Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The mysterious biker walked past Michael; a clinking noise caught his attention. A zippo lighter was on the ground. 'He must have dropped it,' Michael thought. Quickly he grabbed the lighter.

"Excuse me! I think you dropped this!"

Slowly the biker, the leader it seemed, turned around to face him, looked down at the lighter and smiled.

○○○

"Are you being serious?" David tried to keep his voice down so he wouldn't disturb the other Emersons.

Michael whined and put his head in his hands. He just admitted to the vampire that he agreed to go horse riding with his group of friends from school. Main problem is, Michael has never rode a horse in his life. Despite grandpa having them.

"Look I was stupid. I mean I said that it's been a long time so I may be rusty." Michael tried to explain, but he knew he sounded lame to his own ears.

"So," David sprawled on his front on Michael's bed. "You have pre-loaded your excuse for when you inevitably fumble."

"Daviiiiid!" The Emerson boy faceplanted on his bed next to him.

Giggling at the display the vampire poked one of the brunette almost black curls.

"I'm just teasing you, Michael. I will help you."

Michael looked up at David with wide hopeful eyes.

"Really?" He whispered.

"Of course. Once you get the hang of it, riding horses can be quite relaxing." David shrugged.

The look of pure joy and relief on Michael's face made David feel like his heart rate was spiking. It wasn't of course, it was just stupid remains of his humanity. Oh god this was a dumb idea and he knew it. Lately he has barely managed to keep his feelings to himself about the older Emerson boy. David knew it was likely he would crack and do something stupid.

"David?"

Michael's voice brought him back from his thoughts. He blinked, tilted his head to the side and smiled at the human boy.

"I'm sorry. I went away for a moment there. What were you saying Michael?"

"I was just asking you if you were okay with starting tomorrow?"

"Yes. Make sure you get lots of rest, the first day might tire you a little."

○○○

The sunbeams danced through the gaps of the curtains making Michael stir in his bed. A hand on his shoulder made him jump, he grabbed the offending wrist.

"Easy there Michael," David smirked, "it's just me."

Michael heaved a sigh of relief and took the other boy in. He wasn't wearing his jackets, and his jumper sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. That was strange. Michael has never seen him like this before, looking down at David's hand, he noticed that he wasn't wearing his gloves either. Huh. They're perfectly fine. Michael always assumed that they were scarred or something, maybe the biker just has OCD? He never felt like he could ask because...well. They weren't really that close now, were they? Was that a silver bracelet on his right hand?

It took too long for Michael to realise he was still clutching David's wrist, he let go and pulled his hand back as if being burnt.

"Sorry." Michael mumbled out the apology.

"That's alright Michael. Come get some breakfast when you are ready."

With that David left to go downstairs. Rolling himself out of bed, Michael trudged to the bathroom to get ready. Michael Emerson really wasn't a morning person. How did David do it? Did the guy even sleep? Pushing his thoughts aside Michael tried his best to wake himself up properly before going downstairs. Was that waffles he could smell?

It took five more minutes before he managed to drag himself down to the kitchen where David was setting up the table with Lucy. In the centre were freshly made waffles, bacon, scrambled eggs, toast and even some fruit. They really went all out.

"Morning dear, did you sleep well?"

"Fine thanks mom." He replied kissing Lucy's cheek.

○○○

Breakfast went by in companionable silence. Sam ran in to steal some waffles at some point, one 'somehow' managed to land on the floor for Nanook.

Afterwards Michael insisted that he cleaned up because Lucy and David did the cooking.

"Such a gentlemen Michael." David teased.

Michael shrugged. "I was raised right."

David hummed before patting Michael's shoulder. "Come out to the stables when you are finished."

○○○

David fiddled with his zippo lighter while waiting for Michael in the stables, the vampire often thought about when he first met the human. The only boy to actually have the nerve to walk up to them, even if it was just to give David his lighter back. Would Michael still like them if he knew that they were ceeatures of the night? Could he accept the truth of the boys' nature? How they feed? Probably not.

"You should really be careful with that."

David's head shot up to see Michael shifting his weight from one foot to the other. Clearly uncomfortable coming into the stable.

"I am always careful." He slipped the zippo into his back pocket. "You ready?"

"Yeah."

David petted one of the horses, her name was Lilly. A beautiful white mare with a big fluffy mane. Turning around he noticed that Michael was still stood at the door.

"Michael."

"Yeah?"

"You actually have to come inside if you want to get a horse."

"I know."

Cocking his head to the side, David considerd Michael, the way he was looking everywhere but at the horses, wringing his hands, and David could hear that his heart was picking up in speed a little.

"Are you scared of horses Michael?"

"No!"

"Then come in."

"...fine. They make me nervous okay?"

Here it comes. The relentless mocking that Michael always got. How can you be scared Emerson? What a pussy. A big guy like you scared of a girly animal.

Instead of that happening the other boy gave a small smile.

"It's okay Michael. Can you try and come next to me? I promise I've got you and won't let anything bad happen."

He sounded so sincere, it took Michael a moment to register. Slowly he stepped inside and stood next to David, nearly hyperventilating.

"You don't have to do this Michael."

"No. No I want to. Just," he wet his lips. "I don't know why. They have always made me a bit uncomfortable. It's dumb." He finished, bowing his head, embarrassed.

"It is not dumb. Michael."

"Do you think she can smell it?"

"Smell what?" David blinked in confusion.

"My fear."

Blinking rapidly a few times taking the information in. A laugh bubbled in David's chest and soon he was curling in on himself.

"David." Michael whined while scowling at him. "I'm being serious."

"Sorry. I didn't mean to laugh." David put a hand over his mouth to try to compose himself. "Here." He held his hand out for Michael to take.

Michael stared at the hand as if it would bite him.

"Do you trust me?"

"Yeees?"

"Then take my hand."

Hesitantly he put his hand in David's, David gently guided Michael's hand through Lilly's mane. It was a lot coarser than he was expecting, the texture was still nice though, the motion soothing. Lilly seemed to like the attention too.

