Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/4380611.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Rape/Non-Con, Underage
  Category:
      M/M
  Fandom:
      Escape_the_Fate, Falling_in_Reverse
  Relationship:
      Craig_Mabbitt/Ronnie_Radke, Ryan_Seaman/Jacky_Vincent, Max_Green/Robert
      Ortiz
  Character:
      Craig_Mabbitt, Ronnie_Radke, Ryan_Seaman, Jacky_Vincent, Thomas_"TJ"
      Bell, Derek_Jones, Ron_Ficarro, Robert_Ortiz, Max_Green
  Additional Tags:
      Underage_Rape/Non-con, dubcon, Dubious_Consent, Kidnapping, Vampires,
      Blood_Drinking, Daddy_Kink, Dirty_Talk, Mpreg, Nooks, Stockholm_Syndrome
  Stats:
      Published: 2015-07-20 Completed: 2015-11-05 Chapters: 13/13 Words: 15179
****** Carts and kidnapping ******
by TheBlackMagister
Summary
     The first clue that something was wrong was that he felt like he was
     being watched. He glanced up, looked around - and when he saw nobody
     he assumed it was one of his co-workers playing tricks on him, trying
     to scare him. The feeling didn't go away as he worked, but eventually
     he stopped paying attention to it.
     And what a horrible mistake that was.
***** Chapter 1 *****
Craig couldn't believe he hadn't quit his job.
He'd been warned about "sketchy activities" at night. Some sort of criminal.
And then, half an hour later, he'd been instructed to go outside to get the
carts. He valued his job far too much to refuse. So, with a measured volume of
apprehension, he went outside in the orange vest given to him to get the
shopping carts. I better get a bonus or something, he thought irritably. After
all; it was nearly midnight, and pitch black outside. He couldn't see shit.
Plus, he was the youngest of all the employees, so there would be hell to pay
if he got hurt.
The first clue that something was wrong was that he felt like he was being
watched. He glanced up, looked around - and when he saw nobody he assumed it
was one of his co-workers playing tricks on him, trying to scare him. He
brushed the feeling off, although he was still kind of uneasy as he continued
gathering carts. It was probably TJ, he decided. He and the older had grown
close the past two or so months Craig had been working there, and it seemed
like something TJ would do. The feeling didn't go away, but he stopped paying
attention to it.
And what a horrible mistake that was.
He'd just gotten the last for the area lined up when arms slipped around his
waist. He didn't even get to scream. A hand covered his mouth and he was shoved
up against the nearest car - a van. Oh, fuck. Fuck fuck fuck. He was going to
be kidnapped or raped or killed, or maybe all three. Soft lips pressed to his
neck, the man cornering him telling him all the things that were about to
happen to him. He couldn't seem to stop shaking; tears pricked his eyes. God,
he was only 17, this couldn't happen to him! He was just a normal, 17 year old
boy from Pheonix who hadn't ever done anything wrong! Why him? The man's hands
wandered down his chest, feelings his dips and curves.
"Now relax," The warm voice murmured, followed by a chuckle, "It'll hurt less
if you just relax."
Craig whimpered. He didn't want to relax. The man undid his jeans and began to
palm him through his boxer-briefs. His body was betraying him, cock beginning
to stiffen despite the terror coursing through his veins. No - no no no, he
didn't want this. He wanted to yell, to scream and get attention, but he
couldn't make his voice work. His pants and underwear were both tugged down,
leaving him exposed to this - predator. This monster. God, please - let TJ come
out. Or Robert, or Max. Somebody - anybody.
"So cute," The man breathed, unzipping his own jeans and sending another wave
of fear down Craig's spine. "So pretty."
He felt the man's cock press up against his nook and whimpered again. He didn't
want to be called cute, or pretty. He wanted to go back inside, carts be
damned; he needed his friends. He didn't want this, he couldn't do this - he
wasn't even gay! The man kissed up his neck, grinding against him. He shivered
despite himself and the tears began to fall, sliding down his cheeks and to the
pavement of the parking lot below.
"When you scream, call me Ronnie." The man said softly, before slamming up
inside of him. He cried out in pain. Something had definitely ripped inside of
him. This wasn't anything he had expected when losing his virginity - something
almost seemed.. inhuman about Ronnie, if that was even his real name. Ronnie
began to thrust, hard and fast. Craig could only whimper and pant, pushed flush
against the van, trying to ease some of the pain. It was torture - he wouldn't
walk for a week. It burned like hell inside, too, his body struggling to adjust
to Ronnie's size. Ronnie was certainly well-endowed, there was no denying that.
And then Ronnie hit that sweet spot in his chamber, the one that made him buck
and gasp. Taking the cue from his reaction, Ronnie aimed for it, hitting it
over and over. The sudden transition from pain to pleasure made Craig's entire
body go cold, and hesitantly he rocked back into Ronnie's movements. Ronnie
smirked against his neck. Fuck - why had he done that? Because it felt good. As
much as he hated it, it had felt good.
"Good boy." Ronnie praised huskily, nibbling on the soft spot on his throat. He
let out a half-whine, cheeks flushing. It was starting to feel really, really
fucking good. He assumed it was probably because of Ronnie pounding his g-spot
repeatedly. Ronnie's hand slid up his thigh to lift one leg, intensifying the
feelings inside him ten-fold. His muffled noises of pain had moved into moans
of pleasure, pressing against Ronnie's chest. He almost didn't want to stop.
"Tell me how good you feel," Ronnie murmured, stroking his cock. "Scream it,
baby."
"R-really good - with you r-ramming my g-spot like that - s-so good.."
His entire body trembled. He was struggling to stay standing; his legs shook
under him, threatening to give out. Ronnie only fucked him harder, unrelenting,
harsh. And hell - he was in heaven, on fucking god damn cloud nine.
"I'm s-so - cl-close - mnn Ronnie fuck.."
"Good." Ronnie nuzzled his jaw, smirking lightly. "I'm gonna break you. Gonna
fuck you so hard you won't walk or sit for a month. Gonna make you my little
bitch."
For a little while they didn't talk; the only sounds exchanged were Ronnie's
grunts and groans, Craig's moans, and the slap of skin against skin. Craig was
now more than happy to give himself up to Ronnie, bending to Ronnie's will.
This seemed to please Ronnie. Or at least; the older rubbed his nipples and
cock and clit, kissing his neck.
"I'm c-cumming," Craig whimpered. "I can't - hold on I need it please Daddy-"
"Cum for me, baby boy." Ronnie murmured. Craig stiffened and moaned as he
reached orgasm; he heard the drip onto the concrete beneath him, his own cum
spilling down his legs. Ronnie groaned lowly, tensing, and thrusted in a couple
of times before cumming inside him. He whimpered, his eyes rolling back,
clenching, his nook walls spasming around Ronnie's cock. He was exhausted; he
went limp in Ronnie's arms, eyes closing, panting and shaking.
And then he blacked out.
***** Chapter 2 *****
When he woke up in a bed, he was incredibly disoriented. He rubbed his eyes and
sat up, to a burning pain in his rear end. Fuck - that meant it hadn't been a
dream. So where was he now? Had Ronnie left and a friend brought him to their
house? As much as he hated it, he felt a pang in his heart at the thought. What
the fuck, he thought to himself, swinging his legs out of bed. You shouldn't be
upset your rapist left you behind.
His thoughts were dashed when the door opened and Ronnie stepped in, carrying
what Craig assumed was breakfast. Well, it kind of explained why he was still
naked. Self-consciously he pulled the sheet around himself and bundled up,
watching Ronnie shyly. He didn't feel very scared of Ronnie, he realized; less
of the fear between a kidnapper and the person they had kidnapped, more of the
nervousness between a superior and his inferior. He.. he wanted to please
Ronnie. He kept his gaze down as Ronnie settled on the bed next to him. Ronnie
handed him the plate - toast and eggs - and gently tilted his head up. He
blushed slightly.
"Don't be scared of me," Ronnie murmured softly. "I won't hurt you again,
promise. Eat, and I'll come check on you in a little bit."
As he was eating breakfast, he realized that while his whole body was sore, the
side of his neck ached as though he'd been hit with a blunt object. He idly
reached up to touch it and found a couple of puncture wounds, and frowned
lightly. Well, there was a bathroom attached to the room. He could check when
he went in there to clean himself up. After all, he was still a little sticky
and dirty and gross. He set the plate and utensils neatly on the desk, always
one for organization, and left the blanket on the bed in favor of stepping into
the bathroom. He examined himself in the wall mirror and frowned lightly. He
looked awful. His hair was a mess, he was pale as all hell.. there were two
holes on his neck. It was like he'd been bitten by a vampire or something. He
laughed softly to himself as he turned to the shower, finding a fresh pair of
pajamas - vampires weren't real, dummy. Still.. what weird fantasies did Ronnie
have, to - stab him? - like that while he was asleep? He had to admit it was
fucking creepy.
He turned on the hot water and sighed as it soothed his aching muscles. God;
he'd just about forgotten how good a hot shower felt after a lot of work. He
scrubbed the dried cum and; ew, blood; off of his skin and carefully washed his
hair. He definitely felt better when he got out of the shower and dried off,
and slipped into clean clothes.
When he stepped out of the bathroom, he found Ronnie sitting on the bed. He
settled down as well when Ronnie gestured for him to, blushing lightly. His
emotions were all over the place. On one hand he - he liked Ronnie. He couldn't
explain why. On the other hand, Ronnie had raped him, kidnapped him. How was he
supposed to feel? Did he hate Ronnie for taking him, or appreciate Ronnie for
not killing him?
"How about.. neither," Ronnie murmured, shifting closer and nuzzling into his
neck. "Let go of all of that.. let's start over. My name's Ronnie. What's
yours, cutie?"
Craig flushed. "Um.. Craig."
Ronnie hummed softly, kissing his jaw. "Hm. I like that, it's pretty, like you.
So.. how old are you, Craig?"
"I, um, just turned 17 last week."
Slowly, with Ronnie's urging, he slipped into the older's lap. Ronnie kissed up
and down his neck, thumbs massaging his thighs. He sighed softly, leaning
against Ronnie's chest. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad. Although he would miss
his friends.. especially TJ. After a moment Ronnie pulled out his phone and
brought up a text to somebody. Craig glanced up, frowning lightly. Ronnie
didn't seem to notice; he was typing with one hand, more focused on his phone
than on Craig. Craig whined and nudged him to get his attention.
