Warmth of the sun: part 4
Tw: some depiction of blood
Part 3
Part 5
The werewolf pack was finally back in the house after their long conversation with their pack leader outside and were pretty calm compared to earlier. They were surrounding the living room and at the moment, all their attention was on the only vampire in the room. Viago was very nervous when they walked back in from outside at first. He was afraid that they all came to a decision to send him on his way out in the sunlight but he was surprised that they were all okay with him joining boys' day. Well, almost all of them. He did notice that Clifton didn't look too happy about him being there, sitting in a recliner on the far end of the living room several feet away from him, almost glaring daggers at him. He tried his best to ignore his harsh stares and just focused on the other werewolves, who were asking him several questions. In truth, the vampire felt very overwhelmed with all of them crowding him like puppies trying to get a human's attention but he calmed down when Anton took a seat right next to him, resting a hand on his knee, prompting him to reach out for the hand to hold, while he answered their questions.
"So you got pretty burned yeah?" Nathan G first asked, looking him up and down to see if he could see any scorch marks on him.
"Ja I was burned pretty badly. It hurt very much."
"Sorry that happened to ya mate," Dion said next, getting the vampire's attention. "But don't see any scorch marks on ya now, so you heal pretty quickly too. You're not hurting anymore right?"
"No, the burning feeling is all gone now. It would have been much worse if not for Anton," Viago then turned to Anton giving him a great smile as he gently squeezed his hand. "The aloe he gave me helped a lot."
"Yeah Ant here is the best when it comes to this sort of thing," Nathan M added, patting Anton on the knee and receiving a smile and a nod from the alpha werewolf.
"He is. He's such a kind man," Viago agreed looking back at Anton who had his head lowered, suddenly becoming bashful which caused him to smile more. "He was even kind enough to wash my favorite shirt and let me wear his hoodie until it's done getting clean."
"Yeah, I noticed that! He actually let you wear that hoodie?!" Nathan G suddenly asked pointing at the hoodie that Viago was currently wearing. "Man, I'm surprised! He doesn't let anyone wear it. He nearly bit my hand off when I tried."
The others burst into laughter as Anton ducked his head behind his hand with a sigh clearly embarrassed. Viago couldn't help but laugh with the others as well, looking right at Anton with a fond smile. He couldn't help but feel a little special. No one was allowed to wear this hoodie but Viago? Felt like quite an honor! However, his laughter died down when his eyes pan over to Clifton who hadn't said a word the moment they walked in. His smile faltered ever so slightly when Clifton's eyes met his, a look of displeasure still in his features. He tried giving him a tiny wave, to try and seem friendly but he didn't return the favor, he just looked away, causing Viago to frown.
"Alright, alright!" Anton suddenly said, causing the other's laughter to die down. "Enough bumbarding Vi with questions! We have a few hours until the game starts so until then we can either play the video games first or the board games. I don't care which is first."
"Ooooh, video games!" Dion chimed, looking like a puppy being told they were going for a walk. "I want to see Viago play Mario Kart!"
"Yeah! Viago do you want to play Mario Kart!?" Nathan G asked, lightly patting the vampire on the shoulder.
"Sure I'll give it a go," Viago smiled looking between the two werewolves whose smiles only brightened. "I heard from Anton that it was fun!" He then turned to Anton. "But after we can play board games Ja?"
"Yeah babe we can," Anton said to Viago with a wink but he quickly got up, walking toward the TV. "Did you all bring your switch controllers? If not I have extra in the tv stand drawer. By the way, any word from Declan?" Anton questioned, turning around to look at the others as he reached for the drawer. "Did he say what time he'd be here?"
"Uh I got a text from him just now," Stu answered looking at his phone. "He says he's gonna be late because he has a doctor's appointment he forgot about."
"What's the appointment for?" Anton questioned, beginning to feel a little worried at hearing that.
"He said they are uh, checking for ringworm." Stu read off the text before showing it to Anton. "Said it's just a checkup to make sure he doesn't have it."
"Okay, at least he's heeding some of my advice," Anton sighed, starting to feel better at hearing that. He then turned to the others. "Hear that guys? I keep saying not to put off checkups. Just because you don't have it doesn't mean you won't get it." He watched as they all avoided his gaze, nodding their heads. After, he grabbed the switch controllers. "Alright, who's playing first?"
After some debate between the wolves on who gets to play first, and by debate, they just started bickering about who gets to play against Viago first. Finally, they decided that Anton, Dion, and Nathan G got to play with Viago first. Anton spent a good twenty minutes showing Viago how the controls work, how to pick a character, and how to control said character. They let Viago do a practice run, letting him play by himself before he would go against the others. All of them were gathered around the TV to watch the vampire play. Viago was sitting front and center of the TV, the others thinking it would be easier for him if he was closer. Anton was to the left of him on the ground while Dion was on the right. Stu was still on the recliner right next to Anton and both Nathans took the couch, watching the TV intently. Clifton still hasn't budged from the corner of the room, just watching everyone as they were warmly talk to the vampire, giving him suggestions and telling them their favorite characters and why they think that they are the best to play.
"You should play Donkey Kong," Dion suggested, watching as Viago looked at the TV with wonder in his eyes, switching to the character he mentioned. "He's one of my favorites."
"Ah nah don't choose Donkey Kong, he starts slow with counter buzzers!" Nathan G pointed out, causing Dion to glare at him while Viago frowned at the TV glancing at Nathan as he spoke. "You should pick Luigi."
"Why?" Dion argued. "He doesn't have any cool benefits."
"No, but he's a pretty solid pick if you want to zoom past the competition."
"Guys, I don't think Viago cares about winning," Anton said looking between Nathan G and Dion, noticing Viago's frown as he glanced between characters with uncertainty, knowing the vampire can be pretty indecisive at times. "Let him pick." He then turned back to Viago who was still looking between characters having a hard time picking the right one. "Take your time babe. There are a lot of cool characters to choose from. It's your choice."
