Fluid Bonding

Without spoilers, Fluid Bonding is one of the best stories I’ve read on Vella so far. It doesn’t try to be a grand, sweeping epic with world-changing stakes, or a deep-dive into paranormal tropes that have been endlessly explored. Instead, it offers a sweet, realistic romance between two people figuring their way in life. The way Vi and Hester’s relationship deepens throughout the story, how they help each other grow and the building of their “fluid bond” is a joy to read. I enjoyed the characterization, and everything else really, until the very end. Highly recommended!

Vi is non-binary, neurodivergent and a telepath; Hester is neurodivergent and a vampire, though that aspect takes a while to come up. Two people who are different, but also similar, with their own struggles, insecurities, and secrets to hold. But there is something between them as well, as a friendship and relationship start to unfold after meeting in a sports bar, as they navigate each other, learn about each other, and see if they can make it work.

It's a sweet and engaging tale, of emotions and struggles, of opening up, and finding that place with another. And it's not always easy either, especially having family to deal with as well, and all the complications that they bring. I very much enjoyed the story. It is well written, and an interesting setting, one that I want to learn more about.