“So…” Leo says as he follows along, gazing occasionally at the various colours of nature that he passes by. “So, you don't like smoking. Is that an everyday sort of thing? Or is it something you enjoy when the universe… allows it?” Leo begins to probe.

The lady's face scrunches up, expressing both rejection and confusion. “Allows it? What are you talking about? You're either a smoker or you aren't, and I'm not. It's a disgusting habit, and very unhealthy. Do you know how many days off your life each cigarette takes from you?” She questions, the conversation moving towards an upcoming lecture.

Leo lets out a sigh; he was somewhat relieved but also a little disappointed. Considering the lady’s answer she was very much a living, breathing human, which Leo rejoiced for. He was glad that she was alive and that her breath still had fire, but he couldn’t help but feel he had lost a small part of himself. It would have been nice to share this secret with her… Two undead lovers, facing the world… What a majestic tale that would have been… Leo couldn’t help but lament.

“Not to mention its effect on the people around you! I mean, it’s fine if you want to dig your own grave, but do you have to drag in everyone around you? Hey! Are you listening?” The lady says, some passion in her voice.

Leo couldn’t help but laugh. He once again gazes at the lady’s face. Is it me or did she just get prettier? He thinks, lost in fantasy.

“Hey, why are you laughing? This is serious!” The lady exclaims.

Leo smiles. “Say, what’s your name? I’m Leo by the way.” He says.

The lady pauses to look at Leo. “Hello Leo, my name is Penelope.” She says gracefully.

Leo extends a hand. Penelope looks up and also extends a hand.

“Nice to meet you, Penelope.” Leo says as he shakes her hand.

Penelope smiles. “Nice to meet you.” She says before looking to Leo’s hand. “Say, are you okay? Your hand feels a little cold.” She comments.

Leo quickly takes his hand away and lets out an awkward chuckle. “It’s nothing. My body tends to run a little cool, is all.” He says with a bitter smile.

Penelope raises an eyebrow. “Hmm… Are you sure you aren’t a vampire? You do look a little pale.” She comments as if it was natural.

Leo continues to smile bitterly. Of course her mind would jump to that. He thinks, slightly amused.

“Never mind that. How ‘bout we head to that café? I’d like to see what kind of environment other fic authors write in. Apparently, my stuff needs some sort of improvement.” Leo says with a chuckle before taking Penelope’s hand and leading the way.

Penelope’s eyes widen as she looks at Leo’s hand holding on to hers, and a blush continues to build. Isn’t this guy being a little too forward!? She couldn’t help but exclaim. Suddenly a thought crosses her mind. “Hey! You aren’t just trying to get away from the sun, right?” She asks, quickly forgetting her shyness.

Leo lets out a sigh, somewhat exasperated. “I told you, I’m not a vampire!” He says, defending himself.

Penelope looks at Leo suspiciously. “Hmm… That remains to be seen. Who knows what kind of sun-blocking magical artifacts you could have.” She says, not convinced.

Leo smirks. “Hey, if you want to body search me, you’re more than welcome.” He says invitingly.

Penelope’s face becomes bright red. “Pervert!” She exclaims.

…

…

“Huh, there really are a lot of writers here.” Leo comments as he looks around.

Penelope lets out a heavy breath. “Okay! We’re here! Can you let go of my hand now!?” She asks urgently. She had just met this dude and the level of his friendliness was a little much for her to handle. Penelope had always been the slow and steady sort, but this guy seemed like he wanted to reach the finish line as soon as possible.

“Oh, sorry.” Leo says as he lets go of Penelope’s hand.

Penelope lets out a sigh of relief. But I think it’s safe to say that this dude is interested in me. This is going to be weird. She couldn’t help but comment. “C’mon. Let’s find a seat.” She says.

“Okay.” Leo says before following along.

…

…

Leo takes a sip of his latte and his eyes widen. “Damn, this is good stuff.” He says, delighted with the treat.

Penelope furrows her brows and gives the young man a good look. Young. Handsome. And possibly a vampire. Should I go for him? She considers seriously. Okay! Time for a little matchmaking probe! She thinks, deciding to explore the matter.

“Say, Leo… If you were, I don’t know, a vampire, just hypothetically, would you be open to accepting new vampires? Hmm?” Penelope asks, attempting to be inconspicuous.

Leo lets out an amused grin. “I don’t know. It would be a lot to consider. She would at least have to be pretty.” He says somewhat teasingly.

Penelope lets out a snort. “What good is that? Wouldn’t it be better if she was intelligent and knowledgeable?” She asks, somewhat offended.

“Hmm. Why? Do you have someone in mind?” Leo asks with a smirk.

Penelope’s eyes widen before she looks away, somewhat embarrassed.

Leo lets out a sigh. “But if I was a vampire, I don’t think I could turn anyone… It’s just so much better to be alive, to have heat in your body and blood flowing through your veins. Who wants to be undead? To live life like a lifeless corpse...” He says as he gazes out the window in a melancholy mood.

Penelope continues to watch on as the sun peaks out from behind a cloud and shines a ray of light onto Leo’s face. Leo’s words and this imagery… Damn, that’s kind of hot. Penelope couldn’t help but think.