Mr. Vampire Who Lives in My Neighbourhood

46

David finished her sentence. "It's a shame he's a vampire."

"Indeed..."

Florence and Farrell's deep connection was obvious to everyone. If Farrell weren't a vampire, they'd wholeheartedly support their relationship. But they knew the inherent challenges: Farrell belonged to the night and was immortal, whereas Florence would inevitably age. This love, destined to face insurmountable obstacles, was clear to both Farrell and Florence as well. Yet, matters of the heart couldn't be influenced by outsiders; it was something the couple had to face themselves.

With this in mind, David and Toni sighed in unison, understanding each other's thoughts without needing to speak. There was nothing they could say, only offer silent support to the couple and let things take their natural course.

...

In recent days, Farrell's demeanor had darkened, his aura repelling others.

Exiting the lab, David, who was reviewing a fresh report, was startled by Farrell's grim expression.

"Farrell... what's wrong?"

Farrell just glanced at him coldly. "Nothing," he said before starting to walk away, then stopped and turned back. "Need any help?"

Swallowing hard, David knew that with Farrell's assistance, their work had progressed significantly, even surprising the police with their efficiency.

"Thanks to you... nothing for now," David responded nervously.

"Is that so?" Farrell's agitation was evident as he scratched his head, glancing towards the closed door at the end of the hallway, behind which Florence was working.

"I'll go find Florence," he said, striding towards the lab.

David pondered for a while, watching Farrell's retreating figure before approaching Toni at her computer.

"Toni."

"Hmm?" Toni was busy printing a police document.

"Do you know what's wrong with Farrell? He's been looking upset the past couple of days. Did he and Florence have a fight?"

"It's because Florence is on her period."

"Her period has what to do with Farrell—ah!" David stopped short.

Toni gave him a knowing look. "So, Florence has banned Farrell from coming near her this week."

"No wonder Farrell's been restless. It's like premenstrual syndrome for him," David said sympathetically. Florence's blood was irresistible to Farrell; even a mere cc could drive him wild. The thought of her period must be maddening. Seeing Farrell's near-panic earlier, David pitied him. The only solution was to stay far away to resist the temptation.

"Ah!" David exclaimed again, causing Toni to turn and look at him strangely.

"What's up?"

"But Farrell just went towards Florence's lab..."

The two exchanged glances, anticipating the outcome, and soon enough, saw Farrell emerge from the lab, frustrated, his handsome features marred by a handprint.

"That woman is really stingy. I didn't even try to bite her, just suggested she give me her sanitary pad, and she slapped me without a word," Farrell complained indignantly.

David was dumbfounded. "You... asked her for... her... pad?"

"Why not? It's a waste otherwise."

David and Toni burst into laughter, rolling around in hysteria. Farrell, a centuries-old vampire, had been turned into a joke, asking Florence for a sanitary pad of all things!

Farrell's face turned red with embarrassment. It was hard being laughed at when you were an ancient vampire, especially over something as uncontrollable as his craving for blood, particularly when it was as rare and exquisite as Florence's.

Sighing, he said, "I better leave before I can't control myself." The scent of Florence's blood, even through several doors, was still intoxicating to him.