Mr. Vampire Who Lives in My Neighbourhood

26

As Farrell pondered, Florence added, "I'm just looking to find a way for you to enjoy the daylight."

He looked up sharply. "What?"

"Don't you find it inconvenient only being able to go out at night? There's so much to do during the day—hiking, picnicking, enjoying the outdoors. Plus, most people are active during the day. It'd be nice for you to join in, don't you think?"

The idea of breaking centuries of nocturnal solitude intrigued Farrell, especially coming from someone so considerate of his well-being. Her words warmed a long-cold corner of his heart.

Florence, chin in hand, mused, "Bloodlust during the full moon... It's like a cycle, your metabolism peaking. Maybe I should take more samples then for a breakthrough."

"And pure blood awakens your thirst?" she asked, turning to meet his gaze.

Farrell smirked, "Like yours, untainted, irresistible."

Before he could flirt further, Florence jabbed him with a syringe, drawing blood for her research. "This sample's for preservation. I need to track the daily changes."

His alluring face inched closer, voice low and enticing, "Aren't you afraid I might lose control?"

She stood her ground, confidence sparkling in her eyes, "Not at all. I trust you won't harm me unless I allow it."

Florence laid down the law, "If you need blood, come to me. I'll provide legally sourced blood. No unauthorized feeding."

"Really, you don't have to go to such lengths. A pack of standard-issue blood would suffice," Farrell half-joked, likening it to indulging in an occasional soda.

Outside, eavesdropping Toni and David couldn't help but chuckle at the exchange, their fear slowly dissolving.

Florence sternly replied, "Emergency blood packs are off-limits."

Farrell feigned indignation, "Stingy."

"Enough talk. Now, show me your fangs," Florence commanded.

With a click, two sharp fangs appeared, causing Toni and David outside to shudder, yet Florence was undeterred, fascinated by the vampiric anomaly.

"Are these the only teeth that extend? What if you lose one, does it magically reappear?"

Toni and David exchanged worried glances, the absurdity of their situation dawning on them.

Continuing her experiments, Florence ordered, "Take off your shirt."

Obediently, Farrell revealed a physique rivaling classical sculptures, causing Toni to hand over sunscreen somewhat distractedly.

Over the days, Toni warmed up to the amiable vampire, her curiosity overcoming her initial fear. The allure of the handsome vampire was undeniable, even to someone already in a relationship.