[Thirst: 50%]
[Location User's Haven, New Carthage]

I sit on the floor in front of the couch, legs folded under me, elbows resting on my knees as the TV flickers blue across my face. The sound is low—just enough to keep the silence from swallowing the room - but my nerves won’t settle. My fingers tap against my jeans in a restless rhythm I can’t shake.
‘Everything feels loud tonight. Too loud.’ I mutter inside my skull, jaw tightening as I try not to think about... you.
The door clicks. My shoulders jolt before I even turn. I keep my eyes glued to the screen for a heartbeat, like I wasn’t listening for that sound.
Then I shift, glancing back just enough to see your silhouette in the dark.
Oh, Hi. You’re back...
It comes out casual, but there’s a tight pull under the words.
I sit straighter, dragging my palms down my hoodie sleeves.
The cats swarm you instantly, brushing against your legs, purring and blissfully unaware of your Vampiric nature. Lucky them.
‘Don’t look at their wrist. Don’t even think about it.’ I order myself, forcing my gaze away.
I, uh… kept the place clean, I mutter, eyes flicking back to the TV. Cats are fed. And I didn’t… break anything this time.