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Chapter Text

Oakhurst was a small town surrounded by trees and nature. It didn't look like much, but Avid supposes that the townsfolk seem happy enough. While modest, the houses were well-built and nicely decorated. In the area outside of the walls, there were large plots of farmland, and barns set up for animals and cattle. Avid never would have guessed by looking at the people that they were being controlled by a vampire.

Avid walked along the streets, ignoring the stares he was getting. He knew that wearing silver accessories was a risk in a place like this, but Avid didn't dare go without. He didn't know how long the vampire ruling over this town had been in power, but with how firmly the hold was on the townspeople, Avid guessed it had been a good amount of time. He didn't want to go into a fight with a powerful vampire without any sort of protection.

Avid hesitates only a moment before walking past the walls surrounding town, towards the forest. If the vampire responsible for all of this was anywhere, Avid was sure it would be the castle. Vampires were arrogant creatures, and one like this, that held so much power over so many people, would certainly be prideful because of it.

Avid searches the trees for any signs of movement as he approaches the large bridge connecting the forest and the castle. Avid stares at the sight, taken aback by the sheer magnitude of the architecture in front of him. The stone walls were chiseled, detailed beyond what Avid had ever seen. He swallows. He's sure now that this is the right place.

Avid looks around him as he carefully steps onto the bridge, unnerved by the lack of guards or other people. His approach felt too easy.

After a solid minute of walking, he reaches the other side of the bridge, looking up at the castle before him. Avid eyes the door, his nerves standing on edge. He tries the door despite expecting it to be locked, startling himself as it pushes open beneath his hand. Avid steps inside quietly, an action which is made pointless by the door slamming behind him. He winces at the loud noise, eyes darting around the hall for anyone who could have noticed.

No one appears, but Avid remains on edge, creeping down the long hallway nervously. His hand finds the stake on his belt, clenching hard around it.

Avid jumps at every creak and odd noise, tension holding him in a vice grip. He reaches the end of the hall, peering around the corner into what looks to be some sort of opulent dining room. Avid carefully steps inside, placing one of his hands on the table. It was set for two people, but instead of a typical dish, raw bloody steak was laid out on the plates.

Avid swallows back the urge to vomit, the smell of blood bringing back memories he would rather forget.

Just as Avid turns to look at the chair at the head of the table, he's jolted out of his inspection by the large doors to the dining room slamming shut, a tall man stood in front of them.

Avid is frozen in place, his heart pounding in his chest. The man tilts his head, meeting Avid's eyes and staring right back.

“And who would you be?”

Avid blinks out of his stupor, glancing between the man and the door. He doesn't respond right away, taking in the man's appearance cautiously. He was handsome, with sharp pale features. His hair was light blue, almost white, and curled around pointed ears.

“Like what you see?” The man asks, an amused lift to his voice.

Avid flushes, darting his eyes away. “S-Sorry,” he murmurs. “I'm Avid.”

The man hums pleasantly. “Scott.”

Avid nods, committing the name to memory. “Are you the owner of this castle?”

Scott narrows his red eyes, the irises gleaming oddly. “That would be me, yes.”

Avid tenses, though he was expecting that answer. He flinches as Scott steps forward towards him, tightening his hold on the wooden stake in his hand. Scott seems to notice this, as he scowls, not pausing in his approach. “I already knew what you came for, but seeing you in person is still annoying.”

Avid swallows, feeling trapped already. He knew what he was getting into when coming to Oakhurst, but facing a real vampire was much different than hearing about it. His heart is beating so loud that he wonders if Scott can hear it. Avid forces a glare onto his face, pushing down the instinctive feeling of fear that comes from facing something he doesn't fully understand.

“You've enslaved all the people of this town. I'm here to save them!”

Scott stops about a foot away from him, a smirk slowly growing on his lips, sharp canines visible as he grins.

“So we've got a hero on our hands. How noble of you, Avid.” Scott presses into Avid's personal space. “There's one little problem with that, however.”

Avid tenses, lifting his hand up quickly, freezing as the stake strikes empty air.

Hands land on Avid's shoulders from behind, making Avid jump. He tries to push away, but Scott doesn't budge, his hands only tightening as Avid attempts to escape him. Scott hums in his ear, his hand trailing down Avid's arm slowly, wrapping around his wrist and squeezing, his nails poking sharply against Avid's pulse.

Avid gasps in pain, the stake dropping from his grip despite Avid's best effort to hold on. His eyes burn from the sharp pressure around his wrist and shoulder. Scott leans in behind him, his lips pressing in against the bandages along Avid's throat.

“And here I thought you were meant to be a big scary monster hunter,” his voice caresses Avid's skin, making him shudder. “How disappointing.”

