“I believe that is everything that I will need.” Zacharias checked through his bags once again as Tammy carried in the last small pile of laundry that she had just finished folding. He was off on another trip, as was the usual these nights. Zacharias didn't stay for long, usually just long enough to tie up any loose ends in the city before heading out again for work. “You’ve done well to keep an eye on everyone while I have been away, Tammy. Thank you and I apologize that I have been quite busy as of late.” The rare frown adorned his face as he packed away the final belongings that Tammy had provided for him, closing the suitcase with a sense of finality. “I will be leaving for two weeks. One of my associates on the east coast has requested my services. A relatively simple job, in theory.”

Tammy picked up the implications in his words, noticing the slight crescendo of violins as he spoke his words. This job was dangerous in one way or another, but he refused to say as much aloud. Instead of speaking up about it, she nodded along to his words while she stared at him, realizing that he was so busy lately they hadn’t really had time to talk about the last few months like Zacharias had promised. It wasn’t the time to bring it up, but when would be, especially if every job he took on was more and more treacherous. “Zacharias…” Tammy began to speak, softly finding her courage to stop dancing around the subject neither of them knew how to begin. 

“Yes, my childe?” Looking up from his final preparations, Zacharias failed to notice just how much those words struck pain into Tammy’s heart. More formality, slipping back into old habits now that they were back from their trip. He was distancing himself, whether it was by accident or on purpose, but Tammy refused to let the gap between them widen to the extent it once was. “Is there an issue?”

Tammy turned her gaze away from him, down at the suitcases and his cane leaning carefully against the bed. “No sir, it's nothing.” She shook her head, putting on a more neutral expression as she looked towards him but refused to look him in the eye. “Do you have anything more that you need for me to take care of while you are away?”

If he noticed any of her hesitation, Zacharias glossed over it as he turned and picked up a note he had left in the middle of his otherwise empty desk. “A few things, yes. None of these are pressing issues, so if you find the time I would very much appreciate any that you are able to accomplish for me.” Tammy knew that list would contain the various things he always had to get done between one job or another. The less she did, the longer he had to stay in Reno. Tammy would, of course, do nearly everything on that list before he returned.

“Yes sir.” Tammy gave a silent, distant nod as she took the note in her hand, reminding herself to take a look at it later. “There is one more thing, sir.” Tammy pocketed the note so as to not lose it while she heard the tempo and volume of the near constant background noise intensify. Zacharias tilted his head questioningly, waiting for her to continue before she stepped closer to close the gap between them. Before he could speak to question her, Tammy leaned up on the tips of her toes and left a soft peck on his cheek. Her voice was soft but she carried it to his ear, nervous and hesitant. “Come back to me safely. Okay?”

“Drink.” Tammy stared at Zacharias, her gaze flitting from his eyes to the wrist held in front of her and then back to his eyes. It was a familiar enough demand from the Prince but rarely did he offer when there were other kindred nearby. They sat on the balcony, listening to the waves crash below and the muffled sounds of partying Ventrue on the ground floor. They were well and truly alone for the moment, and though more could be said, and more could be argued, Tammy knew there was no good reason to refuse. She dipped her head and bit down carefully into her sire’s wrist, taking her time as she felt his free hand rest itself in her hair. “It's harder for you to feed here. Take what you need, Tammy.”

She was never sure how to feel when it came to feeding like this. At first it had been embarrassing, especially after the first time she hunger frenzied on him after her injury. This was a way to cover up her mistakes, a way to ensure if she lost control while feeding she could be controlled. Back then she had been sure that he was inconveniencing himself for her, but as the years passed her outlook changed and as the two grew closer, the meaning changed as well. Rather than Zacharias donating blood to his childe out of pity and responsibility to her, it was clear that he did so out of compassion for her. The blood rushed into her mouth as she blissfully, but slowly drank from the offered wrist, careful to not take more than she needed or more than he could safely offer. The only sound that could be heard over the rushing of the ocean against the shore was a soft hum from Zacharias as he brushed down her hair softly as she pulled away from him, closing the wounds left by her fangs with a lick.

The hum switched to a soft chuckle as she lifted her head to look up at him ready to thank Zacharias, but was stopped by his hand moving forward to cup her cheek softly. “Even when you’re trying not to, you make such a mess of yourself, my little songbird.” Though Tammy tried to turn her head away out of embarrassment, Zacharias instead leaned in closer, leaving a soft kiss on her lips. Relaxing into his touch, Tammy barely had time to start to return the favor before the sound of the balcony screen door clattered against the hinges and the sound of heavy footsteps made the presence of another well known as Zacharias pulled himself away quickly by the time their guest had made his way next to the clearly anxious couple.

