The world came into focus around Frank as he blinked his eyes open to reveal a disgusted vampire leaning over him. “Gerard, control your pet or I will.” He snarled. The sandy-haired boy reminded Frank of a certain guard he’d encountered earlier that night. “He’s not a pet.” Gerard mumbled. Frank didn’t hear his comment, as paralyzing fear was shooting through him.

“What’s going on out here?” A gruff man that had joined Gerard and the woman at the factory retreated from one of the many rooms in the long hallway where the commotion between Frank and the vampires had occurred. “Is it trying to run away?” The man gestured towards Frank with a hint of laughter in his voice. “Oh my god.” The boy Frank ran into said, erupting into laughter. “Alright, as humorously pathetic as the situation is, Gerard you really need to discipline it otherwise it’ll just try it again.” The man said. Gerard stood stunned into silence. “Can I discipline it dad!? Please?!” The sandy-haired boy pled. Frank considered his options, and he eventually figured that he’d rather not be in this situation at all. “No, Mikey. It’s Gerard’s. He has to do it.” The father said as he turned to Gerard.

Gerard looked down at Frank with a sense of determination. He started back to his room but was curtly interrupted by his father. “No. Do it here.” Gerard turned back to Frank. The determination in his eyes was gone it was replaced by tears? Wait, he’s crying? Why are his eyes watering? He told me himself that he was a blood thirsty (literally) killer just like the rumors said. Gerard drew his hand back preparing to reprimand Frank.

An earsplitting SLAP! echoed in the long hallway. He’d hit Frank so hard his nose had started bleeding. FUCK. Frank thought drawing his hand up to his nose and peering at the blood on his fingers. Mikey, who was still standing next to the vampire and slave, inhaled deeply through his nose. He licked his lips hungrily. “I’m impressed.” Mr. Way interrupted Frank and Gerard’s fearful gaze towards Mikey. “Alright, carry on everyone. See you all at dinner.”

Gerard could spend all the time in the world dreading dinner with his family tonight, but at the moment he had much more pressing matters to deal with. He tugged Frank by his shirt collar back into the bedroom, and kneeled down to be at eye level with him. Frank sunk his head into his shoulders, looking like a frightened turtle. “I’m so sorry.” Gerard said morosely. His rheumy eyes were filled with concern as he tried to comfort Frank. “What?” Frank was mystified. I tried to escape and HE’S apologizing to me? Frank lifted his head back up, perplexed and saturnine. “What do you mean?” He asked. Gerard rubbed the back of his neck and looked down at the floor. “I should’ve just gone out and told you that I’m not like the rest of my family. I shouldn’t have hesitated.”

Frank’s eyes were wide with disbelief. “You’re kidding.” He muttered. “So you’re not going to kill me?” He asked. Gerard shook his head fervently. “But, just because you don’t have to worry about me, it doesn’t mean the rest of my family is as accepting.” Gerard said staring into Frank’s eyes with concern. Frank nodded, understanding his unease.

“In about a half hour I have to go down to dinner, so please don’t leave the room while I’m down there. Actually, just don’t leave the room in general unless I’m with you.” Gerard said as he sat down across from Frank. He racked his brain for other possible guidelines. “Oh,” Gerard’s eyes widened remembering something else, “if anyone comes into my room, which they shouldn’t, just stay completely still.” Frank nodded again, still stunned from disbelief.

Gerard furrowed his brow in thought again until he noticed Frank’s bloody nose. “Oh god, that’s why Mikey was looking at you like that.” He said, grabbing a handkerchief from a nearby door. “I can’t believe I did that to you. I’m so sorry.” Gerard sulked. Frank tried to shrug it off as he dabbed his nose with the handkerchief. “I mean, it’s definitely not as bad as what other vampires do to their slaves.” He smiled, offering the vampire some sympathy. Gerard wasn’t appeased. “It still shouldn’t have happened.” He lowered his gaze and sighed deeply.

---

After a painfully silent half hour had passed, Gerard was called down for dinner. “See you afterwards.” Gerard said, exiting the room. He trotted down the mahogany stairs with queasiness. This was his least favorite part of the day. As he entered the dining room he was repulsed by the disturbing sight.

A female human lay on the wooden table, bound by leather restraints. The look on her face was one of pure terror; the wet patches on her cheeks made it obvious that she had been crying earlier. The Way’s all took their usual seats. Gerard’s father was at the neck, Gerard and his mother were at the wrists, and Mikey was at one of her ankles.

“Gerard, before we begin I’d like to offer you a suggestion.” Gerard father said with a smirk. “And what would that be?” Gerard questioned. He wasn’t keeping any sort of eye contact. He was too busy staring at the girl the family was about to consume. “Since it’s your birthday, and you’ll be the man of the house soon, why don’t you drink from the neck tonight?” He smiled widely. Gerard nodded stolidly and switched seats with his father.

“Alright,” Gerard’s mother smiled, “dig in.” Everyone except Gerard gorged on the girl’s blood. Gerard made the mistake of locking eyes with the girl. Their deep brown color was clouded by tears, and a gasp escaped from her mouth in pain. Gerard held his lips to her quivering neck. “I’m so sorry.” he whispered. His second pair of fangs shot out of his gums.

Notes

Twas' Mikey! Happy late Halloween guys, xo.