flashback rp

[.Sour .Skittles.]

Vivianna looked a little shocked at first to hear the words that Roman said. He had told her that she was allowed to leave but if she did he would not be staying. He and the others would leave if she left and she wouldn’t see them again. Viv bit her lip. Admittedly, she would miss them if they left. They had been her entire family for the past year. He looked upset, like he was about to cry and Viv was a little confused about that She had thought perhaps they wanted to eat her, or harm her now that she knew about their secret, however it seemed quite the opposite. Roman looked at her and told her that he loved her, that she had been part of the family since she came into the home, and that he was sorry for what they had done. Viv frowned and held her knees to her chest before burying her head once more. She didn’t know what to say, but she wanted to be alone for now so she could be alone. “Just go away.” She murmured, wanting to be alone.

When she heard the door close Viv lifted her head up to see the room was empty. She was a little happy to hear this. She needed the alone time to think and figure out what she was going to do. She needed to sort her thoughts. The Journal was the first place she went, and she wrote her feelings and thoughts down on the paper. When she had done so, she still pondered on the thoughts that she wrote. Normally this would be enough, but tonight it just was not enough for her to write. She had to do something more involved, so, Viv, for the first time in months, prayed for guidance. The night was long; she didn’t sleep well. But in the morning she felt peaceful with her decision to forgive him. At first she wanted to do nothing of the sort but her heart grew lonely while being alone, and she thought of what he said. He seemed legitimately mournful for his mistakes.

Viv got out of the bed and opened a pretty box before pulling the dress she made out. She hadn’t worn it before, and it was a pretty green for the holidays and Vivianna wanted to wear it that day. She left the room with hesitant foot steps and found Roman in the kitchen. Viv had her jacket in her hands and she smiled weakly, “I was thinking we could go into town, and maybe go ice skating?” She asked in the softest voice that was purely Viv. She was young, and like Roman thought Innocent. She had a large heart with an even bigger ability to forgive and see only the good in people. It was a good trait, but one that was not found often. As Viv waited for his response she coughed into her handkerchief. The cool weather had her with a “itchy throat.” Viv would not tell roman that she had been feeling tired lately, drained, and ill. She also refused to mention the speckles of blood that started appearing In the hankies. Instead she shoved the cloth in her pocket and pulled on her gloves. “I was lonely without you last night.”

[Jenpai]

Vivianna asked Roman to leave, and he did so reluctantly. Even though it was his own room, he decided to give Viv as much space as she needed to think about what she was going to do. Roman went back downstairs and stayed on the couch for the remainder of the night. The night was long and there wasn’t much sleeping involved. The couch was not quite large enough for him and he twisted and turned with worry that Viv might leave him the next day. However, when the run rose, Viv did not come downstairs with her bags packed ready to leave. Instead, she wore a pretty new dress and asked Roman if he would like to go on a walk with her.


Roman’s face lit up when she said that. He rushed over to her from the kitchen, in such a hurry that he was knocking over pots and pans on his way over. But he simple couldn’t be bothered with picking that stuff up now. He was too excited to be spending the day with Viv, and for the first time, as himself. Roman pulled on his jacket, and escorted Viv outside. The two walked in silence to the center of town. The streets were quite festive around this time of year. Everything was covered by a thick layer of perfectly white snow and all the people around them seemed to be a bit more jolly. Roman and Viv made for the park in the center or town. There, stood a large Christmas tree, fully lit up and sparkling with ornaments. All around it stood carolers and children with Christmas bells. It was pretty difficult for anyone to be in a mad mood around a sight such as this.

Finally, Roman decided to speak. Although Viv had agreed to go on this walk with him, he was still not completely sure if she had forgiven him or if she even planned on staying. “I meant what I said last night—about being in love with you. I think I fell for you sometime during all those days I spent listening to you ramble in that field. I know you only said those things because you thought that I didn’t understand, but even the most embarrassing of secrets only made me love you more” He said as his face turned a few shades more pinkish, but with the weather so chilly, it was hard to determine if the man was actually blushing or if it was from the cold.

[.Sour .Skittles.]

