Mr. Vampire Who Lives in My Neighbourhood

21

Seeing his awkwardness, Florence fought back a smile, swiftly changing the subject to avoid further embarrassment.

"Are you into Japanese anime?"

"I have a deep affection for Japanese anime, music, and various forms of art," he shared with a hint of pride.

Impressed, she nodded. "You're quite knowledgeable."

He modestly acknowledged her compliment. "Art appraisal, especially of artifacts from the 18th century, is part of my expertise."

Surprised, Florence found herself reassessing him. Beyond his vampiric identity, he seemed to lead a surprisingly ordinary life.

"Why are you staring?" His approach was gentle, his warm breath brushing her face, reserved only for her.

"I thought you were making it all up," she admitted candidly.

His attempt at creating a romantic atmosphere was humorously thwarted by her straightforwardness.

"Madam, despite being a vampire, I pride myself on having standards and not resorting to deceit."

She got straight to the point. "Then explain the bite marks on the victims' necks."

He opened up to her, sharing the intricate details of his life, making her the first person he'd ever been completely transparent with.

"I confess, the scent of blood carries quite far for my kind," Farrell explained almost regretfully. "Even the faintest waft within hundreds of meters sets my senses alight. Any injuries or violence borne on the wind may draw me irresistibly."

After hearing Farrell's account, Florence finally understood. "So, you're drawn to the scent of blood from afar, and you've been opportunistically feeding at crime scenes without leaving evidence. No wonder you've been mistaken for a suspect."

"Indeed, I primarily acquire donations from medical facilities," Farrell clarified. "But the occasional fresh infusion proves intoxicatingly vital. Thus inopportune events nearby may present...irrefutable temptation."

He glanced at Florence sheepishly. "I've always been careful not to leave a trace, but modern forensics are too advanced," he lamented, his self-pity amusing her.

Despite his somber tone, a hint of admiration glinted in his eyes towards Florence's capabilities. "In bygone eras, I wandered quite freely. Alas, the modern sleuth presents a most vexing quandary!"

His theatrical dismay drew an involuntary chuckle from Florence. How quickly their rapport restored!

Well, when you put it that way..." she conceded, her laughter lightening the mood.

His gaze softened as he watched her joyful expression, his ancient heart warming in her presence.

"Frankly, I left Japan due to the dearth of violence," Farrell remarked. "The glorious gunshot remains a siren song that America excels at providing!"

Seeing Florence's stern look, he coughed awkwardly, realizing his brazen words. "That is...I mean...one can't fault a vampire's nature, can they? Would you prefer I subsist on tomato juice?"

His flustered backpedaling only widened Florence's grin. She found his candid truthfulness more endearing than alarming.

she conceded amusedly. "But do avoid Agent Wade. I doubt he would accept such explanations!"

"But perhaps we can find a crime-fighting common cause. With such a discerning nose for clues, you could lend unique talents towards justice!"

Farrell blinked in surprise, then flashed his signature roguish smile. "Working alongside a captivating criminologist?"

Her calm beauty and composed intelligence stood out, captivating him with her fearless demeanor.

She then playfully jabbed, "As for drinking from fresh corpses, how unspeakably macabre! Where is your gentlemanly decorum?"

Farrell smiled slyly in return. "My dear, with you by my side, I believe any cravings for external 'fast food' would swiftly vanish."

Their unique dinner conversation continued, marking a memorable night for Florence, dining with a centuries-old vampire.