Just so you know, finding a dead corpse in your bedroom is not a good way to wake up.

That morning, I was rested and ready to start the day, maybe look for a job. I smiled, took a deep, refreshing breath and opened my eyes.

And screamed.

Gerard was on the floor next to a dead girl, and from what I could see she had probably been a whore. Cherry-red lipstick was smeared across her face and her thick, black eyeliner had begun to smudge.

He looked up just as I opened my mouth, and he jumped and flinched, covering his ears while I shrieked,

"There's a…GERARD, DON'T BRING FUCKING DEAD PEOPLE IN MY HOUSE!"

He slowly lowered his arms, looking at me warily before speaking.

"You didn't have a problem with the deer."

"So? IT'S A FUCKING PERSON!"

He shrugged. "Fine."

So much for looking for a job.

"When did you…how long has she been in my room?" I gulped.

"Not long. Maybe an hour before you woke up."

"Gerard, that's really…creepy."

He snorted. "I'm a bloodthirsty monster. What can I say? Oh, and please don't scream like that. It's really fucking loud with my vampiric hearing," he grinned.

"As long as you don't bring any more bodies to greet me good morning."

"No problem."

"Thanks."

We looked at each other.

Suddenly, Gerard decided to speak. And when he spoke, it was a totally different voice. It wasn't arrogant or grumpy.

"Fuck, Frank," he groaned, covering his pale face with his palms. "I can't do this any longer."

"What are you talking about?"

He looked up at me, and for the first time ever I knew I was seeing the real Gerard. His eyes were tortured and alone.

"Will you be my friend?" he whispered brokenly, his soft voice cracking.

"Gerard, I know how you feel," I murmured sympathetically.

"No, you don't-"

"You're lonely, aren't you?"

His face broke, and I swear if he had the ability to cry he would have.

"Yes."

I got off the bed and put my hand on his shoulder, full aware of the danger behind my actions, but not really giving a shit. He flinched at the sudden contact, but looked so hopeful with the prospect of actually having a friend it damn near broke my heart.

"Of course I will."

And, for the first time in my life, I saw a vampire smile.

After that, I wasn't living in constant fear. Even though he acted tough, Gerard was really a total sweetheart. Other than drinking blood and stuff, he wouldn't hurt a fly.

"Gee?"

"Yes, Frankie?" he replied sweetly, "baring" his fangs at me. I chuckled.

"I have a…kind of personal question, if you don't mind."

He tensed a little. "What is it?"

"Don't get offended, and you don't have to answer it if you don't want to, but…why did you get kicked out of your coven in the first place?"

He looked uncomfortable, but spoke nevertheless. "Well…"

"Like I said, you don't have to tell me if you don't want t-"

"No, no, it's okay. I'd have to tell you sometime," he laughed darkly. "They abandoned me because I…well, I don't like girls."

A gay vampire.

Living in my house.

Shit.

FUN FACT: I named this chapter Fun Ghoul because of this picture:

.net/multimedia/fotos/1172000/1171407/1171407-335490_