(In memory of Anton Yelchin)

F-Taste of Fresh Blood-N

XXII

Finale~Part 3

They finally reached the top. Crassus, Ed and Amy surfacing first, followed quickly by the two slayers and Nathaniel. They were surprised to see Gabriel like he had been waiting for them all along. Like they were meant to witness this moment.

The Prince was standing there with the most unwelcoming grin. His wings extended. His cold hands on Charley's' shoulder, holding the boy possessively against his chest.

Charley was pale as snow, eyes mystic and white like pearls. And he looked like he was in a daze or deep trance. Compared to everything dark and bold around them, he was dazzling in transparency.

"Greetings. It looks like you arrived just in time for the finale. Can I call it that or am I seeming to crude?" Red eyes eased down with his smile.

"Everyone, this is it. This is where it ends. Be ready for anything." Peter said to the others as they prepped themselves cautiously. It had been a challenge to get this far and they weren't going to go down without a fight.

Nathaniel approached the red eyed vampire first after turning back into his human form. He was upset that Gabriel, who he knew as his only father, had betrayed him. It was fated but fucked up nonetheless. "Gabriel, let's talk!" he shouted towards him as the small group of heroes walked close behind. But they began to feel the red eyed demons power and knew not to get close.

"How daring of you, Nathan." Gabriel slid the words out softly. "I can feel you. Your tension is grand and deep. You're growing despise towards me. I understand why and why you feel like I have abandoned you. I'm here and I love you. But I will warn you, what you are feeling, it can be dangerous. Uncontrollable. Something even your bat can't stomach. And it will cause more harm than good. You should let it go. You'll become similar to Jerry in ways he regrets if you allow emotions to prevail. There is a reason why you are you and he is he. There is also a reason why you are bat and not man."

The blonde vampire scoffed hotly. "I trusted you."

"Time wasn't on our side, Nathaniel. The war happened before it was supposed to start. You can thank Jerry for that. But what I did wasn't greed. My people are immortal as long as I am."

It bothered the blonde vampire how little remorse Gabriel seemed to have. "You don't hear that? The sound of your arrogance? Admit it. I'd feel much better if you did."

"I can't admit to that. Because it's not true. I did what I did for my people. I love you. I've always held you dear to me. That's something I can never lie to you about. I had plans for you. I had plans for us." He lifted his pale thin hand towards the angry blonde. "Come to me and we can see it through."

Nathaniel could feel into his soul that his love and sincerity were real but Peter also knew that he was just trying to get Nathaniel to feel a different way. To turn against them. "Mind tricks, Nathaniel. You know it all to well. Don't fall for it." The slayer warned.

"Don't fuck with me!" Nathaniel angrily yelled towards the white haired demon.

Gabriel knew he wasn't going to convince him of anything. He dropped his hand and sighed. Then he lifted his head towards the still sky. It was one of the most impressive things he had ever seen throughout his years of being a vampire. And though he was proud of his son, he chose for the havoc to continue. "Now I know who you stand for. I'm happy for you. This was a nice little trick that you have cast upon our kind. But it's no use. Your powers are limited. And to challenge me, is unwise."

Nathaniel scoffed. "That's the selfish arrogance I was talking about."

Gabriel chuckled, noting it, and with just a simple snap of his fingers his offspring were no longer under the sluggish spell Nathaniel had cast upon them. They went about their duty setting out to do what they were supposed to do. "I was expecting you. I was expecting all of you. Why so gloom? Charley was hoping you'd make it."

"What did you do to him?" Peter asked. As much as they all wanted to run up and take Charley back they knew the outcome would be detrimental. They knew what the red eyed bat was capable of but not Charley. By the looks of it, Charley was incapable of much, seeming more zombie-like than anything but they still had a bad feeling...

"I've given him life." The red eyed bat smiled. "What have you done for him?"


Jerry, as if he didn't even feel it, emerged from the last blow and tossed Prometheus aside onto the wet ground. Before Prometheus could even make a move in defense for himself, the dirt began breaking and sinking beneath them both as The Angel began to batter at him over and over. The soreness was there but he felt nothing due to the repetitive force he was enduring. The Angel was going berserk. It was only raw strength that kept Prometheus alive. It was everything else that kept Jerry alive.

After finally escaping the pummeling due to adrenaline, he found an opening and slashed his claws across the Angel's throat. The demon ended up backing away holding its bleeding neck and Prometheus crawled from the large negated indentation that was created from the beat down. He was reduced back into his naked human form again. His stomach was tightening due to the spasms of muscle badly bruised. Anyone else would have been dead already. The only reason he was still alive was because Jerry was still in there, trying to control the demon from inside. He sensed him. He felt him holding back. Peter somewhat did them a favor by standing up to the Angel. He awoken him somehow. Maybe not in that moment but somehow, Jerry heard him. He was awake in there. Unfortunately, they needed Charley to awake the rest of him.

Prometheus was watching the demon cure himself while he, himself, was weakening, making it tougher to transform and though the wolf craved to be out, allowing it out to many times could result in permanency which was something Prometheus has been fighting since the day he first turned.

"Jerry?" Said the wolf leader, breathless. "You need to come out."

The demon chuckled pushing himself back to a standing position once his open neck sealed back up, then glared idly at the wolf man.

"Don't do this," thought Prometheus. But when he realized there was not much Jerry could do to prevent the Angel, survival mode kicked back in. His eyes turned quickly gold. His muscles began bulging outward. His skin tearing for new skin. Fur replenishing fast. His wolf becoming the hosts protector once again.

He was beginning to become afraid for their inescapable doom.


"What a beautiful night this has been so far. Would you agree?" Lightning struck hard passing through the light rain fall. "Soon, there will be cries louder than even the thunder."

"Hand him over!" John sharply demanded.

The white haired demon laughed.

John angrily and without thinking charged towards Gabriel to take Charley but Gabriel sent him back with an enchanted force. When John hit the ground, Peter rushed to him.

"You can't hurt him. Don't try it." The slayer said.

John pushed Peter away and stepped up to the white haired demon again. "I will fucking kill you!" He swore.

"You can try. I know exactly how far you'll get. As much as I love your company, it's best to steer clear of me. Or we can make this easy. And believe me when I say, it will be easy."

"We're just here for him, nothing else. You can keep your power." Peter spoke thinking he would be better off negotiating than John. John had some anger issues he needed to control. It might have always been that way but this wasn't the time to act out. It was a time to act smart.

"It's not the power that has me in the best of moods." Gabriel versed as he ran stroking fingers down the boys lifeless throat. "I won't give him up."

"Don't touch him!" John commanded but Gabriel at a whole new level of opportunity didn't have to put up with any of them. But their demands and threats were getting cute.

"You guys aren't here to congratulate Charley and his new purpose? How awful. Am I the only one astounded by this boy and his potential?" His humorous remark angered John greatly and the slayer snatched the crossbow from Peter and shot the wooden arrow at Gabriel aiming for the heart but the dart poisonous to vampires was caught by Charley. The boy clenched his hand around the pointed weapon snapping it in half with a new strength then let the shattered pieces slip from his hand.

They were shocked. All but Gabriel. Gabriel was proud.

"There you have it. Beautiful isn't he. Obedient only to me. But you don't have to be left out of this. All of you have the potential to be great. You don't have to say good bye to your friend. You can join me and reunite with Charley in this new life."

"Your delusion is sickening to think we'd buy into that kind of manipulation." Crassus answered for all of them. It was like hearing a preacher bullshitting his way through mass. "I think we'll just take the boy back ourselves."

Gabriel shrugged at the 'delusion' part. "I am utterly perplexed. Why would you turn down such a perfect opportunity? It isn't manipulation. It is truth."

"If you seriously have to ask that, then the delusion is right." The impatient young wolf looked now towards Peter. "I don't have time for this. Let's attack."

John and Nathaniel stepped up ready to fight aside Crassus but Gabriel interrupted them with a laugh. "This is adorable. Did you already miss the part when I won?"

"Don't do anything." Peter pleaded quickly making his way in front of them. "Let me handle this."

"Yea, because you three are really going to get us all killed." Ed butted in.

"He has my son. I'm not going to just stand here."

"Yea and I hate his stupid smile." Crassus added.

"Then go. Be my guest. It's not like they're both insanely powerful. " Ed sarcastically tried to reason.

"We need to wait for Jerry and Prometheus. So let's try not to die right now." Amy said, being absolutely right.

"No no, they got this. With Crassus's brute force, Nathaniel's sharp fangs and John's rage, they're unstoppable. Hell, maybe once he's done toying with them, I'll be at Jerry's level of confidence and then I can join in."

Peter glared at Evil for his enabling and then back at the other three stubborn heads. "You guys do anything crazy stupid, we die. We have to be smart about this. I can't believe this speech is even coming from me. Think right. Get your heads straight."

Crassus was nothing like his father. Prometheus was sometimes rash but it was controlled and focused. Crassus also didn't possess the wisdom his father possessed. One day he'd make it there but it wasn't going to be anytime soon. He was at the moment a young typical wolf ready to fight, fuck, eat and kill and that's it.

John didn't reply but he hesitantly backed down. Then Peter looked at both Crassus and Nathaniel waiting for their promise. They also backed down but with deep dislike towards the decision. Though they would eventually admit that they'd be dead if it weren't for Peter keeping them all in check.

The slayer motioned them to stay and began to slowly approach the Bat King making it passed that 30 foot mark. His body felt cold and it wasn't due to the weather.

"We've come for Charley. Which has been clear. So what do we need to do?" He asked, sounding like the leader they all knew he was capable of being. He was really trying to buy Jerry and Prometheus some time. Hopefully Prometheus was still alive.

"Can't you see, Peter. He's mine now. I told you this." Gabriel lifted his eyes with a forward smile. The moon light making the evil stand out.

"He doesn't belong to you. He has a family and friends I think he'd prefer."

Gabriel tilted his head at the man challenging his words. "That's not what it's looking like to me."

Those words stung. Gabriel was now in his head, reading his mind, making him feel weak, making him feel useless like he's always felt. "Charley doesn't even recognize you, Peter. What are you going to do with a boy who no longer knows who you are or how you began this journey together? You have always chosen the wrong path and that path is to be forgotten."

Peter looked to the boy. It was a sad truth. Charley was no longer Charley. But he wasn't going to take that for a reason to give up. His soul might have been gone but his body was still in physical form.

"I see you're starting to see it."

"Reverse this. Or you'll regret it." Peter demanded again fighting the negative chants in his head.

"Calm down on the threats Peter. It's sad to see you try this hard. You came such a long way just to fail. But just between you and I, I almost wanted you to win. To redeem yourself once and for all but I don't think it's going to happen the way you and your friends here planned it."

"I don't think you even know how this is going to end. Sometimes life can be full of surprises."

"I'll tell you how...with Charley dead. Whether you save the world or not, Charley is dead no matter how you look at it. He's always dead in the end. I've seen his future. I may as well be his future. But in the end of any night yet to be and yet to come, Charley is always dead. And I know your plan, Peter. You plan on staking me with the Blessed Stake of Michael but that will have no effect on me. You can't get close and Charley is an entire different being. So let's say you do stake the hell out of me, it won't affect him in anyway. He would still be what he is meant to be. Killing me won't change that and it definitely won't change what happens here."

John looked at Peter hoping to God his plan was going to work but Peter couldn't tell if Gabriel was bluffing or not. If what he was saying was true then yea, they were fucked. However the slayer refused to give in to the mind games. There was always a way. "Tell me, with you being all powerful, why do you need Charley anyway?"

The bat king smirked after reflecting on the question. "Madness. Besides, a king needs his queen."

"He's bat shit insane." Ed said. "Bitter too."

Peter took a deep breath and held it for a couple of seconds. "I think you heard me the first time. Reverse this or you will regret it."

Gabriel gave him a short grin feeling somewhat satisfied in the slayers confidence. "Even if I wanted to reverse what I have done, it doesn't work that way. I am now him and he is now me. That's all there is to it. You were late. He can't be saved, Peter. And it's fine. Humans mess up. They make mistakes. After all, you're just a man. But you can fight and be ruined or you can get on your knees before me and your fate will instantly change. For the better."

"Without Charley, I'm already ruined." Peter responded, battling another battle with himself.

"You made a promise to him. You made a promise to John, that you can save him. You shouldn't have. But I do have an idea to solve this Charley dilemma. I can share him. With all of you. That way, no one has to miss him."

Something was coming. The stressed look on Peter's face changed and he managed a short grin, dark eyes unfastening. They all felt the eruption. For some reason, Gabriel didn't, all caught up in his own self glory. "I don't know if you know this but being a cunt is a bad omen. Take it from someone who used to be one."

A roar covered the earth and the rain and lightning skipped. Gabriel's smile quickly faded as he loosely released Charley, red eyes narrowing in animation and fear. The energy levels were igniting. Greater than his own.

"You feel that, Gabriel? That's some powerful shit. No arrogance, no pride, just straight thug." He didn't plan it but it was perfect timing on Prometheus's part.

Speaking of Prometheus, completely beat up and leaking blood from every part of his body, he landed on the castle height, altering back into human. "Back away now!" He warned and they had no problem with that when they saw the Dark Angel fly above their heads looking down at them.

Gabriel was calmly stunned. His skin staggered at the sight.

The Angel landed, focusing his tainted eyes on the Evil Prince and not the weaker beings around him. He was built for challenges. He was the guardian of the underworld.

Red eyes blinked but he lifted his head in dominance at the beast. "What have you brought me, Prometheus?"

