Boy, you’re an alien, your touch so foreign

It’s supernatural

Extraterrestrial…

“That was most entertaining.” Jane smiled sweetly as Juniper’s song ended and she joined her back at their table. “Your voice is quite pleasing, and your song choice was… intriguing.”

“Thanks! I love that song. It’s one of my favorites!” She replied, returning her smile. “Okay, now it’s your turn… Go pick a song!”

Jane seemed to hesitate for a moment.

“Don’t be afraid.” Juniper reached across the table and placed her hand on Jane’s. “You’re gonna be amazing!”

“Thank you.” Her date replied. “I suppose I will give it a try… For you.”

Jane took one last sip of her drink before finally making her way onto the stage.

And I don’t want the world to see me, ’cause I don’t think that they’d understand

When everything’s made to be broken, I just want you to know who I am

I just want you to know who I am…

—————————-

Juniper closed her eyes for a moment, relishing in the fruity taste of her cocktail, the sweet sounds of Jimmy and Addie’s duet, and the comforting warmth of Jane sitting by her side. Tonight’s so perfect!

Things with Jane were so amazing… Every moment they spent together seemed even better than the last. Could this be love? Is this what it feels like? Juniper had never been in love with anybody before. But then, no one had ever made her feel this way before either.

“What are you staring at?” Jane asked softly.

Juniper grinned. “Just the most beautiful woman in the room.”

“How’s it going, lovebirds?” A familiar voice called.

“Oh, hi Addie!” Juniper broke away from her kiss with Jane a bit reluctantly and headed back to her seat. “You guys sounded great.” Of course, that was to be expected – music was how the Leblancs made their living, after all.

“Thanks.” Addie’s husband appeared at her side. “Practicing lullabies for the little one, I guess.” Jimmy gave a little shrug and paused to pat his wife’s growing belly. “You two sounded pretty good yourselves.”

“It was really fun! I haven’t done karaoke in a long time… What about you, Jane?”

Her date shook her head. “This is my first time visiting such an establishment. But yes, the experience has been quite enjoyable!” She agreed.

“I wonder what John would think of doing something like this…” Juniper wondered aloud. Somehow, even on the most amazing dates with Jane, she always found herself reminded of her friend.

Jimmy and Addie exchanged a brief look. “Why don’t you call him up and invite him?” Jimmy suggested, smirking slightly.

Jane appeared to be staring daggers at the couple. “I do not think that is wise.” She muttered through clenched teeth.

Juniper’s face fell. This was just like what happened at the bowling alley a couple of weeks ago. Any time someone tried to suggest inviting John, Jane seemed so unhappy about it… But why?

“What’s wrong, Jane?” She asked softly.

“Nothing. I am fine.” Jane assured her. “Why do you ask?”

“I guess you just don’t seem too happy about inviting John to join us… Is it because you don’t want to interrupt our date?” Juniper asked. “Because I understand if it is.”

The woman shook her head.

“Well, don’t you want to finally meet John?”

“Of course I do, but–”

“Perfect! Sounds like you should call him, Juniper.” Addie gave her a little wink before taking her husband by the arm and heading back to their own table. The couple giggled softly to each other the entire time.

Jane scowled at the pair as they walked away.

“So… is it okay if I give him a call?” Juniper asked softly. “You’re sure you don’t mind?”

Jane let out a small sigh, but smiled. “Of course I do not mind.” She rose to her feet. “But if you will excuse me, I must use the restroom. I will return soon.”

Juniper blew the other woman a kiss before lifting her phone and dialing.

She could have sworn she heard the sound of Jane’s ringtone moments before she disappeared into the bathroom.

“Hello, Juniper.” John took great care to change his physical form before answering. “This call is extremely unexpected.” He added, hoping she would believe him.

“Hey, John!” Even through the phone, her voice was sweeter than the most beautiful music in the universe. “I hope I’m not bugging you… Jane and I are out at the karaoke bar downtown,” she explained, “and I was wondering if maybe you wanted to come join us?”

“I appreciate your kind offer… But I am afraid I must decline.” He replied. “I do not wish to interrupt your date. You should resume consuming alcoholic beverages and exchanging saliva with Jane.”

Juniper giggled. “I really don’t mind if you join us, John. I want you to! I’ve been dying for you and Jane to finally meet each other. This could be such a fun way to do it!”

John hesitated. Saying no to Juniper had never been easy for him. “I… I am not sure…”

“Please, John? For me?”

“Of course.” The words spilled from his lips before he even realized what he was saying. “I would do anything for you.”

“Great! See you soon!”

Oh dear… John took a deep breath, double-checked his appearance in the bathroom mirror, and headed back out into the bar.

“John?!” Juniper cried out in disbelief. “How the heck did you get here so fast? Did you teleport here or something?” She giggled. “And… What were you doing in the ladies’ room?”

