Well, didn't meet my review goal, but oh well. Four is better than none ^.^. So this chapter is longer than the last one, so I hope you all enjoy.
-TrueAlvonFan19
Whenever Alvin had nightmares, Simon was always there to help calm him down, since he never slept anymore. They had gotten into the habit of sleeping on the same bed as soon as Simon was sure Theodore was asleep. He would climb into bed with Alvin and would watch him sleep.
He had done this every night and had realized that Alvin's nightmares came at the same time each night. He had a suspicion that maybe the time his nightmares started was also the same time the attack took place. Whenever he picked up the first clue that Alvin's dream was transitioning into a nightmare, which was his heartbeat and the soft whimper he let out, he would pull him close and hold him against his chest.
They've been doing this for a week and a half now and Simon was seeing that Alvin's nightmares were gradually coming to an end. There was one night when he didn't lay with Alvin and the result of the decision had Alvin calling for him in his sleep, feeling around on his bed where he normally was. He was at his side immediately and he was shocked when his brother calmed down as soon as he was wrapped up in his arms. He smiled and placed a chaste kiss on his forehead and lay there, listening to his breathing and heartbeat, slowly allowing himself to acknowledge that his feelings for his brother were forming into something much greater than what they were before.
During the day he did notice Alvin's hesitation to be touched by him still. The most intimate moments between them were the feedings he needed, which Alvin allowed more often because he didn't want him to get to where he had been the last time. Simon didn't attempt to approach him on that level but even simple things like a brush of their hands sparked a flinch from Alvin.
Simon didn't know for sure if it was fear due to his attack or if Alvin was confused on the mixed reactions he felt now. Feeling both fear and a tiny hint of longing in the very back of his mind, Simon was sure he was confused if that was the cause.
Needless to say, they weren't making progress on the level of their relationship but Simon knew better than to expect that in such a short amount of time. They weren't fighting, much to everyone's relief and yet he couldn't help but feel as though there was still something wrong. Alvin was keeping something from him and he wasn't sure how to go about that fact. He didn't want to pressure him, but he didn't want to leave it alone and he knew that Alvin would not likely bring it up to him, especially if it had anything to do with him.
He watched his brother as he ate lunch, scanning him, trying to find if what was wrong may be something physical. As far as he knew, there was nothing indicating that as an option. So, as expected, it was an internal conflict. Great, this meant he'd have to get Alvin to open up to him. This was going to be complicated.
Alvin could sense Simon's attentiveness towards him the past few days and he knew he had caught something off about him. Damn… Well, it wasn't like he didn't know he couldn't talk to him about it. He just didn't want to. It was just the mixed feelings he's being given when little things happen between himself and his brother. He had been thinking about it for a few days and he couldn't figure out what to do about it. The little part in the back of his mind wanted to move forward with his relationship with Simon, but the traumatized larger part of him was terrified of the idea. Seemed like an easy decision, right? No, it was more complicated than that. The complicated part was that despite what had happened between them, he was still tempted to be with Simon intimately, and it scared him. He knew if he brought it up to Simon, he would understand, but he was still trying to understand what was going on himself. Maybe talking to Simon would help…
Despite the mindset, he didn't approach Simon with the things on his mind for a few days. But, after another routine feeding for Simon, after it was done, he shocked both himself and Simon when he almost kissed him. Confused and mortified, he pulled away from his brother before it could happen and excused himself, leaving the room quickly. He knew it was time to talk to his brother.
Simon realized then what was bothering Alvin. He had been right with one of his thoughts. Alvin was indeed confused on what to do as far as their relationship. He wanted to talk to him about it, but knew it was best for Alvin to come to him first.
Of course, even after that incident took place, Alvin was still reluctant to come forth and talk to his brother. Simon decided he had to take initiative and bring the subject up.
"Alvin," he began, walking over to the couch his two brothers were on, watching TV. Alvin looked over at Simon. "Can we talk?" Alvin didn't reply verbally, but nodded and they both went into their room. Simon shut the door behind him and faced Alvin. "I've been waiting for a while now for you to bring this up and then I realized you weren't going to."