Nathaniel removed his leather coat, handing it to Prometheus to cover his naked body. The wolf leader put it on. "Your fate." He answered. "He held back on me, but he won't on you. He's still Jerry. He knows very well what you've taken from him and he wants it back."

"Perhaps. He is The Angel of Death after all. The daring Jerry Dandridge. Still breathing. After such a heart break." Gabriel's voice shifted and it tore through in echoes as he flicked his tongue against his red lips to moisten them. "I finally see what he truly is. What a gift you guys have given me. But this Angel in my sight doesn't frighten me. He brightens my night."

The Angel roared at the prince again. Any louder and everyone who were human, would have completely ruptured. His powers were limitless.

Gabriel, guided Charley along with him as he moved in closer to the hybrid. He then became instigating, exhaling carelessly. "It's been awhile Jerry. I think your friends here thought that you could stand a chance against me. They brag about your power and the beast that controls you. They say you're more powerful than me and though that might be true, I possess a power that will bring you to your knees."

The Angel bared his teeth and it put a longer smile back on Gabriel's lips. "You think I didn't plan for this? Plan for you? You better enjoy what happens next because you will be crawling back to me."

The red eyed Prince whispered something softly into Charley's ear and with eyes avert and wide the white eyed boy began to slowly walk up to Jerry's demon.

Grimacing, his chilling claws stretched out towards the boy and wings sprouted above his head in excitement for a new kill. That's all he was, a killing machine. Not yet sophisticated. Not managed. Nothing like Gabriel. It would be a whole different mission getting him to that level.

Then the boy spoke. Causing a different type of commotion.

"Hi, Jerry."

At the voice, the demons fingers curled back. He snarled impassively at the boy but didn't attack. Like he was afraid. Seeming more afraid of it than the world was of him.

"They recognize each other." Gabriel spoke indirectly. "But it isn't love. You guys didn't really think Jerry had a chance at love? Let me show you what Jerry is. What he fights everyday of his life. Let me show you the slave he's become to a human boy. Then we can see just how powerful he really is...Call him." He controlled the translucent boy.

The boys lips crept to a smile that was seizing, opening his arms out to the rabid beast before him. "Come to me, Jer. I miss you."

There was then a cry out as the haunting sound of Charley's voice was somehow recognizable and had the Dark Angel back away in confusion and distress.

"Let me see you. The real you." He urged in violent seduction.

Then the demon fell to its knees, heaving harshly.

"You're going to want to watch this." Gabriel smiled grimly at Peter and the rest of them. "See your god suffocate."

Blood began to spill out of the demon's mouth. Black blood until it turned freshly red.

"What's happening?" Amy asked in complete horror. They weren't expecting this.

"Gabriel is using Charley." Nathaniel answered. "It's his way to tame Jerry." He looked to the girl. "To destroy him. By making him weak. By making him separate himself from the beasts that make him strong. The only way to kill him is to kill his human. The host."

"Of course he'd use him. Jerry is only weak to Charley." Ed said.

"Which makes Charley the most powerful being alive." Nathaniel finished.

"We need to stop this." Peter voiced ready to react. Ready to put an end to it.

"There's no stopping anything. If Jerry can't fight this, then no one can." Prometheus said with all hopelessness. "The war was never destined to end. That is certain."

"Fuck this." Peter said while running towards him as the man suffered the agony of releasing himself from the demons that made him.

"He can't be helped." Prometheus stated grabbing Peter away. "You will die if you try. The wolf and vampire will rip you to pieces once they break out."

"It's killing him!" Peter was watching Jerry try to gain his freedom from the Hybrid. The wolf ripped through the stomach of the Angel, gnawing its way out. They watched as the vampire crawled from the splitting jaw. They had no choice but to watch and stand back and do nothing.

It wasn't making it easy. Seeing Jerry struggle, seeing him fight so hard, wasn't easy to watch. It made his own head light and his stomach churn. It was sick. It was even sicker that Gabriel was using Charley to do it.

"It doesn't matter. We'll lose faster that way. In order for Jerry to be released from this evil, it has to be this way."

Fully relived and liberated from the inner depths of its soul, the wolf shook the blood from its fur and sat, sending snarls towards the group while the vampire flapped its wings dry and landed on the ground, shrieking inwardly. They both stayed put like guard dogs for their human host to arrive. Loyal to him and only him.

Gabriel patiently awaited his old friends arrival. Wanting this. Wanting Jerry weak again.

The dark haired man, covered in his own blood and guts, pushed his way from the belly of the hybrid, fighting to shed the beast that consumed him. He grabbed at the ground and pulled himself out from the decaying corpse of the dying Angel. He struggled to see, struggled to move, struggled to breathe, struggled to be... but once free, and once the Angel was discarded of completely, Jerry, was trying to understand exactly what he was feeling.

He was breathing in fresh earth air for the first time in a long time, and feeling the cold wet ground beneath his body caused him to shiver. He's always been cold but that's when he was dead. A different cold. A cold he became accustomed to. A cold that came with being dead and heartless. A cold he couldn't feel. His senses weren't usual. They were new. They were human.

He was exhausted and in pain, like someone or something has been torturing him everyday of his life for centuries. His eyes were blurry, slowly adjusting from great to normal as he focused on the blood melting away from his body, blending with the heavy storm. The heavenly rain cleansing him from the red bodily fluid.

"Jerry?" Peter called, hoping he'd recognize them.

But Jerry didn't respond. Still in awe of himself.

Peter then hastily came up beside him, Prometheus allowing him to go to him. "Be careful, Peter." He warned as they all remained alert just in case he wasn't the Jerry they knew.

The slayer acknowledged the wolf leaders concern by nodding. He got down to one knee, leveling with the shivering man and gently placed his hand on his wet back not to shock him. "Jerry?"

Jerry didn't flinch or hiss. He hated people touching him but he seemed to be unaware of the slayer at his side and more confused about these new...feelings and senses.

"Jerry? Can you hear me?" Peter tried again.

"Why do I feel like this?" The shaky man asked sounding insecure. It was difficult to see that confidence left him.

Peter swallowed. He wished he could say something that would make him feel better but it was clear Jerry wasn't liking this. His new self.

"We need you now more than ever. Snap out of whatever dysfunction or discomfort you're in." Then Peter tried wrapping his arm around his back, to help him up but he backed off when he heard Jerry silently say, "I need a second."

"Jerry, we don't have a second." Peter responded and they both looked up and saw Gabriel with Charley, watching them.

Jerry shook his head with heavy sad eyes. "I can't fight him."

Peter didn't know what to say to that. He would never want Charley and Jerry to fight to the death.

"He's powerful, Jerry. Both of them. But we just need to take down Gabriel. Can you do that?"

"No."

"If you don't, we're all dead."

"I hurt to much."

Peter sighed softly. "I'm sorry. I thought I did the right thing bringing you here. But it's him or us."

"Get up, Jerry." Gabriel announced. "Face me. Face us."

Peter stood letting him help himself. The man, on his hands and knees, did rise. He stumbled a bit as he found his footing. His strength had left him. But one thing he wasn't and will never be, a coward. He didn't have it in him to back down, to stop fighting. Not when Charley was right in his eye sight. Not when the one he loved was in his reach. So...he faced them. Both. Just like Gabriel wanted.

"Now we see him. The real Jerry. The pathetic sad soul that he is. The one he hides from us. The man he tries so hard to conceal."

Jerry was fragile, that was obvious. There was a loss and tragedy in his appearance, one they never knew they'd see. His Dark Angel had vanished and he was once again Jerry. Just regular, ordinary, human Jerry. Nothing supernatural about him. Nothing to fear.

"Charley?" Jerry said with a deep sadness with not much memory or care of his darkness taking over.

Charley smiled. But it wasn't innocent or real. Jerry didn't know if it was even Charley anymore. There was a different kind of sickness in him. Every single vein in his body exposed. He could see the blood through his thin and transparent skin. Through the open peak of his white top he could see his heart beating behind his ribs.

"You look a little tired, Jerry. Maybe you need some more rest. I can't imagine what your mental state is like."

"Give him to me." He voiced quietly but strongly.

Gabriel looked surprised that Jerry didn't have a weaker approach to him. The man still sounded and acted like the confident old Jerry. He wasn't grim with that same old poker face but it was still Jerry, just a much lesser form of him. He had no reason to fear Jerry anymore but the man always was a hard one to read. To predict. Jerry, despite his weaker self, was still Jerry. However, he was still one to fear. Not visibly at the moment but surely. "He's gone. Lost from you. He doesn't need you anymore. He's a much more independent creature now." Gabriel said as he petted the boy on the head.

"I'll wait." It was short, sweet and dangerous. A threat the red eyed Prince was used to.

Gabriel sighed aloud. He didn't even know how to respond to that. For once he was speechless. Not because he didn't believe what Jerry was capable of but because Jerry had nothing more to say. "I think I want you to beg. Maybe being a little less resistant will do you good. Always standing firm. Always ready to fight."

Losing his patience quicker than lightning struck Jerry yelled like it would be his last command. "Give him to me!" He never yelled. He was always to chilled and relaxed to yell. But fun time was over. This wasn't the type of enemy he could have fun with.

Gabriel stared at him with a silent threat in his eyes then bent a little lower and whispered in Charley's ear. Jerry watched as white entranced eyes looked up at him.

The boy spoke at command. "You can't have me Jerry. I don't belong to you anymore."

He thought his heart couldn't break anymore than it already has. The one thing about him that wasn't invincible. "Charley, please, come here." Jerry tried to appeal to the Charley he once knew as he stepped closer to the departed boy reaching his hand out for him. He knew Gabriel had him under some kind of spell but was hoping for Charley to somehow push through and recognize him. The tables have certainly turned.

"I'm happy now. I'm in less pain. I don't have to run anymore. Aren't you happy for me? You should be proud of me, Jer. Father is." The boy replied.

Gabriel slipped a hand down the pale cheek of the boy. "I am so proud of you."

"He isn't yours." Jerry's face changed. It sharpened defenselessly.

"He isn't yours, either. But let's focus on what we do know, what Charley wants. And that's me. He needs me, to live."

The blacked haired man didn't respond. He couldn't. What more could he say or do?

"I see that look. You want me dead? It tells me you do. It tells me that you're going to stop at nothing to see it happen. Because of what? I took what you had? Not very rational if you ask me. I see how far you've come but this love you think you're feeling isn't there. It's mystical but it isn't real."

Jerry still said nothing. There was a deep empty space between his lungs that was closing in tightly.

"Are you hearing me?"

Jerry blinked in loss but the rest of him wasn't stirring much emotion. It was all in his eyes and Gabriel took that as a yes and turned to the group of humans, ending his concentration on Peter. "Go ahead. Let him have it."

The slayer looked at John.

"He's just playing with us now." John told him.

"We need to stop this Peter." Amy spoke daringly.

"I say give it to him." Ed suggested. "We have nothing else to lose. And if anyone can do it, it's Jerry."

Peter shook his head. They can tell he had already given up. "I thought we could get close. But we can't. Jerry can't. I'm not seeing a way out of this."

Gabriel expressed amusement. "I am giving you a chance to kill me and you refuse?"

Peter looked at the stake he took out and then looked at Gabriel. "Is that what you want? Perfect fucking darkness? What's the point of all of this? What is immortality going to do for you?"

"Aw, you poor delicate being. Does there have to be a reason and meaning to everything? Where I'm from, I've been tempted and torn by the devil himself. He has absolutely no reason or meaning for the things he does. That's what makes this whole night, sparkle and shine. But to be completely honest, I wanted this night to happen, all so that I could see Jerry at his most defensless and I have the weapon that made it happen."

Gabriel grinned as he pulled the possessed boy closer to him. Charley giggled as his master ran fingers across his pale lips and to provoke Jerry more, Gabriel kissed Charley, placing dead lips against the colder delicate ones. The moment the boy kissed him back was the moment that ended everything. It was the moment that would end this night. Jerry didn't or couldn't tear his eyes away as Gabriel viciously kissed what was his. Or used to be. And like everyone knew of there feelings for each other, they looked over at Jerry seeing his reaction because if anything could set him off, it was that. There was no doubt how internally coated and ablaze he was.

The boy wrapped arms around the taller mans white neck as Gabriel held the boy tightly at the waist with red smiling eyes lifting upward, keeping eye contact with the man he stole from.

It had to have been a dream. But he knew it wasn't as the dark images protruded his sight. Gabriel and Charley deep in an intoxicating kiss. Gabriel's hands pushing the boys thighs apart to feel between them and Charley loving it. Oh God, how bad he wanted to be dreaming.

The world was in chaos. The skies and lands filled with bats feeding and killing. And the only thing that mattered was happening before him. But he has never been more torn between what to do next. Was he going to allow the world to turn to dust or let Charley go? One thing was clear. Charley wasn't his anymore. Charley could never be his. He was dead. More dead than any undead creature. So he weighed deeply his options and there was only one thing he could do.

"Give me the stake, Peter."

Everyone looked at him.

"Jerry, you know you can't get close enough." The slayer in his own way declined. Jerry would be foolish to even try.

"Please. Just give it to me." The man was oddly detached. His eyes were a storm. They were so emotional. But his body and voice were controlled.

Peter was hesitant and tossed it to him. It landed by his boot. Jerry looked at the Sacred stake before snatching it up from the bloody wet puddle he stood in from his own desecration. He was dead inside. Sad. Utterly destroyed. Like he's failed to the point of no return. But what he was going to do next had to be done. It was the only way.