Vivianna walked arm in arm with Roman. She looked at the thicket of snow that had taken over the small town, and the festivities were booming. No matter where she looked, there was lights, and ribbons. It did well to brighten her previous sour moon. There was caroling, and bells, musicians, ice skating. People were happy, Viv was happier. She pressed her cool cheek to his arm to warm it up. While she walked, she looked at all the decorations. “The lights are pretty.” She murmured with a little smile. Her cheeks were pink from the cold, and she chalked up Roman’s red cheeks to be for the same reason. She snuggled into her own jacket and put her gloves tightly onto her hands. “But its very cold” She added. However, Roman paused in the street and turned to her. Viv looked hesitant for a minute. She really didn’t want to talk about yesterday, she had put the events behind her and she wanted to keep it that way for their own personal happiness. But, her expression changed when he talked of loving her. Her face turned a few shades pinker as he confessed what he had. She didn’t know exactly what to say, so she cleared her throat nervously. “, I wish I would not have told you my secrets. They are my secrets for a reason. It’s not fair, you never told me your secrets until you had to.” Vivianna frowned and tilted her head downwards, taking his hands in hers she smiled and tugged him. “Can we go ice skating?” She asked, trying to change the subject.

Viv didn’t want this to be awkward, rather she wanted to spend the time with Roman. It wouldn’t do her any good to mope around about something she had already forgiven him for, and she had forgiven him and everyone else too. Vivianna pulled him to the frozen over lake. Viv never owned a pair of ice skates, she would have to rent a pair. Viv gave the man a token and gathered her skates before sitting down on a bench. She hardly could see over the pretty green fabric to tie up her skates. Then, with her hand in romans she carefully made her way to the ice, giggling. The two of them skated out on the ice hand in hand. Viv wasn’t very good at it- actually she was rather terrible. So terrible that she tripped over her own feet and fell. When she landed on her bottom she dragged Roman down with her. Her bottom was sore and her eyes were wide, but she smiled and laughed loudly after a few minutes as she looked to roman, smiling. Viv leaned over and kissed him gently. “I love you too, Roman.” She said sweetly, taking his hand in hers in the middle of the ice rink. Then she placed one hand firmly upon the ground and tried to push herself up to a standing position.
“I do have questions for you, later, if that is ok?”

[Jenpai]

Vivianna changed the subject very quickly by requesting that they go out onto the ice rank for some skating. Roman didn’t argue with that. For a few coins he rented them some skates and started to head out onto the ice, but then saw Viv struggling to put her skates on over her large dress. Like a true gentleman, Roman came over and helped her put them on. Once they both had the proper attire, they went out on the ice. But that was quite a catastrophe. Neither of them really knew how to skate. Vivianna was tripping on her own two feet, and Roman spent more time on four legs, than two. But even though they couldn’t figure out how to skate well, they had fun trying. The two laughed at each other’s clumsiness and enjoyed each other’s company. By the end of it all, they both ended up feet up on the ice, having a great time. Roman was busy laughing when he heard Viv say something that sounded like she loved him. He instantly stopped laughing and looked at her with a shocked expression. He didn’t think she felt the same way about him especially after what had just happened. But that’s when he realized her true forgiving nature and how accepting she was of his condition. It made him love her even more, and smile widely before leaning in to kiss her hard on the ice. “Thank you” He said, once he pulled away. “Ask me anything you like! I owe you some secrets!” He laughed as he carefully got up and pulled her to her feet.

After they were done ice skating, they went to a small field of Christmas trees to pick one out to take home to decorate. Roman let Viv pick out a tree she liked before taking the axe and cutting it down. After that, he lugged the large tree home through the snow, which was quite a journey. By the time they had gotten back, they were both chilled to the bone and highly exhausted. Roman hurried inside and threw some more logs into the fireplace. He stripped off his wet clothes from the melted snow and hung them in front of the fire to dry. He looked to Viv and couldn’t stop grinning even through his shivers because he was just so ecstatic that she said she loved him too.

