Just as Verchiel thought, Oren sat in a chair, his nose stuck in a book. Etsuko was behind him, working furiously on her needlework. Verchiel tilted his head this way and that, admiring the subtle pattern.

"What are you making?"

Oren looked up sharply, as if he'd been unaware of Verchiel's presence, but Etsuko calmly replied, "I had thought to make a kimono for Oren-sama, if he does not object."

The blonde vampire cleared his throat uncomfortably, and looked ...