Of all the kindred it could have been that had access to that balcony, Tammy was horrified to realize it was Godfrey that had his hand sitting not quite casually on Zacharias’ shoulder. Godfrey’s expression was unreadable, but not because he hid his emotions well, but because to Tammy he always seemed some level of angry, upset, or annoyed. Whichever it was this time, Tammy was quick to scoot all the way back in her seat and make herself as small as possible as his eyes glanced at her for a moment before returning his attention to Zacharias. “Zacharias, could I have a word with you? Inside, away from your fledgling.” At this point she noticed Zacharias staring at her for a moment, his calm and emotionless persona fixed once more before nodding and standing up to follow Godfrey inside. Before leading Zacharias into the hotel, Godfrey pulled a tissue from his pocket and handed it to Tammy, pointing at his left cheek subtly as he walked away and she scrambled to wipe away the quickly drying blood from her face.

Zacharias was quiet as they walked across the balcony up until the door to the outside closed shut behind him and he narrowed his eyes while glaring at Godfrey. “I believe you should forget you ever saw any of that. I’m sure you saw more than you should have, Godfrey.” Zacharias was rolling down his shirt sleeve as he waited for Godfrey’s answer, unknowingly ticking off the elder Ventrue more and more as the seconds passed.

Godfrey stood standing with his arms crossed, scowling at the younger of the pair. “I’m supposed to simply forget the disgraceful manner in which a pair of sire and childe have conducted themselves? Zacharias, I had no reason to ever believe you to be one of those kindred, I thought you had better sense than that. Hypocritical as well, considering your years of aversion to blood bonds. Yet here you are, blood bonding your childe, showing her a side of yourself that is not truly there, just one that you know she would want to see.” 

Zacharias frowned, glancing back out the door at Tammy who hadn’t moved from her seat and then back at Godfrey. “Are you accusing me of toying with Tammy’s emotions for my own personal gain?” Zacharias’ volume was low, as to not allow anyone outside the room to hear the conversation, but his tone was beginning to turn sharp and insulted all the same.

Godfrey thought for a moment before nodding, giving Zacharias the only answer he needed, though Godfrey offered a spoken reply as well. “If that is the way you are describing it, then yes. I am. Your childe deserves better than that, I would have thought you would agree with me on that simple fact.”

Zacharias shook his head, taking off his glasses and wiping his eyes with his free hand. “What if I told you the blood bond was mutual and has been for over a year now?” Zacharias watched the cracks in Godfrey’s argument widen bit by bit as he continued his explanation. “What Tammy deserves is for you to not jump to conclusions on her behalf.”

Correspondence hidden between pages of textbooks, within stacks of papers to grade, under doors and slipped from one to the other. They never lasted long, how could they with how damning of evidence it was? The professor held one of these envelopes in his hands, glancing over the blank front before flipping it over to see the letter sealed with a bright red kiss mark over the flap. Loathe as he always was to break the small gesture of affection, he popped open the envelope to retrieve the loving letter left for him in the book his student had returned earlier this morning.

Professor,

As I write this I think back to the time I last saw you, dressed immaculately as you attended the homecoming ball. Though all the attention was supposed to be on the festivities, I found my attention wandering back to you. The way your blue eyes were strikingly beautiful against your crisp suit, the way you stood to the side observing, still as a statue… I like to imagine this visage was for me and me alone. It is another in a set of visions of you that I will treasure for the rest of my days.

My classes have been rather busy as of late, I find less and less time to write. I promise I’m not delaying any coursework to write this, I am keeping my word that I will not fall behind in my studies. Even still I regret having such little time to devote to the things and the people that matter to me. My previous leave of absence left me far behind where I should be, but I am slowly catching up. I have you to thank for that, I believe. Your words and promises are ever present in my mind, motivation to work harder than I ever have before to live up to the potential you say I have, and to perhaps even become useful to you.

Two years feels like an eternity to wait, doesn’t it? I suppose when you’re as experienced as you are, two more years is nothing. But to me, it is more than torture. I understand the reason, but that does not mean I like it. It pains me so much to hide my feelings from everyone around me, but I know it is a necessity. The name that aches to breach my lips, the feelings that I wish more than anything to show, all stay hidden within these pages. At least one person can read them, for now that will have to be enough.

You are in my most beloved thoughts, my wildest dreams and my most fervent prayers. Until the day I can finally be truthful to myself and the world, do take care of yourself. My love will be with you, wherever you shall go.