Gabriel pulled his lips from the boy and smirked at the dark haired man who he knew he pissed off enough to attempt to stake him. "Let's see how close you can get. We used to be so close. I look forward to being close again."

It hurt even more when the boy also smiled back, knowing just how to break him. Everything felt like a sick joke. Using Charley against him was just about the most fucked up thing anyone could do to him. And in order for Gabriel to pay the price, what Jerry had to do next was going to hurt. It was going to hurt everyone.

"Gabriel, you shouldn't have taken Charley. Not from me. What happens now, it's on you."

"You can't hurt me, Jerry. You're human. And if your wolf and bat were to infuse again, your Dark Angel would still be completely useless. He is mortally powerful but I'm immortally impervious and I have just the thing that makes you weak."

"You can't even fathom the amount of power I have."

"Well then, give it your best shot. Do it. Rise against me. Take my fucking heart out. But before you try, before you fail, do you have anything you wish to say before I end you and your friends?"

Jerry lifted his human eyes to Charley. Any last words would be to him. "I'm sorry." He's always wanted to say it since day one.

"For what Jerry? Be more specific. Tell Charley what you promised him. Remind him." Gabriel urged overpoweringly.

"Charley, I promised that I would save you. From anything and anyone, including myself."

"Now tell him what he needs to hear. Tell him the truth. Tell him you were incapable."

Jerry blinked, bowing his head just slightly. Rain drops sliding from his long dark lashes as flashes of bittersweet memories penetrated his brain. Like when his lips would connect with Charley's, feeling warmer than he's ever felt. When he would touch him for the sake of touching him just to feel alive. When he'd think about him just to fight off the nightmares he was born to have. When he'd keep him in his sight just to avoid his own panic and fear being without him. And when he smiled... that smile...it was everything. It meant everything. Was that something he wanted to lose forever?

The man looked back up to Charley. This time with tears in his eyes. Tears the rain couldn't dare merge with. Gabriel frowned, not understanding why or where this sadness was suddenly coming from.

"I'm sorry that I didn't. I know what you're feeling and what you've felt. Because I felt it too. I knew how scared you were. I know that you hate me right now for letting this happen. For allowing myself to be weak. For not getting to you sooner and for bringing you into this mess in the first place because of feelings I should have never had. It's why I couldn't hurt you, or turn you, or change you into something you didn't want to be. And I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to save you. But I love you and I won't let you live like this." He knew he couldn't get close to Gabriel. But he didn't have to. Because stabbing Gabriel in the heart wouldn't have done anything. He was no longer the Alpha. Charley was. "Not a fucking chance in hell."

He struggled to find the courage but the quicker it was over the better. So he came forward and stabbed the boy right through his red dead heart. It went in far and deep. Deep enough for everything to end.

"I'm sorry." Jerry kept his watery eyes on him as the boy was bleeding out and dying in his arms. "I wish we met when I was good."

"Jer?" The boy said as his eyes turned back to normal, but they were losing life. He looked betrayed, sad, non understanding why the man he loved jabbed a stake through his heart. "I would never hurt you. Remember? I could have killed you." He faltered his words.

Jerry knew what the boy was referring to as he recollected the memory of that specific day. The day they met in the basement to battle it out and the boy set him on fire and stabbed him with a stake at the chest but stopped before it penetrated his heart. It was the first night they made love. Of course that only made Jerry feel even worse.

"I'm sorry, Charley. I'm sorry..." He repeated as he pulled out the stake and dropped it like it was cursed. Tears were still wetting the dark haired mans face as he hugged close the love of his life fading into a dark place. It was the only way to end it all. It was never Gabriel he had to get close to. It was always Charley.

Gabriel backed away. He was stunned. "What have you done?" As were everyone else.

Jerry looked passed Charley who was being tightly and lovingly grasped against his chest at the red eyed Prince but said nothing. The boys flesh wound instantly affected Gabriel. Turning him weak. Turning him fragile. Deteriorating his flesh. Killing his power immensely.

A tear left from Gabriel the same as it did for Charley. His time for chasing dreams were over. They were no longer one in the same. And he knew it. He slumped to his knees, gasping and griping for air and life while slowly dying.

Nathaniel held in his own emotions as he watched as it ended. As Gabriel slowly wavered into excruciating pain before exploding into ash and flame. "Bye, dad." He quietly muttered to himself.

It was a dramatic explosion of evil gone away but life gained back. The dark clouds rolled back opening up the night sky. The rain drops lifted upward, the storm slowly evaporating. The bats were dropping like flies. The evil souls Gabriel turned them into exiting their bodies and forming back into mortals again. The werewolves disappearing back into their underground establishment. The fight was now over.

Jerry was still hugging Charley close. The boy was no longer breathing. He was dead and cold against him. He knew killing him would hurt but he thought it would hurt a lot less for some reason. Maybe because he did it to save the world and to save him from himself. But he didn't feel like a hero. He didn't feel good. He could hear the cries of the others and knew he had took something precious from everyone including himself. The boy was a gem that no longer had value. And he would never forgive himself for what he had done.

Ed just watched, sad at heart. Peter was hugging Amy as she bawled in his arms. John was on his knees, eyes beclouded. Nathaniel, Prometheus and Crassus keeping a respectful distance.

Jerry let his eyes shut down, remembering...

"You can't blame yourself for something that's meant to happen. I've come to accept it and so will you."

"I won't just let you die."

"Why?"

"You know why."

"Pride? Ego? Regret?"

"Charley."

"Control? Deliverance?"

"It's much bigger than any of that."

The boy smiled. "Love?"

Realizing his own panic of losing Charley forever, Jerry shot open his eyes. He lowered himself with the boy still in his arms and quickly sliced open his own wrist and let the blood drip inside Charley's mouth thinking he could revive him. It hurt. It hurt bad but he was forgetting how human he was now. Cutting open his wrist wasn't something he could do anytime he wanted anymore. But he chose to ignore his own pain. Feeling Charley stone cold against him was a lot more painful.

He was impatiently expecting something but nothing was happening. Then he cut open his wrist deeper and let the blood flow over the open wound at Charley's heart. But nothing.

"Fuck!" He cussed weakly. He let the blood flow more but didn't get a response. So he tried biting Charley's neck, thinking maybe he can get him back that way. But nothing was working. There was no life for him to take. He was no longer a vampire. No fangs for him to draw blood.

Peter slowly came up to Jerry. "Jerry, it's okay. Don't kill yourself over this."

The man was shaking badly as he kept soaked eyes on Charley. "Peter, I...I did something bad."

Peter comfortingly pulled Jerry away and took his arm to wrap his wrist. Surprisingly there was no resistance from him. "You did what you had to do."

John ran over and fell next to his son. He couldn't believe it. Angered, shocked, frozen, broken, distraught, he looked at Charley's pale face. It took him awhile before he was able to say anything. He scooped up the lifeless body. "Charley..." John cried.

Jerry watched John cradle his son like he never once abandoned him. As if he's been in his life the entire time. Peter patted his shoulder then turned as a group of men came from nowhere. Emerging from the dissolving mist. They looked like hunters. Slayers. They were there to secure the area and gather all the humans who have awoken from the possession. There were hundreds of them.

Jerry watched as Charley's body disappeared under the sight of people who loved and cared for him. It was hard to accept but there was nothing he could do. Seeing him lifeless reminded him of that.

Peter pushed Jerry away urgently. "Go. Don't watch, just go. Don't let them track you."

Jerry didn't budge. He wasn't going to go anywhere.

"Please Jerry, go. Those are John's men. He will have them kill you."

Jerry's vampire flew off into the distant sky and his wolf disappeared elsewhere. All parts to him, parting ways. It was up to the humans to do what they needed to do with the body.

"Go." Peter pleaded more severe yet sympathetic. He knew how bad Jerry wanted to be there for Charley but right now he was the villain in everyone else's eyes.

The dark haired man began to walk.

Ed was going to go after him but Peter stopped him. "He needs time."

"He also needs to know that it isn't his fault."

"Ed, he just saved the entire world. He knows and if he doesn't, he will."

Two slayers came up beside John. "Should we go after him?"

John didn't respond.

"We should get him out of here." The other said about Charley.

"Give me a minute." John said in angry tears.

"Yes sir." They backed off to give him space. But John was too angered to care about anything else. He felt the urge to go after Jerry himself and stab him with the stake he used to kill his son with. He was tempted. Greatly tempted. But before John even stood to go after him, Peter took out his gun but didn't point it. It was just to let him know that he would shoot if he had to. It was a civil warning.

John looked at the gun and then at Peter. "Is that for me?"

"If you harm Jerry, yes."

"He did this."

"He saved us. Let him walk."

John took one of the firearms from his men and aimed it at Peter. "Well, this is for you if you don't let me pass."

Peter looked around at the rest of the slayers moving in on him. But Peter wasn't a pushover. He finally pointed the gun to John.

Ed waved to the other side. "You better have a vampire on your side."

Prometheus stood up to them with Crassus ready to fight for Jerry seeing as he would and has fought for them.

"And a wolf who could probably kill all of you with one swipe of his paw. Choose wisely." Nathaniel encouraged.

"John, you're angry. You're not thinking straight." Peter said. "But Jerry is not your enemy."

"I want to hear him say that."

"Don't do this."

John ignored his request and pushed by Peter, calling out for the man walking away or in his own head, escaping.

"Jerry!"

The dark haired man stopped. He blinked in complete exhaust.

"Turn around and face me!"

Jerry did as he asked. He wasn't going to put up a fight. He didn't have it in him anymore.

"John! Put the gun down or I will shoot you!" Peter shouted.

"Get on your knees." John didn't care. He was to heated. He didn't understand or want to understand why it was Charley who had to go in order for the world to stabilize.

Jerry did as he was told. John came right up to him and put the gun right between his eyes.

"You need to die."

The submissive man said nothing and just waited for John to pull the trigger but before John shot off the weapon, something shocked them all. Charley started screaming causing everyone to turn and raise their heads at the leak of his voice. A voice they thought they would never hear again. John loosely put the gun down. Peter immediately ran over to Charley who was screaming his lungs out like he was still in pain from the hole in his heart. No one touched him, scared to, as they watched amazed his heart repairing itself. And his skin rejuvenating. John, ran over aswell.

"Keep him still." Peter said and John tried to calm Charley down through the pain as they restrained him from hurting them or himself. The boy was in tears. Tears that won't stop anytime soon. Screaming and hitting away at his father and Peter. He didn't know where he was, or what was happening. It was like he was dying over and over again and didn't know why. He couldn't bear it. He couldn't even open his eyes. He felt like he was paralyzed in his own darkness, feeling nothing but pain.

But he was alive and that's all they wanted. That's all Jerry wanted. Feeling a wave of ease come over him, the dark haired man sadly smiled. He watched as the humans handled him during his crying and lashing out. He wanted to go to him but knew it wasn't the right moment. He was desperate to take his pain away. It hurt even worse when he heard his name coarse from his mouth. Charley was calling and reaching out for him. And only him. Over and over.

"It's okay Charley, I'm here." John said trying to soothe him some more. He didn't like that Charley was calling for Jerry but it wasn't time to be petty.

The human thing would have gone to him but Jerry just quickly disappeared letting them handle the rest knowing Charley would be alright.

It was about an half hour later before the boy finally calmed down after constant crying. He had exhausted himself. Now he was just lost. He still wasn't coherent to the people and his surroundings, just to how much coming back to life hurt.

"I guess for you, something good did come from this." Nathaniel said to Prometheus. He sounded bitter. Like he had a chip on his shoulder and the wolf leader knew why. He was now a mortal something he never wanted to be again.

"Not entirely." Prometheus replied saying nothing more.

"Tell Jerry that he shouldn't be sorry it ended this way. It had to be done." Nathaniel, with no notice, then turned and fled.

Prometheus knew Nathaniel would be back another day to tell him himself. Now he looked to his son. "There is nothing for us. We let them mourn."

Prometheus nodded at Peter grateful and Peter nodded back then watched him turn and leave with his son. Peter looked back down at Charley who may not be the same after this. Maybe even permanently damaged. The trauma he experienced wasn't going to be an easy one to recover from. But he would be deeply praying for him. If anyone deserved to have a good rest of their life, it was Charley.

"You're alright, you're alright." His father rocked him. The boy was just holding his heart, breathing rapidly as he stared up at the now empty sky. As the darkness ended.


Things had calmed down. Days had passed. The city was no longer bleeding but healing.

Charley blinked at the black TV screen in his hospital room. He didn't know why he was staring at it. He supposed something about it made him think of Jerry. It was just dark and voided. Like the vampires eyes. Like everything about him. Including his absence.

"Can we come in?'

Charley turned to see his mom and Amy at the door. He smiled weakly and leaned up.

"Don't do that honey. Just stay put and don't move."

"I'm feeling better mom."

"That's not the point. It's whether you're doing better and the doctor said you're not improving." She said kissing his forehead and then putting her purse down on the couch under the window.

"I'm talking. That's improvement." Charley replied.

"Charley, but you're still drifting in and out of consciousness, you can barely even stand and you haven't eaten. They won't let you out of here especially if you keep refusing to eat something."

"I'm not hungry." The boy shrugged. "I'm just gonna throw it up anyway."

Amy smiled lovingly while petting his hair. "You're still stubborn. Good thing that remained normal." She stated.

"But I'm sure you don't want to spend the rest of your life in here or in an early grave." Jane countered.

He smiled at the both of them. "I'm fine. I'm at least well hydrated."

"I heard its visiting hours!" Peter came in, jolly for some reason. He ran over to hug Charley. "Sorry I'm late. It's hard to escape the media."