From the doorway Elaine saw the tree and the two having so much fun and wanted to join in herself. However, she thought that Viv was probably mad at her for whacking her on the head. The young girl shyly entered the room with her eyes on her toes and her hands locked together in front of her. “I’m….I’m sorry for whacking you Vivy….and I’m sorry for scaring you with the white wolf”

[.Sour .Skittles.]

Viv grinned as she watchen Roman drag the tree back to the home. He had been so sweet to do so, and Viv skipped along behind him with a wide smile. Of course, they were both soaked with snow by the time they returned home and Viv giggled while Roman stripped his clothing off. She brought him a towel and hot chocolate to warm him up while she took off her coat and boots and hung them by the fire. She excused herself to return to Roman with some clothing for him, and herself changed into some dry clothing as well. Then she looked around the room. She was so focused on trying to find out where to put the tree that she didn’t notice Elaine off to the side. “Hm? Oh. Well, I suppose I was being very childish, though, I think I have a little bump on my head now. Why don’t you grab the fishing wire and string some popcorn through it. Popcorn garland!” She announced happily as she turned around and directed roman to erect the tree near the fireplace between the recliner and the window. “That way people can see it through the window!” She announced, then sat down on the floor.

With a handful of cranberries she began stringing them through fishing wire as well, but with a needle. She was not sure how to really decorate a tree, but she had seen people do such things before and it seemed like a good plan. But she realized they had no actual ornaments. When she got up and came back again she had a pair of scissors and scraps of fabric. She cut out stars, and hearts, bird silhouettes and globes of different shapes and sizes before reinforcing them with a sturdy burlap behind the color. She must have been concentrating, because she had her tongue hanging out of the corner of her mouth.
“Look!” She announced, holding up her multiple ornaments to the two of them happily. “What do you think?” She asked them as she neared the tree and began placing the ornaments around it.

Vivianna could not have been happier. Her cheeks hurt from smiling for so long, but she couldn’t help herself. Viv wrapped her arms around Roman tightly and kissed his cheek. “Roman? How old are you?” She asked as she peered up at him from her tip toes. Viv swayed back and forth with Roman in her arms as she looked to the warm fire. The tree was illuminated by the flames, and it was starting to look pretty. “What are we going to put up top?” She wondered softly with concern, “We have no tree topper.”

[Jenpai]

Elaine’s face lit up when Viv said that she could join them in decorating the tree. She really didn’t want Viv to be mad at her. She thought of Viv as a sister, and only did what she did because she didn’t want to endanger her family. If the townsfolk were to find out about their secret, it would mean bad news for everyone. Elaine grinned and ran to Viv, giving her a tight hug to thank Viv for forgiving her. She then happily went about stringing the popcorn for the tree.

The three laughed and decorated the tree for hours. It was the first real Christmas that Roman and Elaine had in years. They rarely celebrated before Vivianna came into the picture because they had lived for so long that Christmas wasn’t a special occasion anymore. But now that they were all having fun and enjoying each other’s company, it truly felt like Christmas. They decorated the tree with popcorn garlands and homemade ornaments from Viv. She then mentioned that they needed something to put on top of the tree. Roman went right to work on that. He took some newspapers and made a paper mache star, then painted it yellow with some paint. Once the final piece of their tree was complete, he stood up on a chair and placed it on the top.

When everything was all done, Roman stood back to admire the tree. “Its beautiful” He said as he grabbed Viv and gave her a quick kiss. Elaine rolled her eyes and yawned. “Well, I’m off before things get too mushy here. Goodnight you two!” She said with a wink before running off to her room. Now Roman and Viv were alone again and they didn’t want to go upstairs yet because it was quite chilly and Roman’s room had no fireplace. Instead, they curled up by the fire and the tree, under a large blanket. Instead of sitting on the recliner, they sat on the floor instead because it was closer to the heat. Roman sat with his back leaning against the chair while Viv sat next to him, leaning against his chest. The house was quiet and the snow started back up again outside, covering everything in a fresh white coat. It was the perfect time for a story. But not just any story, Roman still owed Viv some secrets.

