The midnight hours come slowly creeping when there's no one there but you.

Another group of party-goers make their way past us, giving us wide berth and wary glances. Giving me wide berth and wary glances. Untouched glass of wine in his hand, Tommy keeps me at his side. He should be melding well with the guests, would be, if not for the garish monster hanging off his arm. I stare down at my scuffed boots and fishnets, out of place among the stiletto heels and dresses that probably cost more than I've ever been worth as a person. Slavco and Kirkpatrick run a poker table, and I'm at least relieved to see that Kirkpatrick put a fresh shirt over the claw marks across his chest. Tommy mentions the name of some senator or governor entertaining a group nearby, his expression eager and animate as he leads us closer. I drag my feet, releasing his arm and mumbling something about going to the bathroom before moving away from both he and the group of Kine.

I try not to feel hurt as he seems to not notice my departure, greeting the humans with his television smile and contrived charisma. I chalk it up to his lack of socialization and make my way out to the boat's blissfully empty deck. The air is frigid enough to keep the ones that still notice such things inside. I make my way to the stern, trying to block out the sound of the music pumping through the boat's speakers. Leaning against the railing, I breathe the smell of saltwater through my empty lungs, watching Tommy through the windows of the cabin. Within the spare minutes of leaving his side, he's already collected a flock. He speaks animatedly, gesturing with his wine glass, seeming to summon a round of laughter from the surrounding mortals with no effort. A young woman slinks up to him, speaking close to his ear with a suggestive smile. He returns the smile, placing his hand on the small of her back. Turning away quickly, I direct my attention out to the water with a clenched jaw.

I watch the foam and waves left in the boat's wake, resting my feet on the safety railing and holding my hand out into the air. I force my fingers to unclamp from a fist, wincing as my nails retract from the skin of my palm. Small drops of blood well up and drop down into the waiting water. I turn my eyes to the skyline and concentrate on fighting down the seething jealousy and envy. Wasted emotions, especially considering everything going on. I try to force myself into at least an attempt at tranquility, if anything, to accomplish Tommy's request before we joined the Caitiff's boat party. I shake the blood from my palm and grip the railing, closing my eyes and letting the wind whip at my face. I try to imagine being one of them inside the cabin. Classy and rich and content on spending my night gambling and imbibing in booze and recreational drugs. Perhaps watching the sun rise over the water from the warmth of a fur coat or a lover's arms. I cock my head to the side, trying to hold the fantastical image as the music plays on.

Forcing air dismissively from my lungs, I open my eyes, rolling them at myself. Resting my chin on my hand, I'm about to settle into my fallback plan of brooding alone when I feel hands grip my hips firmly. Tommy lifts me from my perch on the railing, turning me to face him with ease. I drop my hands to my sides, glancing up at him almost guiltily. His hazel eyes meet mine with warmth and affection as he gently pulls his fingers through my windblown hair. A familiar song comes over the speakers, and he kisses me, stating "We're dancing." I balk slightly, glancing nervously towards the denizens of the party. Tommy's expression grows stern, and he repeats the order. I allow him to move us onto the open part of the deck, unable to keep a smile from my face as he steps away, my hand in his, only to pull me gracefully into his arms. He leads, holding me close as we step and spin to the music. Singing along to the song in a deep baritone, Tommy brushes my hair from my face, trailing his fingers along my scalp and resting his hand at the base of my neck before pulling my lips to his. I set my palms on his chest and my cheek against his shoulder as he places another kiss on my forehead and whispers that he loves me. I close my eyes, feeling safe and almost normal. My gratitude seems to cover a vast list of concerns as I murmur, "Thank you, Tommy."

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