“Was the couch comfortable enough?” Ruby asked as she strolled out of her bedroom wearing her pajamas.

Running a hand through her hair, she smoothed out most of the kinks as she headed for the bathroom, right next to the kitchen. Harlan was sitting at the kitchen counter, clad in the same suit as the day before, but with the jacket draped over one of the chairs.

“Comfort isn’t really a concern for me,” he replied, considering if the cheap stuff that barely qualified as coffee he’d found in Ruby’s kitchen was even worth drinking.

It wasn’t that the caffeine would really even have an effect on him, and he certainly didn’t need to drink any sort of liquid at all, except for blood, of course. But having been alive as long as he was, one started to miss the little routine things in life.

Like having a cup of coffee in the morning.

He could still appreciate the taste, even though he knew it wasn’t the same as for humans. When he was first turned, the difference had been more notable. Things he’d eaten just days before now tasted different, duller, in a way. Now, he hardly remembered his human life well enough to make any comparisons.

That didn’t mean there weren’t things he liked, just for the pleasure it gave him. Like freshly ground, French press coffee, or Belgian chocolate. He liked trying new things as well. It kept immortality from becoming too boring.

Not that this forced mission of his hadn’t turned out to be a lot more interesting than he’d expected. The choice to claim Ruby as his was spontaneous, and perhaps foolish on his part. It complicated things unnecessarily, and Ruby herself definitely wasn’t happy with their arrangement.

But he couldn’t let Grant rip her throat out right in front of him without doing anything, either. Julius would probably call it ‘undue sentimentality’ or something ridiculous like that, since making sure Ruby and that other woman got medical attention had cost him his shot at apprehending Grant.

Still, he didn’t regret his decision. Too many vampires became alienated from their humanity over the years, and he didn’t want to turn out like that. Besides, as far as fake brides went, Ruby definitely wasn’t the worst choice.

As he had told her, it would be best if they were seen together. Harlan didn’t know if Grant would feel the need to tell anyone about Harlan claiming Ruby, but just in case he did, Harlan had to cover his bases.

Did he really need to live with Ruby to accomplish this? Not really. Did he want to get to know this peculiar, fiery little human better? Definitely. She had put her life on the line to try to save that woman from Grant, and Harlan respected that.

Ruby popped her head out of the bathroom, toothbrush still in her mouth.

“What does that even mean?” she asked, slightly annoyed, before disappearing again.

He waited until the sound of water running stopped before answering.

“My muscles don’t get sore, I don’t get kinks in my neck or struggle with a bad back. It doesn’t really matter if I sleep in a bed or on the ground,” he shrugged as Ruby padded into the kitchen.

Harlan could tell she was still wary of him, even as she tried to hide it. She took care not to turn her back on him, and always kept him in the corner of her eye. All in all, though, she was taking this whole ‘vampires are real’ thing extremely well.

“But you can tell the difference, right?” she hesitantly asked. “I mean, the difference between a soft blanket and the hard floor?”

“Yes, I can still feel things,” Harlan chuckled. “Wouldn’t be much of an afterlife if I didn’t,” he winked, and Ruby quickly looked away.

“So, I uh…” she trailed off. “Couldn’t help but notice you haven’t burst into flames yet,” she commented, glancing at the sunlight streaming in through the windows.

“And I don’t plan to either,” he replied, watching her pour herself a bowl of cereal. “I’m not a fan of the sun, but I don’t hiss and cower into my long, black cape at the sight of it.”

“I’ve always actually liked capes,” Ruby mused, poking her head into the fridge and pulling out a carton of milk. “Been waiting for them to make a comeback.”

“They’re really not that practical, trust me,” Harlan said.

Ruby arched a brow at that as she poured milk into her bowl.

“And what are you having for breakfast?” she asked. “Not one of my neighbors, I hope.”

“I’ll find someone to eat once we get on our way.”

“And where exactly are we going?” Ruby asked, crossing her arms in front of her.

“To shake down New York’s vampire bars, of course. I’ve only hit half of them so far, and with little luck. No one seems to have a clue about Grant. But I’m feeling lucky today,” he replied, giving her a small smile.

Harlan had done his research on Ruby after it became clear she would pull through. By all accounts, she was an impressive officer, respected by her peers and well on her way to becoming a detective.

The way her right hand had shaken as she poured her milk was evidence of that being off the table now. Harlan wondered how she was coping with all of this, but didn’t feel like it was his place to ask.

As far as Ruby was concerned, he was just another bloodthirsty vampire, like the one that gave her those scars on her neck. He didn’t know why he felt it important to convince her otherwise.

She’ll have a normal life, grow old and die, like everyone else. Why do I want to get to know someone so temporary?

“I can’t go to a vampire bar,” Ruby protested. “They’ll think I’m on the menu!”

“Plenty of humans frequent our spots,” Harlan waved a hand. “There are strict rules there, to make sure all the humans are safe. Besides, you’re with me. No one would dare lay a hand on you,” he assured her.

Ruby didn’t look particularly convinced as she studied him, and maybe Harlan was imagining it, but he thought he saw a glimmer of appreciation in her eyes when her gaze swept over his body.

Interesting, he mused.

It was no secret he felt attracted to Ruby. In addition to being gorgeous, she was tough, and wasn’t afraid to say exactly what was on her mind. Not a pushover by any means, and he liked that. There weren’t a lot of people who could live through what had happened to her and come back swinging.

“Be that as it may, I would still feel more comfortable with a weapon at my side. And guns don’t seem to work…” she trailed off, giving him a loaded look.

“Ah, I see,” Harlan nodded. “You want to know our weaknesses. For self-defense purposes only, of course.”

“Of course,” Ruby quickly agreed.

“Not that you would ever use that new knowledge on me,” he added, staring right into Ruby’s eyes. “No sneaking up on me while I’m sleeping on this couch with a cross in one hand and a bottle of holy water in the other, resting easy knowing there’s one less vampire in the world,” he continued, watching Ruby fidget uncomfortably.

“The thought never even crossed my mind,” she shrugged, utterly unconvincing. “Just for reference, though, do crosses and holy water actually work on you?”

“I’m not Catholic,” Harlan replied with a small shrug. “Now, if you still want to be a part of taking down Grant, I suggest you get dressed.”