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One thing that still took some getting used to for Juliette, was comprehending Calliope’s monster hunting.
They had worked out the issues between themselves, and Cal was insistent she didn’t see her as a monster, nor any of the Fairmounts either
But it was still hard to see, and understand sometimes. Not all ‘monsters’ were bad, and judging by their track record: the Guild weren’t exactly innocent
Calliope had understood this, and was specifically careful with the jobs she took, Juliette liked to think of her as a vigilante of sorts - hunting down monsters that had done wrong in the community
Hunting was a way of life for the Burns. It wasn’t something that Juliette had expected them all to banish from their lives
However, admitting the system as flawed meant that Calliope would usually go rogue, sometimes working with Apollo on their own missions
She had cut down the hunting significantly too. The focus shifted to school, and trying to rebuild a regular teen life, or as regular as their situation would allow for
This meant that Calliope would often train rigorously, something of which Juliette saw as a silver lining to the entire debacle
The Burns house was kitted out for workout, with various equipment that Juliette didn’t even understand how half of it worked
Outside of her vampiric abilities, she didn’t consider herself a very athletic person. Her parents always joked as a child that she had two left feet, and Juliette realised growing up - that they might be right. She was horribly uncoordinated, especially in comparison to Cal
It was the end of a regular school day and Juliette found herself in the library again, a common occurrence as a result of an impending math test
She shot her girlfriend a quick text, warning she might be later coming over than she had earlier anticipated, before returning to the textbook frowning at the swirls of numbers and equations
Math was not fun. And it didn’t help that Calliope was effortlessly good at it.
As much as she wanted to beg for her help to avoid completely failing the test, Cal was preparing for a hunt that next day, working with Apollo to take down a ghoul that had been terrorising Savannah for the past few days
So Juliette reluctantly set down her phone and focused on the textbook.
Two hours passed, and she finally closed the text book. Okay, not much progress had been made, but the equations were beginning to swim around the page so Juliette decided to stop before she tore the textbook to shreds with frustration
She packed away her belongings into the rucksack and begun the trek to the Burns house
At first, the trips were infrequent. She was only invited around for special events and occasions. But as time passed and the tension between the families begun to thaw, Talia gave Calliope permission to invite Juliette around any time (within reason)
Admittedly they stuck to their own routine at first anyway. Calliope would sometimes sneak Juliette through her window on nights where Jack refused to let the vampire in
But it was nice to feel welcomed, so Juliette begun to visit the house more often and enjoys to spend some time after school there
Calliope begun to leave a spare key under the mat, informing Jules to use it when she wasn’t around and the domesticity felt nice, although unfamiliar
It was still reasonably early when Juliette arrived at the Burns residence, so both parents would be at work.
Calliope had explained that Apollo was out preparing for the hunt the following day and Theo ... was Theo, he often had a tendency to disappear and get up to things
They would have the house to themselves, if only just for a few hours and the thought made Juliette shudder with anticipation and excitement
She lifted up the mat, taking the key and sliding it into the door. “Cal! It’s me”
No response. Not entirely unusual, Calliope was incredibly focused, it was one of the traits that Juliette loved most about her.
She would immerse herself in whatever she was doing, giving it her full attention. Whether it be training, homework or even having a conversation. She was very dedicated.
There was no sign of her girlfriend in the house, not in the living room or kitchen. Juliette walked across near the garden, and felt her mouth drop in a silent ‘o’.
There was Calliope, dressed only in a black sports bra and matching shorts - mercilessly going to town on a punching bag.
Now if Juliette had any game, she’d probably move a bit closer. Make a sly comment about how good Calliope’s abs look as she pummels into the punching bag like it weighs nothing.
Maybe even squeeze her bicep, make a whole show of it.
But Juliette has zero game, so instead she just stands there, mouth wide open.
If Ben was here, he would have a field of a day with the gay mess that Calliope had turned her into.
He already teases Juliette enough about how she stares, or pines (his words) over Calliope with her ‘heart eyes’ (again, his words).
This was another level though, and yes - Juliette found everything Cal did attractive. From the way she holds her hand on the way to school, to even when their eyes briefly meet accidentally in class and the broad smile that crosses her face
There was something deeply attractive about the way Calliope fights. She is a passionate person, Juliette knows this. And this seems to come out most when she fights, all of the determination released in heavy, but well placed blows.
Calliope is as focused as always. Eyes trained on the punching bag, always moving - never standing still as she darts effortlessly around the grass
So it’s no surprise she doesn’t notice Juliette, and the lack of sound she makes, probably contributes to this
Jules continues to stare, watching the tighten of her arms as she leans in and places a hit against the bag. And again, and again.
Maybe this could be a hobby. This should be a hobby. Would this count on her college application? Perhaps in the interests section.
She can imagine it clearly. ‘What are you passionate about?’ - watching my girlfriend decimate a punch bag, apparently, Juliette thinks to herself.
The sight is beyond attractive, and she continues to let her thoughts run wild. Then Calliope stops, because of course she does, and she catches Juliette’s eye.
It doesn’t take her long to work out the situation, to see the hunger (and let’s be honest, desperation too at this point)
“I didn’t hear you come in”
And she looks smug, Juliette thinks. So smug. She flushes red at being caught out, and already begins her bumbling apology
”God Cal. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stare .. I just” Calliope stands into her space, unwrapping her boxing gloves and dropping them carelessly to the ground with a thud
She doesn’t look mad, or even remotely bothered at being ogled. Instead, her eyes are dark and is she .....
Juliette recognises that look. The glint. Arrogant and smug in ways that words will never explained.
“Did you enjoy it?” She asked, her voice a low hum.
Yes, Juliette wants to scream. But she can’t make her voice work, her throat scratchy with want, with need. She nods.
Calliope stands impossibly closer, her body pressed tight against Juliette’s. It shouldn’t be as hot as it is, the imprint of gloves, the redness of impact scoring her wrists and the sheen of sweat glistening
Her hand cradles Juliette’s chin, soft and tender in comparison to the brutal beat down she had just inflicted on the punch bag.
“I liked it” Juliette whispers it so fast it feels like a confession, and Calliope nods like she understands
But even the words feel small. She didn’t just like it. It felt beyond that, it did things to her and as much as she wants to verbalise how it made her feel - Juliette can’t find the words.
Calliope’s hand drops from her chin and Juliette only just manages to hold in her whine of disproval. Then Calliope smirks again, and the spell is broken
Finding a newfound confidence, she steps as high as she can manage with her five foot frame onto tiptoes and crushes their lips together
Calliope isn’t surprised. She probably knew where this was going the minute that she spotted Juliette eye her up during the workout.
They kiss for a moment, Juliette pouring her feelings and thoughts that she can’t verbalise with words.
Eventually Calliope needs air, and they break apart panting. “You must have really liked it, huh?” She teases and Juliette shoves her shoulder
“You’re so mean to me” she pouts and Calliope smiles so bright and wide.
“We have a few hours till my parents get home” She raises a eyebrow holding out a hand as an invitation. Jules’ grins at this, and takes the hand
Calliope leads her into the house, and Juliette thinks how she would follow her anywhere