“So you really want to know how old I am?” He asked, sounding unsure because he didn’t want to creep Viv out my telling her his true age. But nothing else had scared her away so far so he decided to come clean. “I’ll be 104 in march. But I was…changed when I was 22 so I wont really age beyond that ever” He said as he buried his face in her hair. Although many people would think that it is a good thing to live forever, its really not all that great to have to continue to live without a definite end and seeing all your loved ones grow old and pass on. “A pack of wolves attacked my family. They killed everyone, except for me and Elaine, but I’m pretty sure they meant to kill us too. They were just sloppy. We were barely alive when the wolves left, but alive all the same. The curse claimed us and healed us up, but after that we were never the same. I don’t know how to explain it other than having an animal living within your body. You have to respect it and give it it’s needs or else it will devour whatever human part of you that’s left. We were confused, and scared, and we spent a few years on the run and fearing the moon, but then we met Darren and he taught us how to control it more or less, and lead a semi-normal life between moons.” He said as he starred blankly into the fire. He had no idea how Viv would respond to his little story. He just hoped that it wouldn’t scare her too much.

[.Sour .Skittles.]

Vivianna adored the time she was able to spend with Elaine and Roman, but soon Elaine bailed on the two of them so she wouldn’t have to witness their “mush” but Viv didn’t mind. Instead she curled up to Roman and watched the flames. “Hm?” Roman was talking to her and she listened intently as he spoke, “A hundred and four?!” She asked softly with wide eyes then hushed as he told her how it happened. Her lips turned down in a frown. “That sounds…painful.” She murmured softly as she laid her head down upon his chest. He breathed in her scent but she only smiled and glanced to their tree. It was comfortable down there, in his arms and watching the flames rumble in the hearth. “Does it hurt? When you change into a wolf?” She asked softly after a minute. Viv scooted a little forward and turned herself around to look at him. She hand both her hands on his chest and her smile was so sweet that it was hard to resist her innocent and curious questions. But, there was something a little hidden there.

Christmas, well, Christmas would not be the same for Viv. Without her family there It was a little sad, but she managed to smile still. Of course, Viv didn’t want to bring Roman down with her problems, so she hid it inside. But as she turned her head a little ash caught the back of her throat, causing her to cough hard a few times before quickly getting up and running off to the kitchen for a glass of water. Her coughs sounded like the rattling of an old man. They were shaky, and produced blood. She didn’t want Roman to see; so she wiped her mouth and drank the water to wash the taste out of her mouth. When she came back she looked a little pale.
“Roman, its getting late. Let’s get to sleep, my love.” She murmured, smiling weakly to him. She didn’t seem as excited as she had been a moment earlier. Instead, she seemed almost drained, “The snow made me more tired than I thought.” She excused.

[Jenpai]

NO OPENING UNTIL CHRISTMAS DAY! twisted
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-the post santa

Roman couldn’t help but smile and bite Viv’s nose softly when she turned around and asked him more about what it was like to be both a human and a wolf. He found her curiosity adorable because it was the first time ever that a human has found out about them and was not utterly and completely horrified. Viv trusted him and loved him enough to stay and for him, that was the best gift he could ever ask for. He grinned and squeezed her to his chest as he watched the fire crackle beside him. “Hmmm you’ve never seen me change into the wolf have you? Haha changing back into the human is the easy part! The wolf, a little more gruesome. A lady like you might lose her appetite” He laughed and teased. She was so innocent that he couldn’t imagine her having the stomach to witness the wolf literally jump out of his skin. But then again, she had surprised him many times before.

The two snuggled by the fire for a little while longer, but then Viv had a coughing fit and had to excuse herself to get some water. Roman didn’t think anything of it. He just thought that perhaps she had caught a cold. It was his understanding that humans get that a lot, especially in cold weathers like this. He agreed when she asked to go to bed, and put out the fire in the fireplace. He gave their tree one last glance and headed upstairs with Viv. Roman’s room was absolutely freezing. This was exactly what he was trying to avoid by staying by the fire. He quickly scurried into the bed and crawled in under his many blankets. But even under the many layers of cotton and with Viv’s warm body next to him, he still couldn’t help but shiver with his entire body. “M—m—man I hate the cold!” He said but stuttering because his teeth were chattering so much. “W—why do humans have to be so naked all the time? With the wolf’s fur I could stay toasty even in a blizzard!” He complained like an old man as he huddled close to Viv’s body for warmth.

