Chapter 1

Today was what most would call a depressing day. But for Vladimir Tod, it seemed to soothe him. He didn't have to deal with D'Ablo or the Elysian Society or Dorian anyone else who could cause him harm for a while. As he lay in the grass looking up at the dull gray sky that showed signs of rain, he smiled to himself. He had no idea why cloudy days brought him comfort, whether it was because he wouldn't have to worry about slathering sunscreen all over him or he liked the fact those cloudy days could sometimes end in rain and he loved the cold feeling of rain on his face. He shut his eyes and almost let sleep carry him away, until he heard a familiar voice.

"Hey, Vlad, what are you doing?"

Vlad looked up to see his best friend and drudge, Henry McMillan walking towards him, a huge grin on his face. He stopped about a foot away from Vlad and sat down next to him.

"Oh nothing, I didn't expect to see you here. Shouldn't you be in an alley somewhere making out with Melissa or something?" Vlad asked with a smirk. Henry glared at him for second, but laughed and pat Vlad's chest.

"No. She's hanging out with her friends at the mall, so she doesn't have time for me right now." He said with a bitter edge to his voice. Vlad sat up, looking at Henry with concern in his eyes. Henry noticed Vlad's worried look and quickly replaced his harsh tone.

"Sorry Vlad, it's just…I get so annoyed when she only wants to spend time with me at school and then treats me like I don't exist once school lets out." Henry had said this with pure sadness which made Vlad want to comfort him.

Vlad scooted closer to Henry and wrapped his arm around Henry's shoulders. He had first expected Henry to flinched and move away, but instead moved closer to Vlad, laying his head on his shoulder. Vlad looked down at Henry to see a few tears escape from his best friend's eyes. At that moment, the half-vampire wanted to hurt Melissa like she hurt Henry, but restrained only knowing it would cause more pain.

"Henry, I know it's not my place to say this, but maybe you should…break up with Melissa. It's obvious that she's using you for publicity and not going out with you because she likes you." He looked at Henry waiting for his reaction who looked back at him with not anger but understanding.

"You're right Vlad, I should. All Melissa has done is use me to make herself more popular. But I was too blind and stupid to get it through my head." He said.

"You aren't stupid or blind, maybe a little bit stupid, but not at all blind." He said. Henry smiled softly at his comment.

"Thanks Vlad, that actually helped a bit. Now I know what to do, I'm going to break up with Melissa." He said a bit proud of himself.

Vlad grinned at him, and then it faded away as he realized something. Henry looked really cute, what with his spiky blond hair and his piercing blue eyes. Henry was still closely against Vlad's body, so he could feel Henry's muscular body against his own skinny body. He wondered what it would feel like if Henry's hard naked chest was against his own. 'Wait, what am I thinking?' he thought to himself. 'This is my best friend and he's a guy, how can I think about this?' Blushing deeply, he shook his head of the perverted thought. Henry saw Vlad's pale skin turn a deep red and cocked an eyebrow. He turned his head and pulled closer so he was face to face with Vlad.

"Yo, what's up with you, Vlad? Why are you so red? Did you have a dirty thought or something?" He asked with curiosity.

Vlad paid more attention to the fact that Henry's face was about an inch away from his. His obsidian eyes moved from Henry's blue eyes to his delicate and pink lips. He imagined what it would feel like to feel his lips pressed against his drudge's lips, his tongue delving deep into his mouth and pulling Vlad's vulnerable body to his own. Before Vlad could stop himself, his lips moved closely to Henry's until their lips were pushed together. Henry was shocked at this and his mind couldn't generate the fact that his best friend was kissing him. Vlad suddenly realized what he was doing and pushed Henry away from him.

"I'm so sorry Henry. I didn't mean to do that, I just…." Vlad turned and ran away from Henry, tears in his eyes. Henry just blankly stared at Vlad's retreating figure, his fingers reaching up to touch his lips.

'Did…did…Vlad just…kiss me?' Henry thought in surprise.