?" she asked and gave him a small smile. Chaerin looked a lot better than earlier and Lukas was glad to see that.

"I just wanted to make sure that you're okay." Lukas said. He should have been more straightforward and asked whether she felt jealous about Stacy or something, but somehow, the words couldn't leave his lips.

"I'm good." Chaerin smiled, then suddenly stepped forward and hugged him. It was a warm and tight hug where she buried her face in the crook of his neck and breathed softly. "I love you, Lukas."

Lukas' expression softened slightly and he kissed her head. "I love you too, Chaerin. Always remember that."

"I'll try." Chaerin clung to his shirt, her nails digging slightly into his shirt as if she was afraid to let go of him. Reluctantly, she slowly moved back and looked at him. "Thank you, Lukas."

"You don't have to thank me for it." Lukas reassured her.

"Well, I want to." Chaerin pouted, but then she paused for a moment, conflicted, and yet still cleared her throat. "Should we check on Stacy and her brother now?"

Lukas' eyes widened momentarily, and for a second–it almost felt like a test. Some kind of trick to make him mess up and ruin their reconciliation. But then as he looked at Chaerin and really gauged her expression–it was sincere.

To think that she would be testing him over it was ridiculous even.

She was not that type of person.

Instead, it was far more important for Lukas to have faith in her. It was surprising, but Chaerin had a lot more good faith in people than he did himself. Maybe that was a little naive–but he loved her and that was it.

"Lukas?"

"Yeah, we really should." Lukas agreed and grinned sheepishly. "Thanks, Chaerin. It means a lot."

Chaerin's lips twitched slightly at those words, but she nodded and hugged his arm. "It makes sense to worry about them. Alexei got hit after all–why shouldn't we not care?"

"Right." Lukas couldn't help but agree, but then gave her a mischievous grin. He picked her up and carried her bridal style. "So, what do you think of me carrying you in my arms and then jumping down the tree? Doesn't that sound like fun?"

"Er, that's rather dangerous. And you can't exactly see the bottom right now." Chaerin peered over towards the mist. "We could accidentally hit Theodore."

"He's an assassin, he can dodge easily. Isn't that right?" Lukas called out.

There was no reply.

Lukas blinked and he wondered if the tree was actually that high up. Or maybe Theodore was just ignoring him like the bastard that he was. That was probably it, wasn't it?

"Let's go," Lukas prepared himself to jump–he wanted to improve his physical skills, and also just make Chaerin smile some more. Two birds in one stone kind of deal.

"A-ah, I really don't think that's a good idea!" Chaerin protested, clung to his shirt tighter and then whispered into his ear. Her soft breath tickled his ear. "Let's just go down the normal way… we can probably share our hut together later? What do you think of that?"

"... That is something that will make me wait on you, hand and foot." Lukas chuckled. A wave of excitement churned within him and maybe the thought of staying in the Veil Forest now didn't seem so bad.

There wasn't any room or privacy in the van, but if they stayed overnight here?

"Don't over promise things." Chaerin poked his cheek. "Just put me down now and let's go down–"

"Stay where you are!" a voice suddenly shouted.