So it was few days before the debate, I had some thoughts down but I needed to study some shit for the rebuttal or whatever…meanwhile, I haven't seen Tania in a while, but I did get a full report of her condition: A broken hip, severe injuries in the esophagus, and severe anal injuries. I didn't care much about that, but then dad called me to his office.

I was worried that someone had told him about me and Tania, what I'm doing is still frowned upon thanks to political correctness or whatever, though when I walked there and saw Tom already seated and all smiles, I knew this is a different topic.

"Hey dad, what's up?"

"Hello son, have a seat."

I sat at one of the comfy crimson chairs and looked at my old man expectantly.

"The royal ball is next week; it's not wise for you to choose a lover just yet, so I want you boys to bring your pets as your dates."

"Alright if that's all I'm fine with it."

And with that Tom left. Yep, I was in some deep shit now and Tom had just left me. Thanks bro!

"What's wrong Bill?"

"Um…I think my sla…I mean pet is unable to come."

Yep, it's that fucking I-can-see-through-your-nonexistent-soul-and-judge-you look. It was scary when I was four, still scary after centuries.

"Bill…What in the name of God have you done to her now?"

"Dad! She asked for it!"

He raised an eyebrow.

"A broken hip and some internal bleedings…"

I managed to mumble before he groaned loudly and almost banged his head against his desk.

"Bill, this is outrageous! If you cannot treat a woman properly, how do you expect me to trust you with a kingdom?"

"She's just a human though she doesn't…"

"NO! Listen to me boy! I'm going to keep an eye for you, and if I heard anything about you abusing her I will take her away from you! You're like a three years old that cannot be trusted with a toy!"

"But dad!"

"No! Listen to me! Your brother has his pet wrapped around his finger, now she did get him in some big trouble, but that's his own business and he'll have to find his way out of this. Meanwhile you need to find a way to make your pet more cooperative."

"This isn't fair! Tom's pet is a fan! I got some crazy lesbian chick! How would she like me?"

"She's bi Bill; don't you think I would know?"

"But…Scott said..."

"Not true, she's bisexual. Now, I want you to go make your peace with her."

I huffed and left the room. This is going to suck.

I got Tania some chocolate and went to her hospital room, the nurse smiled brightly at me, but she probably knew that the mess you called a "patient in a critical situation" was caused by me.

"Hello there"

Tania wasn't able to move much, but she had a look of sheer terror and she looked at the nurse pleadingly as if asking for help. Bitch needs a reminder as to who is the boss here.

The nurse left and I sat on the chair next to Tania's bed.

"I got you chocolate and some books: heart of darkness?"

She had a look of something that can only be interpreted as disinterest in life, not fear, not boredom, not fatigue, not pain, just utter and dull detachment.

"Look I might've gone a bit too far with Tom the other day, and I admit that I even surprised myself. How about this, you write me a hate letter, and maybe then you'll feel better?"

She lifted an eyebrow, which seemed to take a lot of energy to muster in her state.

"I'm sorry that I've been a jerk, I'll try to be nicer, and maybe if you write me a letter with how much you despise me you'll hate me less?"

She nodded, and I left shortly afterward. Later that day I'll tell Scott to give her something to write with, as for now, I have work to do.

I was in my room, reading about all the "moral basis for vampires and their codes for integrity" It was some utter bullshit about respecting humans and blah blah…

Anyway, I was deep into my read-and-mock session when Tom came in (Pfft, what is that knocking you speak of?) so anyway, he came in and blobbed himself on my bed.

"What's up?"

"Dude I've been thinking about stuff…"

I dropped the book and turned to face him.

"Wait…you think?"

He rolled his eyes and threw a pillow at me…very mature Tommi.

"No dumbass, I was thinking about what we did to your pet the other, and I think that was a mistake, it's pretty fucked up that I had it in me to agree to something only…you would do!"

I sighed and jumped in bed next to him, cuddling close to him.

"I know it's fucked up, and for me to say something is sick is very…shocking, but yeah, I promised dad that I'll treat her better from now on."

Tom was now busying himself with a strand of my hair that he-for some reason- found exceptionally fascinating.

"And since when do you make such promises?"

"He threatened of taking her away."

Yep, he's definitely giving me that asshole smirk of his.

"So you don't want to lose her! Oh my fucking God look at you! You've grown attached to a human!"

"You look much smarter with your mouth shut do you know that? This isn't about her, what will the people say when their king get 'grounded for toy mismanagement'?"

"Aha, I see your point."

"So I want her to like me, kinda like you and your slave."

"Isn't she a lesbian though?"

"I don't know bro, but dad said she's bi"

"Oh…"

That was the end of the conversation, but we remained in that position for several hours doing nothing but just lay there close and enjoy the silence. These moments with Tom were not awkward. They were beautiful and strengthening. They remind me of the fact that I never forget, no matter how fucked up I am, Tom will always be there for me.