Thou Shall Not Kill - Lost Boys

Chapter One: The Emersons Arrive

"So, what's it like living in Santa Carla?"

Azrael put some coat hangers on Sam's bed beside his suitcase, allowing their cousin to sort through his clothes.

"Not too bad."

Sam chuckled, checked the door, then turned back to Azrael. "What's it like living with Grandpa?"

"Well, when people hear I live with my uncle, they assume my life is a living hell... I mean, sure, he's a bit weird, but otherwise pretty good. Taught me everything I know."

Sam studied the tall, dark-haired 27-year-old as he ran a finger through the thick layer of dust that coated the bedframe.

"I can't believe that he's your uncle, and you're my mum's cousin. She's so much older than you!"

Azrael laughed at the boy's naivety. "Well, your grandpa is a bit older than my mum. And they're technically only half siblings."

"If you're my mum's half cousin, what does that make us?"

"I dunno. Let's just call each other cousins. It'll be easier, that way."

Azrael wandered down to Michael's bedroom, their sandshoes clapping quietly along the floor. They pushed a lock of raven hair away from their greasy face, tugging at their T-shirt, which had attached itself to their sweaty chest.

It wasn't even that hot. Azrael was just a sweaty person, so they tried to wash as often as possible and ignore any of the stares they received during Summer.

They knocked gently on the door of their cousin's room. "Hey, Michael?"

Nothing.

"You good in there? Thought I'd offer to help."

A large, adolescent sigh shook the walls. Azrael stepped back as the door swung open, revealing their wannabe rockstar cousin. He was relatively intimidating, with a beaten shirt and an unnaturally square jaw. His hair fell in messy curls around his eyes.

He stared for a moment, trying to assert dominance over this other young adult who he would have to share a house with. However, he soon realised that his mother's cousin wouldn't be intimidated so easily.

Azrael was leant against the wall, one foot tucked behind the other. Their hair sat against the wall, a complete mess, and yet, weirdly elegant.

Michael relented, letting them enter his room and pull some clothes out of a bag.

"How are you feeling about your move here?"

"How do you think?" Michael grunted.

"Well, you certainly don't seem thrilled."

Michael scoffed, looking condescendingly at his cousin.

He watched their face slip from its usual position to a softer expression.

"You know, Michael, this place isn't all that bad. There's a lot of fun to be had."

"Really?' he responded, scepticism thick on his breath.

Azrael hesitated. They wanted to use this opportunity to have fun, too. But sometimes fun was more trouble than it was worth.

"Yeah, of course... There's supposed to be a concert on the boardwalk, tonight. You should go."

Michael's eyebrows lifted. "Hm... maybe..."

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The flames reached into the sky, twirling and dancing to the whine of the saxophone. People surged, leather and denim rubbing against exposed skin. The crowd was a swarm of grinning faces and mindless cheer.