A/N: Finding as much footage as I can of my favorite- and imo an underrated- Herbert to channel for my fics, and that is Máté Kamarás. He just goes in a completely different direction that I adore. I get the sense his Herbert is a sweetheart and very much infatuated with Alfred. He literally cannot stop smiling at this human boy, and it's adorable. I think out of every interpretation of Herbert I have seen, Máté's would be Sarah's friend, hands down. I really need to write some Herbfred in this coming year though. Máté's Herbert is also the one I can see winding up with Alfred... after some boundaries are placed.
Summary: Sarah just wants a bath. Unfortunately, Herbert has the same idea. Her attempt to persuade him to allow her to go first, leads to Herbert's amusement.
~~~
Sarah could hardly wait to bathe with the sponge Count Krolock gifted her. It was by far, the biggest sponge she had ever owned. And softer than the rest too! The Count had also given her permission to use the most extravagant bathroom in the castle. After all, she was his guest of honor, so why shouldn't she be treated as such? (Not to mention the way her face lit up with unabashed joy, which gave him another strange, warm feeling in his dead chest.)
This meant a much bigger tub with room for more bubbles. Sarah couldn't be more elated; Well… she would be when she saw that exquisite ball gown but this would come later. The Count even went out of his way to buy her a new nightgown. One better suited for the weather and was sure to keep her warm.
Deciding she needed a bath right this very minute, she gathered what she needed- the sponge being the most important- and started for the bathroom. A bath sounded lovely the more she thought about it. Herbert mentioned something about keeping lavender oil in there that she could use. It was such a calming scent. She could soap up and then relax for as long as she wanted- unless The Count or Viscount knocked saying they needed a bath of course- and no one would be cross with her. Or spank her like her father, for that matter. She hated that she was far past the age of a child- nineteen to be exact- and he still did that. It was far from necessary.
She shook those thoughts from her head, not wanting to think of him and how he treated her and her mother right now. The ball was tomorrow and nobody was spoiling her night. It was her time to have fun for a change. To dance with The Count and have a wonderful evening.
She was so lost in her own thoughts when she reached the door, Sarah nearly bumped into Herbert.
“Oh! I'm so sorry! I should have been paying better attention!”
Herbert only chuckled, waving a dismissive hand.
“It's quite alright, darling, it happens.”
The Viscount noticed the little bundle of items in her arms and couldn't help but continue to smile. Now, this was humorous…
“What a coincidence,” he began loosening his hair from his ponytail.
“It seems we've both had the same idea.” He raised an eyebrow, gesturing at her towel.
Sarah noticed he had his own clothing and towel and gave a huff. Why did he have to decide to bathe at the same time as her?!
“You wouldn't mind if I went first, would you?” He tilted his head questioningly at her, his smile still present.
“Aren't I a guest? Shouldn't I get to go first?”
“Ah, yes! But this is my home… though I suppose both things can be true at once! What to do, what to do, hmm?”
Of course he was going to give her the tub first, it was only polite, but better for her not to know. He had to mess with her a little! And the gears in Sarah's head were turning, trying to figure out a way to convince him. There was one thing left she could try… it should work since he was a man! She stuck her bottom lip out just a smidge, in a subtle pout, batting her eyes at him now wearing a soft smile of her own in return.
“Please? I’ll be quick, I promise! I won't waste any time; I’ll be out before you know it!”
She even wound one of her curls around her finger for good measure. Herbert didn't react the way she hoped. Quite the opposite in fact. He blinked once, looking at her for a moment before erupting into loud laughter. This wasn't the first time a young woman had tried to flirt with him or win his affection, albeit Sarah didn't really mean anything by it.
And while it was flattering, it always amused him to no end.
The Viscount laughed like it was the funniest thing he had seen this century. Oh, the poor thing! She didn't know! Then again, it made sense. She wasn't allowed to socialize based on how she spoke of her home life.
“You-” Herbert began, giggles not stopping anytime soon, “you’ve got the wrong vampire!”
Who does she think I am? My father?!
His remark struck himself as terribly funny- the whole situation did, much to Sarah’s bewilderment- and he only made himself laugh harder. He was doubled over, leaning against the wall, and she was certain she heard a snort she could playfully tease him for later…
He knew such a boisterous display of mirth was likely unbecoming of a nobleman such as himself, but his father never corrected him on such a matter.
“I don't understand,” she spoke up after a moment, trying to keep herself looking irritated but his mirth was contagious.
“What does that mean?”
After a few more moments, his laughter calmed to giggles and then faded into nothing. Oh, his ribs were going to be sore… He reached into his waistcoat pocket, reaching for a handkerchief to dab at the corner of his eyes.
“It means, I am immune to those feminine charms of yours, darling. Women aren't attractive to me. It's men my heart is after. But I’ll give you credit, you attempted! …And it was cute!”
Sarah was a bold little thing, he thought. No wonder his father found her presence enjoyable. Speaking of his father…
“Oh, wait until I tell papa about your endeavor! I'm sure he’ll find it as adorable as I did!”
At this statement, the mortal blushed, eyes widening as she shook her head.
“Herbert, please don't!” She buried her face into her hands.
He could smell just how embarrassed she was. Her cheeks were nearly as reddened as that ball gown. He heard her heart hammering in her chest. The sound and smell of food caused his eternal hunger to grow, but he managed to push it down… for now. He knew what he needed to do.
Herbert chuckled, reaching out to pat her shoulder.
“I think he’d find it funny!”
“I don't!” Sarah raised her head, her blush starting to fade.
“I don't want him to misunderstand! I don't want him to think that I’m playing the both of you! Or to be angry!”
“Nobody's going to be angry with you, Sarah.” Herbert assured her, his tone comforting.
“It was just a little, harmless banter. I promise you, he won't think you're attracted to me. Trust me, you wouldn't believe the amount of girls that I’ve had to gently disappoint. I suppose I can't fault them. I get my looks from my father, and we both know just how devastatingly attractive you find him!”
He winked playfully at her, gaining a glare in response. He laughed softly, pushing her hair in her face, causing her to sputter. Such a vibrant soul. He could get used to her presence here, and companionship.
“You can bathe first, darling. Guests get to go first, after all.”
“Are you sure?”
“Of course! And as I mentioned previously, you are free to use that lavender bath oil. Let me know how you like it!”
Herbert left, trying not to seem too hasty. His hunger was growing and what little reserves were in the ‘wine cellar’ were growing scarce. It was always harder to find food during winter storms.
In the coming weeks following her return to the castle after the ball, The Count would not be able to resist lightly teasing her with one of his conversation starters being:
“Herbert informed me that you attempted to flirt with him?”
Sarah would drop her head into her hands, feeling embarrassed all over again, minus a blush. In her defense, she hadn't known!
A/N: I actually have so many thoughts about how Sarah being forced to stay in the inn and her room, has affected her. Socially, mentally, emotionally. And yes, I aged her up. I also have a lot of thoughts about how Sarah and Herbert are only children, don't have any friends, and yeah. I'll post about that separately when I can get my thoughts together. I probably should write Herbert as a tad more awkward. Sarah too, maybe? Idk, we'll see.