"Hmm, ooh look at this one, he's such a little cutie!" Viago beamed panning over to Toad. "I like this adorable little mushroom!"
"Oh yeah, Toad's a good choice," Anton said, looking from Viago to the screen with a smile, making a mental note that Toad might be Viago's new favorite character. "You found your choice then?"
"Yes, I'll play as cute little mushroom man, Toad," Viago announced, clicking the character causing the others to smile, Dion patting his shoulder while saying good choice.
Once he picked his character, he had to pick a map to play on. He let the others decide for him because he planned to play every map with them anyway. They suggested toad circuit since Viago was playing as Toad. The others watched as Viago started the map, Anton giving him instructions as he went, telling him how to move the character. Viago did let his toad avatar drift off the map at first causing him to slightly panic but after hearing Anton's calm instructions, he managed to get him back on the map. The others thought it would take a long time for Viago to get it but surprisingly he got the hang of it and was good at the game. They were surprised when he made it to third place at the end of the round.
"Hey not bad for your first try." Anton grinned watching as Viago's smile only grew watching as Dion pat the vampire on the back.
"I like this game," Viago said before turning to Anton. "I think that I'm ready to play against you guys!"
Soon enough, Anton, Viago, Nathan G, and Dion were playing, both werewolves picking the characters that they had mentioned before while Viago remained playing Toad. Anton had chosen Bowser, who had been a personal favorite of his ever since he was little. After they picked their characters, they picked a map that was slightly harder than the one that Viago played, wanting it to be a little more challenging for him, which the vampire didn't mind. He loved a challenge.
Viago was having a great time playing against the werewolves, loving how competitive they were. He felt Dion bumping his shoulder causing him to look at him in confusion but noticed that he was smiling, meaning that he was just being playful. So he bumped him back, sighing in relief when Dion just laughed causing him to smile, feeling like the others were starting to warm up to him. He then turned to Anton who grinned at him, his gaze lingering on him for a long time until he noticed his character was drifting, causing him to quickly focus back on the game. Viago giggled at that before going back to playing as well.
Soon enough everyone got a turn to play everyone switching out each round, all except for Viago. Everyone, wanted a turn to play with the vampire so they let him remain to play each time while the other three controllers were passed between each pack member. Everyone had a turn except for Clifton, who was still sulking in the corner, watching the whole scene unfold, keeping his eyes on Viago. He watched him intently watching as the vampire cheered, high-fiving Stu who won that round. Clifton wanted to play too, Mario Kart being one of his favorite games. Remembering a time when it was just him and Anton who would play when they were teenagers, going to each other's house to play on their consoles that were older than dinosaurs now. It was their favorite pastime.
His eyes pan over to Anton who was still sitting next to Viago, not playing but watching the others. And by others, he was watching Viago, his eyes lingering on the vampire as he played, a warm look on his face that Clifton thought he would never see again. He was starting to look more and more like the Anton he used to know, a much happier Anton. He wanted that for Anton, he wanted to see more of the happy young Anton he used to be but at what cost if it turned out that Viago wasn't as he seemed? He looked back at the vampire again, who was now very focused on the game, holding the switch controller tightly beginning to slightly levitate off the ground causing Anton to reach for him in a panic, but Viago was too engrossed in the game to notice. He watched as Anton kept him from floating any higher, letting out an amused chuckle, looking from the vampire to the TV screen. Viago didn't seem like a threat and seemed kind but the reality is that no matter how nonthreatening and how kind he may seem, he's still a blood-sucking vampire. And everyone knows that vampires are dangerous. So Clifton continued to watch Viago, looking for any signs that he would want to cause harm to him or the others but so far, everything was good.
Suddenly Viago gasped his eyes full of shock as he watched his character Toad zoom passed the finish line, before showing the score on the screen causing him to beam in surprise. "I won! I won!" He shouted looking down at Anton beginning to float back down with a huge smile on his face. "I won first place!"
The others started to cheer loudly, all of them either patting him on the back or congratulating him on his first win. Anton's smile only grew at that, reaching up and holding the side of his face. "You did a great job, V. I'm happy for ya." He watched as Viago beamed at that, holding his wrist with his hand before leaning into his own.
"Ugh get a room!" Dion groaned, causing the others to burst into laughter.
Anton only rolled his eyes as Viago tried to suppress a giggle with one hand but was failing. He then turned to the others whose laughter began to die down. "Alright, who wants to go a couple of more rounds?" He asked watching as the others began to argue about who gets to go again. Anton scanned the room until his eyes landed on Clifton causing him to grin, holding up one of the switch controls. "Clif, you want to go a round against me, Stu, and Vi?"
Viago beamed at that, realizing that he hadn't gotten a chance to play against Clifton yet. He turned to the werewolf in question a bright smile on his face as he waited for his answer.
Clifton looked at Anton for a second, before glancing at Viago whose smile was so wide that his pointed canines stuck out past his lower lips. He took one glance at those fangs and hesitated before he cleared his throat. "Nah, mate. I'm good."
Viago's bright smile dimmed at that, before snuffing out into a frown, watching as Clifton glanced away from him. He felt kind of hurt at that, really wanting to play the game with him. Not only that but the way he was looking at him before he glanced away made him feel slightly worse, if his heart was alive, it would be sinking.
Anton frowned at this too, watching as Clifton glanced away from him. Clifton never turned down an offer to play their favorite game. They both grew up on this game and played it for hours. Why didn't he want to play all of a sudden? But when he noticed that Clifton was glancing at Viago it all started to click, causing his gaze to harden. "It's just one game mate."
"I said I'm good," Clifton snipped back, still avoiding Anton's hardened glance. "I'll play next round."
Anton suppressed a growl as he glared at Clifton. The room suddenly began to feel very thick with tension, the other pack members keeping their heads low and keeping silent, glancing between the two wolves. He was about to speak but Viago beat him to it.