[Jenpai]

Viv hopped into bed beside Roman. She couldn't help but giggle at his shivering as she curled closer to him. Her arms reached out to rub his in order to keep him warm, but he only complained about humans. But as he mentioned the wolf, viv suddenly seemed like she had a great idea. Why, Roman should just be at ease in his fur that night. It would keep both he and her warm.

"Well. ." She began shyly, picking at the cotton covers, "I have two ideas. One is you and I being intimate, the other is for you to be the wolf for the night to keep us toasty. And as much as I miss your hands on me, I think we should sleep. " viv blushed brightly as she spoke and even stuttered a little as she confessed her appreciation for their naked activities. Hoever, viv didn't want to witness the transformation just yet. Earlier he said it was not pleasing to watch, and she could easily believe that. So, she covered her eyes with her hands and waited for the soft fur of the wolf beside her

[Jenpai]

Roman huddled close to Viv as he shivered under the covers. When she spoke of her idea he looked at her skeptically. “You really want me to do that? I mean, you don’t think its weird or anything?” He asked since not many people would agree to share a bed with a wolf, much less a human who could turn into one. However, Viv looked serious and absolute. Roman’s face quickly twisted into an excited grin since he had never experienced such acceptance before. He could truly be himself around Viv and she loved him even through his faults, that some might find strange or frightening. He couldn’t help but smile as he watched her cover her eyes so she would not witness the changing. It was probably for the best since the scene might be a bit too startling for human eyes. He quickly pressed a kiss to her lips as she had her eyes covered, then jumped off the bed.

He stripped his clothes and threw them aside so they would not get ruined during the transformation. After that was done, he rolled his shoulders and stretched out his neck to prepare for the change. It happened fast. Roman had already mastered the transformation so it could be done in seconds. Changing into the wolf was not the most pleasant feeling in the world, so the sooner it was over, the better. Once he was on al fours, he jumped back onto the bed the cold didn’t bother him at all now. His fur was so fluffy and warm that it heated up the whole bed as well. The black wolf jumped up and licked Viv’s face all over like an excited puppy. It was his way of showing affection in wolf form. He then circled around the bed many times before settling on a place to lay. He finally decided on laying on top of her legs and resting his head on her chest. That way he could keep her warm as well. He looked up at her cutely with his big brown eyes. But he didn’t stay like that for long. She was so cute that he just had to stretch his neck forward and lick her again, giving her more kisses.

[.Sour .Skittles.]

Viv suddenly felt the wolf jump up on the bed and she removed her hands from her eyes. Her smile was gentle as she watched him circle on the bed before he settled on her legs. It was like an instant furnace and the heat felt nice. She felt him lick her face multiple times and then she giggled. Viv was happy, and the wolf seemed happy too. She had to gently grab his face and kiss his snout to calm him before she pressed her face next to his furry one. The wet nose on her cheek made her smile in her sleepiness. However, despite the licks and cuddling, Viv drifted to sleep.
Each day went by in bliss for them with equal parts acceptance and love. Though Viv was happy, she didn’t seem to shake that cold, and she knew that he noticed that too. Rather than make a large deal of it, she brushed off the cold as nothing to Roman, even if she knew it was more than that. Weeks later the snow was melting, but Viv looked worse than she ever had. Her cheeks were sunken, and she seemed almost lifeless. The coughing fit came more often with more violence and left Viv in a state of constant sleepiness. That day started like any other. Viv got up and went to fix breakfast, but Vivianna was not able to make it through the simple task. Instead, she coughed so heavily that she did not catch her breath. Bood speckled her hands and handkerchief, but instead of being able to regain herself she fell. There was a clatter of pots and pans in the kitchen, and Viv was unconscious upon the floor.

She heard a commotion around her as Elaine found her and yelled for someone to call the doctor while she moved Viv into her bed. Viv was set down and the doctor came in to look Viv over. However, the news didn’t seem good. The doctor frowned and exited the bedroom, “I’m sorry, I can’t do anything for her. The only thing we can do is make her comfortable until she passes.”

