Alive Again (A Vampire Eddie Fic)

Chapter 5

You shouldn't have told them.

They'll leave you.

Freak.

Satanist.

Dead man walking.

Eddie could think nothing else as they all sat inside the trailer in silence. Nobody wished to speak, and Eddie wished to say no more. The guilt and embarrassment made him want to die again. Anything but this. Anything.

"So you were drinking the blood of a demidog?" Robin said suddenly, breaking the heavy silence. Everyone turned their heads, their faces either twisting to confusion or anger. Steve, who was sitting right beside her, hit her shoulder.

"Dude, what the fuck? You can't just say that!" Steve whispered.

"What!? Are we just gonna ignore that it happened!?" Robin shouted back, defending herself. If there was gonna be a good icebreaker question, it was that one. Eddie just continued to stare at the ground.

"I couldn't help myself," He said, the memories flashing before his eyes once more. "I had it in my hands, and I wanted to let go but..." He trailed off. A silence followed, and Eddie knew that meant everybody was asking him to continue. So he did. "It was slimy. Probably the grossest thing I've ever held. But I could feel its pulse. The way it struggled under my fingers just enticed me more. I didn't want to, you have to believe me when I say that, but..." Eddie paused and everyone seemed to lean in closer when he did. "The worst part is I liked it. And that makes me more terrified than anything else."

Everybody looked around, getting hints of how the others were feeling about all... this. They all shared empathy one way or another, whether it was pity or genuine understanding. Despite this, they all wordlessly agreed on something.

"I don't think you can come back with us, Eddie," Dustin said, heartbroken by his own words. "You said it yourself. You've changed. You might not be able to survive with your new diet. Not only that but there are still people up there who will kill you at first sight with no hesitation. It's just not safe." Eddie didn't want to hear it, but everybody knew it to be true. He could never return to his true home.

"If I can't go back, what do I do?" Eddie asked with a sigh. "Just stay in this hell forever?"

"Not forever," Dustin assured. "Definitely not forever."

"We just need time to come up with a plan," Steve added.

"And in the meantime, we can come to visit you!" Mike said. There were nods of agreement around the whole trailer. He knew that this was best, but Eddie didn't have the spirit or energy to pretend he was happy. This whole situation was shit, through and through.

Eddie suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder, and he looked up to see that Steve had taken a seat next to him.

"You're gonna be ok, Munson," Steve said. "Just hold on and hold out until we think of something to do, ok?" Something shone in Steve's eyes, and Eddie could've sworn it was more than just platonic caring. Regardless, he nodded his head. Robin sighed.

"Right," She said, clapping her hands together. "Can we leave now? No offence Eddie, but this place sucks."

"No, I get it," Eddie said with a smile. "You guys go. I'll be fine here."

"You sure?" Dustin asked. Eddie nodded his head.

"I'm sure. Just make sure to bring me some proper food when you come back." Dustin nodded and everybody stood from their seats, making their way to the gate.

They all started climbing on the rope they threw to get to the Upside Down and started making their way home. Dustin watched as everybody left, leaving only him and Eddie in the trailer.

"Better get going, Henderson," Eddie said teasingly. Dustin turned to face him, struggling to not cry. Eddie took immediate concern and stood. "Woah, Woah, Dustin, what's going on?"

"I've already left you here once before," Dustin said, a single tear falling from his eye. "I don't want to make the same mistake again." Eddie grabbed him and pulled him into a hug.

"I'll be ok," Eddie said quietly. "And you aren't making a mistake. I'll always be right here when you wanna visit, ok? I promise." Dustin was sobbing into his chest now and didn't let go for a long while. Dustin didn't want to lose his friend again. Never again. It would just be too much for him.

"Dustin!" A voice called from the other side of the gate. It was Mike. "Dustin, hurry up man!"

"Coming!" Dusting called back, finally letting go of Eddie.

"I'll see you around, Henderson," Eddie said, messing up Dustin's hair a bit. They both smiled at each other and then Dustin was gone. Eddie was alone yet again.

On the other side, Dustin landed safely as the others stood around and watched. Once everybody had all their belongings, they exited the trailer and headed to their respective homes.

AUTHOR NOTES:

Hi y'all! A little bit of a shorter chapter this time, but I'm just prepping for the big stuff >:D

Comments and votes are appreciated! 

I also have another fic in the works if you take a look at my profile. It would mean a lot to me if you took a look at that too!

See you guys next chapter!