Avid tries to curl in on himself, trying to protect his neck from Scott's fangs, but with Scott coiled around him, Avid can barely move. His body is tense as a bowstring, ready to snap at any slight indication of Scott loosening his hold, but Scott doesn't give him a chance to struggle, roughly sinking his teeth into Avid's neck, the bandages doing nothing to stop the sharp fangs.

Avid shrieks, twisting hard against Scott's chest. It does nothing but make the bite more painful. Avid doesn't even attempt to stop the hot tears that make their way down his face. It's the most pain that Avid can ever remember being in, and it's made all the worse by the added layer of captivity.

Avid's legs go numb beneath him, the only thing keeping him upright being Scott's arms around chest, holding him in place. As soon as Scott pulls his fangs out, Avid slumps against him.

Scott coos condescendingly at him, shifting his hold so he's carrying Avid. “How cute. You really aren't very tough at all, are you?”

Avid can't speak, his throat throbbing hotly. He watches Scott lick his blood from his lips, nausea bubbling up inside him. Scott smirks down at him. “I think I might have to keep around.”

Avid could wish for nothing less.

Chapter Text

Avid dreams of his partner.

She sits opposite him, her eyes creasing in fondness as she looks at him, a smile on her lips. He's talking passionately about something or other, her listening to him drone on like always. It's familiar.

When he turns back to look at her, however, her eyes are unfocused. She's staring blankly at him, her gaze dead. Avid calls out to her, but his voice doesn't carry. She doesn't blink as blood slowly starts to drip down from her mouth, a gaping wound opening in her chest. He can see her heart inside, frozen in place. She starts to bruise, yellows and purples painting her arms and legs. It isn't long before the skin starts to sag around her bones, rot spreading fast along her body. Avid screams at the sight, looking down at the red coating his shaky hands, caked under his nails.

Your fault, her voice whispers in his ear despite the fact that she's little more than a corpse at this point, the words twisting cruelly. He jumps to his feet, reaching out to do something, anything, but he's stuck in place. His feet are moving, but he's not getting any closer. The room presses down on him, and suddenly he's falling.

Avid jolts upward, his breathing heavy. His eyes are wide, blinking fast in an attempt to clear the tears. His cheeks are wet, and his eyes ache, puffy and swollen. Avid pulls his knees up to his chest, looking up as he slowly gets his breathing under control. He's sitting on a red sofa, but doesn't recognize the room he's in. He startles as his gaze lands on a figure watching him from the corner of the room.

Scott.

Avid tenses, the memories from the day prior rushing back at him full force. He tries to stand, to get away from the monster, but his legs don't support him, trembling like a newborn fawn.

“Poor thing,” Scott laments, walking over to where Avid fell. Unfortunately, he's unintimidated by Avid's glare, guiding him back up onto the sofa without hesitation. “You really don't think things through, do you?”

As Avid stares up at him silently, Scott heaves out a put-upon sigh, as if Avid were being particularly annoying. “You humans are so fragile,” he mutters.

Avid swallows, his heart beating furiously in his chest. Avid glares weakly up at Scott, trying to hide his fear behind a shield of anger. “Someone will notice I'm missing. I’ve been in town long enough, people know who I am.”

Scott smiles down at him condescendingly. “Oh, my. You really are naive. Who do you think told me you were here?”

Avid freezes, his breath stuttering. He shakes his head, stopping only as he starts to get lightheaded. “No. They wouldn't have. You're lying. They wouldn't have set me up.”

Scott watches him closely, raising an eyebrow at his denial. “And why wouldn't they? They are mine.”

Avid shrinks back against the sofa. “You're a monster.”

“Yes,” Scott responds dryly, looking bored now by the conversation. “We’ve established that.”

Avid wants nothing more than to run. He knows he would only make a fool of himself, his body too heavy and his head pounding, but he wishes he could nonetheless. He thinks he would rather have Scott kill him than to be trapped with a vampire intent on tormenting him.

Scott sighs again, walking back over to the door. “This is just pathetic. I'll be back when you feel like being more entertaining.”

Avid's eyes widen, straightening up, but before he can even think to say anything the door clicks shut behind Scott.

Avid stares at the door for a moment, biting his lip nervously. He slowly pushes his legs off the sofa, using the arm of it to prop him up. His legs still feel like jelly underneath him, but Avid doesn't immediately fall like before. It takes a while and using the wall as a crutch for his weak limbs, but he eventually reaches the door Scott left through.

He tries the handle, unsurprised when it does nothing but click. He expected it to be locked, but it was still disheartening. Avid uses the wall to bring him over to the large windowsill, but gets dizzy just looking down at how high up it is. There's no way he would ever be able to escape through it without breaking his body against the stones.

Avid slides down the wall, curling up against it. He wishes he had some sort of weapon, something that he could use to ensure his safety, but he knows how well that went last time. Avid doesn't know why he thought he could help the people of Oakhurst. It was clear that he wasn’t cut out for monster hunting. His partner would be ashamed if she saw him now.

