But being on his feet seemed to help. The first step was wobbly, but his body strengthened as he made it to the door. He was cautious on the stairs back down, but by the time he’d reached the living room, he felt mostly normal again.
Karim was there on the couch, but Julien wasn't.
“He’ll be a few more minutes,” Karim said, gesturing for Luis to take a seat beside him. Luis did, and then caught Karim looking at his neck.
On reflex, Luis reached for the spot. His fingers touched something tacky. Blood.
The spot he’d been bitten had already closed up though. He could only feel the raised scab.
Karim cleared his throat and reached for one of the side tables. He produced a sealed wet wipe and offered it to Luis.
“Here.”
Luis took the wipe and quickly cleaned himself off. When he was finished, Karim took the wipe and wrapper and went to dispose of it.
“What happened?” Luis asked when Karim returned.
“Similar to the bite haze, but for vampires. Doesn’t happen to all vampires, but some are more sensitive, like Julien,” Karim explained. “Doesn’t happen with all humans. It’s like… an allergy sort of, some reaction to certain chemicals.” Karim waved a hand carelessly.
“An allergy? Is he okay?” Had Luis hurt him?
“Not an allergy in the dangerous way. Just in how random it can be. I’m not explaining it well, I’ve never experienced it. But I’ve seen it happen to Jules before. He just needs some quiet time and he’ll be okay, don’t worry.” He eyed Luis. “But thanks for texting me. That was the right call.”
“Oh,” Luis said. “Okay. Uh, yeah, no problem. And you’re sure he’ll be okay?”
Karim nodded. “Oh yeah. It passes just like your bite haze. How’re you doing, by the way?”
“Good, better. Steady now,” Luis said. He felt more relaxed than he should in this situation, but he wasn’t upset about that lingering reaction. It was nice not to have the anxiety gnawing at him.
“While we wait for him…” Karim nudged a bottle of juice at Luis and then pulled out his phone. “Want to play?”
“Yeah, sure,” Luis said. The distraction was welcome. Luis opened the juice and sipped it as Karim tapped on his phone. At the buzz in his pocket Luis pulled out his phone to play.
Eventually Julien reappeared, dressed in a fresh, new button-down. Luis flushed to remember how he’d been holding so tight he’d torn buttons off Julien’s other shirt.
“I’m sorry about your shirt,” Luis said. “I can replace it.”
But Julien was already waving him off. “There’s no need.” He came and took a seat across from them.
“Luis, I should apologize–” Julien started.
“It’s fine,” Karim cut in. “I explained it. You’re fine and he’s fine, no harm done.”
“Yeah, I’m good,” Luis said sincerely. “And you’re okay?”
Julien nodded, though he looked uncomfortable. “Yes, I’m sorry, I didn’t expect that reaction. I didn’t realize there’d be a difference between your blood from a cup and having it directly.”
“Yeah, that’s a first,” Karim said. “I didn't know it was so… body dependent.”
“Me neither,” Julien said. “So I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have left you up there by yourself.”
“Oh, it’s fine, really. The haze passed quickly and I’m okay. You didn’t even take that much blood,” Luis said.
“Still, I apologize,” Julien said.
“Alright, and now we’re done with that,” Karim said, bumping his shoulder to Luis’s. “Everybody’s good and Luis is drinking his juice,” Karim nudged the bottle that was still half full.
“Oh, yup,” Luis said promptly and brought it to his lips again.