Alvin shifted from one leg to the other and looked around the room. Simon waited patiently for his brother to speak up.
The silence dragged on for several minutes.
"Alvin," he called softly, making Alvin look at him. "If I'm doing anything to pressure you into being with me, I'm sorry. I'm not trying to."
Alvin shook his head. "No…It's not you, Simon…" he trailed off, lowering his gaze. "I shouldn't want this right now, right? I should still be afraid of being with you like that, right? I mean I am, kinda, but…I don't know. I'm confused."
Simon nodded in thought, processing what Alvin had said. "I think it's natural for something like this to happen, Alvin. I think this might be part of your recovering process and if you want, we can try it out. But if not, that's fine as well. Like I told you before, I can wait as long as you need."
Alvin nodded as well. "But that's part of what's wrong. I don't know what I want to do, Simon. I'm stuck. Part of me wants to, but the other part is afraid."
Simon ran his hand through his hair in thought. "Well," he began thoughtfully. "Do you want to try it? It's ok if you don't, it's just a suggestion." Alvin thought about it.
"Well, what would we do?" he asked. Simon could feel Alvin's apprehension rising at the possible things that they could do and he knew he had to elaborate.
"I just meant kissing. It doesn't have to be passionate, just a peck," Simon clarified and Alvin visibly relaxed.
"Ok, that sounds fine," he said with a nod. What could happen during a kiss? Simon smiled slightly and stepped towards Alvin, to which Alvin reflexively stepped back. "S-Sorry," he whispered, stepping towards his brother, filling the gap he created.
"It's alright," Simon replied, gently tipping Alvin's chin up. He searched Alvin's eyes. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
No. Alvin was quiet for a moment and then he nodded slowly. What could happen?
Simon knew Alvin was lying when he said he was ready, he could feel his emotional turmoil. But Alvin didn't back down, and he knew that Alvin knew even if he wasn't ready, he still planned to go through with it. Besides, it was just a kiss.
Simon leaned in slightly, watching Alvin's expression and eyes carefully as he did so.
The impulse to pull back hit Alvin hard and he flinched, but he didn't move away. He wanted to kiss Simon, but his fear was making him rethink it. He was so confused...
Simon watched Alvin blink and his blue eyes filled with tears. Before Simon could comment on it, Alvin shook his head.
I don't know what to do...Alvin thought hopelessly. He stood up onto his toes, filling in the gap between their lips a little more. Simon's expression was understanding, and he didn't look impatient or annoyed. When Alvin realized he couldn't go past the point he had gotten to, he whispered, "Simon..." Simon tilted his head slightly, indicating he was listening. "...kiss me..."
Simon smiled a bit and closed his eyes. Alvin followed suit, his heart racing. Simon leaned in and brushed their lips together, a kiss so chaste it was lighter than a feather. [A.N.: Anyone hear the poetry in that line? ^_^] Alvin barely felt it, but no matter how light the caress was, the spark was still there, and it left his lips tingling.
Just like he promised, Simon pulled back from the kiss, opening his eyes and looking into Alvin's. Alvin remained still, leaning against Simon for support as he absorbed the sensations the light caress left. He concentrated on all of the details, the way the kiss felt, the way he felt being held in Simon's arms, everything.
He looked at his hands, pressed flat on Simon's chest and then looked back at his brother's eyes. His mind wasn't racing like it had been before, but he still didn't know what to think. He was afraid to ask to try again, afraid it may be something he might not want to do, or something he'd regret.
Simon watched Alvin, seeing the wheels in his mind turning, but he could tell that there wasn't much progress from where he had been at before. "Alvin?" he whispered. Alvin blinked his eyes back into focus and looked at Simon. "Did it help?"
"I-I don't know," he admitted. Simon nodded in understanding. He let go of Alvin, thinking his brother needed space to think clearly. Alvin lowered his hands as well and took a step back, still looking incredibly thoughtful. "I don't know what to do, Simon… I don't know what to think or how to feel…"
"Alvin, relax," Simon said gently. Alvin looked at him, looking overwhelmed. "You don't have to do anything. You don't have to think about it now, or worry about what you're feeling. There's time for all of this, and it doesn't have to be dealt with now, ok?"