David couldn't help but notice the various differences between their hands. Michael's were a lot bigger, more square shaped, tanned and warm. So warm. Reluctantly he slowly took his hand away, so he wouldn't weird Michael out. David turned his head to face him.

"Come on, I will show you where to get the equipment and how to get her ready."

○○○

Michael thanked whatever deity that David had the patience of a saint. It took Michael an hour. An hour! To saddle Lilly up with David's instructions. Granted it was mostly due to the fact that Michael was a bit dubious of putting the reins on her. He asked if David would do it for him, the other boy shook his head, told him that he would not be there to help when Michael was with his friends. Stupid David with his stupid common sense.

"You ready to mount her Michael?"

"Do you think she'll let me?"

"You will only know if you try."

"Gee thanks, that's reassuring."

David smirked and gestured for Michael to stand on Lilly's left. Michael heaved a sigh and breathed slowly to ready himself.

"Alright. What next?"

"Hold the reins in your left hand, put your left foot in the stirrup," he pointed, while Michael had a death grip on the reins. "Then swing your right leg over, hold on to the saddle to lower yourself. Make sure you do not slam into the seat. You might hurt and or spook her."

Michael breathed out slowly before pulling himself up. Unfortunately he could not quite get his leg over, which resulted in him falling and he landed on his back. David was beside him in a flash.

"Are you okay?" Concern was thick in his tone.

The human just groaned and waved it off, pushing himself up.

"M'fine."

"Hm, maybe you need a mount block." David mumbled to himself.

○○○

Three attempts with the aid of the mount block later, Michael had managed to get himself in the saddle.

"There you go, you did it Michael." David smiled up at him.

Michael found himself smiling back, happy that he has managed to get this far.

For the next few hours David showed Michael how to 'drive', he was next to them the entire time. David seemed to be a calming presence for both of them.

When it came to Michael getting off, he needed David's help, leaning all of his weight on him, it was a wonder David didn't fall over.

"You okay Michael?"

Michael looked down and noticed he was still clinging to David, he pushed himself off and nodded.

○○○

Both boys entered the Emerson house through the kitchen. Sam was making himself a milkshake, Michael ruffled the kids' hair before going upstairs to clean himself up. The younger Emerson boy made sure his brother was gone before turning to David.

"How the hell did ya manage to get him on a horse?" Sam said, pointing his thumb in the direction his brother went.

The vampire shrugged, "it was him that came to me actually." David got his gloves out of his pockets and placed them on, before rolling his sleeves down. "Your brother agreed to go horse riding with his friends from school."

"Seriously? I've been asking him since I was like 6! Bet it's because of that girl huh?" The boy huffed, clearly very annoyed.

David just chuckled trying to not acknowledge the pang of jealousy in his chest.

○○○

Later in the night within the caved-in hotel where the boys resided, their leader slouched in his 'throne'.

"What's got you looking so glum Davey?" Marko leaned on the back of the wheelchair, resting his head on top of David's.

"I am teaching Michael how to horseback ride."

"No shit? Huh. Why is that making you so scowly?"

The older vampire's brows creased further at his kins' question, was it that bad? Marko walked around and put his hands on the arm rests to fully face David.

"You are in really deep aren't ya? Why not tell him? At least you'll know where you stand."

"No. I can't do that." David looked to the side, avoiding eye contact.

"Why not?"

"It just isn't that simple Marko."

"Whatever," the curly haired blonde stood to his full height. "You coming out tonight?"

Their leader shook his head in reply, he really was not in the mood. Plus he doesn't think he could handle seeing Michael hanging out with his friend group from school right now. One of his friends, Star, Michael likes her. Likes like her. She is the reason he is going horse riding. From the humans' obvious fear earlier, he will do anything for her. The thought had David twisting his face in annoyance. Pulling out his zippo from his back pocket David thought back to the first meeting of Michael and his boys.

David heard a voice calling to him, slowly he turned around to see the most handsome man he has ever seen. He looked down to find his zippo in their hand and he smiled.

"Thanks, what's your name?"

"Uh Michael."

"Thank you Michael."

It may sound silly, but David was head over heels from that moment on. Marko knew from the get go, the little shit had a sixth sense or something. Dwayne picked up on it after a couple of weeks. Paul, who is the most oblivious person on the planet, has picked up on it for the last week or so. They all try to push David to go for it, what's the worst that can happen? The eldest vampire would just glower at them. None of his boys have gone through the pain of loving someone and them not loving them back. Or losing someone they loved from the claws of death. David flicked the lighter on and stared into the flame, feeling the heat on his skin. Maybe he will get an early bed for tomorrow. As if it would help anyway.

○○○

The boardwalk was booming with life as always when the boys rode up on their bikes. Marko spotted Michael with some of his friends and decided to say hello.

"Hey Michael!" He slung his arm around Michael's shoulders.

"Oh, hi Marko. Where's David?"

Marko could see from the corner of his eye that one of Michael's friends, Jason he thinks his name was, was judging them. Oh how he wanted to just rip that kids throat out. But, he was off limits, being one of Michael's 'friends'.

"Davey is having a quiet night. Let's have some fun hm?" Marko smirked.

Chapter Text

"Rise and shine Michael." David said.

The Michael shaped lump in the bed groaned, there was some tossing, but he did not rise.

"Michael?"

"Uuugh," he pulled the blankets down to show his face. "Marko had us drinking last night, I think I might be poisoned."

David held out the steaming cup of green tea he had in his hand.

"You really should not accept Marko's ideas, he will put you in an early grave." David's tone was light and amused.

Michael took the cup gratefully and sipped at the hot liquid, it instantly soothed him.

"Are you up for horse riding today?" David asked, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Yeah, won't have much time during the week anyway." Michael replied before taking another sip of the tea.

"What a trooper."

"Shut up."

