Archive of Our Own ^beta

Shelby was sitting in library reading, when she heard a squeak at the window. The library of her home was huge, with many squishy chairs and a roaring fireplace. The large glass windows would often creak in the wind, but this was no creak. The squeak came from a small bat, flapping its leathery wings against the windowpanes. Shelby leaped from her place in her favourite comfy chair and ripped open the window to let the bat in. In an instance, the bat transformed into a man!

The man was taller than Shelby, with blue hair, sheltered by a dramatic overcoat with a popped collar. Shelby knew this man, it was Scott! Her roommate and best friend!

“Scott!” Shelby cried, “You’re back!”

Scott brushed himself off and picked up Shelby’s dropped book, Twilight, by her favourite author, M. Scott was Shelby’s oldest friend. It was Scott’s grand castle where Shelby lived. She had taken the offer and moved in, many years ago, not because she was lonely, but because she liked Scott. They had met in a strange little town called Oakhurst, many years ago, and lived together briefly, before Scott rebuilt his old castle and invited her to stay. Shelby had many, many friends, but liked living with Scott most of all. Scott was also responsible for Shelby becoming a vampire, which Shelby didn’t mind. It had been hard to adjust sometimes, but living with Scott forever had helped her accept the positives of the vampire life.

“Good evening, Shelby,” said Scott, “I brought dinner!”

Scott was so kind, always thinking of Shelby. Dinner was a good idea, because she was quite thirsty. Scott hugged Shelby tightly, which they did often as best friends who lived together forever. Shelby hugged him back because this was normal. Scott led Shelby out of the library, to the kitchens, revealing a large flank of scrumptious looking raw meat from his coat. The scent of blood was rich and fresh.

Tonight was an important night, Shelby knew. It was Saturday, and every Saturday, their dear friends Owen and Pyro would travel to meet them for a family dinner. Or a friend dinner. As vampires the lines were kind of blurry after many decades. Anyway, Shelby didn’t have any real family anymore, so a vampire family was a great thing to have.

While Scott and Shelby lived in their grand castle, Shelby writing and Scott supervising the human townsfolk, Pyro and Owen traveled the world. Pyro flew from city to city getting degrees from universities across the land. Owen travelled the woods, cutting down all sorts of trees. Or whatever lumberjacks did. Their return marked a super fun time, where the group would eat and share tales of their adventures. Shelby was especially looking forward to talking to Pyro, who was helping her write and publish a work on all the very real “supernatural creatures” that existed.

“What did you get up to today?” asked Scott.

“Lots of writing!” replied Shelby, “You just caught me as I was taking a break. I finished my chapter on the elusive Bigfoot and its gentle nature. I’m moving on now to describe the truth behind Santa!”

“Wow, Bigfoot!” said Scott, “Those are very real! I’m proud of all your hard work, Shelby”

“Thank you, Scott, I’m thinking of dedicating the book to my late father. I think he would like that.”

“That is such an admirable goal,” Scott said, “I ate a townsperson today, I hope it won’t spoil my dinner!”

“I’m sure it will be fine! Maybe don’t eat people next time.”  Shelby said, and suddenly, she heard a booming knock at the large spruce doors. The knocker must have been very strong because Shelby and Scott were in the kitchen, preparing food, which was several rooms away from the foyer.

“That must be Pyro or Owen! I’ll get it!” said Shelby. She dashed off to the foyer.

Awaiting at the door was both Pyro and Owen. Pyro was wearing a blazer and tie, clearly having departed directly from his job at whatever university he was teaching at this time. Owen was wearing a thick brown cloak and carried a leather satchel that smelled of fresh blood. Shelby hugged them both in greeting.

“I brought something for dinner.” Owen said, as he took off his shoes.  

“Scott will appreciate that!” Shelby replied. She took his coat and hung it on the wall. “He’s in the kitchen, follow me.”

Together, the three of them made their way to the dining area, where Scott had already prepared their seats. Scott rushed over to greet Pyro and Owen with hugs.

The four of them sat at the long dining table and served up delicious flanks of raw meat, and goblets of fresh warm blood. Shelby’s mouth watered at the tender, juicy cuts of meat. They didn’t know which livestock the meat had come from, but Scott had mentioned being at the village today.

Owen drank deeply from his goblet, then asked, “So, how have you all been?”

“Well,” Scott replied, “Very well! The village is really starting to come along. I think in a few years I can have a sacrifice system going just as I used to. And of course, Shelby is a lovely roommate, I’m so glad she decided to stay.”

“Oh, thank you Scott!” Shelby said, “I’ve been great, Owen, my book has been really coming along.”

“Wow that sounds great Shelby,” gushed Pyro, “I absolutely must read your manuscript! The professors at the university are just dying to publish it. Especially since I told them about how you earned a medal of honour for proving werewolves are real!”

Shelby blushed, “Oh jeez Pyro! You flatter me.”

“No really! Everyone’s been falling over themselves to meet you. I had to tell them you’re secretive and seclusive so you wouldn’t have droves of academics rushing to hear all your knowledge about supernatural creatures.”

“That’s just great Shelby, I’m excited to read your book once it’s done!” Owen interjected, “I’ve been traveling all over the world, chopping trees and such, and I met a very kind Bigfoot who was very impressed with your knowledge.”

“Wow, that’s just great!” said Shelby. “It’s good to know the Bigfoot population has access to literature being published about them. So, they can fact check us of course.”

Owen cleared his throat, “After dinner I was thinking we could play a game?” In the past few decades Owen has become much more cheerful, losing the depressing aura he had held when Shelby had first met him. Perhaps because he had such lovely friends to hang out with for eternity. It certainly made Shelby happy to see him happy.

“Ooh that sounds lovely! Perhaps Clue?” said Scott.

“I love Clue! What a great idea Sire.” said Pyro.

Shelby finished their delightful meal and thanked Scott and Owen for their contributions. The four vampires then helped each other clear up the dishes before making their way to the grand receiving room to play Clue.

“I really am glad to have such wonderful eternal friends as you all.” Shelby proclaimed as they played.

“I’m glad too,” said Scott, “I don’t show it, but I was actually quite lonely all on my own six hundred years ago.”

“I was very lonely too, cutting trees on your own sucks.” said Owen.

“Colonel Mustard with a rope in the Study.” said Scott.

“You guys!” Shelby was moved. “Don’t tell anyone, but despite having many friends, I was also, maybe, a little lonely. It really sucks when everyone thinks you’re crazy.”

“We know you’re not crazy, Shelby! You were simply right too early. And we’re so glad you’re our friend. We love you so much!”

“Aw, I love you guys too!” Shelby said.

It was late when Clue had finished, the sun high in the sky, and Shelby knew it was time to sleep. She bid her friends goodnight and went to sleep in her lovely, soft bed. Vampires don’t usually sleep in coffins, of course, that’s very gauche. Instead, Shelby placed their glasses on their bedside table and snuggled into their comfy king-sized bed. She was excited to see what adventures tomorrow would bring with her wonderful roommate!