Alvin nodded, digesting what he'd just said. "But I want to deal with it now."
"I know you do, Alvin, I can tell. But you're not ready to right now," Simon told him.
"Can we just try it again?" he asked, sounding a little desperate to understand what was going on with himself.
Simon furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "Try what? The kiss?" Alvin nodded, lowering his gaze. He was about to ask his brother if he was sure, but he knew he wasn't. That was the issue right now and he knew Alvin would probably feel the need to do certain things he wasn't sure about to put things back into perspective. "Ok, if that's what you want." He filled the gap between them and tilted Alvin's head up. He searched Alvin's eyes for a moment before leaning in and pressing their lips together in a slightly firmer peck than before, pulling back after a few seconds.
Alvin looked shocked, but not at the action, at the feelings running through him. Simon scanned his eyes, concentrating on the emotions he could feel Alvin giving off.
"Remember, we don't have to do anything now," Simon reminded. "We have plenty of time to deal with all of this. Nothing has to be done now."
Alvin nodded. "Ok Simon," he whispered.
During his time when he wasn't with Alvin, Simon was figuring out how to deal with Drake. Their time on tour was coming to a close soon and he wanted to get some things out of the way beforehand. He had been thinking about if he wanted to be changed back, and if he decided to, how he would go about that. But the idea never lingered long enough in his mind for him to mull it over. He had other things occupying his mind and that wasn't the top priority for him now.
He was in the middle of writing when he heard something break in the kitchen and the old, "Aaaaaalviiiin!" call rang through the hotel room. He would have ignored it out of habit if it wasn't for the distress and other emotions he could feel Alvin giving off. He got up and went to see what had happened.
Alvin was picking the shattered glass up while apologizing to Dave over and over. Dave was watching Alvin with his arms folded but he looked more concerned than angry. Simon watched Alvin. No wonder Dave looked concerned.
Alvin's face was flushed, but Simon could tell it wasn't from shame, he looked a little pale and his forehead was shiny with light sweat, and his hands shook as he grabbed the broken glass. With his advanced senses he could hear Alvin's rapid heartbeat and he caught the sound of his quickened, uneven breathing. With a sigh, Simon realized Alvin was making himself sick by overworking and stress and also the shock of the attack hasn't worn off yet.
He went over to Alvin and bent down to help his brother. "Simon," Dave began. Simon looked up at Dave. "I'll take care of it. Can you take Alvin and lay him down? He's not looking too good."
"Sure," Simon said, setting the pieces of glass he had picked up down and gently grabbing Alvin by the elbow. He straightened up, bringing Alvin with him. Alvin looked at both Dave and Simon before setting the glass carefully into Dave's offered hands. He let Simon guide him into the room and over to his bed. "I should have been keeping a closer eye on you."
Alvin climbed onto his bed and sat facing his brother. "It's just a little fever, nothing to worry about." Simon arched an eyebrow, resting the back of his hands on his sides.
"Lay down," Simon said. Alvin did as he was told and Simon pulled the blanket over him. "I'll be right back." Alvin nodded and watched Simon leave the room. He ran his hands through his hair and let out a long breath.
"Alvin?" Theodore's voice reached his ears and he looked over at the youngest. "Are you ok?" Alvin lowered his hands to the bed and smiled.
"Yeah, I'm fine," he answered. Theodore went over to him.
"Are you sick?" he asked, resting his hand on Alvin's forehead. "You feel like you've got a fever." Theodore pulled his hand back.
"I'll be ok, Theo," Alvin reassured as Simon came back in with a bowl of water and a hand towel. He set the items onto the nightstand and looked to Theodore.
"Why don't you go ahead and make Alvin some soup, Theodore?" Simon suggested. Theodore's face brightened at the idea and he nodded enthusiastically.
"Ok!" He bounded out of the room, closing the door softly.
Simon set the hand towel into the bowl so it could soak and looked at Alvin. "You stressed yourself out," he informed Alvin. Alvin shrugged and looked at the ceiling. "I told you not to worry so much about it. And this is why I said so. You just piled unneeded weight onto yourself and made yourself sick over something that wasn't even worth it."