"You know, I think I'll take a little break from playing," He began, throwing on a smile as he set the controller down. The vampire watched as Clifton looked at him in confusion. Viago then slowly got up rubbing his hands together as he spoke. "You can play with the others if you'd like, Clifton. Why don't you play against Anton, Dion Stu, Ja?" He questioned looking at the two werewolves.
"Oh uh yeah." Dion agreed.
"Sure mate," Stu second looking at Clifton.
Clifton then watched as the vampire walked over to the right side of the couch which was a long distance away from him, sitting down with his head low. His gaze then shifted to Anton which left him frozen seeing that Anton was glaring daggers at him.
"I'll take another break too," Anton whispered a little harshly not breaking eye contact as he held out the controller toward both Nathans. "You two pick on who can play next." He noticed out of the corner of his eye as Nathan G nodded his head, taking the controller from him. He then grabbed the controller Viago had abandoned and slid it towards Clifton who was still staring at him. "All yours Clifton."
Clifton watched as Anton suddenly got up and walked toward the couch sitting right next to Viago who still had his head down. He avoided Anton's gaze as he looked at the controller that was now at his feet, letting out a sigh as he grabbed it. Clifton continued to avoid Anton's eyes as he walked over to the others and sat between Dion and Stu, noticing as Nathan M came to sit next to Stu joining the game.
Viago frowned, watching as the four werewolves began to play, noticing how much more relaxed Clifton was around them, only tensing up when he looked at him. This saddened Viago, wanting nothing more than for the werewolf to feel comfortable around him like the others were. All Viago wanted was for this to work out, but it felt like it wasn't going to. He froze when he felt an arm wrap over his shoulders causing him to look up to see that it was Anton's arm. He then felt the werewolf pull him to the side until his body was leaning against his. Viago looked over at Anton who was giving him a sad but reassuring smile mouthing it's okay before pressing his head onto his. The vampire couldn't help but smile at that, still feeling pretty down about not being able to participate but he felt a little better. So he curled up next to Anton who held him tighter, both watching the others play the game, that foreign yet not so foreign feeling beginning to show up again. Viago still couldn't put his finger on what that was and why he only felt it around Anton but he wasn't complaining. He was starting to like the feeling.
...
The others played a few more rounds after that while Anton and Viago stayed on the couch. Viago was curled into the werewolf's side as he watched the others play, smiling when they started to get into it. But there was one problem.
"Oh Jesus Christ, I can't believe I missed that turn!" Dion snapped.
Viago tried to suppress a flinch at the holy name that Dion said. One of the many cons of being a vampire is that anything holy repels them. They can walk into churches, and holy water burns them. They can't say any of the holy names from the bible. Even hearing others say it stings a bit and Viago can't help but flinch.
"Oh God, I suck at this." Nathan sighed.
*Flinch*
"Christ all might, I should have picked a different character."
*Flinch*
"Oh Hey, Stu. I asked the lady that I've been talking to out the other day." Dion began, looking at Stu with a huge grin.
"Oh and how did that go?"
"She said yes! Took an act of God to work up the courage to ask but I'm glad I did."
Viago tried to stifle another flinch, letting out a small sigh and getting Anton's attention, whose brow furrowed in worry.
"Hey you okay, babe?" Anton asked resting a hand on his back, noticing that the other had been flinching slightly now and then. He didn't think much of it at first but after a while, Viago kept flinching and it was starting to worry him, wondering why he was doing that and what was making him flinch.
"I'm happy for ya mate." Stu grinned both the werewolves not noticing Viago's growing distress.
"Yeah. We go out next week. Hope it goes well, fingers crossed." Dion then lifted his hands crossing his fingers causing Viago to flinch harsher than the last time.
Viago suddenly let out a rather loud hiss, his fangs growing as pain shot through him at the sight of Dion's crossed fingers, his eyes glowing silver. The sound caused the others to jump turning to Viago in shock, even Anton was taken aback by the outburst looking at Viago with wide eyes.
Viago suddenly slapped both hands over his mouth to suppress the hiss, staring ahead with his own wide eyes before looking at the others, noticing their shocked expression. He then looked over at Anton who had the same shocked look causing him to shrink back, sliding away in embarrassment. "I'm sorry," He whispered in worry the silver leaving his eyes as his fangs shrank. "I didn't mean to. It's just-."
"Christ that was cool," Dion whispered in shock.
Anton then noticed Viago flinch again, holding his shoulders tightly. It suddenly clicked to Anton, realizing why Viago was flinching so much and why he had a sudden hissing outburst. So he quickly slid toward the worried vampire resting his hands on his shoulders, rubbing up and down his upper arms as he spoke. "It's okay babe. We know you didn't mean to." He then glared at the others. "How about we hold off on all the blasphemous cursing yeah?" He asked looking between the werewolves.
They all looked at Anton and Viago in confusion, thinking over his words until it clicked their eyes going wide with realization. They then started to look guilty as they looked at Viago.
"Shit, Sorry Viago," Dion began the others nodding their head in agreement as he spoke. "We didn't know those words hurt ya."
"It's quite alright," Viago smiled, his worry beginning to subside, he did notice Clifton rolling his eyes but he decided to ignore it for now. "I should have said something beforehand."
Anton patted Viago's shoulder with a smile before turning to the others. "Right, we still have some time before the game. How's about we play these board games that Viago brought down?"
"Ooh, Ja!" Viago gleefully said clapping his hands together as he pointed to one of the boxes. "Can we play this colorful game right here?!"
"Candy Land?" Anton questioned looking from the box to Viago who nodded his head rather excitedly. He couldn't help but smile at the vampire's excitement before turning to the others. "Okay does Candyland sound good?" he watched as the others nodded their head, looking just as excited as Viago. "Okay, well the first round needs four members. So, who's gonna play first?"
