Vlad added another book to the 'finished' pile, which landed with a satisfying plop. Being a vampire really was handy at a time like this: he'd gotten through six books already, and his eyes weren't even tired.

Still—he glanced up at the shelves around him with a sigh—there was a lot to cover. And it was nearly dawn.

"This plan had better work," he announced to nobody in particular, as he picked up another book. He paused as a loud growl emanated from his stomach. Vlad frowned.

Strange... He'd fed just a few hours ago. Then again, he had skipped dinner; much to the Count's chagrin, he'd skived off meals for the day.

He shook his head, returning to his book. He read for another few minutes, then stopped, sniffing the air.

Vlad glanced at the door, confused. The whole library suddenly reeked of Robin, but—that didn't make any sense. Robin was at home, in bed.

He frowned again. At least, that's where Robin was supposed to be. Maybe he hadn't been able to sleep, and had decided to come see him? Vlad's eyes narrowed at the thought. Robin had missed so many classes already on his behalf; he would have to have a stern conversation with him later about making good life choices.

The smell intensified. Had a draft brought the scent to the library from downstairs? Vlad perked his ears, combing through the various sounds of the castle.

There was the usual banging of pots in the kitchen—that would be Renfield, cleaning the dinner mess. The harsh scraping of a metal file... someone, probably the Count, was sharpening their fangs before retiring for the morning. He strained, listening harder. Still no sign of Robin.

Vlad stood, crossing to the door. The smell vanished; almost as if it had never existed in the first place.

Am I hallucinating, now? Vlad thought wildly. He stood motionless for nearly a minute, ears perked, before shaking his head and returning to his pile of books. He'd ask Chloe about it later.

After catching himself re-reading the same sentence for the third time, Vlad growled. It was no use. He couldn't concentrate.

He rested his head against the shelves, closing his eyes. Maybe I should take a break? After all, it was morning. He was probably just tired.

When he opened his eyes, moving to stand up, he froze. Robin was standing in front of him, bare-chested and panting, as if he'd taken the tower stairs two at a time. "Robin? What happened? Why aren't you at school?"

But Robin said nothing. Vlad gasped as he spotted the fresh trails of blood running down Robin's neck and along his side. He jumped to his feet. "Oh my god, are you okay?"

He reached out to grab Robin by the shoulders, but his fingers caught nothing but air.

Vlad stared at the empty space where Robin had been standing just moments before. That... couldn't be a good sign.


"Hey, wait up!"

Robin briefly considered ignoring him. The git deserved it.

"Robin!"

Robin turned, scowling. "Oh, it's 'Robin', now, is it?" he said sarcastically, as Jonno caught up to him and stooped over to catch his breath. He made air-quotes. "Don't you mean 'Weirdo Number 2'?"

"Look, about that," Jonno began. "Actually, I... wanted to apologize to you. I've been a total prick."

"Apologize? To me...?" Robin's eyebrows flew into his hair. "Why?"

Jonno stood up straighter, meeting Robin's gaze. "Because Chloe asked me to."

Robin scoffed, but before he could escape Jonno side-stepped him, blocking his path. "But I really am sorry."

Jonno shrugged at Robin's incredulous look. "Chloe's right; I've been letting the feud between my dad and the Draculas cloud my judgment of you. You may be weird, but you're still a human. And it's my job as a slayer to protect you."

Robin managed to stop gaping long enough to respond. "Are you sure you're feeling all right?" he squinted, checking the other boy for signs of hypnotism. "Have you been spending any time with Ingrid, lately?"

"No," Jonno said, looking offended by the suggestion. "Look; it's an apology. Take it or leave it." The slayer-in-training crossed his arms. "At least I can tell Chloe I tried."

"Wait." Robin cleared his throat. He still didn't trust the man; he couldn't, not after everything the Van Helsings had tried to do to Vlad and his family. Still; Robin had to admit that sometimes, the apple does fall far from the tree. Just look at Vlad—or at him, for that matter.

He sighed. After a beat, he grit out, "Thanks... for the apology."

Jonno nodded, smiling at him. "Don't mention it." He held out a hand. "Truce?"

Robin looked around quickly, to make sure no one was watching. When he looked back, Jonno's eyes were fixed on his chest for some reason, but he looked up when Robin caught him staring.

Robin crossed his arms as subtly as he could, blocking Jonno's view. His heart pounded. Had Jonno noticed the amulet?

"...Truce?" Robin asked, hoping to distract him.

"Us humans have to stick together," Jonno explained, sounding earnest. He leaned in. "If you ever want out, just let me know. My father and I can protect you."

"Right…" Robin said awkwardly; not sure how to make the conversation end. He took Jonno's hand, shaking it quickly before letting go.

The bell rang. "I've got to go to class," Robin said hastily, and before Jonno could respond, he turned, making his way down the hall at a brisk pace.


Jonno opened his locker, thinking hard as he grabbed his books for next period.