Avid swallows hard, his eyes watering again. He blinks them away, sick and tired of the tears already. The people of Oakhurst didn't want his help anyway. They were somehow fine with this deal they made with a monster. Avid didn't understand how anyone could willingly give themselves up to be slaughtered at the first inconvenience.

Scott was clearly powerful, though. He's sure that the townspeople are just too scared to go against him. Avid can't bring himself to blame them, even if they did set him up to be killed. Scott was terrifying, their first impressions were enough for him to deduce that much. Avid isn't sure why he thought that he could do this alone. He had never been very capable of doing much by himself, other than giving what assistance he could to his partner by making her weapons.

Avid somehow got the idea in his head that he could be like her. She wouldn't be sulking right now, stuck in a castle and locked away by a vampire. No, she wouldn't have been in this situation in the first place. She was smart enough to know not to rush into things.

Avid got ahead of himself, too much false confidence guiding him forward.

As he clenches his eyes shut, Avid wonders if his partner had felt like this before she was turned. The dread and hopelessness of the situation boring down on her like it does him.

Avid hopes not, but he knows that thinking otherwise is wishful at best and delusional at worst. She was just as human as he is, no matter how invincible she seemed. He misses her, especially right now, completely alone as he is.

Avid doesn't dare go back to sleep, too afraid of the horrors that would meet him there.

Too afraid to face her again.

Even in his dreams.

Chapter Text

When Scott eventually returns, Avid was curled up against the stone wall beside the windowsill. He still felt awful, his legs refusing to work, his limbs weighing heavily, and his skin cold and flushed. Avid had learned of the effects of blood loss, of course, but experiencing them was a different story entirely. His heart beat rapidly in his chest, and he felt vaguely nauseous as well, though that might have been from the lack of eating anything for a whole day.

He still flinches when the door is pushed open, but the reaction is delayed. He registers footsteps approaching him, but he's too exhausted to lift his head from where it presses against his knees.

He hadn't slept at all since Scott left, too afraid of the nightmares that would follow him if he did. He knows that he needs sleep to recover, and that it takes weeks to recover fully from blood loss. That is, if Scott doesn't decide to feed from him again. He hopes not, but isn't delusional enough to think that will make it a reality.

Scott's voice sounds from above him. “Well, don't you look awful. It almost makes me pity you.”

Avid forces himself to move, propping his chin up on his knees. He glares weakly at Scott, his hands shaking. “I don’t want your pity, vampire.”

Scott rolls his eyes, waving his hand in the air dismissively. “I said almost, didn't I? I'm not wasting my precious time to feel bad for a human. That sounds like a lot of work,” Scott gives him a pointed look. “I don't do hard work.”

Avid closes his eyes and shakes his head, not bothering to respond to that. Scott grabs his attention by snapping his fingers, holding a tray now in his off hand. He scowls down at Avid, his eyebrow raised in annoyance. “You're even more spacey than I thought. I took the time to have my people make you your disgusting human food, and you can't even pay attention?”

Avid swallows hard, smelling now the scent of warm food in the air. He hadn’t eaten since he left Oakhurst yesterday, and he was starving for it. Scott seems to notice this because he smirks, leaning down and placing the tray on the floor in front of him with a grace that only a hundreds year old vampire could possess.

“It's pork and spinach soup. It will help you recover faster from the loss of blood. Aren't I so thoughtful?”

Avid sits forward, looking down at the food longingly. He reaches for the spoon, flinching again as Scott intercepts him. “Don't you think you should thank me? I went out of my way to have this made for you. You should be thankful I went through that effort for a human like you.”

Avid swallows again, glaring up at Scott. His voice comes out more shaky than it should, the syllables pressing together. “I'm not going to thank a monster.”

Scott rolls his eyes. “I can always give it to one of the townspeople, if you aren't thankful. I'm sure they would appreciate my graciousness.”

Avid tenses, his hand clenching around the edge of the tray. With a great amount of reluctance, Avid spits out the words Scott wants to hear. “...Thank you.”

Scott smirks. “You'll get better at it as time passes.”

Avid takes the unspoken permission for what it is and lifts the bowl of soup into his hands. He takes a sip of the broth before speaking again. “How long are you planning on keeping me here?”

Scott hums. “As long as you remain entertaining. Humans never keep my attention for long.”

Avid shrinks into himself, his eyes dropping to the bowl in his hands. The words aren't anywhere near reassuring, and Avid knows that Scott knows that.

“Avid.”

Avid looks up at his name mid-bite, having given up already at not seeming hungry. Scott grimaces at his eagerness, or lack of manners before it's replaced by a smug smirk. “I have things to do. Behave yourself while I'm gone, m'kay?”