After a while of choosing, Anton, Viago, Nathan M, and Stu were the first to go. Anton set up the board in the middle of the table, while Stu shuffled the cards. Both Anton and Viago remained on the couch while Nathan M and Stu were on either side of the table. Nathan G and Dion were on the other side of the table watching closely while Clifton stayed on the recliner next to Anton. Viago stared at the board in front of him, looking at all the pretty colors in awe.
"So how does one play this?" He asked, placing his hand on the board before looking over at the multicolored gingerbread characters to the side of him.
"Well, first you pick a character and set them here," Anton began grabbing the green gingerbread man and setting it at the start of the game. Go ahead and pick who ya want."
"Ooh, I'll take the yellow!" Viago beamed picking up the yellow gingerbread man. "Hello, little cookie man!"
Anton smiled at Viago watching as he looked the little plastic piece over before setting it at the start.
"I'll pick red," Nathan M grinned picking up the red one and placing it on the starting line.
"Blue it is." Stu then picked up the last one with a smile setting it next to the others.
"So once you pick your characters and set them on the starting line. You pick a card. Once you pick a card, the card will either have one or two colors on it. If it has one color on it, you move your character to the first color space on the trail. If it has two then you go to the second color space," Anton then picked up at card looking it over, seeing that it was two yellow. "I'll go first to show you, I have two yellow see?" He then showed the card to Viago who looked at it for a second before nodding his head. "So I move my character like so." With that, he picked up his green character and moved it from two yellow blocks. "See? Now you try, pick up a card."
Viago nods his head, picking up a card and looking it over to see a blue square. He then looked at the board until he spotted the first blue square space on the board. With that, he picked it up and placed it on the blue but he paused noticing there was an arrow pointing toward what looked like a bridge. "What's this arrow?"
"Op, you got a peppermint pass," Anton grinned pointing at the bridge next to the blue square space. "That means you get a shortcut. It means you're closer to the castle."
"Ooh, what happens if I get to the castle?" Viago asked looking up at Anton.
"Then that means ya win. So long as the others don't get to it first."
"Oooh, and I'm already the closest to it?!" He questioned watching as Anton gave him a nod causing him to beam. "Oh, what fun!" Viago then picked up his character following the shortcut until it was on the square space, getting closer to the castle.
Viago didn't win that round sadly, being beaten by Stu but he didn't mind. He was having a lot of fun. They all took turns playing the game, all of them getting a chance to play the game. Even Clifton joined in but he didn't look very enthusiastic about it. They were all having a good time and Anton was happy to see it. He liked watching Viago play the game, a bright smile on his face as he moved his character. He chuckled when the vampire drew a card looking at it confused before showing him. It was a pink card with a candy in the middle so he informed him that it was a special card pointing at the matching candy square space and telling him he could move his character there. He chuckled at Viago's excitement, watching as he happily moved his character there.
They played more rounds for a while, now the members being Anton, Viago, Dion and Nathan G. Anton watched as Nathan G picked up a card, cursing under his breath as he had to move his character back, the card showing a candy that was behind him. He then wiped beads of sweat forming on his head causing him to sigh, trying to focus on the game but finding it kind of hard to do so.
"It's really hot in here." Dion sighed fanning himself as he looked around.
"Yeah, sorry mate," Anton began grabbing a card and looking at the color before moving his character to said color, noticing it was starting to head up a bit in the living room as the day went on. "AC's broken until I can get it fixed."
"Ah man, so we got to sit here and puddle?" Nathan G groaned before he yelped when Nathan M smacked his shoulder, giving him a look that told him not to be rude.
"I would say open a window, but-," Clifton pauses for a moment looking directly at Viago as he speaks "... You know."
Viago couldn't help but shrink back at his stare beginning to frown slightly. The vampire was starting to feel rather guilty. He couldn't help but feel like it was his fault that they couldn't cool down, knowing werewolves run hot even in human form and they can't open a window without the chance of burning him to a sizzle.
Anton noticed Viago's frown causing him to glare back at Clifton who was still glaring at his boyfriend, making his blood boil, trying to keep himself from letting a growl slip out of anger.
"Oh, why can't we?" Dion questioned, looking around at the others in confusion. "Could help us cool down a bit-."
"Because of the sun, dumbass!" Nathan M snapped, causing Dion to jump looking at him in shock. He also ignored Anton's glare as he spoke. "Viago could get burned!"
"Ooooh! right sorry, Viago." Dion shrank back a bit looking at the vampire.
"It's alright," Viago whispered with a small grin looking around as he spoke. "We-We could open one window if it'll help. I can just stay away from-."
"Absolutely not," Anton interrupted resting a hand on top of Viago's as he looked at him in concern. "Us cooling off is not worth the risk," He then glared at Clifton, whose eyes were now on him. "I'll just go upstairs to get the fan. Works just as good."
"It's quite alright, love," Viago tried as Anton got up beginning to head for the stairs. The vampire quickly got up and followed him, both stopping at the first step. "If one window's open, it wouldn't cause harm, it's just a little bit of sun-,"
"Vi, a little bit of sun, is too much sun," Anton whispered as he turned around to look a Viago who began to frown, his lips pressed tightly shut, casting his head down to look at the floor. Gently, Anton rested a hand on his shoulder and took his hand into his own, giving a warm smile when Viago looked up in question. "I know you're very considerate of others' needs but you shouldn't have to risk your safety for others. You have to think about your needs as well and right now you need to stay away from sunlight... I got this covered okay?" He watched as Viago hesitated before he reluctantly nodded his head. Anton then gently placed a kiss on the right side of his cheek before pulling away to see the shock in the vampire's eyes. "Go finish the game with the others love, I think it's your turn. I'll be but two minutes."
"Okay," Viago whispered, beginning to back away watching as Anton ascended the stairs. He kept his eyes on him as he walked back to the others sitting in the same spot on the couch. His frown remained on his features as he stared at the table in front of him, thinking over Anton's words. He didn't put others' needs before his own did he? He just wanted others to be happy, and right now he knew that the others weren't happy because they were hot. And Clifton was definitely not happy. Maybe it was because he was here during their boys' day. However, his thoughts were interrupted when he felt a hand slap him gently on the back causing him to jump, looking around in shock.
