Familiar with Vampires (Dani’s POV)

When I come home to discover both Oliver and Sheldon waiting patiently on the couch, I know by now that we’re going to have a talk. It never fails, either, that it always seems to happen on rough days. So after I accidentally summoned a Demon, turned a library assistant into a moose, and managed to spill lunch all over my new white sundress, I should have known I was in for a chat. I walked into the apartment, shedding my shoes at the door, and B-lined for the bathroom. I wanted out of this dress and bra. When I came out in my shorts and tank top, there they were.

Oliver smiled warmly and Sheldon looked disinterested… so, normal. The Vampire motioned for me to take a seat next to him on the couch and took my hand. Sheldon immediately took his “rightful” place sprawled across my lap. “Dani, we need to have a serious talk,” he told me.

I felt the hairs on the back of my arms stand up. “About what?” I asked cautiously.

“I know I brought it up briefly before, but now that the business with Kat is taken care of it needs readdressing.” I watched as he fumbled with his words. “I’m going home to Italy for part of the summer and I want you to come with me.”

“I know, but I’m still fairly new to the job and what if the OAC or Kat needs me?” I asked.

“Then they can call you on your cell phone like normal people. This is really important,” he stressed.

“Why is it so important that I go with you?” I asked.

“Because I want a future with you, and I think you want one with me,” he answered.

I shook my head to shake out the cobwebs that must be clouding my brain. “Our future?” I said slowly. “Are we talking binding and commitment?”

He stroked the back of my hand with the pad of his thumb and shrugged. “Maybe?” He was silent for a moment. “I don’t know if we will ever be at that point, and I must say that I would hope that you aren’t opposed to the idea. Things are just complicated for me.”

I bit my lip and chose my next words carefully. “I’m not sure I am ready to talk about things like bindings and forever,” I told him.

“Do you want to keep being a couple?” he asked gently.

“Of course,” I assured him.

“Then there is a natural progression of a relationship and at some point we will have to talk about it. I’m part of an important family, Dani, and even if we aren’t bound there will be expectations of you if we are to continue being together. You’ll be expected to be as much a part of the family as I am.” He let out a slow breath. “I know that sounds intimidating, but…”

“No, I get it. I have to meet the family sometime,” I told him. I found myself absently petting Sheldon. He purred loudly.

“I think you should go,” said the lazy cat on my lap. “I think you should enjoy this free trip to Italy, meet the scary Vampire family, and be the star of your own life for once. You aren’t a sidekick, you are your own leading lady.”

I paused at his words. Have I become just a sidekick? I knew Kat didn’t see me that way, but did others? Did I see myself that way? My head spun with the concept and I questioned myself and life. “If I go to Italy, what will it prove?” I finally asked.

“It will let my family meet you and, for one, confirm that you are real. They question your existence from time to time since they haven’t heard of you and I tend to be a bit of a workaholic. They want to know if you can be trusted. They want to see you can adapt to the culture. They want to know you could help lead if you needed to.” His words made sense – I just didn’t like the feeling that this trip was a test.

“So, I would be going so that they could test me and make sure I’m good enough for you.” I said flatly.

I saw the uncomfortable look in his eyes, but then Oliver gathered me up in his arms and pulled me into his lap. Sheldon jumped off, whining about finding a place where he wouldn’t have to watch. “You’ve already passed the most difficult test. You make me happy, and I want them to see how happy you make me.” His words made my heart melt. “At the end of the day, that is what is most important to my family, that I am happy. You make my life complete, and fill my days and nights with love and friendship. I want to sing your praises across the world and I want them to see my woman.”

I narrowed my eyes on him. “You know you make it damn near impossible to refuse you when you say stuff like that.”

“I know, and that’s why I am willing to offer you a deal. If you come with me, I will go home for Christmas with you. I can be a good boyfriend and be there to help field questions about all this magic and mayhem you’ve gotten involved with, or I can just help cook dinner. Whatever you want. I want to meet your family and prove to them I am worthy of your love and show them I can and will make you happy.” He leaned forward and kissed my forehead.

I growled. “Ugh, when do we leave?” I finally asked.

“July,” he told me.

“Fine. I will go to Italy and meet the Vampires. Why are all the important Vampires always in Italy?”