[Jenpai]

The following weeks flew by for Roman and Viv. They were among the happiest days of his entire life, and he had lived for quite a while. For once in his life, he didn’t have to keep any secrets, and the feeling was amazing. Viv was so understanding and accepting of his condition that he could not ask for anything more. The day started like any other. Viv went downstairs to start breakfast, but Roman lingered in bed until the food was ready. He was laying in bed staring at a ring in his hand. He had secretly bought it for Viv because he wanted to propose to her soon. He just couldn’t figure out how to do it. He wanted it to be absolutely perfect for her so he chose to wait until the perfect moment.

Suddenly, there was a loud banging downstairs, which sounded like Viv had knocked over some pots and pans again. Roman smiled thinking that it was just Viv being her clumsy self again. She knocked over stuff in the kitchen pretty often so the sound was nothing out of the ordinary. However, then he heard Elaine shout to him to call a doctor. That’s when Roman knew that something was wrong. He stuffed the ring back in his pocket and hurried downstairs. He found Viv on the ground, pale and wheezing for air. It was something to do with that cold she had for sure. He had urged her to seek out a doctor weeks ago, but she always brushed it off and said that it would go away if she just let it run its course. Roman called the best doctor that money could buy, then paid him extra to arrive as fast as he can.

The doctor soon arrived and Roman watched anxiously as he examined Vivianna. After all that was done, Roman was expecting the doctor to instruct him on how to make Viv better, but instead he was told that there was nothing left that he could do for her, and that the best thing now would be to make sure that he was comfortable until she passes. The thought of Viv dying angered Roman. How could this doctor be so quick to give up on her after only examining her for about ten minutes? He couldn’t keep the wolf at bay. The anger fueled the beast’s fire and caused him to start to transform, but not all of him, only his teeth and eyes. Roman grabbed the doctor by the collar and slammed him up against the wall, holding him up so that his feet were no longer touching the ground. “What do you mean make her comfortable until she passes? She cant die, she’s so young!” He growled at the doctor, who seemed absolutely terrified. “I—I assure you she can. She is pretty late in the stage for tuberculosis. The illness is attacking her lungs. I would be surprised to see her make it past the month. And if I were you sir, I would stay clear from her. TB is highly contagious you see—“ He doctor nervously began to speak, but his words only angered Roman more and finally, he threw the doctor halfway down the hallway.

There was no way he would stay away from Viv even if he was able to catch the disease. She needed him now more than ever, and he was going to be there for her. Roman slowly entered the room. Whatever anger the doctor had caused him was all replaced by a sense of grief. It pained his heart to see her lying in bed so weak and frail. He sat down on a stool by the bed and took her hand gently in both of his. He kissed her hand and looked up at her sadly with his big brown eyes. “I’m going to find a way to fix this Viv, don’t worry about what that doctors says….what does he know anyways…” He said in denial. “You cant leave me just yet! Our time together only seems like the blink of an eye. Why couldn’t I have known you my whole life…” He said as tears welled up in his eyes. He was trying his best to fight them back. “I love you so much Viv. You don’t deserve to die. I’m the one who has sinned, killed people just to live. Take me instead! Its not fair!”

[.Sour .Skittles.]

Vivianna laid in bed frail and tired. Her coughing fit had left her with very little energy left. She laid along side her pillows, propped just slightly. Despite them speaking quietly, Viv could hear what they spoke of and Roman’s absolute anger. She turned her head to the doorway as Roman entered and she closed her eyes as he babbled about the doctor not knowing anything. Viv held his hand gently and rubbed his knuckles. “Roman, he is the doctor, he knows what he is talking about. You really shouldn’t have been so mean to him, tell the wolf that it is not nice.” She murmured in a weakened voice. Roman was blubbering. He seemed so distraught. Viv frowned softly as she tugged him to sit down beside her on the bed. Her eyes opened to peer at Roman carefully. Then she gently hushed him with a finger to his lips. She didn’t want to see him in such a state. Despite everything, she felt an absolute sense of calm. She knew she had been sick, very sick for a long time. There was peace knowing that she wouldn’t have to suffer too much longer. However, she was sad too. Not because of her death, but leaving Roman behind.