○○○

Michael was confident enough for David to ride on his own horse beside them. David rode the other mare grandpa had, she was a beautiful shade of brown. Sam named her Brownie when he was four, which David thought was sweet. Sam will get relentlessly teased for it later.

Lilly and Brownie trotted side by side on the wide plane of grass behind the Emerson house. The bastard made it look easy, Michael thought. When did David learn how to ride horses? He can't imagine a little David on a farm, learning how to care and ride the horses. Maybe he should ask, it would be nice to know a bit more about his friend.

"Hey Michael."

"Huh?"

"Race you to that tree."

Before Michael could even process the words, David was making his horse run.

"Hey! That's cheating!" Michael exclaimed before getting Lilly to run from her trotting.

Michael caught up pretty quick, laughing, feeling the wind in his hair. It wasn't that different of a feeling of being on the motorbike.

David relished hearing that laugh, how he wanted to keep it in a jar. Locked away and safe. Sadly his memory will just have to do.

"I win!" David cheered when he was at the tree.

"You cheated! I demand a rematch!"

It was said in jest, but the vampire thought more races between them would be nice.

During putting the horses away David wished he could just put his hand out, brush that curl behind Michael's ear. Kiss his cheek, hold his hand and intertwine their fingers, but he knew Michael would never love him like that. So as always, he pushed those thoughts deep down.

○○○

As the sky was turning that beautiful shade of pink. Michael invited David to have a drink on the porch.

Instead of his usual sitting position of one leg slung over the arm of fhe chair. David slouched with one of his legs stretched out in front of him. Tiredness was settling into his bones for once. Maybe he should ride horses in the day more often.

"Hey David?"

"Hm?"

"How did you learn to ride horses?"

David took a moment to register the question. Thinking how he could explain that would be believable for a 19 year old instead of a 100 year old vampire.

"I spent a couple of years on a ranch. Was taught how to take care of the land; the animals, and I was even given shooting practice." He took a sip of his drink before continuing. "Just picked up riding horses along the way. Came in handy."

"You know how to shoot too?" Michael asked with his eyebrows raised to his hairline.

David just smirked at him while taking another sip of his drink.

○○○

They continued the horse riding lessons when there was spare time during the school week. David was proud of Michael for how far he has come in such little time.

"Would you like me to drop you off, so you don't have to leave your bike at Jason's?" David casually asked while they were putting Lilly back in the stable.

The older Emerson brother squinted before making his face neutral again. "You'd do that?"

"Yeah of course. I would even pick you back up when you guys come back from the trip."

"David."

"Hm?"

"Why are you being so nice?"

David tilted his head to the side, looking like a confused puppy.

"We are friends Michael."

"Well yeah but, you're doing a lot."

"Am I?"

"Yeah."

David stood in thought for a moment before looking at Michael with those icy blues.

"Does it make you uncomfortable?"

"No. Well maybe. I don't know." Michael scratched the back of his neck. "I'm just not used to people doing stuff for me." 

David's face softend at that, it would make him sad if he didn't know Lucy. Michael was a lot like his mother personality wise, always willing to do so much, but never ask for anything in return. 

"Would it make you feel better if I asked you to buy me a milkshake?" David asked with a grin on his face.

Michael bowed his head as he laughed.

"You got it."

○○○

Saturday was coming up fast and David could see Michael's nerves fraying by the second. At the moment they were sat next to each other on the patio. David could tell Michel was too much in his head about it. The temptation to hold him and tell him everything is okay was suffocating. David wanted to scream from the top of his lungs to curse whatever being made it so that vampires still had feelings. That the person they were when they were human didn't actually dissappear into this monster, like hunters thought. It would be so much easier if that was the case.

David wouldn't have to cradle Paul because the poor guy is having a PTSD episode, there would not be a need to sing Marko to sleep so he knew that he was safe with the others, Dwayne would not need David's constant reassurance that they were in fact in 1987, not in 1944. Shaking his head as if to sieve the thoughts from his brain, David turned to Michael.

"Michael."

"Yeah?"

"Are you ready for tomorrow?"

"Yeah. I am a bit nervous, but I'm kind of looking forward to it. I mean, I'm not that worried about horses anymore thanks to you."

If David's heart was still beating it would be trying to escape his chest right now the way Michael was looking at him. David looked down with a shy smile, fidgeting with his zippo lighter.

○○○

"Michael! You ready?!" David shouted from the bottom of the stairs.

He heard fumbling and fast footsteps before that black mop came into view. Michael had slept in, David found it too funny, smirking while the Emerson boy grumbled.

The ride to Jason's house was quick thanks to David speeding just a tad. A few times he felt Michael tighten his grip around his waist. It sent sparks of pleasure up David's spine. The drive really tested his ability to focus.

"Thanks David!" Michael exclaimed when he got off the bike, running up to his group of friends. David saw how Michael's face lit up when he saw Star, the way she smiled sweetly at him. David wouldn't be surprised if they were an item by the time they get back.

Jason threw what he thought was a discreet frown David's way. "Didn't take ya for the type to be riding bitch Mikey."

"Shut up Jason. I just don't want to leave my bike here."

Obviously they thought David couldn't hear, because they were far away and had hushed voices. The vampire leader really considered just letting Marko loose on Jason, but that would upset Michael. No. David couldn't do that. He watched on his bike as they all got into Jason's van to leave for the weekend. Longing to be with them, with Michael specifically.

On the ride back to the caved-in hotel he felt cold. Something felt missing. Wrong. 

At least David had the milkshake to look forward to.

Chapter Text

David and Michael were sat at their favourite ice-cream/milkshake parlour. Simply called the Anderson's Parlour. When Michael was new in town the boys showed him this place. David liked it the best because it was near a farm and everything was fresh. It was a small family run business, which the boys protected fiercely and stole money off Max to support them. The vampire was glad that Michael enjoyed it as much as them. Michael showed his family and friends, further helping the lovely people that run the place.

"I finally asked her." The Emerson boy stated out of the blue.