"Who ya texting?" Craig prompted curiously. Ronnie's gaze flicked to him
briefly.
"Just a friend," He said mildly. "Ryan. He's out with his boyfriend, I just
need him to pick something up for me."
"Oh. Okay." Craig answered softly, and then, "Will I ever get to meet them?"
"Yeah. They live here too." Ronnie chuckled. "And two other dudes. It's me,
Ryan, Jacky, Derek, and Ron. And you."
And him.
Suddenly he couldn't tell if the chills he got from that were good or bad. He
shifted and pressed a little closer to Ronnie. The thought of meeting four
other guys, who were living with them, made him nervous. Were they like Ronnie
- bad acting but with good intentions? Good acting but with bad intentions?
Both? Neither?
"You're gonna psyche yourself out before they get here," Ronnie teased lightly.
"Just relax. They're cool. And even if they try something, I won't let them
hurt you. Not that that will happen - they know better than to mess with who I
claim."
Craig frowned for a moment, then glanced up at Ronnie. "It's like you can read
my mind or something," He said. "Is it my facial expressions or my voice, or
what?"
"I thought you'd figured this out already. I'm a vampire, silly boy."
"But.. vampires aren't real." Craig's frown deepened. Ronnie rolled his eyes
and showed off what were definitely two sharp canines.
"Not the first person to say that." Ronnie huffed. "I don't expect you to
believe me right off the bad, that's okay. But we all are. You'll come to terms
with it eventually."
"I.. I'll have to.. think about it." Craig fidgeted slightly. There was a
moment of silence before a door downstairs opened; they both looked up.
"Ryan and Jacky must be here." Ronnie said, stretching. "Come on, Craig, come
say hi."
Craig got up and followed Ronnie out of the bedroom. The house was fucking
massive; no wonder they were able to fit five, now six, people in it. Ronnie
led the way downstairs and to the main room. There were now two people sitting
on the couch; a taller, dark-haired one, and a slighter, brown-haired one.
Automatically Craig shied away, hiding behind Ronnie and peeking out from
around him. Ronnie laughed softly.
"A little shy, are we?" The dark-haired man chuckled. "It's fine, we don't
bite. Much. By the way, Ron, I did get the meds. We ran into Ash and his group,
too. They've got a newbie."
Ronnie moved forward, away from Craig, who huddled back, blushing. He didn't
know who was who. Ronnie took a bag from the dark-haired man and checked
inside, then nodded.
"Cool, cool. Who is it, did you find out?"
"Yeah, kid named Andy. He was there. He's really young, just recently turned, I
think. They were out looking for something for him to practice with."
Ronnie nodded and opened his mouth to speak, but the brown-haired boy cut him
off with a soft British accent. "Ronnie, you're being rude. Your kid doesn't
even know who we are. You two can talk about the Black Veil kid later."
"Oh, shit." Ronnie smacked his forehead and moved back over to Craig, who
attached to his side at once. Ronnie hummed soothingly. "Sorry, baby," Ronnie
added gently. Craig just nodded mutely, peeking shyly at the other two.
"I'm Ryan," The dark-haired man greeted gently. "This is my boyfriend, Jacky.
You must be Craig, right?"
Craig nodded again. Jacky smiled lightly at him.
"Well, Ronnie seems quite fond of you. He's just a big teddy bear, in the end.
He'll take good care of you."
Craig flushed deeper. "Okay," He said softly, shying back even more at the
sound of his own voice. Ronnie picked him up with one arm and he wrapped his
arms around Ronnie's neck, hiding his face. Ronnie kissed his cheek gently.
"We're gonna go back upstairs. I'll be back down in a little bit, and then I
wanna hear about Andy, mostly if he's gonna be a threat."
Ryan nodded, and Ronnie carried Craig back upstairs. Aw, hell, that had been
really god damn embarrassing. He wasn't shy, he was never shy - so where had
that come from? Ronnie nosed his jaw lightly.
"It's natural to be nervous. Don't worry about it, it's cute."
"It's not cute," Craig protested. "It's awkward and weird."
"Nah, it's cute." Ronnie laughed, laying Craig on the bed and beginning to look
through the bag. Craig watched him curiously.
"What is that?"
"Drugs," Ronnie said bluntly, and then, at Craig's shocked look, "I'm kidding.
It's sleeping pills. They're for you - you don't wanna be awake when I feed."
"Oh."
Ronnie pulled out a box and tore it open. Craig realized that he was meant to
take one now. Did he really want to be asleep for this? What might happen while
he was sleeping? The older glanced at him, eyes already rolling.
"I won't hurt you. It's just.. a weird experience, usually, and I think you'd
prefer to not have to go through it."
Craig nodded nervously. He really hoped Ronnie wouldn't do anything weird. He
didn't expect Ronnie to, but still. He took the little white pill that Ronnie
offered and bit his lip before taking it. For a moment he didn't feel anything.
Then it hit him like a sack of bricks: he felt slow, lethargic almost. The room
spun around him and he whined, leaning into Ronnie's warm chest.
"Sleep," Ronnie said softly. "It's better if you miss this."
So what else could he do but obey?
***** Chapter 3 *****
He woke up sore - again.
For a moment he thought Ronnie had done something weird. Oh, great - drug him
and stab him; or something; and - then what? Fuck his unconscious body? Ew.
That was more than a little disgusting. Besides, it was also completely
unnecessary. Ronnie had fucked him before, when he was awake, and he'd adjusted
pretty well in the end. That theory went out the window when he shifted and sat
up and found he was still in his clothes, still clean. Upon feeling his neck,
however, he found another set of dual puncture wounds; a new set, on the
opposite side from the first. Ugh. If he was going to feel like this each time
Ronnie "fed", he wasn't sure if he still wanted to go through with it.
He stood up and was faced with a rush of nausea. He groaned, shutting his eyes.
Even though he couldn't see it, the room was spinning - he could feel it. He
sat back down heavily and put his head in his hands. His entire body trembled.
Was this another side effect? If it was, he really didn't want Ronnie to keep
feeding. After a moment he managed to stand up without too much of a problem.
He drew one of the blankets around himself and shakily stumbled out of the
bedroom. He was upstairs; so, naturally, he went down. There was a kitchen in
front of the stairs, and the living room to the right, where Ronnie, Ryan,
Jacky, and a couple of others Craig hadn't met yet were watching TV. Ronnie
noticed his presence first, where he was hiding shyly behind the wall, peeking
into the room. The older softened, beckoning him in.
"It's okay. C'mere."
Craig padded in, blushing under the others' stares. He settled in Ronnie's lap
with the man's arms around his waist, still tucked up in his blanket. Ronnie
nodded to the other two.
"So, that's Derek-" One of them waved. "And Ron." The other nodded. Craig
studied the two for a moment and then nodded.
"Now you've met everybody." Ronnie kissed his cheek. "How do you feel?"
Craig shrugged, nuzzling into Ronnie's neck. "Sore," He mumbled. "Not too
great."
"I'd imagine not. Feeding twice since last night.."
"Why d'you have to feed so much?" Craig pouted lightly. Ronnie grinned
sheepishly.
"Well, the first time it wasn't me. It was Jacky. But," He cut Craig off, "We
won't feed off of you for a while now."
"Good," Craig huffed. "I don't know how I have any blood left in my body."
"We tried not to drink too much." Ronnie nosed his neck. "I'm sorry,
sweetheart."
"Damn right you are." Craig nudged the older lightly to take the sting out of
his words. "So, why am I here? Like, why did you take me back to your house
after fucking me in a parking lot at literally midnight?"
Ronnie laughed softly. "'Cause I like you, dummy. I think you're cute."
"And you had to kidnap me, after practically raping me?" Craig rolled his eyes.
"I mean, you couldn't have just.. come into the store and been like, here's my
number, call me?"
"Where's the fun in that?" Ronnie grinned. "I'm an impatient guy, what can I
say?"
"Very true." Jacky muttered loudly from the other end of the couch. "That's why
you bit me and turned me, remember?"
"Aw, I apologized." Ronnie pouted.
"Yeah, once I turned and nearly fucked up Ryan's face."
"Let's not do that again." Ryan shook his head. "I like my face."
"I didn't have any plans of turning Craig, anyway." Ronnie shrugged, kissing
the bite on Craig's neck. "Jacky's new enough, we don't need two young vampires
running around here."
Craig fidgeted. He still wasn't sure how much he believed the whole "vampire"
thing. He figured - they made a convincing argument. And yet, for all 17 years
of his life, he'd been raised against things like that. He'd been raised to be
real - to be normal. And none of this was normal, in any meaning of the word.
"I told you earlier. You'll get used to this, I promise." Ronnie hummed softly.
Craig ran a hand through his hair and sighed.
"I suppose I'll have to."
"Y'don't have to. It's just.. better for you to."
"So.. what is there to do around here?" He was, admittedly, getting a little
bored. He'd never been one for sitting in one place doing little to nothing.
Ronnie frowned for a moment, glancing at the others.
"Should I show him?"
"Sure, why not?" Ron shrugged. "We never use it anyway, maybe he can find some
pleasure in it."
Pleasure in what? He stood up at Ronnie's gesture, and Ronnie followed suit,
leading him down another flight of stairs. Craig expected - well, he didn't
know what he expected. A basement, maybe. Cold and gray and dirty. But no;
downstairs was perhaps the most beautiful library ever. Ronnie watched his
reaction; the grin that bloomed on his features, the way his brown eyes lit up.
He was so perfect. After a moment the younger tore his gaze away from the books
to glance at Ronnie. He opened his mouth to pose a question, but Ronnie beat
him to it.
"When you're around a while, y'know.. you pick up some books." And then,
lowering his voice as though telling a secret, "Don't tell anybody, but most of
these are books I got from libraries and forgot to return."
Craig giggled softly and mimed zipping his mouth shut. "So.." He said softly,
glancing around again. "I can pick any of these I want?"
"Just try to remember to put them back. Not that we'll ever read them,
probably, we're pretty busy, but it drives Derek nuts to have anything
unorganized."
Craig nodded. "Okay. So I'll see you in, about a week." He grinned. Ronnie
rolled his eyes.
"Sure. Make sure you come up for dinner, okay?"
"Yeah, okay."