"Not like you mind it." Amy rolled her eyes.

"What Amy is trying to say is congratulations." Jane deemed. "And who are those flowers for?"

They all looked weirdly at him, thinking he got them for Charley, but they were wrong.

"Anyways, it's nice to see you awake and alive kiddo."

"Not for long, he's not eating." His mom said with a pitied smirk.

Charley wasn't going to repeat that he wasn't hungry again. So he turned his interest to Peter. "Why are you happy?" he asked like he wasn't allowed to be. "You're throwing my vibe off."

"I'm glad you asked. Now that Nathaniel and Gabriel are no longer a vampire and or dead, all they have turned have turned back. By the way, the flowers are for "her"." He winked emphasizing 'her'.

Charley smiled happy for him. "That means Ginger is back? Congratulations Peter. That's awesome." He was happy but also sad for himself. Where the fuck was Jerry at? It's been four days and not one visit. Everyone else came to visit with cards and get well gifts. Jerry couldn't even visit once? Not to mention his dad was MIA as well. But he was a little less concerned about that.

"Wait, normally that wouldn't work right?" Amy asked. "Nathaniel is still alive. Isn't he a master vampire?"

"Something must have changed when it was Charley instead of Gabriel. I think what happened after Charley was bitten, he became the main source. Gabriel was no longer the master because it was Charley's blood they needed in order to survive. However Charley didn't turn vampire. He was never a parasite. He was something else entirely. New blood. A new foundation. And Jerry must have known that or else he wouldn't have…" Then Peter stopped when he saw how confused everyone looked. Also he knew if he continued saying what he was about to say Charley would feel even more down. The secret was out. They all knew how he felt about Jerry and they were all trying their best not to bring him up.

"Peter, let's not talk about vampires right now." Jane said clearing her throat after the fact. She still couldn't believe it all happened. It felt like a very surreal dream. "I've had enough of vampires and wolves." Even though she was luckier than most. She pretty much passed out, was presumed dead and was basically ignored during the chaos.

Peter noted Charley looked upset and was trying for a different way to cheer him up. "I proposed to Ginger."

They all looked shocked. Judgmentally shocked. "Uhm, I guess we're happy for you." Amy said it like she was more questioning it. She didn't know them well and when she saw how they were together, they were a tainted and toxic couple.

"Yea...Peter, well done?" Jane looked to Amy to see if that was a proper response. She didn't know Ginger at all but she knew Peter for the most part. And the only thing he was committed to was alcohol.

"I'll give it about two weeks before you guys are trying to kill each other." Charley just went ahead and said what they were thinking. "But I'm still happy for you." He was. But seriously, where was Jerry to propose to him. Or maybe he was asking for too much. Jerry wasn't a romantic anyway, so the proposal would have been a disaster but there wasn't any harm in playing it out in his head.

"She was in a bitchy mood so I gave her flowers, roses to be exact and chocolates both of which she is actually allergic too. I had no idea. Then I made it up with expensive Tequila since that seems to be the one thing that makes her happy. It did not make her happy. She drank the entire bottle, was in the bathroom for hours throwing up, started accusing me of trying to kill her and then I proposed to see if that would make her feel better and it did. So two weeks tops. But enough about me, Ed said he can't visit until you know, night, so he'll be around later."

"And your dad said he had to do something but he'll be here later too." His mom gathered in. She sighed at his reaction. Charley still wasn't forgiving or forgetful. "Listen to me Charley, he is trying to make things better. He feels terrible. I just hope you and him can find a way to talk again. You don't have to like him but now that he's around, he plans on staying around. Not for me but for you. Okay?" He just smiled and she bent over to kiss him on the cheek. "I'll be back. Gonna go grab some coffee. Anyone need anything?"

"I'll go with you." Amy said and kissed Charley on the head before leaving with Jane.

"They're like best friends. It's weird." Peter assumed.

Charley chuckled. It was almost true. "It's good to see you. It's good to see everyone again."

"Do you remember much?"

Charley had to think really hard about it because he didn't. "I only remember parts of it. I guess that's a good thing."

"Well, I did tell you, we'd only survive. No one really believed me. I don't think I even believed myself."

"You did good. Keeping everyone alive."

"Barely." Peter nodded and started to pace. He had his 'I want to say something but maybe I shouldn't' face on.

"Peter, just say it." Charley sighed. "If it's bad news, the good new is I'm too weak to get out of bed and punch you."

"I think it's not the best time." Peter kept delaying.

"Please." The innocent look on the boys face had Peter give up.

"Fine." Then the slayer cleared his throat like he was preparing to say something that might get him killed. "There is a whole band of slayers. Your father wants me to help him lead them."

"Are you thinking about it or have you already decided?"

"I'm going to take the job. Why not, right? I've been playing with makeup a little long now. I'll still do it, just as a front."

"Is there even still a threat? Isn't it over for now?"

"There's always going to be a threat. In my experience, the threat never ends."

"I'm happy for you."

Peter shook his head. "No you're not."

"I am Peter. It's what you are good at. You'd make a great leader, like your dad. You're finally being who you need to be. Not the drunk I first met."

"I'm still going to be drinking. Just a little less." He admitted.

Charley grinned. "Good. I'm glad things are working out for you. I really am."

"Don't be happy for me just yet. The reason why Amy left with your mom is because she wants to join too. She refused to see you angry once I told you."

Charley looked bothered but not angry and for some reason Peter expected he'd get mad the way John would. But he hasn't seen John in Charley or Charley in John since knowing the both of them. If Charley was becoming like anyone, it was Jerry. Quiet and reserved about feelings.

"So my dad went around recruiting a team?"

"Kinda. Wait…Yea. Actually, that's exactly what happened."

"Why did Amy say 'yes'?" He was actually really shocked she even wanted to.

Peter shrugged. "She survived. And she's not as hopeless as she thought she was. She did pretty well out there. I guess almost dying, inspired her. In her defense I think she can manage. She's tough. Bitchy but tough."

"It's not about being tough."

"Don't forget about bitchy."

Charley sighed. Too much was happening. He tossed the covers off of him and tried to get out of bed. Peter quickly rushed to his side to keep him in. "What the hell are you doing?"

"I'm gonna go talk to Amy." Charley said concernedly. "Maybe I can convince her not to."

"No you're not. Get in bed." Peter gave him a fatherly look and Charley slipped right back into his covers. He sighed again. "What about Ed?"

"Now you're just asking for shit you don't want to hear."

"I'm going to find out anyway."

Then Peter went to go sit by the window. "I honestly don't know what Ed's plan is yet. John isn't fond or happy with a vampire being on the team but I'm sure he can be convinced how beneficial it would be for us. Especially since he's one of the good guys. And possibly hybrid. Maybe."

"So he comes back into my life and tries to stay in it by welcoming everybody I care about. I knew he would do this."

"What better way to do that by keeping all of your closest friends close to him. That means staying close to you. That is actually some manipulative shit right there."

"Yea, that's what he does. That's what he's always done."

"I get it, you're worried, but if this whole Amy thing doesn't sit right with you, as a friend I will tell her no."

"I have no right to tell her no but I do have a right to tell John to stay the fuck out of my life."

"I don't think he plans to get out of your life anytime soon. He thinks you will be a great slayer."

"I'm not going to take after my dad, Peter. He's even putting work before me again."

"You don't have to take after him. Take after me. After everything you went through, after everything you survived, I would be happy to slay by your side only if it's something you want. You have it in you. You took down Jerry twice. And not one single being in this world or out of this world can say that. That is quite the accomplishment. Put it on your resume."

"Where is he?" Charley asked trying to seem cool about it but his sadness stood out more.

The slayer shook his head. "I don't know kid. I'll find out for you though. I'll drop by."

Amy arrived back but Charley didn't say anything about her wanting to join his dad. Keeping her wishes respected...for about five seconds.

"Why do you want to join my dad?"

She sighed and looked at Peter. "Can I have a minute with Charley?"

"Yep." Peter got up from the bed side with no hesitation and quickly walked out. He wanted no part of it. He closed the door behind him and picked up his phone dialing up Jerry hoping he'd pick up but it was only going straight to voicemail. He put the cell away when he saw Jane arriving.

"Hey, I'm going to head out."

"Is something wrong."

"No, no, not at all." Peter sweet talked. "I just have something to do. Charley and Amy are having a talk so it might be awhile till you are welcomed back in."

"Lovers quarrel?" She grinned.

"Possibly. I'll see you around."

"Hey, thank you Peter, for everything."

The slayer gave her a friendly wink. "No problem." Then took off. Once he was out the doors and on his way to his car he called up Ed. Ed answered.

"Bro, I'm trying to sleep." He grunted.

"It's early."

"Duh. I'm a vampire dude. The fucking sun is up."

"Yea, almost forgot."

"What's this about?"

"Are you at Jerry's?"

"No."

"Then where are you?"

"In a room. Just hiding out."

"Amy's room?"

"Can't go back to my parent's place and definitely don't plan on going to Jerry's."

"Why not? You're pretty much his pet."

"He has plenty of those. And I plan on not disturbing him because last time I checked he was in 'do not disturb' mode."

"So he's there?"

"Maybe. I don't know where he is. I haven't looked for him. I haven't even been by his place. But he's probably there. I tried calling but he doesn't pick up. But he's not dead if that's what you're worried about."

"I did drop by a couple of times. Of course his door was locked, lights were off. Car has been in the same spot for days. I even did a stakeout and nothing. No activity."

"So in your professional opinion, no signs of life?"

"Just want to make sure he doesn't skip out."

"You hated him when we started this stupid adventure, why suddenly the soft spot?"

"People change."

"You know, whatever you tell him, he's not going to listen. Might want to give him another day or two. I'm giving him a month."

"Yea. I think I will. Thanks. Don't forget to visit Charley."

"He's my friend. I won't. Don't say or do anything stupid when you visit Jerry. That's a fair warning."

Peter sighed. "Wish me luck."

"Peter, you are already the luckiest man alive. You don't need luck."

"Thanks."

"Late." Ed hung up.

Peter jumped in his car and took off.


Amy handed Charley a muffin. "Here. It's something solid. And it's your favorite. Ginger bread. Also, I brought you some water."

"I'm not hungry, Amy."

"You have to eat something."

"I can't."

"Why are you being so hardheaded?"

"Why do you want to join my dad? Before, you were passing out at the sight of vampires and wolves and now you want to kill them? Is my mom joining too? Where is she by the way? Is she on the phone with him signing a voice contract?"

She rolled her eyes and turned away from him. She had a feeling there was much more going on that was making him act up. "I knew you would have a problem with this. That's why I didn't want to tell you. And you're mistaken, I passed out at the sight of Jerry and yes it's been a terrifying couple of weeks but I managed to live Charley. I felt exposed but it woke me up to something so much greater than myself. What do you expect me to do?"

"Nothing, just stay inside and study. Go to college and get the degree and career you always wanted. You don't have to be around danger."

"Are you just mad because it's your father who asked? What if it was Peter?"

"I'm only trying to look out for you."

"What about Ed?"

"He's a vampire. He can handle himself."

"I can handle myself." Amy was offended he had little faith in her.

"You won't be thinking that when a wolf or a vampire has you pinned between their fangs."

"You're worried about me? I get it."

"Of course I am. I don't want you getting hurt or killed."

She smiled. "Charley, I will be working with the best. Your dad, Peter, Ed. You maybe. I heard rumors about Prometheus and Nathaniel teaming up. Sounds like it would matter. We can stop the feud between wolves and vampires this way if we team with them. We can't just ignore something that we had a huge part in. Maybe I don't have a chance in being a great fighter but I am smart. I could be the brains in the operation. They're all men so they're going to need somebody smart and rational thinking on the team. Sometimes a little estrogen is needed around all of that testosterone. Maybe I'll just be the office girl who overlooks things from an inside covert station. You know, away from danger."

He chuckled trying to see things her way. "Just think about it. This job isn't for everyone. These slayers have years experience. They're professionals."

She lowered her head. And tried to say something but really wasn't managing well. It threw Charley off.

"What?" He asked concerned.

"Do you even still love me? Did you ever?"

Charley knew it had to be brought up eventually. In fact he forgot he had ever fallen out of love with her. It wasn't much forgotten as much as it never was.

"I do love you and I always will."

"But?... "

"But what?"

"Oh come on Charley, there's always a but. You can tell me. It doesn't matter what you say to me right now, we'll always be friends. It's not like I don't know the answer, I just want to finally hear it from you."

He took a deep uncomfortable breath. "I wasn't being myself around you and I can never be myself around you. I was trying hard to be accepted by a group who would never accept me no matter how much I tried to blend in. I lost friends and myself because of it. I was embarrassed of myself and I shouldn't have been. I found myself during all of this and I realized that you would never accept the real me because I was never the real me with you."

"Who is the real you, Charley? If it's the freak people used to call you then I get it. I know you're a freak. That's what I liked about you. It's what I still like. I know. Jerry. To you he's like a dark fantasy. You totally had a crush on him when you first laid eyes on him by the way. We all did. He's a stud. Remember that time you were spying on him from your window and wouldn't even make time for me? So you think you're bad because you have the hots for Jerry? Who doesn't have the hots for him?"

Charley was actual surprised at how understanding she was. He really thought she would become the psycho ex girlfriend he would always regret. But hell, now that she knew…"I don't just have the hots for him. I'm in love with him. And I don't know how to feel about that."

"I know, Char and he's in love with you. He confessed it in front of everyone including your dad. That's charming."