David was in the middle of taking a sip of his own drink. "Hm? Asked who what?"

"I asked Star out." Michael blurted, messing with his straw.

Now that made David lose his appetite. He pushed his milkshake to the side, not being able to finish it. To Michael it looked like David was showing an interest.

"And?" David asked, crossing his arms on the table. Leaning in closer to Michael.

"She said yeah," Michael took a sip of his own milkshake. "Surprisingly."

"Why would that be a surprise Michael?" David questioned with his eyebrows raised.

"I didn't think she would. Seems like she doesn't like me sometimes."

David inclined his head. "Well. Just see how it goes, hm?"

"Yeah."

○○○

In the evening David was drinking his second bottle of whiskey while outside. This was definitely a senseless venture, but David really couldn't bring himself to care right now. He just wanted to feel a little good. Sue him.

A pleasant buzz was coursing through him. Not wanting to lose it. David started strolling down the street to go 'buy' another whiskey bottle. Pity he didn't get that far. Ten steps and he was face first in a bush. Well isn't this par for the course, he thought to himself. Maybe he'll just have a nap then go and get another bottle later.

○○○

Edgar and Alan were feeling pretty proud of themselves. They managed to snag a case of beer and they invited Sam to a corner of the beach. Sam was apprehensive, but the Frogs managed to persuade the younger Emerson.

"This stuff smells bad guys." Sam scrunched his nose up at the dark amber liquid.

Edgar just waved him off, putting his own can to his lips. The beer didn't even get a chance to slide down his throat before he was choking and gagging.

"That taste like ass! Why do adults like that stuff?!" The older Frog cried out.

Alan has just been suffering next to him silently and sees the opportunity to put his own can down. Sam pushed his own away too.

"Let's just get rid of this case and forget about this night yeah?" Sam asked the brothers.

Fortunately, they both agreed straight away. The young boys will stick to comics in the future after that fiasco.

○○○

Sam wandered down the street to go home when he noticed a figure in the bush. He would recognise those boots anywhere. Anxiety filled his being. David didn't seem the type to just laze about in a fucking bush of all places. In a flash Sam was next to him.

"Dave. Dave you alive? David!"

"Ngh. Go away." David slurred.

"Oh thank God. I thought you were dead man! Get up!" Sam shouted at him.

David wanted to sew Sam's mouth shut. He was too loud right now. If it wasn't for his current state Sam would have no hand left for pulling him up. Luckily for the younger Emerson, David could barely hold his own head up.

"Let's get you home bud."

○○○

Michael was getting himself some water in the kitchen when Sam came through the front door, with David hanging off him. Confused, Michael set the glass down to go over to the two boys, David was clearly intoxicated, Sam had an annoyed, but concerned look on his face.

"I wanna be a cowboy baby~" David slurred, leaning more onto Sam.

Sam just rolled his eyes and pried himself from David to push him onto Michael.

"He's your friend Mike, you deal with him."

Michael opened his mouth, but he was too flabbergasted to say anything. Then David cupped Michael's face.

"Hey there handsome~"

Michael blinked, gently pulled David's hands down, turned to Sam to ask him to get another glass of water for David. Somehow, within the literal split second he turned his head to his brother, David had managed to pull himself out of his jackets and was pulling his top off.

"Oh my God David!" He whisper shouted, as to not wake the others.

Quickly he put his arms around David's arms and torso so he could not strip further. The vampire was giggling gleefully.

"Still think my friends are the troublemakers Mike?"

"Shut up. And take the water up."

The younger Emerson just rolled his eyes before doing as he was told. Now Michael was stuck with what his next step should be. David seemed to settle down a little bit in his arms thankfully.

"Do you think you can walk David?"

"Mayybeee. I can fly~"

"Uh huh." Michael thought fuck it. "I'm going to carry you upstairs okay?"

Slowly Michael moved his arms so one was under David's knees, the other under his shoulders, effectively picking him up bridal style.

"Show me the way to go home~ Everybody! I'm tired and I want to go to bed!"

"David, please be quiet."

The vampire seemed to sober up a little to that, he wrapped his arms around Michael's neck.

"I. Want. To. Go. To. Bed." He practically purred down Michael's ear.

Michael cleared his throat, trying his best to ignore his friend's antics, he was drunk after all. Still hoping that neither his mom or grandpa heard anything, Michael made his way upstairs to his bedroom, trying his best to keep David quiet, at least he was motionless in his arms. Small mercies. 

Sam left the bedroom door open, Michael was grateful that he just had to make a beeline to his bed. He gently sat David down on the bed in a sitting position. Michael took off his friends' boots.

"You don't wear socks?" Michael quirked a brow.

"They're itchy!"

Michael hushed David, he wasn't expecting him to shout like that.

"Okay, okay. No sock talk. Got it."

"You're doing a great job taking care of your buddy there Mike." Sam quipped from the door.

"What do you want?" Michael let out an exasperated sigh.

Sam looked at David, who was swaying sitting up, but finally quiet, then back to his brother.

"You won't tell mom that I was out this late right?"

Michael just waved his little brother off, ushering him to his own room, so he could get back to David. When he turned back around, said friend was laying on his back on the bed.

"David! Oh my God, sit up!" Michael was whisper shouting again, the panic almost made him really scream.

David's brows furrowed, his eyes were closed and he wasn't showing any signs of listening to Michael.

"David, come on sit up." He pleaded.

Michael pulled David back up in the sitting position from his shoulders. The vampire was frowning now, he just wanted sleep.

"David, come on. Just drink some water and you can go to sleep."

Michael felt like he was negotiating with a toddler, his friend was shaking their head, whining that he didn't like or need water.

"Please David. Just a couple of sips, for me?"

Finally he gave in, Michael held the glass for him, he didn't trust that David wouldn't drop it. Would probably do it on purpose knowing him.

Satisfied that he semi-hydrated his friend, Michael let David lay down. On his side this time. There was enough room on the bed for Michael to get in beside him, before he could climb in though, he heard someone come to his door.