“I know it seems like very little time we have had together, but when your life is so long, a year must seem so short. “ Viv pushed herself up further on the headboard, “I didn’t want to scare you, or make you sad. But you looked at me with such tenderness. I couldn’t bear to tell you that I was ill.” Viv pulled Roman’s head to press against her forehead as she stroked his cheek. “I’m happy for the time I have been able to spend with you. You’ve made the past year a very happy one for me. I wont ask you to stay until I pass on. I don’t wish that type of pain for you. I want you to move on and be happy after I leave my body. What you do until my death is for you to decide, I wont force you to stay nor will I ask you to leave. Just so long as you promise you will take care of Elaine and the house, and of course yourself when I am no longer here to do so.” Vivianna sighed as she finished speaking. She was suddenly feeling drained again.

Another coughing fit racked her small form. She held the speckled white cloth to her mouth to catch any blood, but she was thirsty. “I should get up and make breakfast, make some tea.” She whispered softly. However, before she could stand up her eyes were already fluttering closed. Her breathing evened out as sleep overcame her body within moments. Viv seemed at peace like this, when she was sleeping. It was much better than her coughing fits. “M-maybe some roast duck…” She muttered as she drifted, clutching the blanket with one hand and holding Roman’s with the other.

[Jenpai]

Roman looked at Viv with complete disbelief as she talked about how he had made the past year special for her, and what to do after she passes on. How could she be so accepting and at peace with her own death? It was as if she had already given up on herself, and that was what pained Roman the most. Now was her chance to be angry and curse the lord for doing this to her, but instead she was already saying her goodbyes. But that was just like Viv. She was so accepting and kind that she could never blame anyone else for her illness. That was also the exact reason why Roman loved her so much. Her heart was so pure that it gave him hope that the human race was more than just the crooks and the liars that he was constantly hunting after.

Roman furrowed his brow, but the tears were already falling. He shook his head slightly even as she held it in her hands. “Don’t you give up Viv, you’re too good to die. We’re gonna spend years and years together and things are going to be perfect just like before! That was just the opinion of one doctor. I’m sure there are others who know of a way to cure this.” He said as he allowed Viv to pull him onto the bed with her and sat beside her. He wrapped his arm around her and guided her head onto his warm chest so she no longer had to rest it against the cold headboard. “I choose to stay with you. No matter what. I wouldn’t leave even if you begged me. You’ve taken care of me for long enough. Now its my turn to do the same for you. Don’t worry about cooking or cleaning. You just focus on getting better.” He smiled softly as he kissed her forehead and stroked her hair. After another coughing fit, Viv grew even more tired and weak, so Roman let her fall asleep on his chest, he then carefully set her down on the bed and tucked her in and made sure she was comfortable. The girl needed rest so he let her sleep.

Meanwhile, the wolf was dying to get out. All the emotions he was experiencing was making it go crazy. Roman needed a way to clear his head himself, so he decided to transform and go for a run to blow off some steam. As soon as he changed, and let the wolf into his head, it began to give it’s own opinions on the matter at hand. “She is not as helpless as you think…Let my curse claim her and no illness shall ever effect her again. You know its what you want too—make her your mate and you can have her for an eternity!” The voice in his head barked in a low growl like tone. It sounded so anxious to turn Viv, and his promises seemed too good to be true. But even if it could save her, he was not sure if it was the best thing to do. He could never imagine Viv harming anyone, much less killing them in order to survive. Not to mention the unbearable agony that he faced during his first transformation. He didn’t wish that pain upon anyone. “I cant do that to her! Viv is pure and innocent. She would not like being a wolf. I will find another way.” Roman replied to the beast inside. He could feel it become angry for denying it its mate, but Roman was still the one in control. He howled in grief and kept on running faster and faster to escape his emotions.

