Charlie: Anyway. Goodnight.
Kip: gnite, little buddy :)
Looking through his window, I see Charlie scowl at my last text.
I waited outside all night, until early morning sunshine started rising. It was like something inside of me told me to stay close to him. I’ve never even let a hookup stay the night in my bed, so I’ve obviously never stayed watch overnight for some rando I barely just met. I don’t know why I spent the whole night in my car, watching Charlie snooze in his bed. I just did.
It’s seven in the morning by the time I get home to the apartment I share with Tyson. Before going out last night, I put Nacho in my room with water, a bowl of cat food (see, I told you that I knew they had to eat cat food, not only nachos), and a new litter box. Though, I haven’t really taught him how to use a litter box. I really hope I don’t walk into a mess.
“You do realize you only have two days to feed now? You know, since you bailed on me last night?” Tyson’s voice is filled with anger, booming through the apartment as I close the front door behind me.
I sigh. Yep, this is just what I wanted to walk into this morning. It’s like we’re an old married couple, bitching at each other.
“Yep.” I reply quickly, walking through the living room towards my bedroom.
“Yep? For real, dude? It’s like you aren’t taking this seriously, like at all.”
I spin on my heel, facing towards Tyson, who sits on the couch. “Right. I’m not taking this seriously? The whole, you bit me, I died, and now if I don’t drink blood from an actual, living human, I’ll die? Sure, I’m not taking it seriously. I mean, it’s only life or death for me. But yeah, let’s go with your idea that I’m not serious about it.”
“You aren’t acting like it!” Tyson’s voice raises, his eyes burning through me with rage.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize how easy it actually is to pick a human and literally drink their blood. I’m sorry that I don’t want to hurt people? I’m sorry that I never asked for this!” I’m so over this. I don’t know if whatever ‘friendship’ I had with Tyson before this will survive.
Tyson’s face fills with pity and regret. The change of expression only makes my blood boil hotter.
“Dude. I know it isn’t easy for you. I didn’t want this to happen, but it did. And I won’t be able to live with myself if you die, or if you kill someone on accident.”
“Because of you, you mean. Because this is all your fault.” I don’t even try to put on my usual happy-go-lucky front. That version of Kip is nowhere to be found right now.
Tyson visibly recoils at my words. We both know he tried to blame it on me for climbing the tree to save Nacho. He’s a victim blamer. And then, he had the balls to blame Nacho for being in the tree!
“You’re not the dude I thought I knew.” I say, turning my back on a surprised and hurt Tyson.
I get to my bedroom, slamming the door shut behind me. Nacho mewls from his spot on my bed, stretched out in a spot sunlight from the now risen sun.
“You wanna be my new best friend?” I ask him.
His green eyes blink lazily at me, and he lets out a soft meow.
I walk over to Nacho, wanting to stroke his fuzzy head.
Mrow.
Pausing, I stop before reaching him. He’s lazily stretched out in the sunlight, and well…isn’t it like a whole rule that vampires burn in the sun? I mean, I haven’t transitioned yet but…I really don’t want to fry.
“Sorry, Nacho. I’m not taking any chances right now.”
Plopping onto my bed, far away from the patch of sunlight, I pull out my phone. Maybe Dr. Google can tell me more about the symptoms of vampirism. And hell, maybe I’ll even find some cool underground vampire network, and someone can help me find a willing person to feed from.
Chapter Six
Charlie
The Deep Lore of Vampires
Kip: u know anything bout vampires?
I snort, reading my newest message from Kip. He’s kind of a weird guy. I should be creeped out that he got my phone number from my phone and texted me but…he’s actually kind of sweet. He seems kind of like a big oaf, in an endearing way. I don’t think he means any harm. He’s kind of like a puppy, following me around and wanting attention.
