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Calliope didn’t really understand how legacy vampires worked, physiologically.
Every bit of information she found out about her girlfriend was stored in her brain, and she found the process of learning about vampires actually quite interesting.
Juliette couldn’t be killed, as far as they knew. She didn’t need sleep, “but it’s definitely optimal” Jules explained, describing the energy bursts.
They didn’t need to eat food either, instead requiring blood. But Calliope had already known that.
That was the basics, and four months into their established relationship, Cal didn’t think there was much more she needed to know.
It was a regular Friday evening, and Calliope had just finished school. Things had fallen into semi normalcy, after Juliette had employed Oliver’s help to turn Theo back human.
It didn’t entirely fix things. Her dad was still angry and upset, her mother moreso, especially at how he handled the situation.
And Calliope was just relieved that things seemed to be in an order.
The MAAMS had seemingly calmed down too, and for what Cal knew, the fair mints were keeping out the way.
After helping Theo, Talia had warmed to Juliette. Something which came as a big relief to Calliope. Even more, when her parents announced they were staying in Savannah for the foreseeable future.
So Fridays, Calliope delegated to schoolwork, and visiting her girlfriend. Juliette would finish earlier, due to different classes but Calliope would always stop at her place after school.
At first, she kidded herself that the fairmont’s didn’t notice her arrival, and actually prided her stealth. Until Juliette had pointed out that her parents could clearly hear the beating of her heart, especially when they partook in .. certain activities.
But no one said anything, or approached Calliope. So she took it as a win, and would spend several hours at the house, sometimes talking or relaxing. Just enjoying each other’s company.
Now admittedly, Calliope knew she could probably go through the front door. Sebastian didn’t mind her, and their relationship was neutral and amicable, but she never liked chancing it.
Maybe she also liked the thrill of climbing the railings to Juliette’s window. Most of the tension and drama had fell from their relationship now, so clambering through her girlfriend’s window definitely spiked Cal’s adrenaline.
Calliope knew the drill by now, she pulled herself up the building, smiling to herself as she noticed the window wide open, ready for her arrival.
Sometimes Juliette would meet her at the window and tug her in with a grin. Other times, it would take a few moments for her to notice Cal, as she’d be engrossed in homework, or a book.
However, today Juliette did neither of these things. The room was eerily silent as Calliope heaved herself onto the windowsill.
She frowned, climbing down from the ledge and surveying the room.
The desk was empty, and no sign of Juliette anywhere. The lights were off too, and the room felt quiet and off.
”Jules?” Calliope looked around again, before noticing the small lump in the middle of the bed. She let out a relieved sigh, and slightly pulled back the blankets.
“Whatcha doing down there baby?” She smiles softly at her girlfriend, who lays curled against the sheets. “Hmm?” Juliette replies, her voice low and groggy.
Calliope frowns again. She doesn’t sound particularly tired, or acting like she does when hungry. “What’s up?” Cal asks, sitting on the corner of the bed.
”I don’t feel good” Juliette lifts her head off the bed and makes full eye contact with Calliope for the first time, and the sight isn’t pretty.
Her eyes are red and sore, and Cal swears she has been crying. Usually smooth and soft, her hair is now tangled and messy. “Oh Jules” she whispers, scooting closer and wrapping her girlfriend into a hug.
”Stay away Cal. I don’t wanna infect you” Juliette sneezes, then pouts. She looks ridiculously small and vulnerable and the thought squeezes Calliope’s chest. “I don’t think it works like that, with human and vampire illnesses” Cal muses, stroking a hand across a clammy forehead.
Juliette shivers in response, burrowing closer against Calliope, planting her head into her lap. “Everything hurts” she whines, her tone pitiful.
”Have you taken anything?” Calliope asks, shaking her head immediately before correcting, “won’t work” Juliette nods miserably, shivering violently.
Callippe wraps the blankets tighter around Juliette’s small frame, cocooning her protectively and enveloping her into her lap even further. “Have you fed recently” she enquires
Juliette nods weakly, “I had some blood from the fridge earlier. But it didn’t help” she coughs loudly, and Calliope pats her back firmly.
”I didn’t realise you could get so sick baby” she coos, rocking Juliette against her lap. “Me neither” Jules replies, eyes shut in the darkness of the room.
They sit in silence for a moment, Calliope constantly stroking her girlfriend’s hair as they rock against the bed in a calming lull.
“Do you think maybe take a nap?” Calliope muses, pressing a feather light kiss onto a cheek. “Get some strength back?” She adds
Juliette considers this, thinking for a moment. “That might work” she nods. “I’m sorry, I know this is our night”
”Hey hey hey!” Cal is quick to reassure. “I just wanna make sure you’re okay Jules, that’s all that matters” Calliope strokes her cheek, smiling at how Juliette leans into the touch.
”It didn’t feel as bad earlier at school” Juliette explains, head resting against Calliope’s thigh. “Just got worse about an hour ago or so. Everything aches”
Calliope hums, resting back against the pillows further. “Plan time. Try taking a nap, then if that doesn’t help, I think you should tell your parents. See if they have any ideas or remedies”
Even more exhausted, Juliette hums her approval. She stretches out on the bed, head still in Calliope’s lap. A silence washes over the room, and Calliope tries to relax her heart beat, knowing the panicking beats won’t help.
”Will you stay Cal?” Juliette whispers, her voice low, and Calliope has to strain her ears to listen. She wraps another blanket around Jules’ shoulders, and tightens her arms around her girlfriend.
”Of course I will, Jules”