***** Chapter 4 *****
Craig stayed in the library for a while, just reading anything he could get his
hands on. Ronnie had to come downstairs and call him for dinner, and then
practically had to pry him out of the seat and carry him upstairs. He stopped
whining and squirming when they got to the top, although he still looked
mutinous. Ronnie just laughed softly and kissed his cheek and carried him into
the living room. He was the only one eating; while Ronnie was upstairs, Ryan
explained that while they could eat regular food, and liked it pretty well,
they didn't have to if they fed off of someone regularly. Craig realized that
meant him. Ryan just laughed and reassured him by telling him that they only
had to feed once or twice a month.
When Craig finished eating, Derek offered to put his plate away so that he
could go find Ronnie. He hesitated, but Derek was already taking it; so he
headed upstairs. He found Ronnie in one of the bedrooms adjusting the sheets
and pillows; the older jumped upon realizing that he was there. Ronnie exhaled,
brushing hair away and frowning lightly at Craig.
"Fuck, you scared me." Ronnie muttered. "Did you enjoy dinner? I figured you
must be getting hungry."
"I was pretty hungry - it was really good! Who's the chef around here?"
Ronnie studied him for a moment, and then, apparently deciding he was serious,
said with a flush, "Well, uh, Jacky usually cooks, but, um.. I - I made that."
Craig's eyes brightened, making Ronnie blush even more. He grinned at the man.
He - he actually sort of liked making Ronnie flustered. He moved over and
settled on the bed. Ronnie grinned sheepishly back. He figured that, well, they
weren't hurting him right now - he could at least try to be friendly.
"So," He said softly. "Is this for me? This whole bed thing?"
"If, uh, if you want it to be." Ronnie shrugged. "I think this is a pretty
comfy bed, to be honest, but.."
"It's pretty comfy," Craig agreed, laying out and reclining. "I'm comfy. So I
get to stay here tonight?"
"And every night, if y'want to."
Craig nodded, getting up again. "Let's go watch TV. I can sleep later, it's
only 10."
Ronnie nodded as well and let Craig lead the way out of the room and
downstairs. Craig settled down after Ronnie had and laid his head in Ronnie's
lap. This was pretty nice. He could, theoretically, get used to it. Ugh - this
was fucking with his head. He was getting comfortable.. with his kidnapper and
rapist. At least it hadn't been painful the whole way, he supposed. He had
eventually felt good. But..
He sighed, closing his eyes. Ronnie began to stroke his hair gently. He didn't
know if the other could sense or maybe hear the inner turmoil in his head, but
he appreciated the comfort all the same. He liked having people pet his hair.
It was soothing, in a way. He just couldn't put his finger on it. Slowly he
relaxed. In a sick, twisted way, he trusted Ronnie. He trusted Ronnie not to
hurt him or let him get hurt. He shifted slightly to get more comfy.
"You can trust me," Ronnie murmured. "Nothing will ever hurt you again."
"..okay."
An hour later they were watching some cheesy, cliche romance movie that was on
TV. It was just the two of them now; it was getting kind of late, and everybody
else had dispersed to do various things. He thought he remembered Derek going
to feed, but.. eh. He sat up, yawning and stretching, and nuzzled into Ronnie's
chest. The clock read 12:04. Ronnie had left one arm looped loosely around
Craig's waist; with his free hand he was browsing on his phone. When Craig
tried to peek he held it away and laughed softly.
"What're you doing?" Craig prompted curiously.
"You'll see eventually, baby, promise. Be patient." Ronnie chided. Craig pouted
at him. He didn't cave, though, and eventually Craig relaxed again. Fine,
whatever, he didn't want to know anyway. After a few moments Ronnie nuzzled his
jaw.
"Aw, you're not mad at me, are you?"
"Yes." Craig pretended to be mad, jutting out his lower lip and folding his
arms. Ronnie chuckled lightly and kissed his lips, drawing a soft gasp from the
boy. Ronnie smirked at him and pulled back.
"So, I have a question."
Craig glanced up, still a little flushed. "Okay. What?"
"Let me take you on a date tomorrow night." Craig blushed again. A date? He'd
never exactly been on a date. And with Ronnie.. but somehow the thought didn't
seem too bad. He bit his lip, mulling it over for a few seconds, and then
nodded.
"Okay," He said softly.
Ronnie beamed. "You won't be disappointed. I promise."
***** Chapter 5 *****
So at about 6 the next night Ronnie and Craig left the house.
Craig still had no idea where they were going. Ronnie wouldn't tell him -
apparently, it was supposed to be a surprise. Well, he thought in
disgruntlement, he was definitely going to be surprised. He didn't even have a
hint. Ronnie was determined to keep their plan as away from Craig as possible
until they got there.
Their first stop was a restaurant. It was kind of Southern-style; there were
rocking chairs outside, and a checkerboard. Craig wanted to play, but Ronnie
just laughed and told him maybe later. Inside it had a homey feel, a delicious
sort of smell, and various things to look at. Ronnie got them a table for two.
The table was candlelit and there were old artifacts all over the walls.
"So?" Ronnie prompted, after they'd ordered drinks and food. "Whaddya think? I
mean, I know it's not high-class or anything, but-"
"I really like it here." Craig beamed. "It's really nice. And it's a little
romantic, even. I didn't know you had it in you."
Ronnie flushed, looking embarrassed. "Well.. I don't usually.." Craig's grin
widened as Ronnie began to fidget. "I just mean.. well.. I just thought it'd be
cute 'cause I really really like you and I-"
"Ronnie," Craig chided gently, reaching across the table and taking the older's
hand; and Ronnie fell silent immediately. "It's okay, really. This is a good
place. Stop worrying so much."
"Sorry. I just.. I don't want to fuck this up."
"You won't. I'm sure. Just relax." Craig smiled lightly at him, and got a
tentative smile in return. Craig knew Ronnie would be good at this if he could
just relax a little. Ronnie had a soft, romantic side, Craig knew; it was just
a matter of bringing it out.
After a few minutes of idle chat their food arrived. It was, as Craig had
expected, very, very good - he enjoyed it a lot. Ronnie seemed pleased with his
decision. The only thing Craig could complain about was that their waitress
kept trying to flirt with Ronnie; and Ronnie put a stop to that by leaning over
the table and kissing Craig on the lips when she approached one time. Craig
could only giggle and blush and mumble that Ronnie was embarrassing him, but in
a gentle I-don't-want-you-to-stop kind of way. Ronnie had smirked, kissing the
back of his hand, and murmured that he looked so pretty when he was flustered;
which only helped to make him more flustered.
After they ate, Ronnie paid and then ushered him out to the car, looking
excited. Craig frowned lightly as he settled in the seat. It was a little
worrying; what did Ronnie have planned? He hoped it wasn't anything dangerous -
knowing Ronnie, it could be anything at all.
Ronnie parked next to a hill. At first, Craig was confused - the sun was
setting, so maybe they would watch the sunset? That would be pretty neat. When
he got out of the car, though, Ronnie moved over and pulled a cloth out of his
coat pocket and asked Craig to turn around. He hesitated, but when Ronnie gave
him the puppy eyes he did so, letting Ronnie slip the blindfold on. He had to
trust Ronnie, he supposed.
He stuck close to the older, letting Ronnie lead him up the hill. He
subconsciously held on to Ronnie's hand; he had no idea he was doing it,
either, but Ronnie found it cute. He felt the ground change textures under his
shoes; it went from the springy hillside grass to hard and firm. It jolted
beneath him; he gasped softly, pressing into Ronnie's side. Ronnie just
chuckled softly and wrapped an arm around his waist. He could feel the wind
blowing on him. Finally Ronnie undid the blindfold, and he gasped again.
They were in a hot air balloon, several miles above the ground. The sun was
beginning to set, painting the sky various shades of pink and orange and
purple. The wind blew softly, but the balloon stayed steady. Hesitantly Craig
approached the edge and peered out, across the landscape. It was so beautiful.
Craig had never really been one for flying - but this was different. Ronnie
moved up behind him, arms wrapping around his waist.
"Good date idea?" The other said hopefully. Craig nodded mutely, still scanning
the sky, brown eyes bright. After a moment Craig turned to him, wrapping both
arms around his neck.
"The best," The teenager answered softly, standing up on tiptoes to kiss Ronnie
gently. Ronnie sighed in relief against his lips. He hadn't really expected
this to work, but he was glad that it had.
When they arrived home, Craig led Ronnie upstairs gently by the hand. Ronnie
settled on the bed when Craig gestured for him to, and Craig crawled into his
lap, nuzzling against him. Ronnie wrapped both arms around the younger's waist
and hummed appreciatively.
"I had fun tonight," Craig said softly, tugging on Ronnie's shirt. Ronnie
discarded it, and Craig began to trace his tattoos. Ronnie was, admittedly,
very well built. Craig exhaled, his eyes closing.
"I'm glad. I wanted you to." Ronnie answered, thumbs rubbing circles on Craig's
back. Craig moved up and gently kissed Ronnie's cheek.
"Thank you. For treating me right."
"It's the least I could do." Ronnie turned his head to meet Craig's gaze. Craig
was pink in the face. Slowly Ronnie leaned in and kissed him. It was..
different, this time. More intimate somehow. He relaxed into the older male,
letting out a shaky sigh when Ronnie's hands trailed down to his ass. He
shifted to straddle Ronnie's waist, lips parting when Ronnie's tongue swiped
against them.
"You're so beautiful," Ronnie whispered softly, easing Craig's shirt up and
off, running his hands over the smooth, pale skin. Craig flushed. Ronnie
nibbled on Craig's neck lightly, hands pushing down the waistband of Craig's
jeans. Craig shifted to let him slide them off. His fingers traced Craig's
curves, down Craig's thighs, making the younger shiver.
For a few moments they sat like that, kissing idly, hands roaming lightly over
exposed skin. This was wrong on so many levels; but the longer Craig sat there,
the less he cared. Ronnie didn't - wouldn't - do anything unless Craig asked
him to. Craig's hands wandered down to the older's jeans and undid them, and
Ronnie's hips lifted so that he could shift them - and the boxers underneath -
off. He pulled his own panties off and leaned into Ronnie's chest.
"Go on," He said softly. "You can touch me, it's okay."
Ronnie's fingers ran over his spine, brushing his ass, his thighs, before
gently beginning to rub his nook. He blushed and whimpered, burying his face in
Ronnie's neck. He was incredibly sensitive, especially down there. Ronnie
pulled back, but Craig took his wrist and guided his hand back down.
"Are you sure?" Ronnie murmured against his jaw. Craig nodded, shivering.
"J'st.. sensitive, is all," He mumbled back. "I'm okay. Just.. try and go
slow."