He'd seen the glint of a chain around Robin's neck, and that unmistakable lump under Goth boy's t-shirt had been roughly the size and shape of a large pendant.

It was obvious Robin hadn't wanted him to see it. But why wear jewelry that big just to keep it hidden?

His eyes narrowed. It must be related to the weapon he'd seen on Chloe's laptop, somehow. He had to find out what the necklace did, before it was too late.

"Jonno! How are you?"

The slayer turned, smiling as he spotted the younger, nicer Branaugh walking toward him.

"Hey, partner," he said. "Ready for the quiz?"

"Of course," Chloe replied, all charm and sweetness. "Shall we, then?" she asked, gesturing behind him in the direction of the classroom.

"After you."


Vlad held up the handcuffs, considering. After a moment, he put them in his pocket, feeling a bit foolish. Still, better safe than sorry.

He grabbed an umbrella and what little remained of his bottle of SPF 150 sunscreen, and headed downstairs, checking the phone Mrs. Branaugh had purchased for Vlad on his fifteenth birthday.

Robin had texted him a few minutes ago, telling him to meet him outside the school by the dumpsters at dusk. The sun would be setting any minute now, but Vlad couldn't wait a moment longer. All day, he'd been plagued with incredibly realistic visions of Robin in various states of undress; usually covered to some degree in blood. Wherever he went in the castle, the visions would follow. He shuddered. It was driving him mad.

The urge to see Robin had only grown as the day wore on. It was like a fire, burning just below the skin. Vlad could only think of one way to make it stop: he had to go to him.

The only problem was the sun, which was currently scorching the land like a terrible, fiery god. Vlad could hardly believe he'd ever liked being outside during the day.

Now, though, just minutes from sunset—he had a chance. The rays were at their weakest.

He quickened his pace. It would still hurt; but it would be worth it, if he got to see Robin.


When he got to the front door, Ingrid was there, waiting for him. She smiled. "Hello, brother dearest."

Vlad scowled. "Out of my way, Ingrid."

"Where are you going this early?" Ingrid asked innocently. "Off to visit your boyfriend at school?"

Vlad sighed. She'd find out sooner or later. "Actually; yes."

Ingrid blinked. "What? Really?"

"Yes, really," Vlad snapped. "Now if you'll kindly move, I can get back to it." His sister stared at him.

"All right, all right," she said, stepping easily to one side. "No need to bite my head off." Vlad opened his umbrella and charged through the front door. She watched him go with calculating eyes.

Will came up behind her, closing the door.

"Since when does Vlad have a boyfriend?" Ingrid asked. "More importantly, who figured it out first, Robin or Vlad?"

"He's been drinking the breather's blood," Will said quietly. Ingrid scoffed.

"Last I checked, Robin is still human," she sneered, although her expression grew thoughtful.

"Wake up and smell the blood, Ingrid," Will said. "Those two are hiding something, I know it; whatever it is, it's allowing Vlad to drink from Robin without turning him."

"I suppose there are ways of blood-letting without inducing the transformation," Ingrid muttered.

Will shook his head. "Not unless you know of one that completely heals all signs of injury. I saw Robin; his collar was covered in O negative but there wasn't a scratch." He adjusted Ingrid's collar. "I think they're playing with forbidden magic."

"Well, then." Delight dawned on Ingrid's face. "This ought to be fun."

The two of them traded smirks.

"My thoughts exactly."


"Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow…." Vlad darted as fast as he could from shadow to shadow, lurching between buildings and stopping every so often to nurse his burns. His umbrella had broken almost immediately from the speed of travel, and the sunscreen only did so much.

He glared at the blip of light teetering on the horizon; the sun still had a little ways to go. But there was no time to waste! He bared his fangs, growling in frustration.

Be careful, Vlad—what if someone sees your fangs? Your secret will be out.

Vlad scowled. I don't care! I need to see him.

You will see him, his reasonable side—was it his conscience?—soothed. Wait for sundown. You won't be seeing anyone if you're a pile of ash.

Meanwhile, that other voice inside him—the one that haunted his day-mares—hissed. You need blood. He told you to go to him!

"Argh!" Vlad knelt, clutching his head. "Would you two cut it out? You're driving me mad."

He glanced up as a car drove by. A young couple was eying him cautiously through the window. Breathers. When they saw him looking, they sped up down the road. Vlad swore under his breath.

"That's it. I've turned into a raving lunatic." He rubbed his eyes. The sun was nearly past the hills; the surrounding sky had darkened to a dull purple-y orange. "What is happening to me?"

Go to him!

"I will!" Vlad yelled at no one. "Just… give me a minute. Everything hurts."

Imaginary-Robin appeared before him again. When he spoke, his voice was uncharacteristically stern. "What's taking you so long?"

Vlad rubbed at his eyes, shaking his head. "You're not real." When he looked up, Robin was gone. "Stop messing with my mind!"

