Vamps in Chaos

Chapter Two: Welcome to the 21st Century

The next night, Babe found himself staring at Billy across the small kitchen table, one elbow propped up, chin in hand, wondering where exactly to start. Billy sat opposite him, his posture impeccable, his expression calm and expectant. It was like he'd never unlearned the art of being poised and regal.

"Alright," Babe said, tapping his fingers against the table. "Let's get this show on the road. Lesson one: blending in. That suit you're wearing?" He gestured at Billy's impeccably tailored, almost antique-looking attire. "Yeah, that's gotta go."

Billy's eyes flickered down to his jacket, brow furrowing. "But it's perfectly presentable."

"Maybe for a masquerade ball," Babe quipped, smirking. "But if you walk out there in that, people are gonna think you're on your way to a very fancy funeral."

Billy blinked, processing this with what looked like genuine surprise. "I see. Attire has... changed significantly."

"You could say that." Babe got up, rifling through his closet until he found something passably modern-black jeans, a plain dark T-shirt, and a leather jacket that, while well-worn, still looked sharp. He tossed them over to Billy, who eyed them as though they might bite.

Babe crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow. "Go on, try it. I'm not letting you leave this loft until you look like you belong in this century."

Billy let out a sigh, clearly reluctant, but he took the clothes and disappeared into the bathroom. When he emerged, he looked both comically awkward and unexpectedly... stylish. The jeans were a little loose, and he kept tugging at the collar of the shirt as though it was somehow offensive, but the outfit suited him in a way that made Babe's smirk widen.

"There," Babe said, giving an exaggerated nod of approval. "Almost passable."

Billy's expression was one of deep suspicion. "This attire... it feels alarmingly informal."

"That's kinda the point," Babe said, trying not to laugh at Billy's discomfort. "Welcome to casual wear. Trust me, no one will blink twice at you now. Which, for a vampire, is ideal."

Billy adjusted the jacket, looking unconvinced but resigned. "Very well. I shall... endeavor to adapt."

As they headed out, Babe couldn't help but glance over, noticing how Billy's initial reluctance was melting into something that almost resembled intrigue. They wandered through the city, the bustling streets alive with a mix of people, neon lights, and distant music. Babe was delighted to see Billy's eyes darting around, taking in the noise, the energy, the humanity of it all.

"What do you think?" Babe asked, trying to hide his amusement. "Different from what you're used to?"

Billy nodded slowly, his face thoughtful. "It is... quite overwhelming. But there is a certain allure to it."

"Oh, just wait. The night is young."

They strolled into a bustling coffee shop, and Babe ordered two iced lattes. Billy eyed the frosty drink with a dubious expression, frowning as he inspected the straw.

"It's iced," Babe explained, sipping his own. "Cool drinks are a thing now. Try it."

Billy took a careful sip, his face a mixture of shock and curiosity as the taste hit him. "It's... peculiar. Sweet. But also... cold?"

"Bingo," Babe laughed, loving every bit of Billy's bewildered expression. "Think of it as a liquid dessert that keeps you awake."

Billy frowned, clearly trying to make sense of it, but he took another sip regardless. "I... suppose it has a certain charm."

Babe grinned, satisfied. "See? You're already embracing the modern world."

Billy gave him a sidelong glance. "Tell me, Babe, what does one... do here? Simply sit and consume beverages?"