Chapter Eleven-
AN: I'm so sorry, guys, I didn't realize I'd made Larten use contractions last chapter! I'd been working on it, then had to stop in the middle, and resumed late at night when my brain goes to mush…sorry again! So rabid fans, you know who you are *smiles*, anyway, enjoy!
Darren woke up the next morning to a cat's face looming over him. He let out a scream, and jumped up, stepping on Ashley's head. Surprisingly, she kept sleeping. The cat let out a hiss, then darted into Kenzie's lap. The girl giggled insanely at the half vampire, who stood with his arms in a karate stance. He let them fall to his sides, then sat down on the couch again.
"It's a cat, Darren, it is not going to kill you."
"I know, it just scared me."
"Which part? The fluffy fur, or friendly eyes?"
"Why do you talk like that?" She looked surprised at the sudden off topic question.
"Well, because I love your mentor, that is why."
"Oh, okay then." He looked at the window where Mr. Crepsley had been the previous night. The red clad man didn't appear to be there anymore. Darren couldn't help but be curious, and went outside to look for him. Kenzie followed, along with the freshly awoken Alexis. He called his name along with the girls, but he didn't show up. Darren shook his head, he'd probably gone back to the Cirque.
The door to the house opened, and Kenzie's mother stepped out. She watched them all calling the name she'd become accustomed to by now.
"So, are you a fan of Cirque du Freak, too?" she asked. Darren paused, then nodded.
"I think you should come back in." she said, pointing at the sky, which was completely black. They all nodded, and began racing back in. There was a roar of thunder, and Alexis screamed and wrenched open the door, then ran into Kenzie's room and shut the door. The others stared after her.
"So, I guess she's afraid of storms."
"Yeah, sure is."
"Hm."
They went to the living room, and flicked on the television. Everyone was awake but Ashley and Ben. Kenzie shook her head at the sight of them.
"Hang on, I know what will wake them up." she said, then picked up her iPod. Darren watched curiously, along with the others. She turned the volume all the way up, and a song started playing. The boy flipped over and cursed at them, and the girl sat straight up.
"Caramelldansen. Works every time."
"Turn that annoying crap OFF!" yelled Ben.
"NO!"
"Guys, really, it's only ten in the morning and you're already going at it!" said Ashley.
"Yeah, well that is not early to some of us, Ash."
"Whatever…"
Amanda tossed a pack of Poptarts to everyone. Alexis whined because she wanted French toast, and then was smacked in the back of the head. When Darren got his, he ripped it open with his teeth. Amanda stared at him for a moment, then shrugged.
But Darren had another hunger, one he knew had to be filled soon, or he'd take it out on them. Ashley watched him again, and noticed how he looked paler and didn't appear to want the food they gave him. She took him by the hand, and pulled him into the bathroom. Kenzie whistled, and Ashley told her to shut up.
She let Darren sit on the toilet, taking a spot on the ground. She pulled her sleeve up, revealing her wrist and held it out to him. He was a little hesitant, but then made a small cut and drank. Ashley winced a little, but didn't pull away.
When he was finished, he let go of her wrist, and she smiled at him. He smiled back, apologetically.
"Sorry."
"No, no. That was one of the coolest things to ever happen to me! I felt like Lestat from Interview With The Vampire!"
They left the bathroom to find all three of the others pressed against the door. Ashley hit her forehead, as they jumped back and attempted to be innocent.
"Guys! He was just feeding!"
"Feeding?" said Amanda and Ben at the same time.
"Yeah, he's a vampire!"
"Sure he is." said Amanda sarcastically. Ben looked hurt.
"I swear, he is!"
Darren looked between them, worried, and slightly confused. They eventually worked out that Darren was allergic to Poptarts and Ashley, who somehow knew, had to give him an Epipen shot. The half vampire was amazed at how they came up with that, but didn't question it.
There was a knock on the door, and Darren saw Mr. Crepsley standing on the doorstep.
"Hey, guys, my, um, dad's here!" he said. He gathered his clothes from yesterday, and changed quickly in the bathroom. He opened the door, after throwing Ben's clothes at him, and let Mr. Crepsley in. His cape was soaking wet, and his hair was plastered to his forehead.
"Hello, son." he said.
"Hey, dad."
"Do you have your things?"
"Yeah."
"Allright, well tell your friends goodbye and we will head home."
Darren nodded, and then yelled goodbye to everyone, then stepped out into the rain. He began to climb onto Mr. Crepsley's back, when the door opened and Kenzie raced out with Ashley. Alexis followed shortly. They had all somehow gotten dressed in a matter of minutes. They all stood with their arms crossed. Larten shifted.
"Do you need something?" he asked them.
"Larten, you promised me you would take us to the Cirque."
"Oh, well, yes I did. But could it wait until later?"
"I guess it could…" she said, looking down. The water fell off her hair, and Larten watched her, feeling sorry. But, he could not carry all four of them on his back. And coming to get each would take a lot out of him until he fed. He reached out and patted her on the head, sighing.
"I will come back for you." he said, then picked up Darren and flitted. Kenzie kicked the ground, then went back inside with the others. They all threw themselves into various beanbag chairs. Amanda and Ben, who'd been arguing over what movie they wanted to watch, looked up in surprise.
"Guys, you're soaked! Did you try to go after them?" asked Amanda.
"Yeah, sure did. So will it be Negima?" asked Kenzie.
"Oooh! I wanna watch Negima so I can see-"
"Negi. We know, Ash."
She smiled, then shook out her wet hair. A roar of thunder followed, along with lightning. Alexis screamed again and ducked under a pillow. Everyone burst out laughing, and she flicked them off.