"You're okay with this?"

"It's my fault. I saw it and I didn't say anything. And I know why you kept it from me. Also Ed was apparently the first to know."

"So he told you?"

"Yep."

"I don't know whether to kill him or thank him."

"You should thank him. Because I'm pretty sure he only said anything at all to get me away from you so that he could have me." She grinned.

"Really? You and Ed?" He gave a surprised chuckle. "Odd."

"He's been flirting." Then she snuck on the bed and snuggled up beside him. He wrapped his arm around her. "Charley what you did with Jerry, you changed him and that's what he needed. He liked being a menace. He liked killing. He liked intimidating us but you changed him. You turned him into something he never thought he could be. That's huge Charley. You have no idea how huge and if all of this didn't happen the way it did, we would all be in some type of hell right now."

"I'm sorry this happened, Amy."

"Don't be. If it wasn't meant to be it wasn't meant." She looked up at him. He smiled down at her. "Besides you would never have sex with me. Ever. Even at your horniest. I was dating a closeted gay this whole time. I can't really blame you for liking guys, I like guys too."

"In my defense, I was never attracted to any other guy before. Just him."

"I know."

Then they went silent, Charley quietly accepting the relief of Amy's comment and Amy just thinking of the future.

"Will you ever forgive him? If he just left?"

Charley looked up at the ceiling. "I don't know."

"He'll come around. He always does. Even when you're least expecting it."

Charley didn't say anything. He just remembered all the times Jerry was happy to finally have him, touch him, taste him. And now all of that might as well have just been a dream.

"Finally, I have you..."

Charley was slowly nodding off. And once he closed his eyes to rest, Amy left his side to go meet Jane on the other side of the door.


"Is there anything you want to say to me?" His voice was gruff, like he had lost sleep for many nights trying to recover from the event of monsters that took place not to long ago. The vampire and wolf hunting operation was a success and fortunately for the world they had not been seen the second the Fright Night came to an end. But he wasn't there to congratulate the demon who made all of that happen. He wasn't there to thank the man who saved his son. He was there to remove all debts.

"I'll tell you anything you want to hear. So what do you want to hear?"

John chuckled at the vampire's hotheaded answer as he strolled further into the dark kitchen uninvited. "You've been hiding out. This time you left the door unlocked. Were you expecting me?"

But Jerry didn't care about how he found him and though he respected his own privacy as much as anyone he just looked up at the invader, waiting for more than just a small acquainted greet. "It's cute that you're checking up on me. But I'm not hiding. You see me, don't you?"

John breathed in not sure he was ready to face him but felt he was doing the right thing in doing so. "You may have a keen eye for certain things but as a slayer of your type, I can see right through you. Where did you go earlier tonight? You left and then you came back."

Jerry offered him a very tame smile. He just didn't have the time or energy to behave like he normally would. Undomesticated. "Can I get you something to drink while you're here or are you going to make this a quickie? You should know how I feel about those. You should also know how I feel about my alone time. It's important for me to have it. It's also important to others that I have it. Mostly for their safety."

John folded his arms tightly as he watched the vampire slide him a beer. "I guess you're not worried about how I found you?"

"I don't care how you found me." Jerry bit off the lid and began to drink.

"You should. Because certain people are going to be looking for you. And when they find you, you better be ready."

"And what follows? You know, after they find me? Whoever they are." Jerry asked unconcerned.

"They're going to want you dead."

The vampire placed the beer bottle on the counter gently and politely. Then looked John dead in the eyes. "Isn't that why you're here? Because a dead me is what you want?"

John didn't give a response. So Jerry answered for him.

"I get it, you don't trust me. That's good. It means you're doing the job right. This whole slayer thing suits you but you can't have a family with that kind of life and you certainly can't be spying on strangers if you want to give up that life. So choose wisely, the type of life you want to live from here on forward."

"You giving me a lecture?"

"I don't lecture people. I tell them exactly what they need to hear."

"You have the nerve."

"You have the nerve." Jerry opposed. "You were pursuing my whereabouts instead of being at the hospital visiting your son?"

"That doesn't work, Jerry. Not from you. Not from the person who put him there."

"He's also alive because of me. And again, you're still here and not there."

"You were lucky."

"We were all lucky. I didn't know it would work. I took a leap of whatever you humans believe in…faith."

John scoffed. "What would you know about faith?"

"Nothing. Nothing at all."

It turned quiet between them as John started to poke his head around in case Jerry wasn't alone.

"What do you really want to talk about?"

"Where were you tonight?"

"Feeding somewhere."

"On what?"

"Human flesh."

"So you're one of them again?"

"You wouldn't be here if I was still human. You came to make sure I've been on my best behavior. So, as you know, I'm no longer human, infected again by my demons and back to my old ways and you're here to get rid of me. Or you're here wondering why I stabbed your son and left you guys up there to deal with feelings?"

"I'm more concerned with the feelings you have for him." John replied coldly but it could never be as cold as Jerry himself.

"I knew you would want to come and see me eventually after you found out what I am to him...And look what the bat dragged in." He chuckled bringing the bottle back to his lips.

"It wasn't hard to figure out and put the puzzle together after that night. I know what he means to you and what you mean to him. But it's going to stop because it's sick."

"Want some stomach relief?"

John bit his tongue at the sarcastic reply.

"You probably regret not blowing my brains out when you had the chance huh?"

"I regret more than just that."

"So instead of visiting your son in the hospital, you were busy trying to find more ways to make him unhappy? How sweet, John. Such a good daddy. You've always been. Cheers." Jerry lifted his beer to the air and then slammed it in a straight gulp. He then dropped the bottle to the floor while staring John down. "What else you got?"

John looked at the broken glass and then back at Jerry. "I am here for Charley."

"Charley doesn't know you're here for him. Do you see what's wrong with this picture? You are coming back into his life and taking control of it. I will give credit to where credit is due. You're a good slayer but you are a terrible father and nothing good you do right now will fix that."

John was beginning to appreciate the human Jerry a lot more. That form wasn't as sassy or hostile. "What would you know about being a father?"

"Well, I do have an army of vampires I gave birth to." Jerry didn't mean for his answer to be taken seriously, but he did find it hilarious by giving a cheeky grin.

"You took the lives from those innocent people."

Jerry laughed like he was unwinding down for the night. "Innocent? Yea, I've killed people, but innocent people? No human on earth is innocent. When I'm hungry, I'm not attracted to innocence. I don't care about virgin blood. I only take bad blood. So, poor them, I guess."

"Your arrogance is dangerous. I don't know much about you or what you are or what my son even sees in you. But I do know one thing."

"Do tell."

"You're a sick fuck. I hope you understand why I disapprove. You've turned him obsessed and every time he hears the mention of your name he's almost trapped. He's a good kid and I don't need him distracted from the good things he can look forward to. You're going to end it with him. You caused enough damage and now he thinks he's in love. I can't have him that way."

Jerry just smiled. "As far as I'm concerned, you've only known your own son for one total day. You have no say in his life."

John stared right back at the terrorizing eyes. He scoffed lightly then started to shift around while shaking his head. "You seriously don't see the danger you're going to put him through? You're an animal. He's been fucking an animal."

That comment did tick Jerry off. He couldn't help that he was. "Sometimes I try not to be." And that was true. He never liked the animal he became.

"Trying isn't good enough."

"Charley has been in the hospital for days. The first day, he was incoherent, the second day, uncooperative, the third day, reserved. Today he was talkative, so how is it you know this much already about his feelings for me when you haven't visited him yet? You are either incredibly observant or you've been spying on us for awhile? I guess it can't be the latter because my batty senses would have gone off."

"You don't think your senses could have dimmed while you were a tad bit distracted?"

"They were dim. But you had no idea who I was before you met Peter. So congrats on the obvious. Charley showed you what he is to me when I gave him his life back. By screaming my name instead of yours. By mentioning me in his unconscious battles with himself and his dreams. By asking for me and only me. I can see where the envy seeps right through."

John, growing aggravated bit the inside of his mouth. "Let me ask you something, since you seem to have it all figured out, how do you know all of this? How do you know what Charley is feeling or who he's asking for? According to Jane and Peter, you haven't visited once. You've been stalking him?"

"I call it, invisibility. It's a cool power to have when you want to face someone but can't. But as far as visits go, it's more than you've done."

"So that's where you went tonight. Not to feed but to watch my son sleep?"

"Actually, just to visit but he is a cute sleeper." Jerry knew exactly how that sounded and ended the comment with a fucked up smile. "I want to tell you something I've never told anyone before. Watching your son sleep, gets me hard."

"You're trying to make me mad?"

"You're already mad."

"You think just because you sneak in his hospital room to check up on him, it's going to make me think differently of you?"

"I'm pretty sure you're always going to think the same of me as you do now and the thing is John, I do not give any fucks."

"How are we going to resolve this then?"

"You're the one who wants me gone. You figure it out." Jerry just stayed leaning over his counter while casually drinking another beer.

"Try to take me serious." John strictly hissed.

Jerry smiled, rejecting further conversation.

"If I figure out that you're still around or even staying in contact with Charley, I'll kill you. For real this time."

"I'm all yours. You can stake me here right now. Or to make things exciting, you can stake me to death in Charley's hospital room if you want. While he's awake. If it makes you feel better, I'll grant you that. What do you say?"

"Don't use my son against me."

"He is against you."

"You'll be dead soon anyway. People know you exist. Slayers from around the world will be coming for you. Bounty hunters at your doorstep. Government officials, sending out hitmen to retrieve you so that they can start their next test subject. You'll be like a trophy to them. The best thing to do is leave. I expect you gone. Out of this neighborhood as soon as possible. And take any vampire friends you have with you."

"My, my, that's a lot to pack but you're the boss."

"This is not a game. But I am doing you a favor." John rose his voice. But Jerry wasn't affected by it. The only thing he was affected by was losing Charley for good.

Jerry pushed away from the counter and strolled slowly up to John who refused to enter completely. Jerry looked him up and down. Weighing up the mans tenseness with his sheltered forbidding eyes. "A favor?"

"I could kill you right now but a part of me is telling me to let you live and be semi forgiving."

The pale man slowly smiled. "That's not how it works, Johnny. You don't owe me that but you do owe me everything else." He lightly poked the man in the chest with his long fingernail.

"I've met plenty of vampires who act and behave more human than you. And I've met ones who just attack. Like animals. The way they're supposed to. You are an entire different mess. You're disorderly in your emotions and that's considered dangerous in the average eye. In a slayers eye. In other words, I can't trust you to be good. And Charley would be naive to trust you to be good to him."

Jerry shrugged. "I am dangerous. You're absolutely right. But look at this way, if I was evil, you'd be dead right now for just breaking into my home. I think that's a start because I don't like you. Do you know what I do to people I don't like?"

"I can imagine."

"No. You can't."

"You're dangerous but you can be stopped."

The vampires sighed and nodded slightly. "You win John. I'm done. I'm done fighting. I've been done since that night. I get it. I will leave you be and I will let your son go. It has been an experience these past couple of days. An experience I never thought I'd go through. I was up against a lot. The only reason I got through it was because I was desperate for blood I didn't even want to have. Being a monster, I've been taught to feel like and be one, when in reality I could have chosen differently. But it felt good. It felt good to be bad. Right now, I'm not a bad guy, I'm not evil and I'm not starving for flesh and blood like I used to. Not yet. Right now, I don't know who I am or what because I've never been myself. I came back to this place after that night and something sick and unnerving happened. Though I was human, I walked inside of my home and I felt empty. I felt nothing. My human didn't know how to handle what I never was able to feel. Then I start to choke. And I start to burn. And I sink inside of myself. Collapsing and all I want to do is fade out of this life I don't seem to have a grasp on yet. I start to wonder why, if I'm so human now, why do I feel this way, why do I feel like I'm being taken over by my monsters again? I was having a panic attack, knowing I had done everything I could for Charley and still managed to fail him. It weakened me and I couldn't stay separated from my demons for long. I looked up and I was staring right into the eyes of my wolf and my vampire. They don't give me a chose and they attack and it was like being attacked all over again, just like the very first time I turned. So after I recover, I'm disappointed. I pretty much became what I was already. There was no escaping them or remaining human at all. The sad thing was, human or creature, I felt no differently because I don't have the one thing in my life to keep me from being what I am. So if you think I want your forgiveness, you're mistaken. And to think you're doing me a favor is somehow honorable and makes you sleep at night then you're in for a treat. We can be in agreement about me disappearing and never being seen again but I expect something from you." The vampire slid a silky finger down John's chest. "I don't care if you are Charley's father and I won't take into consideration how much he actually loves you, you hurt Charley like you already have, I will make sure you regret ever being born into a world where things like me love blood and flesh from men like you. I won't let you sleep at night. I won't let you feel human at all. I like your son. A lot. And by me granting your wish, he's going to be in a lot of pain. You see, he likes me too. I mean something to him. The thing is, you mean nothing to him, at all, and your threats mean nothing to me. I'll play your little game with you because I like games. But remember John, this isn't about you. This is about Charley. If I hide, he seeks. And I promise, he will have someone watching out for him at all times and if it's not going to be me, it better be you. You will not cower, you will not flake, you will save him from any type of harm, you will protect him from monsters like me and people like you and if you fail him, you and I will have a long, long conversation in hell about it because that's where we're both probably going to end up. I'm pretty sure of it. So when I'm gone, be there for him. Because if your not, I will come right the fuck back, find you and rip your fucking flesh away from your brittle bones, piece by piece and very carefully, for my own sick amusement because that's just something I do. And believe me, I will clean up the mess so good even Charley would be impressed. I will fuck him so hard over your stupid grave at your empty funeral. He'll be moaning my name so loud he will forget the name 'John'. He won't even question what happened to your fucking existence. And never try to take on a beast like me. You're scared. I can hear and feel your cowardly heart shivering behind your ribs. If you weren't so set on trying to be tough in front of me, you'd be pissing yourself. Do not threaten me again. Not because it's rude but because you wouldn't stand a chance and I don't take to threats kindly. In fact they're encouraging and delightful. But don't you worry yourself this time, I'll be gone tomorrow. I will always hate myself for hurting Charley, John. That is a burden I will always carry with me. So there you have it. Anything else you want to talk to me about?"