Ronnie nodded, beginning to rub again. Craig's back arched a little and a soft
whine left his mouth. Ronnie didn't stop this time, just crooned softly,
kissing his neck.
"It's okay, baby, relax," Ronnie soothed. "Daddy's got you.."
Craig's nook quivered under the older's fingertips. Ronnie eased in a finger,
murmuring sweet nothings against Craig's ear. Craig whimpered again, tensing
involuntarily.
"Relax," Ronnie repeated softly. "It's okay, baby, I've got you. Relax.."
Craig nodded. It took a moment for him to unclench. Ronnie purred, beginning to
work the digit in and out. He shuddered under the other's touch, biting his
lip, one hand tangling in Ronnie's dark hair. Ronnie cooed to him, trying to
soothe him, easing in a second finger and starting to scissor him. Another
noise of pleasure escaped Craig's throat, the younger keening and rocking into
Ronnie's touch.
"More," Craig whispered. "More, fuck, please Ronnie.."
Ronnie nuzzled him and withdrew his fingers, shifting and laying Craig down on
the bed instead. The older kissed down his neck, chest, stomach and fantasy
trail to nose between his thighs and begin to lick his nook. His back arched
again, legs sliding over Ronnie's shoulders in a vague attempt to get more
friction. Ronnie began to suck, watching Craig's reaction from under his
eyelashes. Craig whined and moaned, squirming needily. He was so pretty like
this, frantic, desperate. Ronnie loved it - Ronnie loved him.
"Fuck me," Craig panted, pulling on Ronnie's hair. "Fuck me, please, Ronnie,
fuck me."
"Okay, baby boy, hold on." Ronnie answered gently, sitting up. He spat in his
hand and rubbed it down his length, slicking himself so as not to hurt Craig.
Slowly he began to push in, hands finding Craig's hips. Craig shuddered under
him, nook tensing and quivering.
"Oh, Ronnie," He breathed, cheeks flushed, head tilted back. "Oh, f-fuck,
Ronnie.."
"Does it hurt?" Ronnie murmured, pushing in deeper, Craig's nook parting
willingly around his cock. Craig shook his head rapidly, panting, back arching
off the bed.
"D-deeper, Ron, fuck.. y-you're so big, I.."
"Relax," Ronnie said softly. "I won't hurt you."
"I know."
The tip of Ronnie's cock pressed against his cervix. If he thought really hard,
he could feel the twang of his hymen breaking - but it wasn't anything at all.
He took deep breaths, his fingers twisted in the sheets, thin body shaking,
breaking out in a light sheen of sweat. Ronnie leaned down and kissed him
softly, rubbing his stomach.
"Move," Craig mumbled, propping himself up on one elbow, the other wrapping
around Ronnie's shoulders. "I'm okay."
Ronnie began to thrust, slow and even. Craig's entire body trembled, clinging
to Ronnie needily. The friction inside him was so damn good; he could barely
breathe.
"More," He whimpered. "Harder, Daddy, please.."
Ronnie obliged, picking up the pace. Craig moaned, head tilting back, his hips
rocking in time to Ronnie's thrusts. It was so good, he wanted more, which he
vocalized rather loudly. Ronnie purred, thrusting harder, faster, deeper. Craig
shook and moaned and writhed under the older male, heels pressing into Ronnie's
shoulders. It was so wrong, but so right; he didn't know how much longer he
could take it, but he didn't care. He didn't ever want it to end.
"You're so good for me, baby," Ronnie murmured, searching for his g-spot.
"Taking all of my cock, everything I give you. You're so obedient."
"I - ah-ahh-ahhh-!!" That was it. Ronnie aimed for the sweet spot, stroking
Craig's cock gently. "I l- I love you - D-Daddy-!!"
"Do you need to cum?" Ronnie prompted, biting his lip and groaning softly as
Craig's nook contracted. Craig nodded, whining, clinging to Ronnie's front.
"W-want you - to c-cum with me," The younger panted. "T-together."
"Together," Ronnie agreed, resting their foreheads together. "I'm close, too,
baby, it's okay."
"Hurry, D-Daddy - I don't - kn-know how much longer - m-my pussy is tingling,
Daddy.."
"Such a good little slut for me," Ronnie purred, picking Craig up and letting
the teenager bounce on his lap. Craig's legs slid down around his waist. "Such
a good boy.. Who owns you, baby boy?"
"Y-you do," Craig whimpered into his neck. "Daddy, I'm yours, f-fuck.."
"That's my good boy," Ronnie praised. "Good boy."
Ronnie's hands slid to his ass, gripping it tightly. Craig clung to the man,
shaking and half sobbing with ecstasy. Ronnie's cock was fucking huge, he
couldn't breathe, he needed to cum so damn badly right now-
"Cum for me, sweetheart. Let go." Ronnie whispered. Craig let out a strangled
moan of Ronnie's name as he reached sweet, sweet release, spilling white on
both of their stomachs. Ronnie grunted, thrusting a couple of times and then
cumming inside. Craig couldn't seem to stop shaking; his nook walls spasmed and
tensed around Ronnie's cock.
It took a few minutes for them both to relax. Ronnie pulled out; Craig felt the
mixture of their cum slip from his nook onto the sheets. Ronnie nuzzled his
neck and picked him up bridal style to carry him into the bathroom. Craig
whined softly. He just wanted to go to sleep. They'd spent at least an hour on
the air balloon, so it had already been dark by the time they got home, about
10:15; and Craig was used to going to bed at about 11:30. Ronnie crooned
softly, sitting him in the bathtub and turning on the water.
"I'll be back in just a second - I'm gonna go throw the sheets in the wash.
Okay?"
Craig nodded, leaning back in the tub and letting the cool water soothe his
aching body. A yawn passed through his lips; he was so sleepy. After a minute
or two Ronnie returned, as promised, and settled in the tub with him. He
cuddled up to the older, letting his eyes shut as Ronnie washed him gently.
This was perfect, right here: warm, and safe, and being taken care of by his
boyfriend. He wasn't sure where, exactly, he had started considering Ronnie his
boyfriend at all - but oh well. That was how he felt now.
Ronnie heard and felt Craig fall asleep. His breathing and thoughts evened out,
mellow and soft. He hummed softly, nuzzling the teenager. Craig was absolute
perfection - no one could ever even compare. He loved the kid, so, so much. And
knowing Craig thought of them as being "boyfriends" sent a warm, fuzzy feeling
all throughout Ronnie's body. He loved the thought, of being together - being
able to call Craig his own.
"I love you, too, baby," He murmured against Craig's neck; Craig murmured in
his sleep. "More than you will ever know."
***** Chapter 6 *****
Craig was woken up by the vibration - and very loud ringtone - of Ronnie's
phone.
Next to him in the bed, Ronnie groaned, blindly reaching out for the source of
the noise. Upon finding the phone with his fingers, Ronnie swiped across and
held it up to his ear.
"'Lo?" He mumbled sleepily, yawning. "Yo, Ryan, what's up?"
Oh - just Ryan, then. Craig relaxed and cuddled back up to Ronnie. The older's
free arm wrapped around him, idly rubbing his bare hip. Craig couldn't hear
what Ryan was saying, but Ronnie's eyebrows pulled together, and he frowned.
"I dunno, dude.. it might just upset him."
Craig glanced up. Did that mean him? Or somebody else? Ryan had mentioned
another group the other day - Ash?
"I dunno if we should do that, perse.. okay, how about this. Arrange a meeting.
We'll be there, of course.. if anything went wrong we'd be there. I think
that'll make both parties happier in the long run. Although, I dunno,
everything is going so smoothly right now - would it really be smart to do
something like this so soon?.. yeah, yeah, I get it. I guess we'll see.. I
don't know, I don't want him to make a rash decision.. let's do it your way,
actually. I really don't want any.. yeah, I get it. Just.. make sure it's done
quickly, and for the love of God don't get caught."
Craig sat up as Ronnie hung up with a slightly irritated sigh. Ronnie ran a
hand through his hair, sitting up as well and giving Craig a quick kiss. Craig
hummed softly.
"So what's up?"
"I don't know yet," Ronnie huffed. "Ryan is being vague, as always. We'll have
to see."
Craig frowned lightly but didn't speak for a moment. Finally he said, "I've
been thinking.. will I ever get to meet other vampires? Other than you guys?"
Ronnie looked down and met his gaze. The older sighed softly, cupping his face.
"I don't know, baby," Ronnie murmured. "Other vampires can be.. volatile. If
you do, it won't be for a while yet."
Craig nodded. What did that mean - volatile? Did they not have the self control
Ronnie and the guys did? Or maybe they didn't like other vampires and would
hurt their - well, their pets? Craig had faced that part of his life. No matter
how much the guys told him that he was one of them now, he knew that
impulsively, subconsciously, he was still a "pet". And he had come to terms
with that. He accepted it. He didn't mind - because they never treated him like
one. He was somewhere between a friend and a pet. And he could handle that.
Ronnie was still deep in thought. His fingers had stopped moving on Craig's
skin and he was frowning blankly at his phone. After a moment Craig nudged him
gently, sliding out of bed, and he started.
"Come on," Craig coaxed softly, taking Ronnie's hand. "Let's get a shower and
breakfast, yeah?"
"Yeah," Ronnie agreed, seemingly breaking out of his trance and standing up to
follow Craig into the bathroom. Craig beamed, leading the way into the tiled
bathroom. Of all of them, Ronnie definitely favored Craig; the boy could get
away with just about anything he wanted to.
They never had to fight over the shower temperature, although Ronnie often
teased Craig about jumping back from the cold water at first. He couldn't help
it - he liked hot showers, damn it. He only liked cold air because he could
cuddle and drink hot chocolate. After their shower, they dried off and dressed.
Craig decided it was going to be a lazy day and threw on a t-shirt of Ronnie's,
and a clean pair of the older's boxers. He also grabbed his blanket on the way
downstairs. Even though it was getting to be mid-March, it was still cold as
hell.
Ronnie had already come down and had started making breakfast. It was about 8:
30; he had no clue why the hell Ryan was awake at this point, much less out on
the town. Oh well - it was none of his concern. He wrapped up in the blanket
and settled on the couch with a huff of pain. His rear end ached like a bitch.
From the kitchen Ronnie gave him an apolgetic grin.
"Sorry, love."
"I better get an extra piece of bacon." Craig pouted. Ronnie just laughed and
agreed.
