Bloodsuckin'

Chilling. P7

Frank and Gerard's tree was located on a small green around the corner from Frank's house. While Gerard lived down the road from a park, it was often host to various nefarious activity, therefore, the boys sensibly avoided it. Frank's lonely tree felt like home - it was their spot, where they felt most able to relax without preying peers or parents. The small Flowering Dogwood sprouted from the corner of the open junction opposite Frank's house, yet was nestled comfortably enough on the lawn a few metres from the pavement, between the high fences of the corner properties, to provide a sense of seclusion.

Gerard came to sit beneath the tree whenever he needed some respite from his family. Occasionally, Frank would watch him pace to the secluded spot from his bedroom window and oftentimes would join him, however, Frank would also respect when his friend wished to be alone, judging by his body language. When Gerard felt particularly suffocated at home, he would make a right outside his front door and begin his escape to the tree. Passing through the stretch of suburban grime that formed the majority of the journey, he would begin to process his emotions. He would eventually take another left, and during the following walk, would he analyse the argument or event that initially frustrated him. He would naturally think of Frank as he entered his vicinity and crossed diagonally to the tree corner. Frank had a knack for listening to Gerard's articulate lamentations, acting as a rare open ear for him, but also to defend his opinions, often providing Gerard with a more hardcore sense of injustice and passion. Gerard was indebted to Frank for nourishing his sense of self-worth and pulling him out of bouts of self-indulgence.

Gerard once again found himself below the tree, following his mother's enraged assumption that he was starting fights, having discovered bruises across his arms, and a swollen ankle from knocking the bathroom stall door open. He sat with one leg outstretched, his right trainer tied loosely for comfort. He drummed his fingers against his thighs and bit his lower lip as he stared into the distance, attempting to make sense of the overwhelming last couple of days he had experienced, and the relationships he had put under pressure because of his actions.

Frank clicked the front door closed quietly; it was getting dark and he wasn't in the mood to persuade his parents to let him out. He swung right and began his journey towards Gerard's house, hands in his pockets; shoes shuffling along the ground. He trudged halfway across the junction before spotting Gerard blending in with the shadows below the tree.
"Gerard?" Frank turned, walking backwards towards him. He looked back up with wide, cautious eyes. "Well that saves me trudging all the way over to yours." He took note of Gerard's forlorn expression.
"Argument?" Frank muttered, gently knocking his heel against the post of the road sign. Gerard silently flashed his eyebrows upward in agreement. Frank held out an arm and pulled the taller boy up.
"Come in, I'm not supposed to be out and I need an excuse." Frank gestured behind him with his thumb, knowing his parents wouldn't mind if they knew he was with Gerard, regardless.
"Are you sure you want me here, in your house? Gerard asserted, but Frank was already across the road, having decided to ignore his friend's question. Gerard nervously followed, shoving his hands into the front pocket of his oversized hoodie. The pair turned the corner, with Gerard limping slightly, a few feet behind, and shuffled towards Frank's house, stepping in sync. The front door swung open as they walked down the front path. Franks dad stood in the doorway, sporting a disappointed expression.
"Frank, where did you go without telling me?" He lifted his hands impatiently.
"I was only across the road, dad?" Frank pushed past him "Gerard's just gonna come in for a second." he called from the top of the stairs.
"It's getting late, son, you may as well stay over." Frank's dad ruffled Gerard's hair and ushered him in. Gerard nodded politely and rushed up to Frank's room.

Gerard stood in the doorway, waiting for Frank to acknowledge him. His best friend pulled a confused face and waved him over. Gerard uncomfortably sat down onto Frank's navy bed covers, followed by his friend falling down beside him.
"You're staying over, then?" Frank asked after a couple of moments of awkward silence. Gerard dragged his lower lip down and nodded. Frank got up to close the bedroom door, the shift in weight on the bed causing Gerard to wince, as a pain shot down his swollen spine.
Frank flicked his bedroom light off, the bedside lamp now producing a comparatively warm, soft glow.
"You're properly hurt, aren't ya?" Gerard silently nodded, as he rubbed his left shoulder. Frank walked over and leaned close to Gerard, with narrowed eyes.
"We need to y'know, address what the fuck happened on Monday".
"Dude I'm so fucking sorry I wish I could tell you how-" Frank interrupted him with a sigh, as he sat on the guitar amp opposite the bed.

"I've been thinking about it. We can either pretend it never happened and make sure that fuckin' ring never leaves your fuckin' finger again..." Gerard itched his nose with a careless swipe of his palm, before resuming his intent concentration.
"It never leaves your finger, or, you can control it." Frank cocked his head suggestively.

Gerard's brows furrowed in disbelief and confusion.
"Frank, I don't think that's a good idea."
"Yeah, in theory. But I didn't sleep last night."
"Your point being?"
"I was thinking about you."
"Stop it, you!" Gerard playfully waved his hand at Frank, instantly lightening the mood.
"I was thinking about you because I'm scared of you." Gerard's mouth opened in shock before he shrugged and sheepishly looked at the ground.
"Frank, I don't blame you. I don't even remember what the fuck I did on Monday."

Frank carefully described Gerard's behavior to him - the blade-like teeth, the glowing, enraged eyes, the superhuman strength, the thirst for blood. Gerard looked down at his bruised hands, then back up at Frank, who continued to sombrely recount the event, then back down at his hands, which began to shake. The panic and guilt Gerard felt following the incident on Monday rose in his throat, and he struggled to swallow it down. Frank hopped onto the bed and put his arm around Gerard, having noticed his shallow breaths and shaking hands. He shushed him and gently rubbed his shoulders until he relaxed once more.
"Gerard, I might be scared, but if you're with me, I'm not as scared of everything else that has to be lurking out there" Frank whispered, subtly increasing his volume.
Gerard suddenly sat upright, and Frank's hands naturally fell back to his sides.
"I've seen pictures of it, pictures in books, of vampires all living in their full, gnarly-ass form. Pictures of them playing cards, and playing instruments." His eyes were wide as he looked into Frank's. "They're not their best friend's guard dogs either. They're civilised."
"Note taken. We don't know if it's possible... but it's worth a try, eh?" Frank was filled with hope.
"We'll see," Gerard answered, his apprehension creeping forward.

The pair were both brimming with questions and concerns, however mutually felt the evening's discussion had been stressful enough, and busied themselves, selecting a collection of films to watch throughout the night. 

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AN/ I hope everyone is finding this okay! Please vote and comment your opinions!

AN/ 5 years later - I didn't realise how many words I've written... I wish essays came this easily to me lol