John quickly backed away from the demon but had a deep and hateful glare. "You've been warned."

"No John, you've been warned." Jerry half smiled and headed back to the counter to lounge and finish his last beer for the night. Or so he thinks.

John turned and left the house slamming the door shut behind him.


"Jerry!? You here?" Peter came strolling into the vampires now unlocked home but wasn't getting an answer. He was also trying to call his cell at the same time he was shouting his name out. The phone was going straight to voicemail, so it was most likely dead or Jerry was ignoring him. Or Jerry was dead. That wasn't likely though. He could tell he was around because the TV was on, there were boxes packed all about the first level of the house and everywhere he stepped he was kicking empty cans of cheap beer. Probably a good sign but also a bad one. "What the fuck has he been up to?" Peter quietly wondered.

He walked into the living space and looked at the TV.

"It is no myth anymore. Vampires and Werewolves do exist among the humans. Last weeks actions have confirmed it. People are still talking, people are still healing and the city is still under construction. Peter Vincent, a former vampire slayer had finally come out to speak more about it and why the mysterious bat slayers have finally returned from hiding, among them being the father of Charley Brewster, one of the main victims during this supernatural time. Fright Night has finally come to life..."

"What do you want Peter?"

Peter looked over towards the kitchen, seeing Jerry sitting lazily in the corner of the kitchen, drinking his beer and watching the news from there. Just all casual and shit.

"Where the fuck have you been? Have you been ignoring my calls?" Peter went straight for the lecture. "I've called like five times."

"I've been here. And you called me...let's see." Jerry looked at his phone under missed calls. "45 times today and 80 times last night. You even left a drunk voicemail."

"I'm extremely offended that you ignored me but I can move pass that. What have you been doing with yourself?"

"Nothing." The vampire grinned lightly. "Also move, you're blocking the TV."

Peter came over to him. "Why is this place such a fucking mess?" Then they both looked up at the sink full of empty beer cans and all Jerry did was smile. "Are you drunk? There is so much beer everywhere. If you're drowning in some type of pity and despair at-least drink the hard shit."

"It has nothing to do with pity. And vampires don't get drunk."

The slayer quickly calmed his next words. "So you're back to vampire?"

"Yea."

"I'm sorry to hear that." Peter was deeply saddened about it. He and everyone else didn't want to see Jerry go back to his old ways. He had improved so much in such little time. All thanks to Charley.

"Yea. So thanks for picking the worst time of the day to come visit."

Peter looked towards the door he forgot to close on his way in at the sun seeping obnoxiously through. "Sorry. What are you doing drinking then?" He said after closing the door and entering the kitchen once more.

"It helps take my mind off the blood that I'm actually craving. I was doing good for a bit. But now it's coming back."

"Have you tried fighting it?"

"I've been fighting it for weeks."

Peter sighed. Jerry shrugged. And they both stared at each other with nothing said for about 15 hard seconds. And despite the annoying silence, Jerry had no intention to spark up the conversation at all. He already gave his answer and he'd prefer they both be uncomfortable anyway.

"I really thought your human side would last."

"For the sake of the world?"

"For your sake. For Charley's sake. Why haven't you visited him?"

The vampire shot the slayer a dirty look. Not because he was upset with him but because he was upset with himself. "I don't need this from you."

"Yes, you do. Answer the question. Why haven't you visited Charley?" Peter wasn't going to let him off the hook. He knew how the boy made Jerry feel. Jerry wasn't acting right. There was none of that super cool charm he usually used as his signature way. Before Peter, he was just a broken man.

Jerry just chuckled saying nothing and continued to drink, figuring ignoring him would be the best way to drop the subject.

"He is going to be fine by the way. He's going to be discharged soon. You know, just in case you're wondering. Or care. Also, who drinks at noon? Are you sure you're not sulking? You don't seem like yourself."

"You drink at noon, Peter."

"Yea, and it's because I'm sulking. Which I can admit."

Jerry sighed. He put his beer on the floor next to him and stared hard at Peter. "What are you trying to get me to feel?"

"He's asking about you. Wants to know why you're not coming around. I promised him I'd get in touch with you, and I feel like I gave you enough time to do whatever it is that you disappeared to do."

"He's fine isn't he?"

"Yes but he could be better if he just saw your smiling face." Peter scoffed.

Jerry chuckled tauntingly. "Is that right?"

"Jerry, it's been days. You haven't even tried to visit him. I can't even stress enough how fucked up that is. This is the hardest time of his life. He'll forgive you for not coming around but you won't forgive you for not even trying. It's not like you, this whole not coming around thing. You've done it once to him, but that was out of protection. What is it about now?"

Jerry did look a little at fault and even maybe remorseful. He was trying to accept that emotion in his head but was way to prideful to welcome it. How could he face Charley after stabbing him in the fucking heart and then taking a leave of absence right after? "What would I say?"

Peter frowned. He half expected Jerry to remain silent, get up and walk away which he would do later. "Maybe tell him that you're glad he's okay and explain why you did what you did."

"I did him a favor. He's still alive. What more does he want?" Jerry aggressively responded.

"Jerry, that's not living. You walked away. He saw you walk away. He was reaching out for you. Screaming for you. What does that tell him? What does that tell you?"

"That's all he gets, Peter. I'm not going to him."

Peter slumped on the floor across from him seeming frustrated by the dark haired mans answer. Like his stubbornness was draining him. "And Charley admires this part of you?"

"Sure."

Peter didn't know what it was but something was very off about Jerry. He just seemed, lifeless and mopey. It was kind of adorable.

"It's not that easy for me, you know."

The slayer sighed and scooted more over to him. "I know." Peter nodded. "I get it, I do. But he is a wreck. He won't admit it but he is. It's not easy for him either to pretend that he's not hurt by it. And he hasn't been eating. Who turns down hospital food? It's delicious."

"He was never really a big eater." The vampire responded causally. "But he's not eating because his body is still adjusting. It's improving for new blood. So he's going to be rejecting any solid food for awhile. Let it be. And hospital food is gross. Take it from someone who has never had it."

"I feel like it's a good time to remind you that you only like blood, green apples and beer."

"Good stuff."

"Jerry?" Peter strictly glared. "You do realize I am not afraid of you anymore so I can glare at you like this without wanting to piss my pants. So stop pissing me off with these short drafted answers and sarcastic replies and level with me. Why won't you see Charley?"

Jerry ran his hand through his hair but didn't say anything. He even refused to look the slayer in the eye. "I haven't showered in days."

Peter squinted in confusion. "That's a little random."

"It's not random. I'm telling you that I have to go bathe."

"I will not leave here until you give me answers. You can shower when I'm done with you."

"You're only looking for answers you want to hear."

"You're scared." He poked Jerry's face and the vampire jerked his head away with an irritated look. "You're a pussy."

"I am not a pussy and don't touch me again." Jerry turned incensed but Peter didn't care. Jerry scooted away from him, snatched his beer and began to angrily drink.

"You're so cute when you're moody. I'm so used to the charm and class. Right now, you have none of that."

"Fuck off, Peter!"

"Did I stroke your ego? You can fight twenty wolves at a time, but you're too afraid to talk to Charley? To face him? What do you think he's going to say? That he doesn't love you anymore because of what happened?"

"That's not it."Jerry stood to get away from Peter.

"Then what is it!?" Peter stood right after him and yelled mostly trying to be helpful and understanding of why Jerry insists on being distant from Charley. "You can tell me. I need to know and so does Charley."

Jerry backed down not because he wasn't winning this fight but because he was too exhausted to yell right now. And also because he couldn't think of a good enough excuse that wasn't the truth for the real reason he refuses to visit the only person he ever loved. "It's nothing." He answered like he was more frustrated with himself.

"It's something deeper, isn't it? Are you depressed? I went through my entire life on anti depressants. It heals you. Somewhat."

"You're pissing me off right now. Just shut the fuck up, alright?"

This made Peter smile, almost condescendingly. "You're more human than you realize, Jerry. You're reacting like one. The second I walked in here, it felt like a home owned by a broken human man. When was the last time you've ever been this frustrated and angry?"

"Leave." Jerry removed himself from the room entirely and went to go upstairs to his bedroom.

Peter heard the door shut and yelled up to him. "Fine, be a bitch about it!" He wasn't going to just let him leave it at that though. Charley deserved an answer. But before he was about to address it, he wanted to address the boxes invading the house. The house was already pretty empty and non-decorative to begin with but it was even more vacant now. "Are you going somewhere? Why is everything packed? Vampires don't do the whole vacation thing do they?"

There was no answer. Then Peter sighed and looked around, trying to figure out a way to get Jerry triggered enough to come downstairs and face him. So he ran over to Jerry's favorite lounging chair and made himself comfortable.

"Jerry, guess what!? I'm sitting in your favorite chair!"

Then he stood when Jerry came back down. The vampire ignored him and tossed a packed box to the floor and began heading back up.

"So you are planning on leaving?" Peter asked.

"Yes. Everything useful in these boxes are now yours. If you don't want it, just burn it with the house."

"Woah, woah, woah, hold on a sec, you can't just leave. You can't just hit me with this bullshit. That's not fair." Peter stomped over to him.

"A lot of this will be valuable to you especially if you're going to keep hunting vampires and other things worse than me."

"Thank you. But I'm talking about you leaving; why the fuck are you leaving?"

"For reasons."

"I'm starting to miss the confident version of yourself. At least he would have told me straight up. And where is Ed going to stay? He's like a pet to you. You can't abandon your pet."

"Ed can go find somewhere else to live. Him and Amy seem to be hitting it off. Maybe they can be roommates. I don't really care."

"You care. You care about all of us but I guess it makes you more a man to hide your feelings from yourself and everyone you love. Where would you even go? Is there a vampire hangout spot I'm not aware of?"

"There are many places I can go. I'm not limited, you asshole."

"Are you going to terrorize a new neighborhood?"

"It's nothing like that."

"Then what is it?"

Jerry finally gave in, more so because he couldn't tolerate how annoying Peter was getting. "I had a visit from Charley's father yesterday. He made it clear that he wants me gone. Have you met him? Very nice guy by the way. Didn't even thank me for saving his son or humanity. Just gave me the big fuck you."

"He was that convincing? Since when do you give a fuck what anyone has to say? Especially Charley's father. Didn't you promise yourself you'd kill him if he came back into Charley's life? Not encouraging that by the way. Don't get the wrong idea."

"It wasn't his threat, it wasn't even him, it's Charley. I care about Charley, in case that hasn't been painfully obvious. I would never hurt anyone Charley loves. Except for you because you're causing my stress level to fucking skyrocket."

"Well, I don't know, I figured if you did care, you'd go down to that hospital and let him know that you're still here for him. That you saved him and everyone in the fucking world from a night of fucking hell. That you did what you did for everyone. And you tried to tell me you lacked nobility. You saved him from danger. He's alive because of you. He was in danger before you even knew him. His legacy was to provide for fucked up supernatural creatures. Why would he be created with special blood in the first place? It doesn't just happen. He was born to deal with the worst. And unfortunately but also fortunately, you were his first worst. And leaving him behind isn't the answer. Think about this Jerry. He's going to be real fucking upset. Once he's released from that hospital, he's going to come straight here and you know that. And when he discovers that you're gone he will never forgive you. Or me for breaking the bad news to him and letting you walk out that door."

"Burn the house down once I'm gone."

"Why do I have to be in charge of burning your house down?"

"Because I'm a vampire and I hate fire."

"I've heard stories of you blowing up homes just to get in, regardless of the blaze."

Jerry grinned. "Rumors."

"You've been a monster so long you don't even know how to be a man."

"Did you find that on a fortune cookie? Insulting me won't help."

"I'm not trying to help you, I'm trying to help Charley. You need to face your fears. You had no fear before, ever, and then you started to experience the fear of losing him but now that he's here and not lost or gone or dead, you still fear losing him? His prom, his graduation is coming up. He would want you to be there. Even I would want you to be there. I'm a chaperone."

Jerry half smiled, half chuckled. "Are you proud of that? Because I wouldn't be proud of that. Half the world is in shock and most of Las Vegas is destroyed. They're still throwing a graduation ceremony? Humans really are impractical."

"They extended it. We don't let disaster rule us here in America." Peter tried to lighten the tension forming between them.

"He's tough. He's a survivor. Like you and his daddy."

"He's not choosing to survive because of us."

"Charley will be better off. Something tells me you know that already but you're fighting for us to hold on. We already told ourselves, a human and vampire mix, won't work. It can't."

"God, you're a low key drama queen. Charley wouldn't and didn't agree to that. And nether did you, even if they were in words. The feeling you have for him and he has for you is still there. You're not the only one who can feel it. I can. Everyone can. Why else would John come and threaten you? He's afraid that your love is going to take Charley from him."

"Mind and reason over the fucking heart, Peter." Jerry voiced strongly.