"Look Sam–"

Michael stopped dead when he saw it was in fact his mom at the door. Lucy looked concerned. Michael thinks he is probably in trouble.

"What's going on Michael?"

"Uhhh...David..he kinda stumbled in here." He scratched the back of his neck. "Drunk."

"He just stumbled in...on his own?" She asked, one eyebrow raised.

It was obvious from her tone that she didn't believe him, but he didn't want to get Sam into trouble either. Lucy raised her hand when he opened his mouth to say something else, she didn't want to hear it. Her main concern was the boy that was currently tangled in Michael's quilt, dead to the world.

"I'm going to call Max, he should know that his son is okay and safe." She turned to leave, but seemed to remember something. "Your spare blanket is in the bathroom cupboard."

Michael whispered a quick thanks, hoping that this would be the end of it, but he knew better by now. She will let them get rest, and talk to Sam and him in the morning.

Then Michael blinked in confusion, why would he need his spare blanket? The quilt on his bed should be enough. He let out a tired huff when he looked back at David. Michael doesn't know how he's done it, but David is rolled up in the quilt, still on his side and hugging himself. Basically a person burrito, he would laugh if he wasn't so tired.

○○○

As luck would have it Michael could not get to sleep straight away, he was worried about the sleeping figure next to him. After half an hour he shook David because it looked liked he wasn't breathing.

"Hmph...I'll look tomorrow Marko." He mumbled sleepily.

Michael heaved a sigh of relief and leaned back on the headboard until he calmed down. Who knew he would be so stressed with a drunk David? God he hopes he never has to deal with it again, too much responsibility.

○○○

An alarm blared right next to Michael's head, he must have fallen asleep at some point after dawn. Michael didn't get a chance to click his alarm off as he heard a snarl. An honest to God snarl like you would hear from a wolf, which made him still in his movements. David reached over him, picked up the clock and threw it against the wall. It shattered into pieces, all was quiet again. David was curled up fast asleep once more. Michael rolled in his bed to look at the other boy. Did that noise come from him? Was he just still waking up and imagined it? The latter was more logical, Michael knew, but he swore he heard it clear as day.

Pushing the thought aside that his friend might be a monster, he quietly got up. Gathered all the clock pieces he could find to take down to grandpa. That man could fix anything.

May as well go down now and get the lecture over with before David rises.

Grandpa, Lucy and Sam were all sat at the kitchen table. Already having finished up breakfast. Grandpa looked amused when he saw the mess in his grandson's hands, and he happily scooped it out of Michael's hands to have an excuse to leave without a word.

Lucy motioned for her eldest to take the seat next to her. Upon sitting down he was asked if he wanted breakfast before their talk. Michael shook his head. The thought of food right now made him nauseous.

Scanning the area as if it wasn't his home, Michael noticed that David's coats were hung up. Oh yeah. He forgot about those.

"Michael." Lucy started.

"Yeah mom?"

"What happened last night dear?"

Shit. Michael can't lie, Lucy knows him too well. Sam has probably already told his side of the story.

"I came down to get some water." He started. Flicking his eyes to Sam before he continued. "David came through the door. I got him upstairs to hydrate him before getting in bed."

Lucy quirked a brow at her older son before looking at Sam.

"I already confessed Mike. She knows I dragged Dave home." He shrugged as if he wasn't freaked out last night about mom finding out.

Michael wanted to strangle him.

"I just wished you boys came and asked for my help. We're all friends aren't we?"

"Yes mom." The boys said in unison.

○○○

In the late afternoon David was still asleep. Michael periodically checked on him, Sam even came in a couple of times.

A knock at the front door made Michael jump on one of his David checks. He didn't know who that could be. On the last step downstairs he noticed that Sam had answered. It was Marko who came. Just him. Weird.

Marko waved. "Hi Michael."

"Hey. Where's the others?"

"They're home. Trust me you don't want to see a hung over David with Paul. And you really don't want to wake a sleeping Dwayne either."

"Is it that bad?"

Marko smirks remembering the first time David was hung over after turning the youngest. Paul's head was almost removed from his shoulders. Paul was also the one unfortunate enough to try and wake Dwayne up. Paul had a free flying lesson that day.

Michael lead Marko upstairs to his room where David was still conked out. It was the first time Michael saw something like concern flash on Marko's face. The expression was only there for a millisecond when they entered the room, but it was still there. That made Michael more worried.

"David." Marko whispered.

David pulled the quilt over his head, not wanting to deal with waking up. The younger vampire sat next to him and gently pulled the cover down David's face to tuck it under his chin. As long as the Emersons didn't mind having them there Marko would stay with the idiot. No need to move him in this state. While Michael helped his grandpa with something Marko quietly hummed to David. Gently running his fingers through the end strands of David's mullet.

His brother really is in deep.

Chapter Text

Michael made his way down the steps inside the dilapidated hotel like he has done many times before. At this point he could make his way to the boys' den blindfolded, he would never dare that however. Knowing his luck, that would be the day something changed. Something simple like Marko putting one of his projects on a step near the outside to dry. No thank you. He may have only known them for a few months, but he learned quickly that out of all them, Marko is the one you want to avoid the wrath of the most.

On the third night of meeting them, some guy tried to pick on Marko. Probably thought what a lot of people did. Smallest of the group, quite soft looking. Must be the easiest target right? Wrong. The older Emerson boy has never seen someone jump on a guys head so fast. Paul had to drag him off, well he attempted to. Dwayne had to help him in the end. Michael remembered turning his head to David in horror, but he was just smirking. That smirk that seemed to be permanently etched onto his face.

In fact from David's body language it looked liked he even wanted to join in. Michael debated about being friends with them for a week after, but they had this sort of charismatic magnetism that he just couldn't ignore. In the end they became really good friends. The boys were cool with you as long as you were cool with them, and most importantly. Not an asshole.

"You guys home?" Michael hollered, his voice bouncing off the walls.