"You don't even understand everything, so you can't say if it's worth it or not," Alvin said. Simon folded his arms.
"Well then, by all means, explain it to me, Alvin," he said. "Tell me what's so important that you caused yourself enough stress that you made yourself sick because of it."
Alvin turned his head away. "I'd rather not." Simon shrugged and picked the rag up, wringing it out and setting it on Alvin's forehead.
"Fine, then get some rest," he said. He left Alvin's bedside and went over to his, climbing onto it and pulling a book out of his nightstand. "I'll be right here." Alvin looked back up at the ceiling, not ready to go to sleep. Thinking about Simon's statement made him narrow his eyes, pouting. Simon didn't understand everything. He only knew so much of what was going on. What did he expect?
Alvin turned onto his side, his back to Simon, not caring that the rag fell off in the process. He pulled his blanket over his shoulder and sighed.
Simon looked over at his brother upon hearing the sigh. He shook his head and looked back at the book he was reading. He didn't want to react on every little sound Alvin made.
Theodore came in a few minutes later and walked over to his brother's bed, holding a steaming bowl of soup carefully in his hands. He set it onto Alvin's nightstand and looked over at him. "Alvin, I made your soup for you."
Alvin lifted his blue eyes to his baby brother's green ones and smiled a bit. "Thanks Theo," he said, sitting up a bit and shifting his pillow so he could lean against it. He grabbed the bowl and eased it into his lap and looked at Theodore. "This looks good, Theodore." Theodore grinned happily.
"I hope you like it, Alvin," Theodore said, going to the door. "I have to go help Dave with some stuff. I'll see you guys later." At his brothers' nods, he left the room, closing the door softly behind him.
Alvin stirred the soup absently, feeling his gaze lose its focus on the food and he became thoughtful once more.
Simon could smell the contents in the soup and he knew Theodore had indeed put all of Alvin's favorites into it. He looked over at Alvin, catching the thoughtful look on his brother's face and the subconscious way he was stirring the soup. He briefly debated if he should leave him alone or not and decided to go forth and see what was on Alvin's mind. He put the book away and climbed off his bed.
Alvin was in thought, but not so much that he didn't feel the presence of his younger brother next to him. His gaze snapped to gray eyes as soon as Simon settled next to him. "You haven't eaten any of it yet," Simon pointed out.
Alvin nodded, looking down at the soup. "Just letting it cool down," he explained. Simon nodded.
"What's on your mind?" he asked. Alvin lifted the spoon from the soup, letting some of the contents slip off it and blew it a few times before putting it into his mouth. He smiled inwardly at the delicious taste and pulled the spoon out only to refill it and repeat the cooling process before eating it again.
"A lot," Alvin finally answered. Simon shifted and folded his arms over his chest.
"I know you're keeping something from me, Alvin," Simon said. Alvin only continued to feed himself the soup. "I don't want you to get sicker because you choose to think too much about things. So tell me what's on your mind so I can help you."
Alvin looked over at Simon. "Why did Drake attack me?" Simon was caught off guard by the question.
"Well, he said he saw us together. He told me one time that he could tell I had found someone to ease my desires and he was curious about who it was."
Alvin nodded and looked back at his soup, eating it.
"Is that it?" Simon asked. Alvin shook his head. "Well what else is there?" Alvin looked over at his brother, his gaze hard.
"Why can't you just let me handle this stuff?" Alvin asked. Simon returned the gaze with his own matching one.
"Because this is the result," he answered, motioning to Alvin as an example. "You don't know how to handle it. And we both know you need my help to put things back into perspective. You know I want to help you, Alvin. So help me help you."
Alvin looked back at his soup, easing another spoonful into his mouth. "Have you decided if you're going to stay a vampire?" In truth, he was expressing some of his thoughts to his brother, but these weren't the ones he had gotten stressed about. But he knew getting some of them out there would make it easier to focus on the other ones.
Simon knew the question would be coming soon, he just hadn't expected it to be this soon. "It's been a passing thought," he admitted. "But I haven't given it enough time to think about it. What do you think?"