"Why?! Why do you choose that?"

"Can you just leave?"

"I have a feeling if you really wanted me gone, I'd be gone. So you mean to tell me Charley's dad just waltzed in here and told you to leave and you being the sharp tooth bastard that you are just agreed without a fight?"

"Keep an eye on Charley."

"I'll watch over him but you have to tell me what's really going on?"

"All I want is an end to a life I don't want anymore."

"That's actually pretty upsetting. I don't like that you feel that way. I'm actually sad that you do."

"You don't know what it is like to be me, Peter."

"I saw it. Trust me, I do. I know how much you hurt every time you take a life, every time you turn and every time you turn back. You're right, I didn't realize it at first. It was easy just to call you a villain but I've seen another side of you. I swear, if I have never seen how much you fought for Charley, I would have fucking found a way to kill you. It's because of him, that you are a better man. Why is that something you're fighting me on? Do you want to know what death actually feels like?

"I can't be what I am forever. I can't be a demon in a world that won't accept it. We feed on human life, it's what we do. It's what we crave. It's exactly what I'm craving now and you're not helping. All I want to do is rip your throat out, not just because of how annoying you are. I can't do that anymore if I want to make Charley happy and it would physically be impossible for a vampire to not act on that desire for human blood. Or the wolf in me that needs flesh. I'm always fighting, I'm always killing and I want it to stop."

"When is the last time you fed? Like fed, fed?" The slayer asked concerned.

"Ed. As I turned him."

"Isn't that a good thing? You haven't killed anyone since."

"I was distracted."

"I know. But wouldn't that be a good reason to keep Charley in your life. He was what you needed. You are human when he's around because he makes you feel human emotion. You're human now. When you yelled at me, it wasn't because of me. I didn't cause that. Charley did because you're fighting something internal about your feelings he's caused on you and you don't like it because you feel vulnerable when you never used to feel that way. Your problem is solved."

"You act like it's easy. What if I lose him and I go back to being that?"

"You can't think about that or else you will. For the meantime, feed on bad people. There's plenty of that in this world. Especially in Vegas. We can train you to direct your hunger elsewhere. And how the fuck am I going to explain this to him? That's not fair you know, dumping the dirty work on me."

"Tell him it needs to happen or don't tell him at all. I don't care."

"Being dead needs to happen? You've been dead most your life."

"I know you understand where I'm coming from. I'm starting to have too many regrets. Demons like me aren't supposed to feel regrets. I'm feeling a little too human. I don't like that."

"Everyone has regrets, Jerry. And yes, you're feeling a little human. So what? Now you know what we have to deal with everyday of our lives. It's fear and constant sadness in a whirlpool of disaster but at least you feel something instead of being dead inside."

"Your parents, Peter. They took me in and then I killed them."

They both became silent. Peter rested on that thought and Jerry didn't regret bringing it up. He knew Peter was avoiding it by distracting himself with everything other than that but Peter also knew this was Jerry just trying to push him away.

"Peter, you came by for Charley's sake, I appreciate it, but we're not friends. Not even close."

"I hated you so much for it. But then the more I hated you, the more I understood why my father and my mother loved you. And then you didn't see me or hear me when I escaped out of hiding and I saw you hugging my fathers dead body. You didn't sense me because you were emotional. It fucked me up, seeing that, because I didn't know what to think. They also knew the risk of being slayers. They were going to die by your hand or some other vampire. I know how much you cared for them both. I know exactly where you buried them. But that night, they were coming for you and they would have lost anyway. There is always going to be a part of me that wants them back but it's not going to happen."

"You blame me. Let me owe this to you."

"You can owe me by not running from it. You're doing exactly what I did and you better not become that man. You're definitely a different hero than the rest. Most people would love the celebrity status of saving the world but you seem like you forgot that you saved it. Maybe we can work with your human side. Maybe we can make you human again. After meeting Charley, anything is possible right? If that's what you really want, I will make it happen. I will make you human."

"You're worried about Charley without me?" Jerry finally saw it, seeing how hard Peter was fighting it. "Peter, he is going to be fine. He's going to do great. He's going to become great. He already is."

"This world is still full of evil. Who is going to stop that evil? Jerry, you are a super hero. It's corny but you're Charley's superhero."

"It's your turn to protect him and I wouldn't trust anyone but you."

"I don't think I can do that."

"Yea you can." Jerry smiled deeply.

"Man, I'm going to miss that smiling face of yours." Peter was fighting back tears. There was just too much emotion attacking him.

"Learn to let go, Peter." Jerry half ass hugged him then backed off before making it an official 'I love you and I'm going to miss you' hug.

"You're going to change your mind. I know it." Peter lifted his beer. "Cheers."

"Maybe. Cheers."

Then they both went silent. And turned back to the news drinking their last drink together.

"We have survivors and victims of the city attack coming out and telling us about the rise and fall of these bat like creatures..."

"By the way, I visited Charley every night."

Peter smiled knowingly. "I know."


"I'm so glad Charley is alright." Jane said sitting on the couch releasing a very strong relieved sigh.

"Me too." Amy said.

"Thank you for being there for him."

"No problem. It's Charley. I'll always be there for him." John walked into the room then Amy smiled uncomfortably and stood. "Well I'm going to get going."

"Be safe Amy."

"I will. Ed is walking me home."

"Are you sure he's safe to be around?" John asked.

Amy smiled and nodded. "He's harmless."

"Alright, but I mean it, be safe." Jane stood and hugged her then watched as Amy left the house. Then it was just her and her ex husband.

Jane looked at John. She sighed. He was just staring at her. Not knowing what to say after so long.

"How are you holding up?"

"I'm actually good now. Just glad it's over. And I'm glad Charley is alive. That's really all that matters. Also I'm still a little surprised that you're still around."

He looked away while nervously tucking his hands in his jean pockets. "Yea. I'm surprised too. I shouldn't be alive. And it would probably make you both happy if I weren't?"

"I don't want to get into this. I don't hate you. And I definitely don't wish you were dead."

"But you do wish that I didn't come back?"

"John, we were used to you not being around. You can't blame us."

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't bring it up. I just really hate how Charley feels about me now. I went to go visit him earlier and he wouldn't talk to me."

"Give it time."

"I shouldn't have to, I was protecting you both. I did this for you. To keep you both safe. But I understand if you can't see it that way."

"You didn't have to completely disappear from us either. You could have told us before you left and why you acted the way you did towards the both us. Regardless of you protecting us, your behavior about it was wrong. And you've always been bad at communicating with us so it wasn't shocking when you did dip out. But I can move passed that but as far as your son goes, you still have to give him time especially if he doesn't see it your way."

He lowered his head in shame. But he couldn't avoid the topic no matter how hard he wanted to forget and how much he wanted his family to forget. "Jane, I know you hate me and I know I can't make things right. Not now, not tomorrow, maybe never but I thought about you and Charley every single night I was away."

"John, can we not do this. My head hurts. And I'm sure we're both tired. I just want to get a good nights rest before we wake up to a night of zombies."

"You're right, sorry, you should get some sleep. I'll leave you alone."

"John, you don't have to leave." She sighed as she saw him walking towards the door. "You can stay on the couch. We'll go get Charley tomorrow morning. Together. Sounds good?"

He stopped and turned to her. "I don't need you to feel sorry for me. I know what I did. I can own up to it."

"I'm not feeling sorry for you. But I'm giving you a place to stay for the night. Is that alright with you?"

He nodded stubbornly. "Yea."

"Good. I'll go get you some blankets."


The next day, Charley was released. He was sitting in the back of the car. He was quiet. His parents were quiet. Everything was quiet as they rode home from the hospital. He was just staring out the window. Thinking about how to talk to Jerry. Thinking about how to ask him why he didn't visit. Thinking about how their lives start from here.

"How are you feeling baby?" Jane turned in her seat to smile at him.

"Good." He blinked but he didn't look at her. Something else was on his mind.

"I'm glad you're alright son." John said looking at him through the rear view mirror.

Charley just smiled shortly but didn't respond and stayed quiet the rest of the way home. Which felt like eternity. Mostly due to the awkward silence but also because he was craving Jerry. To see him. To touch him. And it seemed like the car couldn't move fast enough. It felt like the world was just slowing down in suspense. On purpose.

"What's going on up ahead?" Jane said seeing smoke rising into the sky.

Fire trucks, police and paramedics were passing them by and Charley looked out the window to get a better look.

"I wonder what that's about?" Jane asked scooting up in her seat.

John watched curiously as the firetrucks pulled into their neighborhood. "Something must be on fire."

They followed the sirens all the way home only to see Jerry's house completely on fire. Luckily the fire was being put out before it tracked to their own house or any other.

As John started to slow, Charley didn't even wait for the car to come to a complete stop before quickly jumping out of the moving vehicle and running up to the house. He was pulled back by two firefighters and pushed gently towards his parents who both had quickly came up beside him. "Come on, Charley." Jane pulled him back toward the sidewalk of their own property.

Charley looked enraged as he watched the flames taking over. He knew this wasn't an attack but he didn't know what else it could have been. He felt his phone vibrating in his pocket. Then he slipped away from his parents and walked down the opposite side of the neighborhood away from the noise and sirens. He answered his phone.

"Charley..."

"What did you do?"

"I did what I had to do."

"Where is he, Peter?"

"He's gone. I will tell you everything later. You can drop by my place if you want but I'm thinking you're going to want time for yourself but it is something I have to explain to you face to face. So I'll see you another time." Peter then hung up feeling like the worst person ever. Since he left Jerry's home he had been drinking in quiet while Ginger slept.

Charley didn't look angry anymore. He looked abandoned and betrayed as he watched the house being hosed down and the smoke rising to the clouds.

Then the boy turned and left walking towards the way that exited the neighborhood. His parents just stood supportive. "He'll be fine." Jane said holding her ex gently by the arm. "All it takes is a little time."


This is it? This is how it ends?...

He remembered a conversation he had with Charley just a couple of days before he fell in complete love with the boy.

"You don't have to be so evil. You don't have to be this dark. Light can still shine on you if you let it."

"Trust me guy, I'm not all bad. I do want to know what it feels like."

"Why?"

"Because I've never had it."

"You'll feel it, Jer. I know you will. You weren't meant to be in the dark forever."

So there he was, driving far out into the desert. Where in the day there was always light. Light he couldn't avoid even if he tried. But he had a couple of hours till the sun resurrected itself and he would wait for as long as it took.

He parked his truck anywhere and then stepped out of the car just letting the music run. He leaned on the hood of it and just stood there waiting until the sun finally arrived. He'd wait there to see where the light would take him like he's always wanted.

He waited and waited. Still and in the same spot he positioned himself in. And then the sun slowly peeked out from the distance. He couldn't say that he wasn't afraid because he was. Not necessarily of burning to death but the fear of leaving Charley behind. This was it. This was how it ends.

Then he took out his cell from his pocket and dialed Charley, the last voice he wanted to hear. It went straight to voicemail and Jerry casually smiled as he stared at the pink tinted sky forming. It was beautiful. It was everything he hoped it would be. But it wasn't the reason for his smile.

"Hey guy..." he began to speak into the phone. "You're probably busy because you'd pick up if I was calling. I'm probably a little late saying this but uh, I'm sorry."

He could finally feel the shine along with his energy draining.

"I thought about you. Everyday. And it made me happy. I felt happy. So I don't know why I even made this decision. I'm not so sure about it anymore. Don't hate Peter for this. I insisted because of my pride. Hate me for it, if anything. But then again, you probably hate me regardless."

He could see his skin slowly flaking apart into the air as the sun finally touched him.

"I was stupid not to say goodbye. Scared to see you because of what I did. But I love you. Please try to remember that." He paused for awhile not knowing what else to say. "I have a feeling you're in the shower, so... I'll let you go. Bye."

Then he hung up and took a deep breath. He looked at the phone and then set it on the hood. Jerry then looked back towards the light. It didn't burn. And his last thought was of Charley as he faded slowly into ash.


Two months had passed. Charley was sitting alone at the prom. Without a date. Back to the loser he used to be while everyone else was out having fun, dancing and enjoying life. He glanced grey eyes over at the dance floor and watched as his two best friends danced together.

Things were back to normal. Yet things were still very different. It was almost like the happy ending happened for everyone but him. Mark and Ben were alive and treating him a little better. Adam was even back which he was surprised about because he could have sworn Jerry just straight up murdered him instead of turning him. His parents were working things out. They were planning on going on a family trip to reconnect in the next couple of weeks. He was still deciding if he wanted to go or not. He was also behaving a little better toward his dad but his name was still John. Not dad. Never dad. And won't be for a long time. Peter, took his proposal back from Ginger because they were a terrible couple to begin with and the thought of being married and committed freaked them out but they were still in love in a twisted way. Ed and Amy were surprisingly hitting it off. He had no choice but to smile for them. They were happy. He always thought Amy had a crush on Ed only because she hated him for no reason but Ed deserved her. He deserved something. He was a good person behind all that disdain. At least he had always been honest about who he was and wanted to be. Somehow they were making the whole vampire human relationship work. Somehow they seemed perfectly happy so it was a little shitty how Jerry didn't make an effort and chose to disappear or die instead. But he knew he was just being dramatic in his thoughts. Initially the plan was to love Jerry for the remainder of his life. Now he looked around and realized he had nothing. He was hoping after time, he would have gotten over him. He was hoping he'd forget about the whole thing. But to forget something like that, to forget someone like him, was becoming even more impossible as he watched the rest of his friends happy and reunited.