"Yo bud! Over here!" Paul shouted back.

Michael had to double check. Yep. That was Paul laying down on the floor next to the bed. That guy seemed to like to lounge on everything but the bed. Michael walked over to him, sat on the edge of the bed to look at his friend's face.

"Where's the others Paul?"

"Oh, they've not long got up. They'll be through soon."

"Michael! You hanging with us tonight?" Marko yelled.

"Jesus Marko! One of these days you're gunna give me a heart attack for real." Michael clutched at his chest.

"Stop being so dramatic, your heart ain't that weak." Marko waved Michael off. "Anyway, ya didn't answer my question. You hanging with us tonight?"

For such a simple question, it made Michael feel a lot of guilt. He really hadn't been spending as much time with them since getting close to Star and her friends at school.

There was an attempt to let them meet each other, but he could tell the boys really didn't like Jason. To be honest, Michael doesn't blame them. The guy was an egotistical ass, that was only put up with in the group because he was Heather's boyfriend. They have only hung out as one big group twice. When Michael first introduced them, and not long ago when Marko tried to give them all alcohol poisoning, David wasn't there for that.

Lucky bastard.

The guilt grew when he remembered the reason he came here in the first place. To ask if any of them knew how to do a ballroom dance. God was he really just turning to them for favours now? He only took David out for a milkshake because he felt obligated, and he can hardly call taking care of a drunk David spending quality time with a friend.

"Sure."

Michael found himself saying now, he doesn't want to become that person. The human boy was determined to keep these friends he actually liked.

"Awesome!" Paul exclaimed, sitting up straight like Dracula.

Dwayne slung his arm around Michael's shoulders, seemingly appearing out of nowhere.

"Glad to have you buddy."

○○○

The boys ended up hanging out on their corner of the beach. Dwayne was sat next the fire on the sand, Paul was leaning against the log that Michael and David were sitting on. And Marko was in a nearby tree. They were all smoking, drinking and just talking amongst themselves. It was one of the calmest nights they have had in a while.

"Got any interesting plans Michael?" Marko asked while dangling off a branch.

"Not really. Jason's family has this ballroom themed party thing. He has invited me to it. Apparently they do all the dances and everything."

Marko jumped from the branch to land next to Michael. "You know how to dance ballroom style?" Marko asked. Sitting himself next to the human.

"No. Never danced in my life."

"Hey! Davey knows how to do that dance! He can teach you Mikey!"

Paul basically threw David under the bus with the suggestion. Of course the air-head meant nothing by it, David could practically hear the gears turning in that head of his after he said it.

Realisation settled over the more mellow terror twin's face. Before Paul could start making excuses to try to 'fix' it. Marko butted in, because of course he did.

"Great idea Paulie! Davey is a perfect teacher, he even managed to teach me it when I was bored once."

"Why can't you teach Michael then Marko?" Dwayne added to the conversation.

"I said when I got bored once. Didn't say I was any good or retained it. Listening ears Dwaynie, put them on."

"Continue with that attitude and see what happens." Dwayne said deadpan.

Marko just smirked at him before nudging Michael.

"Would ya like Davey to teach ya?"

"Umm..." Michael turned to look at David. "If you wouldn't mind?"

David really wanted to yank Marko's head off in that moment. The little fucker knew he wouldn't be able to say no.

"Of course I don't mind." David smiled at Michael.

Feeling like he needed something to do Paul slapped his knees and stood up.

"I'm gunna snag some more beers!" He announced before jogging up to the boardwalk. As he turned the corner to get to the shop where he usually got the goods he bumped into Star. He quite liked her, she was a free spirit. Bouncy. She was quite a dare devil too.

"Hey Star!" Paul shouted.

She smiled up at the vampire. "Hi Paul. What you doing?" She bounced on the balls of her feet.

"Just getting some drinks. The others are at the beach." Paul pointed in the general direction they were. "Wanna come and hang with us?"

Star pondered for a moment before shaking her head. "Maybe next time. I was just about to go see Maria"

"Okay. How she doing?"

"She's good."

Star's demeanour changed just slightly, Paul only caught it because he can hear her heartbeat.

"Are you all good Star?"

"Hm? Yeah! Yeah I'm good." She blushed.

"You sure?"

"Can I tell you something Paul?"

Paul blinked in confusion but nodded. He could hear that her heartbeat was getting faster.

"You wanna go sit somewhere first?" Paul offered.

Star nodded and Paul fell in step beside her. They went into the diner next door to sit in the booth at the back for pivracy. They sat across from each other. Star fiddled with her hair before looking up at Paul.

"I–um...I'm a lesbian." Star stated looking down biting her lip.

Paul let the information sink in for a moment.

"You going to ask Maria out?"

Star's head shot up, her eyes bulging.

"I can't." Star gritted through her teeth.

Paul inclined his head to the side. "Why not?"

"Well for one, I said yes to dating Michael because...well I just. Felt bad saying no. And I'm pretty sure Maria isn't into girls."

"Why not tell Michael?"

"I'm not sure I can."

"Why tell me?"

"Because you feel safe enough to tell."

If Paul's heart was still working he would feel it swell. It felt really good to be that trustworthy to someone.

"Thanks." Paul beamed at Star.

Star smiled back at him.

"Can you do me a favour Paul?"

"Sure."

"Don't tell anyone."

"Cross my heart and hope to die."

○○○

Marko's inward clock told him that Paul has been gone for twenty minutes. That's a long time to go get drinks. The air-head has probably gotten distracted by something shiny along the way.

Marko leaned over to David to let him know that he's going to look for the other terror twin. Their leader just looked amused. Knowing that Paul most likely has seen a fire show or something on the boardwalk and is in a trance.

Marko stepped over Dwayne, who was taking a nap. This always happened when he got comfortable and had a few drugs and alcohol in his system. It was tempting to poke him on the way to see if he would chase him up the boardwalk, but Marko would do that next time. He wanted to see what Paul was up to more at the moment.