"You must be hungry this morning, huh?"
"Of fuckin' course I am. Having sex with your significantly stronger boyfriend
makes a person hungry as fuck. And sore, too."
"Well, I'll make it up to you somehow."
Although they both knew Ronnie's breakfast would make it up. Everybody in the
house loved Ronnie's cooking, although the older insisted he wasn't that great.
And, of course, true to the statement, as soon as the bacon touched Craig's
tongue Ronnie was forgiven and he melted into Ronnie's side, mumbling how
fucking amazing it was. Ronnie just smirked and kissed his cheek and told him
to finish breakfast. Which - he did without protest.
He spent most of the day in the library. This time he read up on vampire lore;
they had a lot of books like that. He thought it was funny, kind of ironic, but
that didn't stop him. He was curious about what Ronnie had meant. When Ryan had
talked about the other vampires, they didn't seem like a threat, if they could
even have a conversation without killing each other..
"You aren't going to find anything like that in here."
Craig jumped. Jacky was leaning on one of the bookshelves. After a moment he
frowned and set the book back on the shelf.
"Whaddya mean?"
"Most of these books are human written. Unfortunately, we can't just give our
secrets away all the time, so they're very uninformed." Jacky shrugged idly,
moving over and sitting at the table beside him. "Vampire relations are very
complicated, see. I'm not too entirely sure of it all myself. There's always
tension, though; always a threat. What if one clan oversteps their boundaries?
It's a lot of waiting and watching. Some clans tend to be closer than others;
for instance, ours and Black Veil Brides - that's Ash's clan - we're all pretty
close. There's always danger, but we can usually count on each other. We're all
friends. Someone like.. oh, I don't know.. Hollywood Undead, though, Ronnie
despises them. They try to take our territory all the time - assholes. It's a
weird, complicated cycle that you'll come to learn someday."
"Why not now?" Craig frowned at the Brit.
"Because you're human. Ronnie's not ready to turn you just yet."
Craig bit his lip. They kept saying that. But.. he wasn't sure if he ever
wanted to turn at all. He didn't like the thought, of not being human. Jacky
softened slightly.
"That's why he's waiting. He's going to let you grow up first. You're young -
you have so much left. He cares a lot about your opinion.. he's going to try
and let you decide when you turn instead of forcing you."
"But you were young when he turned you, weren't you?" Craig couldn't stop
himself in time to not ask. He flushed.
"I was," Jacky admitted, shrugging. "But I was also an accident. I was supposed
to have died. But while he was drinking, he accidentally injected some of his
venom, and I turned." And then, catching the look on Craig's face, he added,
"But you don't have to worry about that. He's much more careful now. He doesn't
want to turn you - he didn't want to turn me either, but the difference is he
doesn't want to kill you. He really, really likes you."
Jacky ruffled his hair, standing up. He frowned at the table for a moment
before turning around on the bench.
"Thank you," He called after Jacky's form. "For talking to me."
Jacky glanced back and smiled lightly at him before ascending the stairs. Craig
sat there for a while, simply thinking, until Ronnie called him up to dinner.
It was as he was getting up, as he was crossing the library, that he thought
about the fact that he had absolutely no idea who Ronnie was as a person. He
didn't know much about Ronnie at all. In fact, he had no idea that he had
stopped in the very middle of the room, still in mid-step, until Ronnie called
down, "Are you coming?"
He shook himself out of his daze and called back, "Yeah." And yet the question
persisted in his head: who was Ronnie, really?
***** Chapter 7 *****
He was a little subdued at dinner. This obviously concerned Ronnie, as the
older kept fidgeting and asking if he was okay. Craig always answered with
"yeah." He didn't let his mind wander to questioning Ronnie; he didn't want to
upset the man. Finally he got up earlier than usual to go to bed. His thoughts
were racing a hundred miles an hour as he changed into his bed clothes. He
wanted to talk to Ronnie, but at the same time, he didn't. What was he supposed
to ask? Hey, are you still a dangerous bloodthirsty monster, or did that quit
when I got here? That just seemed.. rude.
"Craig."
Ronnie's voice made him jump. He glanced over, moving to sit on the bed. Ronnie
came with him, settling close, but not as close as usual. Craig felt guilty; he
hadn't meant to push his boyfriend away. He never wanted to do that.
"Craig," Ronnie repeated, biting his lip for a moment before continuing, "I
know you're thinking about something. But - you won't let me in. What are you
thinking about?"
Craig hesitated. Should he tell Ronnie or not? He didn't know anymore. He felt
small; insignificant. He felt like if he made one wrong move, said one wrong
thing, everything he'd worked so hard to get would crumble away under his feet.
"I want you to trust me, Craig." Ronnie's voice was quiet. Craig could hear the
trembling undertone, though. "I want us to be open. I don't want you to hide
things from me - and I don't want to hide things from you."
"Jacky talked to me today." He blurted out, glancing away. Ronnie shifted
closer and nuzzled his neck.
"About what?"
"About.. vampire stuff." Craig shrugged, leaning into Ronnie's chest. "He told
me about how you guys are like, always uneasy or whatever. And, um.. he told me
about how he turned."
"Oh." Ronnie exhaled and shifted a little. "Craig, I.. what happened to him..
that was a mistake. I wasn't thinking. I'm not proud of it. If - if you're
worried about it happening to you-"
"I'm not," Craig shook his head, glancing down at his hands, "I just.. I
realized, I don't.. I don't know anything about you, Ronnie. I mean, besides
what you've shown me here."
"Which is..?"
"That you are a funny, sweet, loving guy who just needs a calmer other half.
Who is me, by the way."
Ronnie snorted, kissing his temple. "I'm not going to disagree. I certainly
have gotten used to having you around to help me. But.. I don't want you to
think bad of me for that. I don't want you to think I got a kick out of it. But
I also don't want you to think that I regret it. Jacky is a valuable asset.
It's just.. I wasn't thinking, then. I was impulsive. I thought I was top dog,
and I could do whatever I wanted, even though I wasn't, and I couldn't."
Craig nodded. He could tell Ronnie genuinely felt bad about what happened; and
he got the impression Ronnie had more smarts than that now. Gently he nuzzled
Ronnie's neck.
"So, I'll tell you my story if you tell me yours."
"My story, huh?" Ronnie nudged him gently and grinned at him. "Aren't you a bit
old for bedtime stories?"
"Oh, hush." Craig pouted lightly. "You know what I mean."
"I know," Ronnie agreed, smile fading. "Unfortunately, I get the feeling
neither of our tales is something for before bed. I promise I'll tell you
everything tomorrow, okay?"
Craig whined softly, tugging on his t-shirt. "Pleaaase?"
"No, baby." Ronnie chuckled, kissing his jaw and rocking him softly. "You need
to sleep."
"'m not sleepy." He pouted, stifling a yawn. Ronnie grinned slightly, rubbing
his back.
"Yes you are, baby boy. Come on, it's okay. Sleep.."
"Nn.." Craig shifted a little, yawning. He was incredibly tired; all of his
thinking had left his brain fried. But he wanted to stay up, he liked staying
up late. He couldn't help the fact that his eyes were starting to close,
though, and he snuggled into Ronnie, exhaling contentedly. Ronnie hummed softly
to him, bouncing him lightly on one leg. He was so sleepy..
===============================================================================
He wasn't aware of falling asleep. The next thing he knew was that he was
laying out in bed, the sheets up around his shoulders, and the lights were off.
Oh - and he really, really had to piss.
He slid out of bed and padded into the bathroom. He did his business and made
to go back to bed before realizing Ronnie wasn't in the room at all. That was
odd; Ronnie was usually at least in the room, writing songs or something. He
frowned lightly. He liked having Ronnie in the room while he slept. He felt..
safer.
So, concerned with the well-being of his boyfriend, he pulled open the door and
went downstairs.
"Man, fuck you," He heard a familiar voice spit. "Wherever you're keeping him-"
"You mean Craig?" Ronnie sneered back. "He's sleeping. Pretty peacefully, too.
If you think we're hurting him, you're gonna be sorely disappointed."
"How can you not be? You fucking kidnapped him!"
Craig stopped at the top of the staircase. TJ was tied up, glaring up at Ronnie
from the floor. He could see his best friend bristling at his boyfriend and
felt his heart twist. Who's side was he supposed to pick, then?
"Yeah, and?" He could almost see Ronnie's eye-roll. "He's fucking happy, at
least. Most people would fucking, chain him up in their basement or something.
But we're not about that. That's why you are up here."
"Oh, right, you're such pieces of shit you'll torture him wherever you feel
like it."
"You little-"
"Ronnie," Craig called softly. He knew Ronnie had a temper, and TJ was pressing
every single one of the man's buttons. Ronnie paused and both of them looked
over at him.
"Craig," Ronnie answered, biting his lip. "Hey."
"What're you doing?"
Ronnie hesitated. "This was Ryan's idea," He said finally. "From yesterday
morning."
"To bring TJ here."
"Yeah."
Craig descended the steps uncertainly. Ronnie moved over to him; and TJ
growled.
"Don't touch him you fu-"
"TJ," Craig warned quietly. He stood up on his toes and slid his arms around
Ronnie's neck gently. Ronnie exhaled, nuzzling the top of his head.
"Were you going to hide this from me?" He murmured, leaning back slightly to
meet the older's gaze. Ronnie shook his head.
"I told you, I don't want to hide things from you, not ever. We were going to
tell you in the morning. He's only just gotten here. It was earlier than I
expected, honestly."
"Ronnie," Craig sighed softly. "Why? Why kidnap him?"
"Because I wanted you to be happy." Ronnie leaned their foreheads together.
"The only complaint you have here is that you miss your friends. You think
about it all the time. I wanted to make you happy without risking everything."
"I was already happy," He murmured, giving the other an eskimo kiss. "This
wasn't really necessary."
"I'm sorry." Ronnie kissed him gently, and he ran his fingers through Ronnie's
dark hair. "So what do you want me to do?"
"I don't know." Craig buried his face in Ronnie's chest. "I don't know, Ronnie,
what can we even do now? We can't let him go but I don't want to trap him here.
I don't know.."
"If we let him go we have to move. I don't know where.. out of state,
probably."
"I know," Craig whispered miserably. "I know."
"Hey, don't look so down, sweetheart." Ronnie nuzzled him. "Why don't you sleep
on it. You'll feel much better in the morning once you've gotten some rest. I
can ask Jacky to stay in here for a while."
