Vampire Friend?

-----Fabian's POV

Yesterday, I was so happy to finally properly display my love to Ilfa. At first, she was clearly worried when I went and took the initiative, but she soon accepted it as we went at it for the rest of the day before we both ended up passing out. We were both expecting for it to be the same as before, with me gasping for breath, trying to stay alive, but all I could feel at the time was the lust coming from the both of us. Even when we slept, I didn't get attacked in my dream or anything like that.

Waking up, Ilfa opened her eyes with a massive grin on her face. What a great start to the day. I did end up asking if she was actively trying to resist her instincts, but she was still confused.

(Ilfa: "I'm not sure... I just did what my body wanted to do.")

Those were the words that she said. Thinking back on it, maybe now both her mind and body are now seeing me as someone that's not food. Thinking about it like that, I can't help but smile as Ilfa returns inside the room.

Ilfa: "We're done~"

Just like last time, Ilfa chose to end up making lunch for me. We didn't hang out too much in the morning due to her practice with Alenia, but at least now I can enjoy Ilfa's cooking beside her.

...

However, when we arrive back in the kitchen, opening the door, my eyes lock onto someone at one of the tables. They were sitting all alone as their bright, scarlet red eyes immediately lock onto mine as a smile quickly forms on her face.

Kaede: "Hey."

My heart sinks. Not because of Kaede, but at the possibility that Rina has returned with her as well. I end up looking around the kitchen in search for her, but there just seems to be the few dark elves along with Kaede sitting at the table.

Fabian: "Where's Rina?"

Kaede: "She's currently resting."

Fabian: "Here?"

Kaede: "No. She's still with us."

My heart starts beating normally once more knowing that Rina is still away. I take a moment to breathe a sigh of relief.

Fabian: "Wait. Then why are you here?"

Ilfa: "We made a deal."

Fabian: "Hmm?"

Ilfa: "She needed Alenia, so she offered to be her replacement while Alenia helps them."

Now that Ilfa mentions it, Alenia is no where to be seen. She's not always in the kitchen, but it is where I see her the most often.

Kaede: "Mhmm. Which brings me to this-"

She taps on the pot that's on the table with her.

Ilfa: "She taught me how to make a stew. I... Hope you like it."

Her nerves are beginning to show as her cheeks become a little flushed. She's too cute. Where has this Ilfa been all this time?

We both take our seats next to Kaede, with me sitting in between the two of them. I know I should be focused on Ilfa's cooking, but I can't believe that Kaede's an actual vampire. A vampire, sitting right next to me. Ilfa ends up pouring some of the stew into two bowls for the both of us. Some bread was off to the side as well, probably used to soak up some of the stew.

Ilfa: "Is this enough?"

Fabian: "Mm, thank you."

She ends up waiting for me to try it first as I then proceed to stick my spoon inside. The steam immediately warms my hand as I try my best to pick up some of the meat along with the vegetables before bringing it into my mouth. I tense up from how hot it is as the roof of my mouth feels like it's burning, but I bite through the pain as the stew quickly cools down in my mouth, allowing me enjoy the savory taste of the stew as it spreads all throughout my mouth before I swallow.

Ilfa: "So? How is it?"

Fabian: "Mmm! It's perfect."

Ilfa: "Hahh~"

She lets out a heavy sigh as she relaxes back in her seat. I guess this did take a while to make, so It makes sense for her to be nervous.

Kaede: "Hehe. You should've seen her in the kitchen. She was stressing over every bit of detail, wanting to make it perfect for you."

Ilfa: "Hey!"

Fabian: "Pfft."

I guess that's why I wasn't allowed to come down to watch her this time. She's still stubborn even after all that has happened.

Ilfa: "...But thank you for teaching me."

Kaede: "Not a problem. It's my job after all. Thank you for also lending Alenia to us."

Looks like they're on good terms. But I find it funny, being the only human here, sat between two beings such as them? It's strange to think about it now, but I'm glad it all turned out like this. But even still... I can't help be reminded of Rina when we're in the kitchen like this...