Alvin hadn't been expecting that. What did he think about it? Now that he thought about it, a lot did come to mind. Would the claim still be there if he was back to normal? How would he turn back from a vampire? Would he forget everything like Theodore had when he was back to normal? The last thought lingered in his mind longer than the rest. They had been through so much, done so much, together and he didn't know what he would do if Simon held no memory afterward. He would forever feel awkward around his brother, and he knew there would probably be part of him that wanted it all back. But Simon did say he had these feelings before getting bitten-
"Alvin, you're thinking way too much right now," Simon interrupted his thoughts. Alvin blinked and looked back at Simon. "I shouldn't have asked you that right now. You have more than enough on your mind as it is and you don't need more." His brother was right. He could feel his mind swimming and he was starting to get dizzy again, but he just looked down at his soup, concentrating on it. It only succeeded in making him lose his appetite. What a shame too, it was a delicious meal.
Alvin set the bowl aside, picked the rag that had fallen off his forehead and set it into the water in the bowl. Simon could sense Alvin's sudden dizziness and instructed him to lie down. Alvin did as he was told and watched Simon grab the rag, wring it out and set it onto his forehead again.
When Simon moved to climb off the bed, Alvin grabbed him. Simon looked at him. "Don't go," Alvin whispered. Simon's face softened.
"What if Dave or Theodore sees us?" he asked. Alvin shrugged.
"I don't care. Just please don't leave," he replied. Simon smiled and climbed under the blanket with Alvin and lay on his side facing him. He fought the urge to pull Alvin close and settled with watching him intently. Alvin looked at the door for a moment and then at Simon. They searched each other's eyes for a moment and Alvin scooted closer to Simon. He continued moving closer and once he was close enough, Simon embraced him and held him close, letting Alvin rest his head on his chest.
"Get some rest now, Alvin," Simon whispered, adjusting the rag on his brother's forehead. Alvin nodded, closing his eyes.
Drake watched his prodigy and his brother. It seems like their bond can overcome even the most traumatic experiences. Well, it wasn't like he was trying to ruin their bond per say. He merely wanted a little taste of what his prodigy was getting, and it was quite tasty. He smirked evilly and left the scene, setting off to find himself another meal for tonight.
When Dave checked in to see how Alvin was doing, Simon feigned sleep. He concentrated his senses to pick up anything that may indicate any uneasiness on walking in and seeing them the way they were. From what he caught, there was nothing there signaling any negative emotions. If anything, Dave was pleased.
Dave picked the rag up and set it into the water to dampen it again and then replaced it onto Alvin's forehead. He ruffled both his sons' hair gently before tucking them in and making his leave with Alvin's nearly empty bowl of soup.
Simon watched the door close behind Dave and looked at Alvin. He smiled to himself, sensing Alvin's contentedness as he slept. He felt the smile fade a bit as he recalled just why Alvin was resting right now. What's going on in that head of yours, Alvin? He reached up and caressed Alvin's cheek, which was overly hot against the coldness of his hand.
He wrapped his arm back around Alvin's lower back and pulled him closer a bit. Alvin shifted in his sleep and Simon could tell he was waking up. Alvin turned his head away from Simon's chest and opened his eyes half way, blinking them into focus. He looked over at Simon, looking more rested, but still a little flushed.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," Simon whispered, reluctant to, but letting Alvin go. Alvin lay on his side and continued to gaze into Simon's eyes as though trying to comprehend something. "What's wrong Alvin?"
Alvin shook his head, clearing it of the fuzziness that came with just waking up. "It's nothing Simon. I just had a weird dream, that's all." Simon's interest piqued at the information. What kind of dream did Alvin have that had him looking at him the way he had?
"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked. Alvin furrowed his eyebrows in thought and then he nodded, figuring it wouldn't do any harm to inform his brother on the dream.
"Well, in the beginning it was dark…"
Alvin's Dream
He stood in darkness, although it didn't feel eerie or frightening. It was the kind of darkness you see when it's nighttime in a dark room until your eyes adjust to it. Alvin stood there waiting for the background environment he was in to become clearer so he could see where he was exactly.
