The cool night air brushed over Eloise's skin as she drew in a deep breath. Sometimes, the mansion could feel so stuffy, a little too full, especially with the large personalities of all the vampires occupying it. Walking through the garden and breathing in air that wasn't populated by them was the only sense of reprieve Eloise seemed to get these days.

"Eloise?" a voice called, and she peered over her shoulder to find Raphael at the door to the kitchen, casting his head about as if searching for her. He shifted his grip on his rapier, and his face finally faced the direction she was standing in, even before she said anything.

"I'm right here." In a few steps, he was standing beside her, and though she knew he couldn't see it, she smiled up at him. "Is something wrong?"

"Not at all." His lips turned up in that kind smile of his. Eloise felt a sense of calm wash over her at the sight. He'd always had that calming influence on her. The other vampires tended towards... not violence, but they were not nearly as soothing as Raphael. Only Aaron matched his calm, but with his imposing stature and rugged appearance, it really was no contest. "A bit of fresh air does good for everyone."

"Ethan and Beliath seem to get plenty of fresh air," Eloise quipped, nodding toward the Moondance club that the two frequented.

Raphael chuckled. "I'm not sure the air there is as fresh as it is outside." He breathed in the night air for himself and slumped his shoulders a bit as he exhaled. "I assume it's beautiful out tonight."

"Oh, yes." Eloise gazed up at the sky once more. "Plenty of stars out tonight. The animals in the forest seem to be quiet as well. Maybe they're stargazing."

"That's an interesting thought." Raphael gestured to the bench not far from them, perfect, as he always was, in his sense of location. "Shall we sit?"

"Sure." Eloise followed Raphael to the bench and sat next to him, leaning back on her hands as she once more looked to the stars. Raphael, as if sensing what she was doing, also looked up, and Eloise longed to see the expression in his eyes. There was only so much you could tell with them covered, as she was starting to learn.

"Are you enjoying your time here?" he asked quietly, so quietly she almost missed it.

Eloise wasn't sure how to answer. She was slowly but surely befriending the vampires in this mansion that was supposed to be hers, but the days--er, nights--were starting to seem monotonous. It was only when she was spending times like these with Raphael that there was some color in an otherwise monochromatic routine. Finally, she said, "I think I am. You're wonderful company, Raphael."

He coughed a bit at first, as if he wasn't expecting such directness. But after a moment, he smiled down at her. "I'm happy to hear it. I want you to enjoy your life, even if we have interfered in that life a bit."

More than a bit, she thought to herself. But whereas before, she would have minded heavily just how much these vampires had messed everything up, she was starting to enjoy this lifestyle, full of vibrant characters and intriguing plot twists. "I really appreciate that, Raphael."

An awkward beat passed in silence before Eloise said, "Could we... could we stay here for a little longer? I don't want to go back inside just yet."

"Of course." Raphael placed his rapier at his side and offered his hand. "I'd be honored to keep you company."