The Brit was already leaning in the doorway. Craig got the feeling they'd had
some sort of mental communication. He bit his lip and nodded.
"Okay," He murmured. "Carry me?"
"Of course."
Ronnie picked him up bridal style and he sighed, nuzzling into the older male.
He could see the expression of mixed shock and hurt on TJ's face and felt
guilty that he was - sort of.. betraying his best friend. But he'd come to love
Ronnie. He couldn't just drop everything.
"Think about it tomorrow," Ronnie chided without venom, carrying him into their
room and laying him on the bed. "We have plenty of time to decide, baby. For
now, you need sleep."
Craig nodded, nuzzling into Ronnie's chest. Ronnie's arms looped gently around
him. He was still confused on how to feel - what to do. He was confused and -
he would admit it - scared of what would happen.
It took him a very, very long time to get to sleep.
***** Chapter 8 *****
When he woke, his first destination was the bathroom - again.
Ronnie was awake by the time he came out. The older frowned lightly at him when
he crawled back into bed and curled up into Ronnie's side. Ronnie rubbed his
back gently.
"Are you okay, baby?" Ronnie murmured, nuzzling his neck. "You seem to be in
and out of the bathroom.. you don't look so good."
"I guess. I don't feel too hot, but it's probably nothing."
"Aw, sweetheart.." Ronnie kissed up and down his neck, in the way that they
both knew would put him to sleep. "Let's let today be a lazy day, huh?"
"We can't, Ronnie," Craig mumbled, exhaling and reluctantly sitting up. His
head hurt, and he felt a bit dizzy, but it wasn't too bad - he'd experienced
worse. Most likely it was just a cold that happened at a bad time. He slid out
of bed and huffed softly.
"Maybe that's not a good idea." Ronnie sat up, frowning, as he moved over to
the door. "Life can wait, baby."
"We need to talk about what to do with TJ now. I'll be fine."
Ronnie got up and followed him out of the room, still trying to convince him to
go lay down. When they got downstairs, it was to find TJ settled on the couch,
gagged and bound and looking disgruntled, with Derek in the doorway opposite.
"Please, Craig, this can wait," Ronnie whined, wrapping both arms around his
waist to stop him from going forward. "It could get worse if you push
yourself."
"I promise, Ronnie, it's nothing." Craig glanced up, eyebrows raising. "I'm
gonna be fine. You'll see. I know you're worried, and if it gets worse you can
say 'I told you so'."
"I don't wanna say 'I told you so'." Ronnie pouted. "I want you to be okay."
"I am, Ron." Craig stood up on his toes and pecked Ronnie's lips. Ronnie
sighed. "So, where's the rest of the guys?" He added to Derek.
"Jacky's having breakfast, Ryan's gone shopping, and I think Ron's in the
library."
"See, Ryan's not even here. You still have time to sleep some more-"
"Ronnie," Craig chided lightly, without venom. He smiled lightly at his
boyfriend. Ronnie was cute when he was concerned. "I'm okay. Besides, isn't
that Ryan's car pulling up?"
"Ughh." Ronnie pouted. "At least sit on the couch?"
"Will it make you feel better?"
"Yes."
"Okay. C'mon, then, Mr. Man."
Ronnie chuckled softly, following him over to the other couch, besides the one
TJ was laying on. He curled up against Ronnie's chest and heard the front door
open as Ronnie's arms slid around him. After much rustling of bags Ryan entered
the room, stretching, and settled next to the two.
"You're up early," He commented lightly, smirking. Ronnie smacked his arm
gently.
"Yeah. We need to talk. Derek, you don't wanna go get Jacky and Ron, do you?"
Derek just rolled his eyes, although grinned affectionately and headed into the
kitchen. Craig watched him go curiously.
"Doesn't talk much, does he?"
"Nah." Ronnie shrugged. "The only one who can really get him to say more than
one or two sentences is his girlfriend, and that's-"
"When he's getting laid," Ryan interjected. Ronnie snorted.
"Not - well, maybe. I don't know anything about his sex life."
"Not like everybody knows about yours."
Craig flushed. He knew he could get loud, but hearing it confirmed was..
embarrassing. Ronnie just smacked Ryan again.
"Whatever, at least I can get any. You've gotten laid, what, once since you
turned?"
"I could, if I wanted to. But you know Jacky, he's kind of.. distant. And I'm
not a player."
"I know. You're a good boyfriend."
"Damn straight." Ryan grinned cockily as the other three returned and found
various places to settle. Ronnie shifted slightly to get more comfortable.
Craig was starting to feel a bit queasy, but he wasn't in any immediate danger
of throwing up on everybody.
"So.. the question is now.. what do we do with him?" Ronnie prompted, reclining
and subtly bringing Craig with him. Craig snorted, rolling his eyes and
relaxing into the other.
"He's already told you the options, I suppose, then?" Jacky asked, glancing at
Craig, who nodded. He knew what they were. Keep TJ and risk making him
miserable.. or let him go and have to move. Ronnie's fingers twined with his
own.
"We have houses in various places," Ronnie said softly. "We wouldn't have to go
house hunting. But-"
"Everything I know is here." Craig sighed. "I dunno."
"I think we should give keeping him a try. Keep him under watch, of course, but
untie him. Let him see for himself that it's not horrible here." Derek
suggested, shrugging. Craig bit his lip, frowning thoughtfully.
"That.. that might work," He said slowly. "I definitely don't favor keeping him
tied up. It ain't right."
"Ain't?" Ronnie repeated, chuckling softly as Craig blushed. "You're so cute,
Craig. But, I dunno, I'd be down for that, as long as we're ready to go if he
manages to get out."
Ryan nodded; Ron frowned.
"How would we watch him? Take shifts, or..?"
"I guess." Ronnie frowned. "I dunno, we usually spread out pretty well during
the day. There's usually someone in most rooms with exits. We could see how
that rolls. And like I said, we'd have to be prepared to leave anyway, just in
case."
Ron nodded, looking satisfied. Jacky glanced over at Ronnie and then away again
before shrugging.
"I think it's worth a shot."
Ronnie nodded, glancing around. "So, all in agreement?"
There was a murmur of assent. Slowly everybody began to disperse from the room.
Craig stretched and stood up; but it was as though all the blood rushed to his
head. He swayed a little. Ronnie frowned, standing up and steadying him.
"You alright, man?" Ryan asked, frowning up at him. He nodded, leaning into
Ronnie.
"Let's go upstairs," He mumbled. Ronnie nodded, picking him up without needing
to be told to. He rested his head on Ronnie's chest as Ronnie carried him
upstairs to their room. He pointed to the bathroom, and though Ronnie frowned
at the gesture, carried him to it anyway. He settled in front of the toilet,
shivering lightly. He wasn't sure if he was actually going to vomit but he
would rather be safe than sorry.
"Sweetheart, are you okay?" Ronnie murmured, sitting down and rubbing his
shoulders. "This is the third time since 4 this morning, and it's only 9."
"Well, this is the first time I've felt like throwing up. I don't even know if
there's really even anything in my body to throw up.."
"Well, once you feel better, I'll make you lunch, and we'll see from there.
Sound good?"
"Mhm."
Craig sighed softly. He loved Ronnie, he did, so much. He wished that their
beginning could have been different, but, well - too late for that now.
"I love you," Ronnie murmured into his shoulder, arms wrapping around him,
rubbing his stomach instead. "I love you a lot."
Craig exhaled, leaning into Ronnie's chest. "I love you too," He breathed.
***** Chapter 9 *****
Craig was up and down periodically throughout the night. It seemed like every
couple of hours he had to get up to go to the bathroom. He couldn't help it. He
felt bad about it, though; he knew he was disturbing Ronnie, no matter how much
the older insisted it was nothing.
They were both yawning and sleepy when they finally came downstairs. Breakfast
was already made; Jacky's doing, most likely. The Brit was always concerned for
them. Craig curled up against Ronnie's side while they ate, both of them
unusually silent, interlaced with yawns.
"If this doesn't clear up, I'm gonna have to start sleeping on the couch so you
can sleep, Ronnie," Craig mumbled finally, followed by a yawn. "I just don't
get it."
"If anything, I should be the one on the couch, babe." Ronnie nuzzled him.
"Whatever this is, though.. I hope it gets better. We both need rest."
"At least I'm not throwing up anymore." Craig stretched out across Ronnie's
lap. "That's a plus, I think."
"True." Ronnie stroked his hair gently. "That was worrying. I don't think
there's anything we can really do, though, so I suppose it'll just have to work
itself out."
Craig nodded. He'd only thrown up once, so he supposed that was a good sign. It
meant he wasn't too sick. Still.. he wondered what it was. Maybe it was just a
stomach bug. Hopefully that was all it was.
Even though he would have liked to spend the day in the library, the exhaustion
from lack of sleep and the fact that he was still getting up once an hour made
it difficult. If he wasn't in the bathroom he was crashed on the couch, asleep.
Eventually Ronnie had to carry him up to bed, about midnight. He'd managed to
get so deeply asleep that he wasn't waking up any time soon; so Ronnie figured
he might as well be comfortable. After all, Ronnie knew just how uncomfortable
sleeping on a couch could be.
Craig woke up about 2 in the morning. Ronnie was just about to go to bed; he
was in his pajama pants already. Craig sat up, grimacing a little.
"Hey, what's up?"
"I wish I hadn't slept so hard," Craig yawned, running a hand through his messy
hair, "I feel full as hell. Bathroom."
He made to stand, but as soon as he was upright there was a jolt in his lower
abdomen and he winced, collapsing back on the bed. Ronnie moved over, brown
eyes concerned.
"Are you okay?"
"Y-yeah." Craig bit his lip. He didn't want to admit how badly that had hurt;
he knew it would worry the older male. Ronnie scanned his face, frowning.
"Could I, uh.. get a little help?" He added, flushing a little. Ronnie nodded,
and once more he stood, leaning on Ronnie. Fuck; it hurt so god damn badly. His
legs gave way and his knees hit the floor, and he curled up, holding his
stomach. It felt like something was trying to break out from the inside with a
dull knife.
"Craig? Hey-"
Ronnie crouched next to him, wrapping an arm around him. He couldn't stop
shaking. He pressed into Ronnie. It hurt - tears started welling up in his eyes
before he could stop them.