"Don't sweat it, Viago," Dion grinned pulling his hand away. "Anton's just a little overprotective when it comes to someone he cares about."
"Yeah, but Anton's right. It's not worth you getting burnt," Nathan M added motioning to the steps with his head. "Anton's got a nice fan, should do the trick for all of us."
"Oh... Okay," Viago began to smile, looking between the two werewolves, picking up a card, and placing his character on the block the card said. "As long as you guys have a way to keep cool."
"Don't worry about us, Viago. We'll be just fine," Nathan G whispered before he let out a sigh, picking up a card since it was his turn before motioning over to Anton's hoodie that Viago was wearing. "I'm surprised that you're not cooking in that thing. It's got to be pretty warm."
"Oh, I uh run cold all of the time." Viago grinned rubbing his shoulders.
"You're kidding!" Dion began, looking at the vampire in shock. "So you're always cold?!"
"Yep. If you're a vampire then no blood is circulating through your veins, so your body has uh no way of retaining body heat."
"Hmm must be nice not getting hot at all," Clifton mumbled grabbing a chip from one of the bowls. "And must be nice being cold what you're a corpse."
The others stared from Viago to Clifton in uneasiness watching as he ate the chip, beginning to look at Viago again, his gaze lingering on the vampire. The vampire couldn't help but shrink back a bit at that, a frown on his lips once more. His words stung a bit, not because of what he said about him being a corpse. He knew it was said as an insult but that wasn't what hurt him, what hurt him was that Clifton was what he was something that he was not. He must have thought he was some arrogant spiteful vampire that he liked being cold, thinking that he was bragging about always being cold to get on the other's nerves, but it wasn't true. Viago hated the cold, and he felt it always, making his fingers numb and skin cold to the touch. He wanted nothing more than to feel the warmth of the sun on his skin again.
"Uh, Dion," Stu suddenly said, getting the others' attention. "I think it's your turn."
"Oh yeah! You're right!" Dion smiled grabbing a card and looking it over with a wide grin. "Two blue! Oh yeah, I'm so close to winning!"
Viago let out a sigh as their attention was brought back to the game breaking the tension. However, he froze when Clifton glared at him for a second before focusing on the game. His frown only deepened as he looked down at the board game with a sigh. Clifton didn't want him here during boys' day.
His thoughts were interrupted when he heard footsteps coming down the stairs causing him to look up, seeing that it was Anton dragging down a rather large fan.
Anton grinned holding up the fan, looking at Viago as he spoke. "Found it!"
Viago couldn't help but grin, a giggle escaping him when Anton almost tripped over the cord as he walked into the living room. He continued to smile as he watched Anton plug the fan up, his mood lifting just at the sight of him.
Anton adjusted the fan to face the others before turning it on, and setting it on high. He then backed away as a gust of wind started to accumulate from the fan causing him to sigh, the cool air feeling good. After, Anton walked back over to the couch the others patting him on the back and thanking him as he passed, plopping on the couch and looking at Viago with a grin, picking up a card and moving his character, looking at Viago as he spoke. "See? I got it handled."
"Yes I see that," Viago grinned resting a hand on Anton's cheek his grin getting bigger as Anton's eyes began to flutter. "Good job, Love."
"Oh your hand feels nice," Anton sighed leaning into his cold hand, the coldness of it feeling amazing on his skin. "You weren't kidding when you said you run cold huh?... The fan won't be a problem right?"
Viago only smiled at that, the foreign feeling beginning to appear once more as he shook his head. "No, I'll be fine. You and the others just try to stay cool."
"Hey uh, Vi? It's your turn, mate." Dion whispered, tapping the vampire on the shoulder but quickly pulling away when Anton glared at him.
"Ah yes, I forgot!" Viago beamed, turning toward the board game with a huge grin pulling out a card and looking it over. "Ooh, I got a red popsicle! That's so close to the finish line!"
"You better hope, I don't get a color I need." Dion playfully threatened, watching as Nathan picked up a card.
"We'll see about that. I think I'm getting rather good at this game no?"
Anton grinned at their banter as the other pack members laughed. He was happy to see that everyone was getting along with Viago... Well almost everyone. He looked over at Clifton who had his head down staring at the board, not engaging with anyone, looking at Viago now and then, like he was waiting for something to happen. He suppressed a sigh, going back to watch the others play, watching as Viago's character passed Dion's who was stuck in a lickerish space, which took his turn much to his dismay.
After Viago wins Candyland by a landslide, they all move on to the card game Go Fish, all of them taking turns with Viago and showing him how to play. Clifton once again didn't participate and was just watching them from the same spot, his eyes still on Viago but he glanced away every time Anton glared at him. He let out a huff as he leaned back. The alpha didn't know how much of Clifton glaring at Viago he could take. He then put his focus back on the game but at this point the others were just now talking instead of focusing on the game, all of them asking Viago questions.
"So how old did you say you were Viago?" Dion questioned, setting his cards to the side as he looked at the vampire, slapping Nathan G when he tried to peak at the cards.
"Oh, I am 388 years old," Viago answered honestly looking up at the others with a smile.
"For real?!" Nathan G asked, looking at Viago who nodded his head with a grin.
"Damn, then you were born around the 1700s right?" Nathan M questioned just as stunned as the others.
"You're close, I was born around 1635," He then looked down at his card. "Does anyone have three dogs?" He watched as Nathan G groaned handing out the matching card to Viago who took it with a grin. "Danke."
"Man, I couldn't imagine living that long," Dion whispered, shaking his head before looking at Viago. "You must have so many memories in that head of yours."
"Ja, I do. I remember a lot of things." He then frowned looking down at the table with a pout. "Even my nice silk scarf I've lost in 1912... It was so soft."
