「 𝐁𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐲 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 」

Ch. IV [4] ♡

Cedric sat in the carriage, traveling back to England and thinking seriously about Drake's offer. Cedric hadn't wanted to admit it, but there was some level of attraction towards the senior vampire. he wasn't quite sure what kind, but he felt an odd pull and an odd fascination towards Drake in the tavern, one he was sure that Drake could sense as well.

"Cedric, my friend, what's on your mind? you've been quiet the whole trip!"

Cedric shook his head and gave a half-hearted smile. "nothing, Brand; issues I'd rather not worry you with."

"really? it's no trouble, Cedric," said Brand.

Cedric smiled again, but this time, it was sadly. he said nothing as he looked out the carriage's window.

detecting that Cedric was most definitely not going to share his "nonexistent" issue, Brand sighed and left it alone.

Cedric was thankful. Brand out of everyone should know that Cedric couldn't stand to be prodded about personal issues. if he didn't want to talk about it, he wasn't going to talk about it, no matter how much somebody pried. he especially wasn't telling Brand about the whole vampire thing.

Cedric looked down at his hands - his hands that were no longer mortal. his hands that were no longer ... human. he had so much to learn about vampire life. Drake's offer began to look more and more pleasing. really, what did Cedric have to lose? not much. he wasn't married, he had no children, he wasn't in contact with his family (and it was going to stay that way), and finally, he'd recently stopped going to work. he was surely jobless by now.

Drake could provide: food, shelter, and guidance. and maybe...

arriving back in London, Cedric bid farewell to Brand and his wife, and went back to his home. met face to face with his fed up landlord.

"Sir Alistair. your payment to live here is overdue. will you be paying or must I rid you of a home?"

Cedric laughed. "oh, you mock me, sir. I have no home. I'm leaving. I was going in to collect my things... and I'm on my way to Paris. forever."

the landlord looked confused and somewhat worried. "ah... I see. well. make sure you're out by the 20th of this month. I'll be on my way then. it was nice to have you in the building."

Cedric packed a bag with as many clothes as he felt he needed - not many. though, getting back to Paris might take a while. and he'd have to find a carriage...

No, he could fly! of course. vampires had massive speed. all he needed was a compass to help him get direction, then he'd be in France... with... Drake - a toy to the man. what choice did he have though? Drake had already claimed ownership of Cedric, and Cedric had nowhere else to go.

"Drake... here I come," said Cedric gloomily.