To Marko's surprise he saw Paul saying goodbye to Star, who seemed to be going in the direction of Max's video store.

"What ya up to Paulie?"

Paul jumped about a foot off the ground. For a vampire he wasn't very aware of his surroundings most of the time. He's great when they're hunting, because like the others he let's the vampire side completely take over. It's actually really funny to Marko. Getting to witness the different sides to this goofball.

"Hey bud! Star was just asking me about dresses for that ball thingy." Paul smiled at Marko.

"Uh huh. Sure she was."

"Well she ain't exactly gunna ask Mikey if she wants it to be a surprise is she?" The taller vampire put his hands on his hips.

Smirking, Marko just shrugged. He knew Paul was hiding something.

"Don't look at me like that!"

Marko mimicked an innocent expression. "Look at you like what Paulie?"

"Nothin'. I'm gunna get the drinks and get back to the others."

Paul sauntered off. Marko waited until he was out of sight in the shop before making his way to Max's video store.

Max usually wasn't fond of the boys going in his shop. It wasn't because he hated his boys. He loved them with all his heart. But they were rambunctious rascals. (His exact words). So Marko snuck in.

What he saw made him grin from ear to ear.

There Star was. Chatting away to Maria. Looking at her as if she was the whole world.

The way David looked at Michael.

Marko made his way back to the others. He will play matchmaker later. For now he wanted to tackle a sleeping Dwayne and see how long everyone can last.

Chapter Text

Here David was again at the Emerson household. Currently staring a hole through the front door. Lucy told him that he was more than welcome in their home and didn't have to knock. Why was that making him feel sick?

Anxiety.

Even as a vampire he could not escape that horrendous emotion. The knot in his stomach, his throat closed up and the awful feeling of not being grounded. 

Fuck he hated it so much. Sometimes he wished he could just flip a switch in his emotions. A turn off button for them would be fantastic right about now.

Well then you wouldn't have feelings for Michael and wouldn't be here, would you? David thought to himself.

Idiot.

Scowling at himself he gripped the strap of the bag he had on him tighter. For emersion, David brought some of his vinyls to tutor Michael through the dance. The vampire found that he hoped Michael would actually enjoy it. Not just the music, but the learning curves that came with ballroom dancing. It was something from his human years that he cherished. David found himself being too sentimental sometimes. 

Speaking of sentimental.

David patted his pockets for his lighter. He could feel the cool metal through the glove in his coat pocket. He fiddled with it until he finally put his hand on the doorknob and let himself in. It felt strange. Someone. Well. Something like himself is never invited and welcome.

David could hear Lucy reading at the back porch. Sam was upstairs playing with Nanook. In the vicinity of Michael's room he could hear gentle plucking of strings. Was Michael playing the guitar?

"Hello?!" David shouted, mainly to let the Emersons know he was there. He was raised to have some manners after all.

"Hello dear! Michael is upstairs!" Lucy shouted back.

David took the stairs two at a time, gripping the strap on his shoulder like his life depended on it. He felt like he couldn't breathe. The vampire knows logically that he doesn't need to breathe. He shouldn't be on the verge of a panic attack, but anxiety never did follow logic.

At Michael's door he braced himself, leaned his head on the door and took deep breathes.

Counted to five. Let a breathe out. Then to ten. He continued like this for a couple of minutes. This little ritual has been a part of David's life since he was eleven years old and he despised it.

David let out one last breath before gently knocking on Michael's door. A soft "come in" came from the other side. David pushed the door open and tilted his head when he saw that Michael was in fact plucking at a guitar. It looked very old and homemade, the acoustic certainly wasn't a name brand. From the smell of rust alone David could tell the strings were on their last legs. An amused smile was plastered on his face when he sat next to Michael.

"Didn't know you played." David pondered.

Michael shrugged. "Just started. Whined about there being nothing to do around grandpa and he passed me this. A lot better than having to help him out with cleaning."

"Did he make it? Looks handmade." David asked, tapping the wood with one of his knuckles.

"He did actually. Like– 30? Years-ish ago. Grandpa said he hasn't played it in a while."

"Good old Al with his many hobbies" –David narrowed his eyes at it–"It's a wonder that the wood hasn't warped though." He looked back to Michael and put one of his hands out. "May I?"

Michael passed the guitar over. "You know grandpa's name?"

David smirked at him while messing with the tuning heads. "Figured it out a while ago. Marko is still trying and it's driving him crazy."

"Why not just tell him?"

David leaned in a bit towards the other. "Where's the fun in that?" David sat back, fiddling with the strings.

"Besides. Marko will feel victorious when he finally does find out."

Michael thought it was odd for a second. Then he realised that if he was in David's position, he would do the same to Sam.

David pulled the strings away from the body of the guitar. There wasn't a lot of give in them. They would definitely snap soon.

"Does Al have any new strings lying around?"

Michael shrugged.

"Alright–" David sat the guitar down. "–I would get some ASAP, those are due to snap. Trust me, you don't want them to go when you're playing."

"Noted"–Michael gestured to the bag David had on his shoulder–"What you got there?"

"Got to have a soundtrack for the dance Michael."

"Seriously?"

"Of course! I know you have a record player."

David pushed himself off Michael's bed and made his way to the player in the corner. Crouching on the floor he pulled out one of the records. An Der Schönen Blauen Donau, Op. 314.

"Huh. Thought you would be more of a Depeche Mode guy." Michael stood up.

David looked over his shoulder at Michael, smiling. "I got some of their stuff too."

Well Michael wasn't expecting that, he was joking. David struck him more as someone who listened to rock. Not an electronic band? Man's full of surprises it seems.

The vampire pushed himself back up, took the record out of it's sleeve and placed it on the player. David held up the needle so it wouldn't play yet.

"I assume you want to learn the lead?" David asked, looking at Michael.

Michael nodded. "I apologise in advance, I'm probably gunna step on your feet a lot."

David huffed out a laugh and placed the needle on the record, before turning with a flourish, arms spread out wide.