“I… I was lost.” He replied uncomfortably. Perhaps I should have waited a few minutes before emerging… “I am glad to see you. Are you enjoying your date? How is Jane? Are her kissing techniques to your satisfaction?” John kicked himself mentally. He had an unfortunate habit of asking too many questions when he was nervous.

“Oh, she’s perfect!” She replied almost dreamily. “And it’s definitely been fun… I think it might be even more fun now that you’re here!” Juniper glanced back toward the restrooms for a moment. “Jane’s been in there for a few minutes… You didn’t see her when you were in there, did you?”

“Um… I… I did!” John forced a smile. “She said she was feeling a bit ill. She requested I inform you that she will need several minutes to void her bowels of the source of her discomfort.”

“Oh no! She’s sick?!” Juniper rose to her feet. “I should go check on her!” She immediately began heading toward the stairs to the ladies’ room.

“NO! NO!” John practically threw himself in front of her. “Please. Please stay here. I… I will check on her. Please. Sit down.” He took a deep breath, trying to calm the racing of both of his hearts. “I do not want you to worry. I will take care of things.”

Juniper’s expression softened. “You’re so sweet, John. Thank you. Make sure she’s okay for me?”

“Of course.”

“Jane, are you alright?!” Juniper threw her arms around the other woman as she reached the bottom of the stairs.

Jane closed her eyes, relishing in the warm feeling of Juniper’s body pressed against hers. “I am much better, thank you.” She assured her. “John informed me of your distress. You are very kind.”

“I’m just glad you’re feeling better… I was so worried when John told me!” Juniper finally pulled away from her. “I’m glad you two finally got to meet though… Isn’t he great?”

“He is.” Jane agreed happily.

Juniper glanced back toward the bathroom door. “I wonder what’s taking him so long in there though… I wanted to talk you guys into singing a duet together!” She laughed. “That’d be so fun!”

“Oh.” Jane bit her lip. “Um… John informed me that he is feeling ill. He will need several minutes to void his bowels of the source of his discomfort.” Hmm… I am running out of excuses…

“Oh no!” Juniper’s eyes widened. “That’s exactly what he said about you… I wonder if he has whatever you had… We should go check on him!”

“NO!” Jane leapt backward, blocking the other woman’s path to the stairs. “Please relax. Please drink another alcoholic beverage.” She gestured back toward where they had been sitting, quickly regaining her composure. “I will make sure that John is well.”

This time, Juniper did not appear quite as convinced. “I… I guess. You guys are both acting so weird tonight.” She muttered.

“I — We are fine.” Jane smiled. “Please, allow me to handle it.”

What am I going to do?! John paced back and forth in a panic. He was so upset that he could no longer hold his focus enough to remain in a single disguise. A heavy sigh passed his lips as he gave up, allowing his true form to finally take over.

This is a disaster. What have I done?!

He nearly jumped at the sound of one of the stalls behind him slowly creaking open, but a feeling of relief suddenly washed over him when he realized that it was a familiar figure who had emerged. “Miss Jones! Oh, thank the stars… Miss Jones, I am in dire need of assistance!”

“You don’t say.” The old woman laughed as she headed toward the sink to wash her hands. “I’ve been having a lot of fun watching you and Juniper on your little date tonight.” Miss Jones shook her head. “Honey, I have no clue how long you’re planning on keeping up this charade of yours, but believe me, I understand. You let a dry spell go on too long, and you get desperate for a little action…”

“Miss Jones, this is about much more than ‘action’, as you call it.” John cried desperately. “I love her! But I have committed a grave error this evening, and put everything at risk. She cannot learn the truth… Or she will leave me. I am sure of it.”

Before Miss Jones could reply, one of the other stalls opened and an unfamiliar woman walked out, her eyes glazed over and her steps unsteady. For a moment, John worried he would be seen, but the woman did not even glance in their direction. Instead, she staggered out toward the bar.

Addie. He realized. It was customary for vampires to tamper with the memories and perception of their recent meals… The ones they allowed to live, anyway.

As though on cue, Addie stepped out of the stall after her prey, wiping her lips with the back of her hand.

“Leave you? I wouldn’t be so sure about that.” She said with a smile. “I must confess that my initial relationship with James was not based on truth… It’s so hard to seduce a human once they see your fangs.” Addie shook her head as though amused. “But he came around eventually… Once I gave him a little taste.” She winked. “I’m sure your Juniper could learn to forgive your deception too.”

John shook his head. “She cannot learn the truth… She can’t.” He cried. “But I fear she will if we do not do something!”

“Okay, Honey… I’d love to help, but what is it you’re proposing we do, exactly?” Miss Jones asked uncertainly.

“I… I do not know.” John confessed. “Surely there is some spell you know of that could help?” He asked almost desperately. “Or Addie, do you not possess some sort of power that could be of use?”

“Hmm… Perhaps.” The vampire was thoughtful for a moment. “But this is just so damn funny! I’m not sure if I–”

“John? Jane? Everything okay in here…?”