The Gatekeeper (LGBT+)

The One Who Watches

I only look up from the Grimoire when I feel Max awaken.

Max has been asleep for a day or two due to Por-ce's spell. Of course, the stubborn bastard survived but not without consequence. I have to break it to him that his son is—well I'm not entirely sure what he is.

He's a hybrid without a soul.

Max tries to sit up in bed and winces when he feels the cut on his abdomen. I close the book and stare at him.

"I'm not into guys, least not my son's...husband?"

"Wow, you really are his father." I say with amusement. I grow solemn as I realize he doesn't know everything. I take a deep breath.

"Is it the baby? It is a baby, right?"

"No...well, yes...it is but it's not."

Max eyes me skeptically.

"Max, there's something about David...I need to know what happened to Portia. Help me understand."

"Fine. It's a long story."

"I've got time."

                                                                                                     -

Porter stands in Byars, waiting on his order for the family.

To say that Porter's worried about Perry is an understatement. Porter is still in shock. It's hard to see Perry going through this and even harder seeing David committing these atrocious acts.

It's a feeling of helplessness.

Porter's only course of action is to get the family food. It's quickest way to everyone's heart. It is also Porter's intention to get everyone together to have a conversation. As Porter stands in the middle of Byars, he looks around trying to find out exactly what's changed and all he thinks about is how nothing has changed, not here.

"The more things change..."

Porter freezes. He never thought he'd hear that voice again. He turns to see Astrid standing in front of him. Porter's memory of Astrid is spotty. He remembers that he was once in love with her. He is also aware that she died.

He is also aware that she didn't stay that way.

Many of his friends didn't realize it. They thought she was insignificant. But she isn't. She guided the vampires for a short time. No one seems to remember that. She was the buffer between Perry and Porter after Porter died.

She'd known him better than anyone else for a while.

"Hello, lover."

                                                                                                       -  

As I descend the stairs of my house, I hear talking in the kitchen.

As I enter the kitchen, I'm greeted by the sight of Charlotte, Eva, Micah, Penny and Peyton. Peyton and Micah are sitting at the table eating waffles, while the other three hover behind them. At the sight of me, they all pause.