Both Ilfa and I continue to eat the stew in front of us as I find myself finishing the first bowl. Ilfa ends up topping my bowl up with a second serving as we share a smile.

Fabian: "So how's my sister?"

Kaede: "She's doing fine. At least I think so. I did end up having her do something absurd not too long ago."

Fabian: "What do you mean?"

Kaede: "Hehe. I don't think you want to hear it while you're eating."

That only makes me more curious. Is Kaede actually harming Ellen?

Kaede: "Don't worry. I didn't harm her if that's what you're thinking. I just needed her help."

Fabian: "I-I see."

There's no reason for me to think she's lying. They've been friends for a while now, and sure she's a vampire, but I can tell she isn't a bad person.

Fabian: "What about mom?"

Kaede: "Busy as always. She's running a whole city to herself now actually."

Fabian: "What?!"

Kaede: "Hehe. Yeah. Your mom's a bigshot now."

I have so many questions. So my mother and sister escaped Inasdale and is now living in a different kingdom? Even owning a city? My mom was already a bigshot in Inasdale, but she only governed a territory in the capital, not an actual city.

Fabian: "Where?"

Kaede: "I'll take you there once this is all over."

Ilfa: "Right, but you're also taking me as well."

Kaede: "The queen still hasn't decided the time or place for your meeting."

Ilfa: "Mmm. I don't get it. How are you able to live there being as strong as you are?"

Kaede: "It's... A long story."

Fabian: "Well, Ilfa wouldn't hurt anyone, so I don't see what the issue is."

I decide to stand up for Ilfa a bit here, hoping to try and better her image in front of Kaede.

Kaede: "Mhmm. But people will still be cautious. So just be patient for a bit."

Ilfa: "Yup! Take as much time as you like."

Suddenly, Ilfa wraps arm around my waist, bringing me closer as I end up leaning some of my weight onto her.

Kaede: "Pfft. Your intentions are as clear as ever, Ilfa."

...

We soon end up finishing lunch as I begin to soak up the stew that's left over with some bread before finishing it.

Fabian: "Hah~ I'm stuffed."

Honestly, I feel like I could sleep after all that food. I'm tempted to skip dinner, but maybe that might not be a bad thing. Would give Ilfa and I some more time together...

Kaede: "Well. I'm guessing my job here is done?"

Ilfa: "Yes. Thank you again for teaching me."

Kaede: "Mhmm. I'll stop by tomorrow and teach you something new."

Ilfa: "I'll be looking forward to it."

Kaede: "Then I'll be seeing you later, Fabian."

Fabian: "Mm."

And just then, Mai teleports into the kitchen before Kaede takes her hand only for them to immediately teleport away moments later. I'm glad to hear that Ellen and mom is doing okay, but I do wonder what Kaede had Ellen do for her. I guess I can ask about that when I'm over there. Ah~ the thought of seeing them again fills me with joy as I find myself smiling while staring where Kaede just was.

Ilfa: "Did you want to go with her?"

Fabian: "Huh? N-no. I'm just happy to hear that my sister's doing okay."

Ilfa: "Hmmm? So you'd prefer being here rather than going to your sister?"

Fabian: "Hey... That's quite an unfair question."

Ilfa: "Fufufu. But still. You chose me, so-"

She once again hugs me, only this time from the front as I once again feel her soft, warm embrace as I end up wrapping my arms around her as well.

Fabian: "I guess I did."

Ilfa: "But I would like to meet her."

Fabian: "Who. My sister?"

Ilfa: "Mhmm."

I imagine what that would be like. Would I be introducing Ilfa as my partner? Wife? Or just a friend? I'm not sure what, but even though I'm getting a little bit nervous about that idea, I still find myself smiling in Ilfa's embrace.

Fabian: "Mm. I'm sure she'll like you."

Ilfa: "Well I can't have that. You're the only one who can like me."

Fabian: "Haha. I didn't mean it like that."

And so, we continued our embrace, not caring about the stares we get from the elves still inside the kitchen.