After Jonathan returns from Romania, his mental health is so poor he struggles to take care of himself. He's always preferred a clean face, but now he doesn't shave consistently.
And so at some point, Mina just sits down and helps him. And it's really nice, it's Mina supporting him and showing that she is always going to be there for him. Even if he's mentally ill, which in Victorian society was a pretty big deal. He came back from a business trip raving about vampires, and by most anyone's standards he ought to be institutionalized like Renfield and forgotten about. So Mina helping Jonathan while he's recovering from PTSD is a big deal.
So they kind of get into that routine. Even once Jonathan starts feeling better, it's just kind of a way for them to spend a quiet moment together. And you know, it's a good way for both of them to start their day. Just spending time with each other. Having an excuse to spend time with each other.
But once Mina starts turning into a vampire, there's a moment when it changes.
Because she nicks him a little bit. Just like Jonathan nicked himself at castle Dracula. And her reaction is so similar. The jolt, the sudden closeness, the intensity. And it scares him, and it scares her. So they stop.
Its not about Mina. He would never be afraid of her. But for a moment, he didn't see Mina. He saw the Count's claws curling against his cheek, caging him once more. It was too similar, too triggering.
And Mina didn't realize she was this far gone. So tempted by the scent of her beloved's blood that she would scare him so. The shame of it curls inside her much like the claws her husband is afraid of.
...
hmn. maybe i should write fic