"It hurts," He choked out. "Hurts so bad - fuck Ronnie oh God-"
Ronnie picked him up bridal style and carried him downstairs and out of the
house. He clung to Ronnie's t-shirt. He was actually starting to cry; he
squirmed, half-sobbing with pain. Ronnie crooned soft, soothing words to him,
laying him in the backseat of the car. The vampire moved up to the driver's
side and got in. He could text or call the other guys later - once he got Craig
to the ER.
All Ronnie could hear, as he pulled out of the driveway and took off, was
Craig's soft whimpers and sobs from the backseat. Fuck - he should have done
something. He didn't know what, exactly, but he hated seeing Craig in pain like
this. He sort of wanted to beat himself up, but he also sort of wanted to hate
the world for doing this to the kid. Craig didn't deserve it.. if anything, he
did..
Getting into the ER, watching them take Craig away, was possibly the hardest
thing Ronnie had ever done in his life. It took ten minutes for him to remember
to call back home to tell them what was happening. His fingers shook when he
dialed, and when it rang he wasn't sure if he would even be able to speak.
"Hullo?" Jacky's sleepy British voice was the first one to answer. He took a
deep breath.
"Jacks, it's Ronnie."
"Oh, hey. What's up?"
"I, uh.. fuck, um, I had to bring Craig down to the ER. He can't stand,
something with his stomach. Just.."
"Is he okay?" He heard the switch in the other's voice, from sleepy confusion
to concern in a moment.
"I dunno. They took him away, they're still doing stuff. I just - I don't - I
don't know what to do now."
"We'll be down in a few minutes, okay? Just sit tight, I guess.."
Ronnie nodded, even though he knew Jacky couldn't see him. "Okay," He mumbled.
"I - try to hurry."
"Okay. See you in a minute."
"'Kay."
Jacky hung up first. For a little while Ronnie could only sit there with his
head in his hands, wondering what was happening to his boyfriend. Fuck - if
something happened to Craig.. he didn't know what he'd do without the kid. He'd
gotten used to Craig's snarky yet happy-go-lucky personality.
It took about ten minutes for Jacky and the others to arrive. Jacky was the
first to move over, rubbing his back gently. He realized that he was shaking, a
combination of fear and that he hadn't fed for a while. He couldn't leave now,
though - what if something happened and he just happened to not be there?
Derek seemed to pick up on his thoughts, because the guitarist nudged him
gently. "Hey man - you need to feed. Come on, it'll only take a minute. You'll
feel better."
Ronnie frowned, reluctantly getting up. He glanced down the hallway they'd
taken Craig down. Jacky followed his gaze.
"I'll let you know if anything happens." The Brit promised, looking back at
him. He bit his lip and nodded. He followed Derek out of the hospital, looking
back every once in a while. He was so distracted there was no way in hell he
would be able to get anyone, so Derek ended up knocking out someone for him. He
drank as much as he could stand and simply left the woman there, taking the
lead this time back into the hospital.
The doctor was coming down the hall when they entered. He huffed with
impatience, silently asking what was going on. The doctor gestured for him to
sit down, and he did so, his fingers tapping the chair.
"Well, it wasn't anything life-threatening. We had to give him some heavy
painkillers, so he's sleeping right now, but he'll be fine when he wakes up. He
needs to relax more; it's making it worse. So-"
"Sorry," Ronnie interrupted - although, per the usual, he didn't sound very
sorry. "But what exactly is it? You said he's not dying, but..?"
The doctor looked surprised. "You aren't aware?"
"No, I'm-" Ronnie took a deep breath to keep from swearing. "No."
"Well, Mr. Radke - he's pregnant."
***** Chapter 10 *****
Chapter Notes
     i'm v sorry this took so long!! i just got done with the first week
     of school and i've already been assigned 3 projects. :c so i've
     barely had time to work on this,, i'm not gonna give it up but
     updates might be kind of sporadic, jsyk
"I'm sorry?"
"I expected you would know. After all, he must have been showing outward signs
the past day or two? Nausea, fatigue, bathroom problems?"
"I - I guess - yeah. But I don't understand, I thought it took shit like that
weeks to show up. We only - er - had sex - for the first time, like, four days
ago." Ronnie shifted uncomfortably at the memory, shoving it back in his mind.
That wasn't important right now.
"Well, in same species pregnancies, it usually does. However, this is a rare
case - with one partner being human, and the other not. Everything will
progress quicker for him - from the symptoms, to the time of the actual birth."
"S-so - so when is he due?"
"In late October, probably around Halloween."
Ronnie nodded, biting his lip. He needed to see Craig now - just to make sure,
physically see, that Craig was okay. "When can we see him?"
"Now, if you'd like. Like I said, he's asleep, but-"
"I don't care." Ronnie stood up. He was shaking a little - why was he shaking?
The doc had already said Craig wasn't going to die. But.. The doctor, though,
seemed to understand, and nodded, starting down the hall.
"We'll wait here. We probably shouldn't crowd the room." Jacky murmured,
nudging his friend after the doctor. Ronnie nodded slightly and began to follow
the doctor. God - what had he done? He shoved his hands in his pockets.
"Right in here," The doctor nodded him in and shut the door when Ronnie
entered. The younger male was laying on his stomach, breathing slow and even,
eyes closed. His hair was a mess. With a slightly sad smile Ronnie brushed it
from his face and settled in the chair next to him, taking his hand.
"Oh, Craig," Ronnie murmured, thumb rubbing the back of his hand. "I'm so
sorry."
Craig shifted a little in his sleep, sighing softly. He was so young - too
young to do this. Ronnie was aware that it would be very, very difficult on the
poor kid. And honestly? He hated it. He didn't want Craig to go through it.
After a moment Craig began to stir. A small yawn escaped his mouth; his brown
eyes cracked open, just a little, just enough to peek sleepily at Ronnie. It
was so familiar Ronnie couldn't help but laugh softly.
"Wh't's so funny?" Craig mumbled, pouting. Ronnie grinned.
"Nothing. You're just cute when you're sleepy."
"Mm.. if you say so."
"So.. how do you feel?" Ronnie prompted lightly, grin fading. Craig shifted a
little and yawned.
"Better. They gave me somethin'."
Ronnie nodded. "Did they tell you what was wrong?"
"No. Just that I needed to rest."
"Well, they're not wrong." Ronnie gently kissed his forehead. "You need to go
back to sleep. It's late, anyway. We can talk in the morning."
"'re you gonna stay?"
"If you want me to. The rest of the guys are here, too, if you wanna see 'em or
anything like that."
"Yeah. Tell them to come here."
"Okay. I'll be right back."
Ronnie got up and moved out of the room, back to the lobby. The other guys
looked up expectantly. He nodded back towards Craig's room.
"He's awake. He wants to see you guys, too."
Ryan beamed; as they got up they murmured excitedly amongst themselves. Ronnie
reflected on how close they had all gotten within their twisted little family
as he followed the other four guys back down the hall. In a matter of a few
short days they'd all gotten used to one another's presence. And Craig - Craig
was what brought them all together.
The guys went in one by one - Ryan, Jacky, Derek, Ron. They each came back out
again with an expression of immense relief. Jacky reassured Ronnie, on the way
out, that they would keep an eye on the house - and their other "guest" - until
Craig could come home, and then suddenly Ronnie was alone with Craig again.
Craig was a little more awake now, but even though he wasn't sleepy anymore, it
was obvious he was still exhausted.
For a little while they simply talked. There was a TV in the room that Craig
had Ronnie flip on, not that either of them paid much attention to it. After
about an hour Craig started to yawn again. Ronnie took it as a good sign - he
wasn't in so much pain he couldn't sleep.
Craig whined protest when Ronnie got up and turned off the TV and then the
lights. He wasn't sleepy, he would swear it up and down. Ronnie just laughed
softly, sliding into bed and wrapping both arms around him. He sighed, nuzzling
into Ronnie's chest.
"The doctors aren't gonna like this," He mumbled, eyes closing. Ronnie nuzzled
his neck.
"Fuck the doctors. I'm not leaving you."
Craig yawned again, relaxing in Ronnie's arms. He felt safe with Ronnie;
protected. "I love you," He murmured sleepily. Ronnie hummed.
"I love you too, babydoll. Now sleep. I'll see you in the morning."
Ronnie's heartbeat was soothing. He wasn't sleepy, but he was dead tired; the
sound was beginning to lull him to sleep. Ronnie started to rub his back,
murmuring sweet nothings against his ear. His grip on reality loosened, and
once more he faded into a hazy, dreamless sleep.
***** Chapter 11 *****
Chapter Notes
     school is literally burying me. rip ash 2k15
His eyelashes fluttered open. Sunlight was filtering in through the blinds, and
Ronnie was asleep next to him. For a moment he reveled in the simplicity of the
world. In most lives, if multiple lives existed, this might be.. normal. To
some degree. Waking up next to Ronnie in bed in the morning, simply being able
to relax and sleep comfortably with his boyfriend. He exhaled and shifted
closer to the older, nuzzling into Ronnie's tattooed neck. Ronnie wrapped an
arm lazily around his waist.
"G'morning," Ronnie murmured without opening his eyes. Craig made a soft noise
of assent in response. Neither of them were really "waking up" kind of people.
"We should get up," Craig mumbled half-heartedly. Ronnie grunted.
"Nah."
Craig yawned, stretching out and finally sitting up. His hair was everywhere
and his eyes were bleary with sleep. Ronnie sat up as well and flattened his
hair for him, quickly kissing his lips. He crawled into Ronnie's lap, rubbing
his eyes. Ronnie nuzzled his neck, blindly reaching for the TV remote and
flipping it on. Just news - nothing too interesting. Not a word, not even a
whisper about Craig. Craig was torn between happiness and sadness.
"So, Mr. Man," Craig said finally, sitting back and frowning at Ronnie. "It's
about time I got some answers. What exactly is wrong with me?"
"Craig.." Ronnie exhaled, shifting a little. "Look, just.. I'm sorry. I never
really meant to-"
"Ronnie, spit it out already." Craig nudged Ronnie to take the sting out of his
words. The older sighed.
"According to the doc.. you're pregnant."
Craig's frown deepened. "I'm sorry?"
"I kinda sorta.. accidentally knocked you up. I guess."
"Wait, wait, wait. That doesn't make any sense. You only fucked me-" Ronnie
winced. "-for the first time, like, a few days ago, less than a week! That's
not how pregnancy works, the hormones-"
"I know, doll," Ronnie soothed. "I said the same thing. When he comes in to
check on you maybe he can explain a little better. All he told me was that it
had something to do with the fact that you're human and I'm not."
