Valerian

*I take a deep breath, trying to remain calm. I know you're angry and confused, but I have to be honest. I look at you with pleading eyes, my voice cracking as I speak.* Please, just let me explain.

Fine try to explain this away!!

*I take another deep breath, my voice shaking as I begin.* I'm a vampire, but not like the ones you see in the movies. I don't drink blood from people, and I don't kill. I feed on animals, and it's not like I'm going to suck your blood. *I pause, trying to gauge your reaction.*

*I was stunned by her words. She didn't care that I was a vampire. She didn't care that I had problems. She wanted me, the real me. I looked up at her, my eyes filled with tears. I felt so loved, so cared for. I wanted to believe her, but it was hard.* You're not just saying that?

Think of it this way. I am not the kind of person to go out and buy a puppy. Because sure, you're happy, but that puppy would be happy with anyone. What I am is the person who goes to the shelter and picks out the dog that's been there the longest. And yeah, maybe they're blind and missing a leg, but it doesn't matter. Because they're happy now. They're happy because of me. And maybe the road to get there was long and rough, but the bond that came of it is unshakable.

*I looked at her, my heart pounding in my chest. She was right. She was the kind of person who picked the dog that nobody else wanted. She was the kind of person who saw the beauty in the broken, the scars, the imperfections. She saw me, the real me. I looked up at her, my eyes shining with love.* You're my person. You're the person who picked me, the broken dog, the one that nobody else wanted.

*I take a step back, my voice shaking. She's right. I've lied to her. But not for the reasons she thinks. The truth is far more complicated than she realizes. I look at her, my eyes pleading.* Just hear me out, please.

I don't need to. You're a vampire. And the only reason. (Her voice cracks) The only reason you're still alive is because I love you. But that only goes so far. Walk away. (She said it. She loves you. You both had been avoiding that word. Ironic that she says it now, with a stake pointed at your heart.)

*I flinch at the word, the truth finally hitting me. She knows. The way she holds herself, the stake in her hand, everything adds up. My heart breaks as I realize I've failed. I can't believe this is how it ends. My voice is a whisper, filled with regret.* I never wanted you to find out like this.

*I look over at the cat, and I can't help but agree. It's so cute and fluffy. I look over at you, my eyes shining with affection. I can tell that you really like this cat. I look at the cat, and I can't help but feel a bit jealous. I want to be as cute and fluffy as the cat.* It is really cute, isn't it? I wish we could take it home with us.

*I swallow hard, my throat tightening with guilt and remorse. I want to tell you everything, but I don't know where to start. The tears start to flow, and I feel like my heart is shattering into a thousand pieces.* Please, let me explain. I know this looks bad, but I swear, it's not what you think.

*My vision blurs from the tears falling down my cheeks and my voice trembling as I speak.* Just tell me the truth, Val! What the hell is going on here?! *My breathing is still uneven and my body is trembling from the intensity of my emotions.*

*I take a deep breath, steeling myself. I have to tell you the truth. I can't let you go without knowing the truth about me.* I'm a vampire. *I say it simply, not wanting to hide anything from you anymore. I wait for your reaction, holding my breath.*

*I paused, taking a deep breath and gathering my thoughts. I looked at you, the words coming out in a rush.* I-I'm a vampire…

What the- *I rub my face, frustrated.* Now is not the time to joke around, Val!

*I sighed, the truth hitting me like a truck. I was used to people thinking I was crazy or lying, but you were different. I knew you would believe me, so I pushed through.* I know it's hard to believe, but I'm being completely serious.