"Do you remember your parents?" Nathan M asked, but he paused when he noticed Viago's frown. "You don't have to answer if it makes you uncomfortable-."
"No, no it's quite alright," Viago grinned, even though it hurt to think about them, he loved thinking about them regardless, wanting to keep them fresh in his mind or he was afraid he'd lose them from his memory. "I do remember them. My father not so much because he was always away at work but my mother, I remember her well."
"Oh, what did your dad do for work?" Dion asked, his cards all forgotten now that he was invested in Viago's story.
Viago's smile fell at that, looking around to see that their eyes were on him waiting for him to answer. He hesitated before giving them a lopsided grin. "Well, I didn't know what he did. Was too young at the time and never got the chance to ask him since he was bearly around... but he did have seven horses! Mother would take me out to see them! I would feed them and brush them when I was a bit older. Mother would let me ride some of them around!"
"Oh that's sweet," Nathan M grinned placing his cards down two as he listened. "Do you know what your mother did, since you were around her more?"
"Ja, my mother was an exotic performer, in an Egyptian circus," He began to explain looking back on his memories of watching her perform behind stage as a young child. "She was really good at imitating random noises on stage. She retired when I got a little bit older, but she always did little performances when I was feeling down. She'd ask me what sound I would like to hear and would do it for me. But most of the time, I would listen to her sing. She had a beautiful voice and was lovely at playing the Gittern. I could listen to her play that beautiful instrument for hours. She even taught me how to play! I'll have to bring my Gittern to show you all next time."
Anton's smile grew the longer he heard Viago tell his story, loving how animated Viago got as he told the others about his mother and what he was like as he young child, the others watching him in hushed silence listening closely to the vampire. He then placed a hand on Viago's getting the smiling vampire's attention. "Sounds like she was an amazing woman, Vi." He whispered squeezing Viago's hand gently.
"Yes she was," Viago whispered, looking down with a sad yet fond smile on his face. "I miss her every day."
"Then why'd you decide to become a blood-sucking demon then?" Clifton mumbled, causing the room to go silent.
Viago's smile completely vanished as he stared at Clifton, who slowly looked up at him like he was waiting for him to answer. He then felt everyone's eyes on him, all staring in hushed silence. The vampire remained frozen as dread began to take over, trying to think of ways to change the subject without being too noticeable but he couldn't
He didn't want to answer that question, he wasn't ready. He didn't want them to know yet... He didn't want Anton to know yet.
Stu looked from Clifton to Viago with wide eyes, noticing that the vampire was as still as a statue his mouth agape like he suddenly needed to breathe again but forgot how. He also noticed the growing worry in Anton's features as he looked between Clifton and Viago in confusion. He knew that Viago's past was a sensitive subject and Clifton was trying to pry it from the vampire. Knowing Viago wasn't ready, he quickly reacted, reaching for his phone and checking the time. "Uh hey, the game should be starting any minute," He interrupted, looking up to see that everyone's attention was on him, even Viago was looking at him with wide eyes.
"Oh yeah! The game!" Dion grinned turning to the tv.
"Good catch Stu, Nathan G said patting Stu on the back.
Everyone began to turn to the TV as Dion changed the channel, all except for Clifton who's eyes lingered on Viago for a bit.
Viago shrank back from his intense stare, afraid that he was gonna make him answer the question anyway but to his relief, Clifton turned away, looking at the screen. He let out a sigh, his shoulder slumping as his body released all of the tension he was holding, able to hear some of his joints snap in his shoulders. However, he jumped slightly when he felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see that it was Anton, still looking at him in worry.
"Vi, are you okay?" He whispered, as to not alert the others, knowing that Viago didn't want attention drawn to him if there was something wrong.
Viago looked into Anton's kind eyes, a phantom flutter forming in his dead heart at the thought of how attentive and caring Anton was. He almost wanted to tell him everything right then and there. But he composed himself, giving Anton the best reassuring smile he could muster. "I'm fine, Love. Don't worry."
Anton didn't feel convinced at that, wanting to press further, but not when everyone was here, not wanting to pressure and embarrass the vampire in front of his pack. He could ask him about it later when no one was around, still wanting to know what was bothering him, but even then if he still says nothing wrong or if he's not ready to talk about it, he'd understand. So he gave him a small smile taking his hand into his own and gently kissing the vampire's cold knuckles. "Okay, babe. Just making sure."
He watched as the vampire smiled at him before turning away, asking Dion about the game and who they were rooting for. However, Anton frowned as he glared at Clifton who was looking at the TV, now avoiding his gaze. The werewolf's anger only spiked the longer he looked at him, trying to figure out what his deal was, so he leaned over to Viago giving him a small kiss on his neck before whispering to him. "I'll be right back I need to grab something from upstairs."
"Okay love, I'll be here," Viago smiled before looking back to Dion. "Tell me more about this Rugby."
Anton slowly got up before walking toward the recliner, watching as Clifton slowly looked up at him. "Come help me with something." He demanded in a low voice.
Clifton shrinks at his tone, knowing that he was telling him and not asking him to come. So reluctantly he got up with a sigh, following Anton toward the stares.
Anton's features were still stern as he walked up the steps hearing Clifton's footsteps behind him. He then walked down the hall before opening his bedroom door and glaring at Clifton who had his head down the whole time. "In there, now." He growled his eyes glowing yellow for a second. Anton watched as he hesitated for a second before walking in there. After he walked in, the alpha werewolf followed close behind before closing the door shut. Slowly he turned around glaring at Clifton was was sitting at the edge of his bed eyes still on the ground, like he was afraid to look at Anton. But Anton didn't care, he should be afraid.
"What the hell was that down there?!" Anton snapped, ignoring how Clifton flinched at his tone. "You can't just go up to a creature of the night and ask why they were cursed! That's sensitive information for any creature! Us included! How would you feel if someone walked up to you and asked why you became a werewolf!?"
"Well, if he loved his family so much, then why did he become a vampire?" Clifton questioned glaring at Anton.