A thick cloud passed over what remained of the sun. Now was his chance!

He sped off toward the school; all he could do was hope that when he got there, everything would start to make sense again.


When he arrived, standing in the exact spot they had agreed on (behind the art classroom, near the green dumpster), it was to find Robin missing. Vlad's hands clenched into fists.

"Robin, where are you?" he hissed, glancing around. The sun had finally disappeared. He paced, agitated. "You said you'd be here."

"I am," Robin called out. Vlad whirled around. "Sorry, mate. I was in 7A, waiting for the sun to set, and then Lincoln kept me late. He would not shut up about his stupid dog." Robin dropped his bag on the ground. "Did I keep you waiting long?"

"No," Vlad said, and as he stepped closer to the other boy, he found the tension in his chest dissipating, replaced with a light, giddy feeling.

He gave Robin a genuine smile. "How are you?" he asked. Now that he was here, with Robin in his sights, his desperation from earlier seemed utterly inexplicable. They were together, now—what was there to worry about?

The other man grinned, his eyes sparkling. "I'm great now, thanks." He pulled Vlad in for a snog.

Vlad returned the embrace, closing his eyes and deepening the kiss. He pushed Robin backward, a bit more forcefully than usual. Robin broke the kiss as his back hit the dumpster, making a face. "Look, I appreciate the thought, but can we at least move to the wall?"

Vlad picked Robin up, zipping over to a secluded spot in the dumpster's shadow. Robin's eyebrows raised into his hairline as Vlad shoved him up against the bricks; the taller boy's cheeks were tinged a slight pink as he echoed Vlad's words from several days ago. "Eager, are we?"

Instead of responding, Vlad laced his fingers into Robin's wavy black hair, nibbling on his lower lip.

"Ouch," Robin said, as one of Vlad's fangs nicked him. "Hey; your fangs are out. Are you feeling all right?" He said, pulling back.

Vlad could barely hear him. He stared at the bead of blood welling up on Robin's lip, growling low in his throat.


Robin gave Vlad an assessing look. "Your eyes are dilated. What's wrong?"

Vlad ignored him, capturing Robin's lips and groaning, licking at the spilt blood. "You taste so good," he said, panting against the teen's cheek. He went in for another kiss, but Robin stopped him short.

"Hold on. Something's happened to you."

"I'm fine," Vlad insisted.

Robin didn't budge. "Have you been up all day again?" he said.

"I... maybe." Vlad admitted. He blinked, looking a bit more clear-headed. "I was hungry, but the sun was out and you've missed so much school because of me."

Robin's eyes widened. "Why didn't you just text me? I could have come over at lunch."

"Because it's fine," Vlad insisted. "Besides, I just drank from you yesterday. It wouldn't be good for you."

Robin licked his lips, wincing at the taste of blood. "How long do vampires usually go without eating?" he asked, uncertain. Was this normal behaviour? He rubbed at his neck, thinking. He should really know this stuff by now.

"My dad can go weeks without blood," Vlad said, his brow furrowing. "That's what I don't understand."

"Right…." Robin muttered slowly. "The addiction is getting worse, isn't it."

"No!" Vlad insisted. "I'm in control."

Robin noticed the scorch marks in Vlad's shirt for the first time, and his nose wrinkled. "Were you burning?" he demanded, holding the vampire at arm's distance as he looked him over. "I told you to wait until the sun set!"

"I couldn't…." Vlad's cheeks were ashen. "I couldn't wait."

Robin groaned. "What am I going to do with you?" he muttered. "Look—if you get hungry again when I'm at school, just raid your dad's blood cellar. No making yourself crazy. All right?"

"I don't want their blood," Vlad hissed, baring his fangs. His eyes glowed red. "You told me to come to you."

Robin stared at him, taken aback.

The other shoe dropped. He could have kicked himself, it was so obvious. "I did. Didn't I." Shit. "Vlad. I hereby give you permission to drink other people's blood." He hesitated. "So long as it's from a bottle." Not sure what else to do, he snapped his fingers in front of the other man's face.

Vlad blinked, his eyes looking unfocused. "Robin?"

"You should be fine now," Robin said, hugging him. Vlad held himself stiffly for several seconds, before sagging gratefully into his embrace.

Robin rubbed comforting circles into the other boy's back. Vlad held him tighter. "Thanks."

Before Robin could respond, Vlad had pulled him into a kiss, sending sparks all the way to Robin's toes.

When they broke away, the vampire smiled shyly. "I love you, Robin," he said; then stuttered, as his brain caught up with his mouth. "I mean… you don't have to…."

Robin's cheeks felt warm. His throat tightened painfully. "I care for you too," he managed, not quite able to bring himself to say the other thing.

"You do?"

Robin rolled his eyes, pulling him in for another hug. "Of course, you toothy git."

He was glad that Vlad's eyes were closed, so he couldn't see the sappy smile on Robin's face.