Freak Show {The Pack and Friends}

• Part 5 •

Vikk's Perspective

I tugged on Lachlan's hand, pulling him through our little makeshift camp.

The other Cirque members and I had set up a little outcropping of tents that we used while not performing. Cooking, practicing, sleeping, and eating, everything took place here.

We had built our own traveling civilization, moving like ants every few days. I used to hate it when I first joined. Stop somewhere, set up tents, perform a few nights, then move along.
It was a boring cycle, but I had learned to live with it.

I heard Jay's voice in my head. Jay was the only other vampire in the Cirque, he was turned as a child, his canine teeth sanded down to pass as human for most of his life.

Vampires had a small telepathic connection. I could mentally communicate with any vamp within a mile radius of our camp. 99.999% of the time, that was Jay.

'Meet us at the fire. And Vikk, take it easy on Lachlan. You look like you're going to yank his arm off.'

I giggled slightly, Lachlan sending me a strange look.
'Got it. Be there soon.'

"Come on Lachlan."

I intertwined our fingers, running ahead. As we got closer, I saw the other members, Preston's hands lighting a small pile of firewood. The flame grew underneath it, licking at the wood. The last guy, what was his name? He was talking with Jerome, black wings spread. The boy was feeling along the soft downy feathers, in awe.

The sun had started to set, a small chill spreading over the camp. I saw another guy in a soft blue jumper, he shivered with the cold, holding his hands above the fire. Preston nodded his way, reaching his arm around his shoulders.
"You cold?"

I heard Rob whisper a small "thanks" leaning closer into his side.
I nudged Lachlan, gesturing towards the newest couple. He smiled at them, rolling his eyes.

Alesa and Jay both exited the cooking tent. Alesa carrying a large stack of pancakes. And Jay a small stack of sausage.I handed Lachlan a plate, filling mine for myself.

Before the Cirque, I had been self conscious about eating, my fangs had always gotten in the way. More of a nuisance than anything else.
I sat back near the fire, my legs crossed as my back leaned against one of the many logs we used for seating.
Lachlan sat close to me, taking a small bite of one of the sausages.

"Mmm. Vikk these are so good. What are they?"
"Blood sausage. Vampire specialty."

I popped one into my mouth, chewing the meat slowly. I saw all the color drain from Lachlan's face, his skin turning slightly green.
I tried to hold back the giggle bubbling in my throat, failing to do so. I burst out laughing, covering my mouth with my hands.

The commotion had gathered the attention of the other members, all of them looking over at a pale Lachlan with I almost in tears.

"Vikk. You are so mean."
"Yeah. Don't worry Lachlan, it's just normal sausage. These two losers are the only things here that drink blood."

Ashley jabbed a finger at Jay and I, accentuating the word thing when she pointed to me.
I felt anger rise in my face. I hated when she called me thing. And, yet, I let the insult pass.
Lachlan took a few deep breaths, relieved. A flush of pink spreading up from his neck.

---
We sat around the fire for awhile longer. Preston had taken Rob to his tent, the two heading to sleep.
Lachlan yawned, rubbing his eyes.

"Lachlan. You want to head in? You can share my tent of you want."
"Mhmm."

Lachlan and I stood up.
"Hey guys. I'm going to show Lachlan to bed. See you all in the morning."

I got a small bundle of replies saying goodnight to us. Even catching Jerome winking at me in the corner of my eye.

I located the tent I had, showing Lachlan around my small one room arrangement. In each of the tents, there was a fabric hammock, able to be folded up and carried easily when need be.

The usual per room was one, always set up for the person inhabiting the tent. But, we did have a few extra ones, perfect for rare occasions like squatters or extra members.

I set up the second hammock for Lachlan, putting it close to mine. I tossed him a pillow and a blanket. Lastly, I reached into the duffle bag where I kept my clothes, tossing him the largest pair of sweatpants I had.

I grabbed myself something to sleep in. Turning away from him to change. I unbuttoned my shirt, replacing it was a soft grey t-shirt. I exchanged the suit pants for a faded pair of plaid pajama pants. When I looked back he was wearing my clothes, the pants somehow still too short to cover his ankles.

Lachlan leaned back on his makeshift bed, folding his arms behind his head. I relaxed into my bed, laying on my side to face him. Lachlan then rolled over, facing me.

Even in the dark room, with shadows cast from the fire outside, I could see his eyes. The soft blue. They are the type of eyes that always shine, the kind that are always bright.

"So tell me... As an avid vampire enthusiast myself. Can I ask you some questions?"
I giggled, bringing my hand back up to cover my mouth.

"Sure."
Lachlan yawned,
"Do all vampires have that telekinesis thing? When you picked me up?"

"No... As far as I know, only I can do that. But, then again, I don't know many vamps. Only Jay. And he can control spiders, talk to them or something. They way I think of it is like powers, we all have our own that make us unique from each other."

"But, don't you guys worry about the hierarchy. Like if one vampire's power is better than another's?"

"No... That's never been a problem with us. We're a pretty simple species. Why do you ask? Is that a problem with humans?"

"Oh yeah. But, I don't see the purpose for it. I mean, we are all heading to the grave anyway. I don't get why you have to make people feel bad on the way there."

"Umm, next question."
I changed the subject. I hated talking about death, more specifically how I won't ever die.
I've made tons of friends, mostly other Cirque members. I've been performing here since I was a child, and they've all left me. Everyone except, well, you know.

"Is the bat thing true? Can you fly? Like Jerome?"
I smiled, a well known vampire misconception.

"No. I wish I could though."
"Where would you go if you could?"

I thought for awhile...
"Australia... I'd want to go to Australia. I hear the people that come from there are very kind"
Lachlan smiled, a shy, half-smile, one I knew was meant for me.

"What was your childhood like?"
I thought a bit longer, what was my childhood like?

"I... I don't really remember."
I rolled onto my back. Racking my brain for a better answer. Lachlan was silent as I thought.

"I guess. I remember making these little boats with my dad... They were in a jar... I remember he would burn the tip of a needle, reaching inside to pull up the sail... We would spend hours making those... I always held my breath to see if we built it right. My dad and I weren't very good at it, most of our ships fell apart. But, he always told me, 'Vikram. Just keep trying, even if something goes wrong, you can always pick up and carry on. Don't... Don't ever give up.'"

I wiped a small tear from my eye, one I hadn't known had fallen. Lachlan had a tired smile on his face.
"That was beautiful."

He yawned one last time, his eyes closing. Within a few minutes, quiet snores coming from his lips.
I wasn't tired. One small thing Lachlan hadn't thought of...

I was a Vampire. I didn't sleep at night. I slept during the day, tucked away of the suns rays.

I spent most of my nights writing or reading. Practicing my levitation or, when I needed to, go hunting. Whatever I could to keep myself busy. My favorite past time was staring at the stars. The millions and millions of but tonight, I had my own star to watch. And he was sleeping right next to me.
---

Rewriting this made me realize how much I am still Vikklan trash. Oops