It kinda made his life seem sad. He could have at least stuck around for his graduation and then dipped.

Charley silently gave a sigh as he drank the punch from his cup finishing it in seconds. If it was alcohol he'd be fucked up. And he was already regretting how bad he was going to have to pee for the night.

"Hey stud."

"Hey." He half smiled at his official ex girlfriend. If he would have seen her coming his way he would have pretended to be enjoying himself.

"Oh come on, have fun with us." Amy said begging him.

"I am. This drink is gratifying."

"Charley?"

"I'm happy that you're having fun. Who knew you and Ed would end up together. He has a great girl."

"His vampire side is kind of sexy. I mean he doesn't have the sex appeal Jerry had but I'm sure it will come around when he matures…" Then she regretted mentioning his name. "Sorry Charley. Have you heard from him? Maybe he's still around."

Charley shook his head. "He's gone. Two months is a long time to be away." There was so much hurt in his voice. "It's okay though. I should have been over him already. And there's no point stressing over a dead guy."

Amy sighed. "Yea, you're not okay and this whole tormented Charley thing is depressing. I'm going to send Ed over here to cheer you up. Okay?" She kissed him on the cheek then left to go fetch Ed.

Amy walked over to Ed. "Go talk to Charley."

The nerdy vampire grinned as he pulled her in close to him. "He's being sad?"

"Oh yea." She chuckled. "Now go to him." Then she pushed him lightly away towards Charley's direction and left to go talk to some other of her girlfriends.

"Hey buddy, what's wrong?" Ed came over and sat next to him. "I was told my assistance was needed."

Charley scoffed. "You're so cocky now."

"I was bitten by a cocky bastard. You know, the love of your life, the cockiest vampire that ever existed aside from Nathaniel. It's obvious you're still brooding over him."

"I'm not." Charley sat up straight and cleared his throat trying to put on a persona of someone who wasn't dying inside.

"Bullshit Charley." Ed replied. "There's a bunch of lonely girls out there waiting for a handsome prince like yourself to go sweep them off their feet and fuck them on the dance floor. If Jerry didn't want that, he'd come for you, undress you and fuck you on the dance floor in front of all these sluts instead."

Charley frowned in disgust. "Bro?" He has definitely thought about it.

"What? You don't think Jerry is the jealous type? I promise you, he is."

"That might work if Jerry wasn't dead."

"Gone. Not dead. Forget about him, even if it only lasts a little while."

"I'm not trying to think about him."

"But you're sad. I don't like it when you're sad. It physically hurts my own heart to see you this way. You're killing me Charley."

"I'm not sad."

Ed lifted his chin, looking semi offended. "You don't think I know a sad Charley by now?"

Charley laughed a little. "Ed, you are my best friend. Of course you know a sad Charley but I'm not sad. Honest. I'm tired, that's it. It was a long week."

"Oh yea, did you jerk off a bunch this week thinking about your man?"

"That's not super personal or anything, but no I didn't." He did. His sex dreams felt extremely real and personal. Sometimes he swore Jerry was actually physical there. But it couldn't be because Jerry wasn't around. He was nowhere to be found.

"Dude, I taught you how to jerk off, nothing between us is personal anymore. I will always be your best friend. Being a vampire won't change that. I will always know the real you and I will never judge you for it. I love you Char and you should love yourself. Feel good about yourself. You know you're worth it. If everyone here could have you, they would but they can't because you were taken by the best. No one can say that."

"Thanks Ed." Charley smiled even though there was still sadness behind his voice.

"If it makes you feel better, sometimes I can still sense him. Close by. I know that he's alive. He's out there. And maybe even watching over you still. He just doesn't give up. He doesn't have it in him. In fact, I know for a fact that it would kill him if he never saw you again."

"The last time I saw him, he did give up. He had a knife in my heart. Then he didn't even visit. He called me the day he left and I wasn't there to answer. I was too late. I keep thinking maybe if I wasn't in the fucking shower that I would have been able to answer the phone and convince him to come back. But even if I did pick up, I think he did give up this time and I don't blame him. I think I would too if I were him. I don't understand why he did but I think I do if that makes sense. Maybe I just didn't want him to give up on me."

"You know what buddy, go get some fresh air. Go take a walk." Ed patted him on the shoulder. "Just breath and relax. It's nice out. It's like, the perfect night to be moody."

Charley scoffed. He needed Ed around. Ed knew how to release the worst kind of tension. "Thanks man. For still being my friend after everything I said and did to you. I'm sorry about everything that happened between us. I should have never allowed myself to start hating you."

"It's all good. At the time I think I deserved it. I annoyed myself. But one thing I did know, you never hated me. I don't think you've seen yourself hate someone."

"Does my dad count?"

"You don't hate him anymore."

Charley sighed after rubbing his face. "Where's Peter? I should apologize to him. I gave him enough shit for doing what he did."

"He didn't come. He thought you didn't want him here. You can apologize later but speaking for him, he'd like that. He doesn't want you to treat him like you treat your father. If you ask me, Peter did a hell of a job fighting for you and he'd do it again. We all would. Anyway, I love you man." Ed gave him a big sloppy kiss on the cheek and left to go find Amy.


"Ow, Ginger that hurts, What the fuck are you doing?"

"I'm trying to suck your dick."

"You're biting it, you're not sucking."

"You wanted role play."

The two, disappointed and turned off, started to get dressed after their failed sex attempt. Peter stood and fixed his robe.

"I'm going to sleep." She flicked him off then pulled the covers over her. "Don't disturb me."

Peter mumbled something under his breath and left the room, with his bottle of half drunken Jack. He walked over to the bar. He never thought he'd be back at his penthouse because of so many bad memories. He grabbed his phone from the counter and started scrolling through the messages. He saw one from John but didn't open it because he would rather open the one sent by Charley. It was a little surprising seeing as Charley was still a little mad at him for letting Jerry walk out like that and helping him in the process. For all he knew it could have been a fuck off message. He didn't know why he was nervous. He slammed some more of his Jack Daniels before opening the text.

"Hey Peter. I haven't seen you in awhile. I hope you're not drinking your life away or feeling guilty. I never wanted you to feel that way. I was angry at Jerry. Not at you. I don't even know if I was mad at him but I want you to know that I'm sorry for accusing you of something you didn't want to do in the first place. It must have been hard for you. And I never wanted to take my frustration out on you. You didn't deserve it. You've always been there for me and I am grateful for everything you have done. I hope to see you soon :)"

And that was the end of the message. Peter was relieved. He's been waiting for Charley to forgive him for awhile. Suddenly he was in a great mood. He threw the bottle of liquor away because the reason he was drinking in the first place was because he thought he lost Charley as a friend for good. Just as he was about to go get dressed and presentable to meet Charley at the prom, something came up.

He paused. He was going to be slightly delayed. Peter slowly picked up his pistol that was located on the bar counter top. "Who invited you?"

Nathaniel chuckled, strolling into the quarters with Prometheus behind him. "We invited ourselves."

"Did you get your message?" Prometheus asked.

Yea, didn't read it yet."

"You should. You have a mission. Get ready." Nathaniel said sitting down on one of the couches making himself comfortable. "We'll wait."

"I can't leave now." Peter answered.

"Charley will be fine." Prometheus promised knowing his concern.

"John is entrusting you two?"

"We left him no choice. We signed a treaty. Charley is still very much wanted. He figured it would be easier for us to stand united. Our enemy now, is grand."

"What do you mean by 'wanted'?"

"Charley isn't safe. Humans and creatures are still after him. His blood has grown more valuable. John doesn't want another Fright Night and neither do we."

Peter frowned.

Prometheus stopped talking and looked to Nathaniel.

"We sensed his power, Peter. He is powerful and we think it has to do with the blood used to revive him."

"Jerry was human at the time."

"Jerry can never be human. He can feel human but never be human."

"And what about you Nathaniel? Are you here as vampire or as human? Last time I checked your master died and your power dissolved. Also, don't let Ginger see you. She won't forget you turned her. It's her time of the month."

The blonde vampire smiled. "I'm here as vampire."

"How did you turn back?"

"When Gabriel died, his powers left him and passed on to me. It's never happened before so imagine my surprise."

Prometheus intervened. "The government, slayers, bats and dogs will come for Charley and use him for anything they please. They will kill him to have his blood and create something as powerful or more powerful than Jerry, if possible."

Peter listened and nodded. "Should we warn Charley?"

Prometheus shook his head. "No. He can't know. Not yet. If he realizes his power he can turn into something else beyond our understanding. Something not bound by the laws of nature."

"Sort of like a god." Nathaniel said. "And that is something he won't be able to control. Not the way his emotions have been spiraling. Not telling him is keeping him in check."

Peter put his pistol away. "I'll go prepare. Who is going to watch Charley while I'm gone?"

"Charley doesn't know it yet, but he will be joining us later."

"Wait, what?"

Nathaniel stood, not giving him anymore answers. "We'll be waiting for you outside."

"I'm still a little rusty." Peter warned.

"For now." The blonde said. "Soon this will be a piece of cake for you."

Then the wolf and vampire slipped out, neither of them giving him a choice.


Charley sat there awhile longer before taking Ed's advice. He finished his drink and exited the school. He walked outside towards the football field and sat on the benches. He looked at the moon, getting some kind of comfort from the night sky. It did relax him. It was quiet, soothing, refreshing. It was something he really needed. He couldn't remember the last time he even made time to look at the stars and it was helping his thoughts finally wind down. His foot shifted, hitting a ball. He felt it roll out between his feet. He looked down at the baseball. It must have gotten hit into the bleachers during recess. He picked it up and rolled it through his hand before tossing and catching it in the air. Over and over. He had nothing but time to kill.

He stopped, staring angrily at the ball he began rolling through his palm again. "I guess we're never going to have that game." He said to himself. He stayed put, the thought leading to a sense of dis-quietness.

Then he stood and tossed the ball as far as he could. He couldn't get over that feeling of pain, that feeling of being without him. He wanted to scream out as loud as he could but he couldn't even get himself to do that. It was tugging at his heartstrings. He was mad at him. So mad.

He sat back down again, leaning forward, elbow on his knee with his cheek in his hand while staring the way he tossed the ball. Just thinking. And he thought for awhile before disturbed by faint growls from the dark distance.

Charley's new water lit eyes perked up. He quickly looked around. He didn't see anything. He couldn't because it was super dark anywhere near and pass the school premises. But he pulled out the stake from the inside of his tuxedo just in case. It was the one Jerry stabbed him with to save humanity. Peter also gave it to him as a graduation present. He still couldn't figure out if it was a fucked up gift or a brilliant one.

The boy slowly stood and more growls echoed through the open night. Then he sensed himself being slowly surrounded. He reached for his phone and turned on the flashlight glancing hard through the darkness. He still couldn't make out anything, assuming first, vampires. Until he heard the snarls of multiple lycans. There were both. Overkill much. He sighed in annoyance. Normally, he would have been shaken but this wasn't his first rodeo with these devils. The only difference was, it sounded like they were teaming up. Well, if there was a day to die, it's this day, he thought and readied the stake with a stronger grip.

He finally could see the gold and red eyes of the wolves and bats peering at him from the darkness and knew he couldn't run. Not from that count. But he also wasn't planning on it. He was done running. The creeping became louder, the breathing became heavier and Charley sighed. He put the phone down leaving the flashlight on. He threw down the stake and took a deep breath while closing his eyes. Waiting for the pursuit and attack. He didn't care anymore. He just wanted it done and over.

The closer they got the more at ease he felt. It was one of those instances he knew he was fucked so why not just cut the line?

Multiple creepy fingers were barely touching him. A variety of foul breath at his neck. He breaths out and instead of snatching him up, they screech and cower, scattering away back into the darkness from where they came. Assuming he was safe for now, the boy slowly opened his eyes and looked around surprised that nothing happened.

Charley walked down the bleachers, steadily but not fast, his eyes shuttling from the left to the right trying to see where they fled to. He walked further up the field. There was only one thing that would make anyone run like that and the second the name popped into his head is when the baseball he had tossed away rolled out from the darkness, right between his legs. Charley frowned. He reached down and picked it up. But kept his eyes on the alert.

The lights to the outside football field flashed on and everything lit up. He could see much more now. Much more. He looked amazed. The entire field was covered in vampires and wolves. Snapping at him but not getting close. There had to be over a hundred of them wanting and waiting to attack. Charley didn't know why they were there for him anyway. Especially such a mass amount. Was it for his blood again? Which he could have sworn expired all of its usefulness already.

But then he realized why they weren't attacking. And wouldn't dare.

He sensed something. Something that couldn't be real. Something that caused his blood stream to shiver. Something that had been long gone for two full months. And he felt the same way he did when he first met him. Paralyzed at heart.

And the field of demons meant nothing to him. Nothing at all. Because he was there, standing before him with a black tuxedo on. A deep red rose in his left jacket pocket. Black shady hair slicked back. A smooth loving grin on his pastel face. A baseball bat tapping against this shoulder.

The boy was speechless and confused, his eyes justifiably emotionalized. Uncertain at what exactly was in front of him. But if he was seeing was real, it was looking like the handsome devil never left. And never would. "Hey, guy."

The boy was silent as the vampire came forward. The boy was silent as the dark haired man went to take the back of his hand up to his lips, kissing it softly.

He was as cold as he remembered. Like ice. But it warmed his heart, like fire.

Charley finally looked up into the shadowy polished eyes. "Hey, Jer?"

"I have you now." The vampire whispered.

"Finally." Charley smiled in bliss.

And there night began. And Fright Night was over.

~TOFB END~