"Ronnie-" Craig hesitated. A thought occured to him. "Ronnie, if I am pregnant
- and until they prove it I'm not entirely convinced - but you guys won't be
able to feed from me."
"I know. But that's implying you keep it."
"What?" Craig turned a quizzical glance up at the other. Ronnie shrugged.
"Well, it's just.. I mean, it's like you just said, we've been together less
than a week. This is moving so fast. If you don't want to - I just mean..
y'know. I don't want you to do anything you don't want to. Okay?"
"I know." Craig twined their fingers and sighed. "On the other hand I don't
know. I don't know what to do now."
"It's up to you." Ronnie nuzzled his neck. "Whether you do or don't is fine. I
want you to be happy, that's all."
Craig nodded, biting his lip. He was going to wait for the doctor before he
decided. He didn't have to wait long; it was only a moment or two before the
doctor entered. They got a look of disapproval that he got the feeling was
about Ronnie laying in bed with him. Ronnie seemed to feel the same, because
his grip around Craig's waist tightened.
"So, Mr. Mabbitt.." The doctor handed him a picture; he studied it, frowning
lightly. "It's definitely difficult to see so early on, but if you'll glance
here-" The doctor pointed his pen to a slight bump in the otherwise perfectly
curved wall, which Craig assumed was his own womb. "-you'll notice where the
cells have entered your womb and begun to grow. Now, normally, this wouldn't
occur until a week or two after conception. However, your.. circumstances..
seem to have upset this flow and sped it along."
Craig nodded mutely, still scanning the picture. A child. Ronnie's child.
Ronnie nosed his jaw gently, soothingly.
"So now," The doctor continued; Craig finally broke his trance to glance up.
"The real question is.. what do you want to do?"
And honestly?
Craig didn't know anymore.
***** Chapter 12 *****
Chapter Notes
     probably p short, whoops, party scene will be next chap i promise
A couple of months later was Craig's 18th birthday.
He played it cool when he got up. He wanted to see what his boys would do. When
he arrived at the top of the staircase and peeked down, it was to find Ronnie,
Ryan, and Jacky sitting on the couches, Jacky asleep in Ryan's lap. Ronnie
looked up as he came down the stairs.
"Hey," Craig greeted casually. Ronnie beckoned him over. None of them were
surprised by anything that came out of his mouth; he'd decided to keep the
baby, and he'd been having a lot of mood swings in the past month or so. They
were used to all kinds of greetings in the morning, from grumpiness to sadness
to cheerfulness.
"Hey, babe," Ronnie answered when he sat down, rubbing his slightly rounded
belly. He waited patiently for Ronnie to at least say happy birthday; however,
when Ronnie simply kept watching TV, he frowned lightly, nudging his boyfriend.
"Ron?"
"Hm?"
"Is there.. something you might want to tell me?"
"About what?" Ronnie glanced down. Craig fidgeted a little. Ronnie
hadn't forgotten, had he?
"I dunno, something important, maybe.."
"I don't think I did.. hey, guys," Ronnie added, calling into the kitchen. "I
didn't forget anything, did I?"
"No, I don't think so," A familiar voice called back. It wasn't one of the guys
- Craig knew all of their voices by heart. He frowned lightly. Bright green
eyes peered around the wall. For a moment Craig was in shock; he wasn't sure
how to react.
"Ronnie," He said softly. "You - you didn't.."
"Didn't what?" Ronnie responded innocently. Craig swallowed and got up. Ryan
and Ronnie exchanged smug glances as the teenager stumbled into the kitchen.
They'd been planning this for weeks now; something special for Craig's
birthday. The shriek from the other room told them they'd had the right idea.
"Ohmygodohmygodohmygodohmygod!"
Ronnie laughed softly at the younger's excitement. Craig skidded back into the
room, half-tackling Ronnie. The other guys were here - Max and Robert. Having
TJ around was great, but it felt so much better with the other two around.
Speaking of whom..
"Where is TJ?" Craig frowned, glancing around. Ronnie's eyebrows pulled
together.
"Maybe down in the library. I haven't seen him today. He's usually with Derek,
though, finds the dude interesting or whatever."
Craig frowned. He was about to pose another question when TJ came up the
stairs, chatting animatedly to Derek. Ronnie nodded, looking satisfied. 
"Told ya so."
"Does he know?" Craig looked excited at the prospect of breaking the news.
Ronnie felt bad for probably crushing his dreams.
"Yeah," The vampire admitted. "Pretty much the whole house knew but you. We
wanted to do something special for your 18th, y'know?"
Craig pouted, but only for a moment before he cheered up again. He was too
excited to be sad right now.
"Do they know about the baby? Can I tell them?"
Ronnie chuckled softly at the younger's rapid-fire questions. "Honeybee,
anybody that looks at you can tell you're pregnant." Once more he ran his hand
over Craig's baby bump. It was relaxing; it gave him a sense of comfort.
"Oh. Oh! Right!" Craig giggled. "Oops. So hey, do I get cake or what?"
"Yes, love, you get cake." Ronnie kissed his cheek. "It's your birthday.
Cake and presents."
Craig's eyes lit up. God - Ronnie loved him so much. What would this house be
like without him? Certainly not as family-like or fun. Why were these thoughts
even around, on second thought? It was Craig's birthday. Craig seemed to pick
up on his sudden somber mood, frowning lightly and nudging him.
"Are you okay?"
Ronnie relaxed. "I'm good. Zoned out for a second. So - cake and then presents,
or presents then cake?"
Craig apparently accepted the answer. "Hm.." The teenager squinted; Ronnie
resisted the urge to laugh at the expression. "Cake and then presents."
"Okay. Does somebody want to go get the cake? And Ron?"
Derek nodded, heading into the kitchen with TJ on his heels. Craig regarded
them curiously. They might make a cute couple. Maybe there would even be
another baby! Wait, no - that would be disastrous. Nope.
"A penny for your thoughts?" Ronnie prompted lightly, nuzzling his neck. Craig
flushed a little.
"Sure, where's the penny?"
"Oh, ha, ha. Very funny." Ronnie grinned, though, taking the sting out of his
words. Lightly he twined their fingers; Craig's pale, slender hand in his own
tattooed one. Opposites really did attract. Huh.
Well; Ronnie had never been more attracted to Craig before. 
***** Chapter 13 *****
Chapter Notes
     guess whos FUCKING back ;*
     a bigger sinner than ever
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Max and Robert were nervous. 
Craig didn't need Ronnie's mind reading to tell that. It was in the way Robert
held Max possessively to his side, the way Max leaned into the other looking
nervous. Craig didn't blame them or call them out as being rude or anything; he
just let his hand rest with Ronnie's, tracing the colorful tattoos on the back
of his boyfriend's hand. Everybody was mostly quiet, eating; and Max had a
beer, much to Ronnie's distaste. Craig kept forgetting Max had had his birthday
already and had turned 21.
"So.." Max shrugged, glancing at their twined fingers; Ronnie's grip tightened
possessively. "You been alright, I trust?"
"Yeah." Craig answered softly, pressing a little closer into Ronnie's side,
giving the older's hand a little squeeze - lighten up. Ronnie exhaled, but he
loosened his hold on Craig's hand nonetheless. Craig met Max's curious green
eyes casually. "Wasn't sure what to expect in the beginning, but.. I mean,
they've got a fucking library." Almost on instinct his free hand moved to his
swollen stomach. The kid wouldn't go to school, but that was okay.. they had
everything right here.. He jumped when Ronnie nosed his jaw. 
"You look concerned. Penny for your thoughts?" Ronnie murmured against his
skin. He laughed softly.
"Sure, where's the penny?"
Neither of them noticed the glance between Max and Robert, especially seeing
how Ronnie had pressed a gentle kiss to Craig's lips, to which Ryan had thrown
a pillow at them, shrieking "PDA! PDA! PDA!" Robert hummed softly, Max nuzzling
into his chest. The other glanced up, green eyes gentle. 
"He'll be fine here," Robert murmured. Max nodded, sighing softly. 
"I know," He mumbled back. Ronnie and Craig had forgone the pillow fight in
favor of snuggling. Craig looked so - content - eyes closed, a pleased flush in
his cheeks. Yeah - Craig would be fine. 
Half an hour later Craig had unwrapped things - half were legitimate birthday
gifts, books and video games - half were baby things, stuffed animals and a
crib that Max threatened to kill him if he cried over. He got a little teary
but punched Max's arm and laughed it off. Max and Robert had both sufficiently
relaxed and were talking to the vampires like they were old friends. 
In a whirlwind of people the two ended up alone. Max had that look on his face,
the one that meant trouble, not that Robert minded in the least. Max keened
softly, standing up on his tiptoes and pressing their mouths together. Robert
groaned softly, grabbing Max's wrists and Max gasped, and fuck, it was wrong to
be doing this in someone else's house, even if Max was a huge flirt. Still;
didn't stop Robert from kissing down his neck, tongue swiping the vampire pale
skin. Oh, the irony. Max let out soft noises of pleasure into Robert's
shoulder, stretching up. 
Max sank to his knees, fingers pulling open the button on Robert's jeans. His
breathing was slightly erratic, both from arousal and, admittedly, being a
little drunk. He was quick to ease out the older's cock and wrap his mouth
around it, earning a low groan. 
"God damn it, Max," The older's voice was low with lust, vague and slightly
slurred. "Fuuuck, so tight.."
Max gagged a little when Robert thrusted forward, pulling his dark hair. He was
so fucking beautiful. Fuck. 
In the living room the rest of the guys were making bets. Anything was fair
game. Craig was rather proud to have coaxed $20 out of Ryan when Max's voice
rose upstairs. And later, when Max came down in boxers and what was clearly not
his shirt, he scored another $10 from Ronnie and beamed at his best friend. Max
looked a little bewildered. 
"What?"
"Nothing," Craig chimed. "Just glad you finally got laid."
"I could've gotten laid whenever I wanted to. Fuck off."
Craig laughed as Max retreated back upstairs. His old life and his new life
were colliding and that was okay. He was fucking okay. He had a boyfriend that
loved him and friends that cared about him and each other. He was going to have
a child with the love of his life. Sure, maybe it was fucked up. But hell - he
was so happy.
He was so fucking happy. 
Chapter End Notes
     so!!! thank u guys a fuck-ton for sticking around this long. since,
     yknow, i took forever. but it's over; actually ended. maybe i'll do a
     sequel, if u guys want.
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