"That's not our place to ask and certainly not yours!" Anton growled pointing toward the door. "And if he wants to share that information with us then we wait until he is ready to share it!" He then began to pace the room, looking at Clifton who was now silent glaring at the ground. This caused Anton to sigh running his hand through his face. "You said you would try to make this work... That you'd play nice with him."
"I'm trying-."
"No, you're not!" Anton snapped in anger, shutting Clifton up. "Any chance you get you take a jab at him! Every time he offers to play any games with you, you shut him down! He hasn't been mean to you once since you got here and you're treating him like shit! Why are you being so rude to him?"
"I don't trust him!" Clifton snapped causing Anton to roll his eyes with a groan, covering his eyes with one hand. "I get this uneasy feeling every time he's around! And he's got to be lying about his past, there's no way he's not. I think he's plotting something I know it!"
"For the last time, Vi is not plotting something! and why would he lie about his past?"
"If he missed and loved his family so much, then why sell your soul to become a blood-sucking immortal demon? Why sacrifice your life for that!?" Clifton questioned in a hushed tone. "I swear he made that heartfelt story up to get you all to trust him-!"
"Alright, thats enough!" Anton snapped causing Clifton to glare at him in frustration. "Viago isn't trying to get closer to hurt me, he isn't lying about his past, and he doesn't want to hurt any of the pack members! He doesn't have one mean bone in his body," Anton then sighed rubbing the back of his neck in frustration. "Nothing bad is going to happen. Viago wouldn't do anything to cause us harm. To cause me harm. Could you please look past the fact that he's a vampire and see that he and I are in a happy relationship-."
"But what if even that is a lie?!" Clifton snapped, glaring at Anton his anger getting the better of him. "What if it doesn't work out like last time? He's just going to leave you when he gets what he wants! Your last relationship didn't work and she was human, so what makes you think your relationship with a vampire will?!" Clifton froze when Anton's annoyed glare fell, his eyes wide and full of hurt. He watched as the alpha stumbled back a bit as he looked at the ground. Dread replaced his anger as he reached out for his friend. "Shit, Ant I-I didn't mean to-."
Anton smacked his hand away, a growl heaving its way out of his lungs as he glared at Clifton with golden eyes, able to feel his claws beginning to grow, wanting to claw at the first thing he saw. But he quickly regained his composure and breathed in and out, his claws disappearing as he opened his eyes glaring at Clifton who had his head down, trembling slightly. He internally cursed as his eyes became glassy causing him to look away. "I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that... You're lucky I'm not kicking your ass out right now so you better straighten up... and you better start being kind to Viago if you want to keep being part of this pack or even my friend."
Clifton looked at the ground his heart full of guilt. He knew he shouldn't have said that about his past relationship, knowing how broken Anton had become when she broke it off with him. Remembering how devastated his alpha leader was and how lonely he felt, afraid of dating in fear that they'd leave him, leaving him lonely again. The last thing he wanted was to hit Anton where it hurt, bringing up his biggest insecurity in his face.
"Now go downstairs," Anton whispered his voice slightly cracking as he sniffled. "I got to get the dog toys out."
Clifton didn't say a word, just nodded his head before heading for the door. Anton watched him leave out of the corner of his eye. Once he heard Clifton shut the door and walk away his eyes began leaking trying to stifle a sob that broke out. He quickly wiped his eyes with his arm, controlling his breathing, not wanting Viago or the other pack members to see him like this, not wanting them to know he could hurt easily at the mention of his failed relationships. So he sniffled willing his tears to dry up as he looked for the box full of dog toys.
After a few minutes, Anton walked back downstairs holding a big box filled to the top with dog toys. "Okay, I found the toys," He began, getting the others' attention, but ignoring Clifton as he set the box down on the table. "I know some of you have your own but if you left yours at home, then take one out of here."
He then walked over to Viago who was brightly smiling at him, causing him to grin a bit, his sour mood lifting ever so slightly at the sight of his boyfriend. The werewolf sat next to the vampire who scooted closer to him.
"You made it back just in time," Viago whispered, looking over at the TV. "The game starts in about three minutes. I'm rather excited to watch it. I've never really watched sports before."
"Oh you'll be in for a treat," Anton grinned, wrapping his arm around Viago and pulling him close. "The others get pretty animated when the game is on. That's why I have the dog toys to help them with the stress so that they don't accidentally turn while watching."
"Hey Viago, look!" Dion said holding up a red squeaky ball. "This one is my favorite ball. Anton got it for me a long time ago and I haven't parted with it since. I think the squeak sound is really relaxing and I let Anton throw it so I can fetch it because I trust him not to take it from me. Here you can look!" Dion held the ball out but when Viago reached for it he pulled away cautiously. "Don't touch it, but give it a squeeze listen to how loud it is." Viago went to reach for it again, causing him to pull away in worry. "Don't touch it, but look how shiny it is! Don't touch-."
"If you don't want him to touch it then don't hand it to him, you nut!" Anton snapped causing Dion to jump, looking at Anton with a frown. The alpha froze at his sad look causing him to sigh. "I'm sorry mate, I didn't mean to snap."
"It's okay." Dion grinned, squeezing the ball a couple of times, listening to it squeak over and over.
"It's a wonderful-looking ball, Dion," Viago complemented, causing Dion's smile to brighten. "Very nice squeak also."
"Thanks!" He said before going back to the TV, sitting right next to Nathan G who growled at him, holding his own dog toy close like he was afraid that Dion was going to take it.
Viago giggled at that before looking at Anton causing him to frown. His boyfriend had his head low, rubbing his eyes with one hand. The vampire felt worried, noticing that his boyfriend looked a little shaken up and stressed so he leaned in close to Anton resting a hand on his chest and getting his attention. "Is something wrong love?"
Anton looked into Viago's big dark eyes and felt like he wanted to start crying again, but he kept his composure, not wanting to worry his boyfriend so he just smiled, resting his hand on top of Viago's. "I'm okay, just got a little stressed is all."