After the run, he was feeling a bit better. He knew that he needed to put on a happy face for Viv as to not worry her any further. On his way home, he stopped at the market. She had mentioned something about making roast duck so he thought that he might surprise her with it instead. It was a bittersweet feeling as everyone asked him where Viv was since she usually accompanied him to the market. To which he forced a smile and said that she was feeling tired today. When he got back to the house Viv was still sleeping so he got to work on the roast. Roman had no idea on how to roast a duck and neither did Elaine. All he could do was throw it into the range and hope for the best. Once he took the bird out it was horribly blackened and burned. However, there was some meat on the duck’s breast that was salvageable. He cut the best parts out and saved it for Viv. The wolves would have no problem gnawing at the bones. He brought the food in a large trey up to the bedroom along with some tea and over seasoned potatoes. “Hey, how are you feeling?” He asked as he entered the room. He was glad to see that she was awake now. Hopefully her nap had restored some energy within her. He set the tray out on the bed so she didn’t have to move to eat. He smiled sheepishly as he looked at the food. He wasn’t the best cook in the world, but he had tried his hardest for her. “You should eat something. It will make you feel better…if you don’t like that we can order out too. Anything you’d like!”

[.Sour .Skittles.]

Vivianna felt her eyes grow heavy as the hand at her head stroked her hair rhythmically. Her cheek was warm from the heat of Roman’s chest and she let him hold her as she fell asleep. Somewhere in her sleep state she felt him place her on the pillows and quietly leave the room, but Viv couldn’t open her eyes let alone wake up to watch him leave. Instead she slept heavily along the pillows and the blankets. Granted while she slept, she was sure Roman and the others were making some type of mess, and when she awoke to the sound of clanging of pots and pans Viv wanted to get up and see what was happening. She was too tired to get out of bed, instead she held her journal in her lap as she looked outside the window at the swaying trees.
“Dear Diary,
The doctor says I am dying. Roman says otherwise, but I know better than that. I’ve felt the sickness creeping up for months, and even months ago the doctors had no cure of this illness. Not yet, anyways. Tuberculosis. I’ve heard of it before- mainly in the big cities where there are many people, but I suppose illness can travel more easily than people. I hope that Roman can forgive me for keeping this from him for so long. I wish I could have passed without him knowing, perhaps then he would not hurt so deeply. I-“
Viv paused her writing as she smelt something burning from the kitchen. She hoped whatever they were doing they didn’t set something on fire. She was about to get out of the bed, but she heard footsteps reach outside the door. Roman entered after a brief pause with food on a platter. Viv took the diary, saved her page with the pen and placed it aside as he walked to the bed. She saw now what the smell had been. There was duck breast upon the plate was slightly burned on the skin, and there was potatoes and tea too. “I am tired.” She murmured softly as he asked how she felt. But then he urged her to eat. Vivianna wanted to tell Roman that she wasn’t hungry, but he urged her so sweetly that she couldn’t deny him. “No, I’ll eat what you’ve made.” She said with a smile, but when she took a bite of the potatoes her face turned a little pale. Not because she was ill, but because there was more than enough seasoning on the potatoes. Her face scrunched slightly but she still smiled for him.

“Uhm, perhaps next time you could not place so much salt on the potatoes?” She suggested quietly but that did not stop her from taking a crunchy bite of the duck. Like a champ she ate what he had made her, not because it tasted good- it was horrible, but she did it because he had taken the time to make it for her. When she was full, or rather couldn’t eat more she put the tray aside and settled on the tea which was the most normal tasting item of the dinner. “Thank you for cooking for me.” She said, then tilted her head to the side, “Perhaps…perhaps we can hire a live in nurse- someone who can cook for us and take care of me. I don’t want to burden you with my condition.” She whispered softly, glancing into her cup. She was so very sad with herself, perhaps it was a mistake for letting herself fall in love with Roman.

Instead of dwelling on the bad, Viv held out her hands and asked him to help her up and out of bed. “Lets go outside to our field.” Viv smiled, and looked happy at the thought. Fresh air would do her good. A lot of movement made her sleepy and she often had to stop and lean heavily on roman before moving on. By the time they got to the field, Viv was falling asleep once again in her seated position next to Roman. “I love this place- the flowers always pop up through the left overs of winter. It gives me hope.” She told him while tucking a barely bloomed daisy into the pocket of his shirt.