"Let's begin."

○○○

Meanwhile Marko was too wired to sleep. So naturally he went up to the boardwalk. It was still bustling with life during the daytime.

The small vampire made his way to a corner café, where he knew Maria would be. Yapping to her all those times he did manage to get into Max's video store, he found out this was her favourite place to get a quiet breakfast.

Before entering Marko looked through the window. Lo and behold. Maria was in a booth towards the back. A book on the table in front of her while she twirled the spoon in her coffee. A jingle echoed in the café as Marko entered. Most people automatically looked up to see the new visitor, including Maria. When she saw him, Maria smiled and waved at him.

"I thought you were more of a...nocturnal person?" She asked with an eyebrow raised.

"Usually–" The vampire plopped himself in the seat across from her. "–But today's special." Marko stated while messing around with the sugar packets.

Maria smiled in amusement. "Oh really? What makes today special?"

Marko just smirked.

○○○

Michael and David were both sat on the floor, backs against Michael's bed. They were sipping the lemonade Lucy brought up for them a few minutes ago. It wasn't too sweet, David really liked it.

"Where did you learn to dance like that?"

Michael was still in awe about it. David had so much grace in his movements and it was a miracle that Michael never stumbled.

For a moment David was completely silent. Contemplating if this was something he wanted to share with the other.

"My mom." David stated simply and took a swig of his drink.

That surprised Michael. This felt like a secret. Something special that Michael was being privy to. Not wanting to ruin the moment or irritate David. Michael took a second to think of what to say.

"She taught you well."

Slowly a smile formed on David's face. One Michael has never seen before. Genuine and fond, but sadness was in his eyes. Didn't take a genius to put two and two together. Michael truly didn't know what to say. Up until this moment he didn't think that David even knew his mother. Michael was about to attempt to comfort his friend when commotion downstairs interrupted the moment. David could hear Marko, of course it would be him. Michael looked at his door then to David.

"Shall we go see what that is about?" David asked raising his brow.

Michael nodded and both boys headed down the stairs. Grandpa Emerson was sat at the kitchen table having a smoke. Marko was sat staring at him. The image amused David, he knew what was circling around in the little vampires head at the moment.

"Allan!" Marko shouted standing up.

Pointing at the 'elder', Marko smiled. "Al, your names Allan!"

"Well done!" Al waved his cigarette in Marko's direction.

"Really?" Marko looked shocked.

"Hell no!"

Marko scowled at him. David just slung one of his arms around Marko's shoulders and passed him the rest of his lemonade. The younger vampire drank it in one gulp. Evidently he liked Lucy's lemonade too.

Grandpa. Not Allan. Stood up to sling the bottle he has been drinking from in the sink and left through the back porch. Smoke still in hand. Michael picked up his plate that he left at the table and took the glass off Marko. Lucy always taught them to clean up after themselves and Michael really couldn't be bothered to hear about grandpa leaving things around.

While Michael was washing up the small amount of dishes with his back turned to Marko and David, David pulled Marko a little closer with the arm he still had around the others shoulders.

"What are you doing up anyway?" David poked one of Marko's unruly curls.

"Couldn't sleep."

David's brows creased in concern. Marko just rolled his eyes.

"In excitement Davey. I'm okay."

"What's got you so excited?"

"None of your business."

"Probably none of yours either." David emphasised with a poke to Marko's nose.

Marko laughed at that. Glad that David was in a good enough mood to poke fun at him, but he could tell something was still off. And it wasn't Michael this time.

"What are you guys laughing about?" Michael asked, finishing up the dishes.

"Nothin'." Marko was quick to answer.

Michael narrowed his eyes at Marko.

"Would you like to go out tonight Michael? We could get some strings for that guitar?" David asked.

Marko perked up at hearing that. "You play?"

"Literally just started." Michael placed the towel on its designated hook.

"We totally gotta jam together!" Marko exclaimed.

"Let me learn the basics first." Michael laughed.

○○○

Marko, Michael and David wandered in the local music store. David went straight towards the back-left where he knew the strings were. Marko played around with the drum kit that was set-up towards the front and Michael took a moment to take everything in. In the past he hasn't really took a lot of interest in music. Sports with some car modelling was more of his thing.

Michael felt Marko gently pull on his elbow, he looked at him a little confused. Marko was never gentle. Except with his pigeons and art projects.

"Do you know what's wrong with Davey?" Marko whispered.

Michael looked over his shoulder at David who was still flicking through strings, he seemed completely fine to him. The only thing Michael could think of, if Marko was sensing something off about David, was the fact that he mentioned his mother earlier. That information felt too personal to tell, even to Marko. So when Michael looked back at Marko, who had an expectant look on his face, he said.

"No. He's been fine with me all day."

Marko obviously didn't belive him, but didn't push either and went back to the drum kit to create some noise.

Michael glanced around the store a little and was about to turn to where David went but the man was already in front of him, a pack of strings in hand. Michael doesn't think he will ever get used to how all the boys appear out of nowhere, he still jumps everytime.

"Some light gauge strings." –David passed the strings over to Michael. –"They'll make it easier on your fingers to begin with."

"We'll teach you the spiderwalk."

Marko said suddenly beside Michael, which made him jump again. Marko was the worst for doing it. Michael was convinced the smaller one did it completely on purpose.

"A what?" Michael said, completely bewildered.

"Spiderwalk," Marko repeated. "It's a technique where you climb up the fretboard. Looks like a spider moving. Spiderwalk!"

David looked amused at Michael's confused face.

"It's better to show you Michael. It is a good technique. Helps with your dexterity and picking. We can arrange a time to sort the guitar out if you'd like?" David offered.

"Sure."

Marko pretended to look at a watch on his blank wrist and patted Michael's shoulder.

"Gotta go!"

Before any of the other two could ask him anything, Marko was gone.

"What the hell is he up to?" Michael turned to David.

"I'm sure we'll find out sooner or later."