"Well, here let's just relax and watch the game Ja?" Viago grinned snuggling into Anton's side and resting his head on his shoulder.
Anton smiled at that, pulling Viago close as they both turned toward the TV that was surrounded by his pack members all watching intently and squeezing their squeak toys. However, his eyes trailed over to Clifton causing him to frown, noticing that he was looking at him now and then. Their eyes did catch each other for a moment, a look of guilt was plastered on Clifton's face but he just glared at him for a second before looking away, his eyes now glued to the tv because if he looked at him any longer the damn could burst at any second. In truth, Anton was hurt by Clifton's actions, he hated how his friend was treating his boyfriend just for being a vampire. They grew up together and were so close, he wanted nothing more than for his friend to get along with Viago but it seemed more like a pipe dream now. Frowning, he curled in closer to Viago, pressing his head into the vampire's neck and breathing in his scent. The smell of jasmine was very calming to him and he felt like he needed it.
A known fact about werewolves, they need physical touch. Whether it is from another pack member or their mates, a werewolf needs some form of physical touch to help them stay calm otherwise they become very stressed. An alpha werewolf becomes the most stressed because they often don't get their physical needs met unless they are with a mate and right now, Anton needs physical touch. He swooned at the sound of Viago's giggling feeling him reach up and running his hands through his hair making him relax a whole lot more.
"Keep this up and you'll miss the game, Schmusebärchen," Viago whispered, placing a kiss on the side of Anton's head.
Anton only hummed at that, still snuggling into Viago and holding him close. He didn't care about the game at the moment, all he cared about was the vampire he was holding.
So Anton spent the first forty minutes of the game, holding Viago close who was watching the game with the others. The vampire didn't have a clue about what was going on, watching the others to see if they were cheering or booing which he copied. The room filled with shouting and aggressive squeaking from them gripping the dog toys very tightly. Viago watched the TV intently trying to figure out what was going on when the others let out a shout causing him to jump.
"Fucking hell!" Nathan M shouted in anger.
"Language!"
"Sorry Anton."
"It was right there!" Dion sighed looking at the screen as he squeezed the red ball tightly. "Now we got to wait until halftime is over."
"You can survive a 15-minute wait," Anton chuckled watching as the others started to sit around the coffee table around him and Viago. He however noticed Clifton getting up from the recliner and walking toward the bathroom, causing him to frown. He was starting to feel bad for snapping at him, even though was Clifton said hurt. Maybe he can pull him to the side and talk to him when he gets back.
"Ah man, who ate all the cool ranch chips?" Dion asked looking at the now empty bowl with a frown before hearing a crunching sound, turning to see that Nathan M eyeing him, chewing rather slowly. "Nathan!" He snapped watching the Nathan in question and shrug in shock.
"Calm down Dion. There is another bag," Anton sighed about to get up. "I'll go get it."
"Oh let me!" Viago grinned resting a hand on Anton's shoulder gently motioning for him to sit. "You just relax, I'll go get the bag for ya."
"You sure?" Anton questioned watching as Viago got up, giving him a warm grin.
"I'm sure. I won't be long!"
Anton gave Viago a grateful nod watching him leave the room. He didn't deserve to have someone like Viago.
"Man, Viago's great!" Dion smiled, looking at the others who nodded their head in agreement.
"Yeah," Nathan G agreed. "I was kind of worried at first, but after getting to know him I'm chill with him. He's so nice!"
"He is, isn't he?" Anton grinned, looking at the others and failing to notice a figure walking from the bathroom into the kitchen. "I'm glad you guys like him. He wanted this to work and wanted you guys to be comfortable with him here."
"Oh he doesn't have to worry," Dion chuckled. "He's one of us now... wait! Does that mean he'll come to every guys' day?"
Anton grinned as the others looked at him talking over each other in excitement. He glanced at all of them with a smile before looking at Stu who gave him a warm nod, secretly telling him that it all worked out. The alpha chuckled looking back at his pack with a shrug. "Well, if he wants to. I don't see why not."
"I hope so," Nathan G began. "I want to show him my knife collection, I got a few pieces from his time. Oh! I almost forgot!" Nathan then reached into his pocket, pulling out what looked to be a red Swiss army knife, holding it out to Anton. "Look what I got at the store today!"
"Oh wow, this looks like a nice piece," Anton complemented taking the nife from Nathan and looking it over. He then opened one of the blades looking it over. "You get this out of that fishing shop we went to the other day?"
"I did!" Nathan G answered watching as Anton ran his thumb gently over the blade to check its sharpness. "I'm planning on bringing it to the next full moon in case my ropes don't come off easily."
Anton chuckled at that, knowing that Nathan G started using ropes due to his metal allergy. He then sat up pretty quickly as he spoke. "Yeah, should come in han-OW Shit!" He suddenly pulled his thumb away shaking his hand as a surge of pain shot through his thumb. He then looked at his thumb seeing a rather deep cut form, blood beginning to ooze out of it. "Oh great."
"I should have expected that," Nathan hissed looking at his thumb. "You cut yourself just by looking at a blade."
"Oh shut up," Anton chuckled looking the wound over. "Yeah, that's a deep one."
"You gonna be okay?" Dion asked looking at his thumb in worry.
"Yeah, mate. It'll heal soon. Just got to get it covered until the bleeding-!"
"GET THE HELL AWAY FROM ME!"
Anton and the others jumped as a sudden voice boomed along with a crashing sound in the kitchen. After the crash the alpha werewolf froze when he suddenly heard growling, his blood running cold. "Clifton!?" He breathed, not seeing him walk into the kitchen... Where Viago was. "Fuck!"
Anton suddenly sprung up from the couch, running toward the kitchen. His cut had long forgotten, and he wanted to make sure his friend and boyfriend were okay. The others didn't think twice about following all of them tailing Anton as they ran into the kitchen to see what was happening and what they found wasn't good.