He closed his eyes for a moment to help speed up the process and when he opened them back he recognized where he was. He was in the same hall he had been in when he and his brothers got separated in Drake's house. Confused, he looked around.
"What am I doing here?" he wondered softly. He was reluctant to move from where he stood, but he knew he wouldn't get an answer by just standing where he was. He took a few steps to get himself going and soon ventured down the hall.
The hall was the same as it had been before and he knew there was nothing to see along the walls and so he kept his gaze fixated in front of him. He soon realized his goal was to find Simon. It didn't shock him that that was his goal. But the fact that Theodore never came to mind surprised him. It was the claim and he knew it. Their new bond had him focusing solely on his other half.
He wandered aimlessly through the halls and caught no sight or sound from his brother or the owner of the abode. He stopped where had had been walking and frowned. What was the point of this? Was there something he needed to do? Was there something he needed to get done?
He shivered at the feeling of another presence within ten feet of him and looked around. His gaze settled on the homeowner standing across from him. No one said anything for a brief moment and then Drake took a step towards him.
"I keep wondering," he began as he slowly filled the gap between the oldest of the chipmunks and himself. "What is it about you that has my prodigy as content as he has been for this long? I know myself that I can't find anyone to maintain my sexual desires, and so I have to find many different women every time."
As he spoke, he managed to fill the gap between them. He stood a good three feet above the second tallest chipmunk, but he remedied that situation the same way he did with Simon.
Unlike his younger brother, Alvin struggled in the choke hold and tried to kick his captor, but his short legs didn't get very far. "What are you doing? Let go of me!" Drake merely chuckled as he allowed his fangs to be shown, glistening without light being available in the dark hallway.
"And so I've come to the conclusion that the best way to figure that out would be to get a little taste of what he's being given," Drake said. Alvin's eyes widened at the words and he squirmed even more in Drake's hold. But the struggles were futile as his captor leaned in and pierced his neck with his extra-long fangs in the same spot Simon usually bit him at.
A cry was lodged in the back of his throat but his shock kept him from releasing it. The pain he felt was blinding. Drake's fangs went two times deeper into his neck than Simon's did. Not to mention Simon normally prepared him for the bite, but Drake just dove right in.
…The same way he had been raped that night…
Hot tears traveled down his cheeks as Drake greedily drank his blood, making him more and more lightheaded. Just before he passed out, Drake retracted his fangs violently and let Alvin fall to the floor. Alvin's head spun wildly, but he did catch Drake's, "Amazing" before falling into unconsciousness.
End Dream
Simon was silent as Alvin finished explaining his dream to him. His gaze was hard. Alvin looked at him with confusion and uneasiness. Maybe he shouldn't have told Simon his dream…
Without saying anything, Simon lifted his hand and placed it along Alvin's neck. He hasn't fed today yet, and because of that, there shouldn't be anything there. But Simon knew better than to underestimate his creator, especially with what he had just recently done to Alvin.
Feeling along his brother's neck, his fingertips stopped over two small holes and his eyes flared red, shocking his brother. Pure rage filled Simon's mind and heart and he growled evilly, sounded possessed.
Alvin was overwhelmed with the rage he could feel Simon giving off, but he wasn't frightened by it. Something was wrong and he placed his hand on his neck to see what had upset Simon so much. What he realized made his heart stop. Drake had bitten him. What had happened in the dream was more than that. It had really happened.
Alvin's breath caught and he sat up, still cradling his neck. "Simon…" he whispered in shock and fear. Simon looked at him before sitting up as well.
"Don't worry, Alvin," Simon whispered his voice calm and reassuring, a complete contradiction to what he had sounded like a few seconds ago.
"Simon, am I gonna become a…?" Alvin couldn't finish. Simon made Alvin face him completely, his hands on his shoulders. His eyes slowly faded back to gray and the fury in his face died down to annoyance and determination.
"We'll figure this out Alvin, alright?" he asked. Alvin paled and he looked completely lost, but he nodded.
That was a yes. He was going to become a vampire…
There's yet another twist! Drake's such a jerk, huh? I love making drama. Please review for me.