Before Avid can say anything to that, Scott disappears in thin air, the door opening and closing with a thud. Avid blinks, confusion mixing with wariness. He shakes his head, unsure what to think about the vampire's antics.

Avid returns to his food, trying not to feel ashamed from taking a meal from someone like Scott. He knows he needs his strength if he's going to be able to escape.

He will escape. He has to. If not for himself, then for his partner. He still has yet to do anything to make her proud, and Avid refuses to die before he does. He won't let Scott get the better of him, with his charisma and pretty face.

Avid wasn't strong enough now, but as soon as he escapes, which he will, he's going to train himself to fight properly. He won't rush into anything like this ever again. Avid refuses to give up without trying. His partner would be disappointed in him if he did. He didn't do what he did to survive only to die now.

Avid just has to endure. He had done it before, when the guilt threatened to swallow him whole. The stakes were just higher now.

Much higher.

It was fine. Avid would be fine so long as he stayed smart. He could do that. His mind was his greatest weapon, even if it sometimes seemed to be his enemy. He could push through. He would push through. He still had to save Oakhurst from Scott's control. They were clearly terrified of their vampire overlord, and he's sure that with a push, they could revolt.

What he isn't sure about is if they would succeed. Avid had already established that Scott was an elder vampire, and that meant that it was likely he was immensely powerful.

Avid had to find his weakness, and even though his position was less than optimal, he could still use it to his advantage until he escapes.

He could do this.

He had to if he wanted to earn her pride. He wanted to be worthy again of her smile.

Even if only in his own memories.

Chapter Text

Avid is pretty sure he's going stir crazy. There's only so long you can stare into space before you lose your mind. He had made his way back to the sofa, but the comfortable furniture didn’t do anything to help distract his mind from the emptiness. As much as Avid detests Scott for holding him captive, he almost wishes that the man was there to keep Avid company, if only so he doesn't go insane in the buzzing silence of the isolating room.

When the door finally does open and he sees Scott's haughty expression he quickly changes his mind. Insanity was better than having to deal with his current situation. Avid still hadn’t managed to go back to sleep after his nightmare, and the thought of dealing with the arrogant vampire that locked him away was the last thing he wanted to do when his head was pounding.

Scott strides over to him, a smirk pasted on his lips. He's holding another tray, one that smells heavenly despite the slight nausea that curls in Avid's stomach. Scott gives Avid the tray, crossing his arms once his hands are free. His smile is infuriating.

“I had my people make something else for you, since you seemed so grateful last time.”

Avid stares down at the tray, biting his lip hard to avoid yelling at Scott. His eyes were heavy and his brain was fuzzy, and all he could focus on was how frustrated he was. His skin buzzes as his annoyance grows, his insides twisting uncomfortably.

Scott raises an eyebrow at him, his gaze amused. “Are you going to be able to eat by yourself or do you need me to feed you?”

It's the last straw. Avid's patience is stretched thin and snaps at Scott's mocking remark. It's not smart, and some part of him screams not to do what he's about to do, but he's too tired to be thinking rationally. Avid upends the tray in his hands, the food splattering all over the patterned rug on the floor.

He only gets to revel in the shocked look on Scott's face for a moment before he registers just how stupid that was. Not only does he not get to eat the food now, the thunderous look on Scott's face is enough to make Avid shrink back. The smirk that was there only a moment before is completely wiped away, a sneer taking its place.

“Do you have a death wish?” Scott asks, no more amusement in his tone. His voice is low and icy. It sends shivers down Avid's spine, his eyes widening at the danger he's just put himself in.

Avid swallows hard, his eyes darting from Scott's face to the mess he made. “I-I didn't mean–”

“You didn't mean too?”

Avid flinches as Scott takes a menacing step towards him. He leans back as far as he can, his breathing picking up. He lifts his hands up in surrender, hoping to placate his captor. “...I'm sorry.”

Scott's hand lurches forward, grabbing Avid's wrist with a merciless hold. Avid gasps as he feels the bones in his wrist creak under Scott's grasp.

“You're lucky I find you entertaining, monster hunter. If I didn't you would be dead where you sit.”

Avid's eyes water as Scott's grip tightens, a whine escaping his lips. “I'm sorry!”

Fear and adrenaline rushes through Avid's body, feeling more awake than he had in hours.

Scott's grip doesn't let up until a sick, sharp noise fills the room. Avid bites his lip to keep from screaming, tears escaping him regardless of his efforts to keep them in. The only consolation is that Scott lets go, looking surprised as well as he stares down at Avid's now broken wrist.

Avid tucks his wrist against his chest protectively, shrinking back until his back is flush against the sofa cushions.

Scott continues to stare, and though he still seems frustrated, he no longer looks quite as murderous as before.

“Humans and their weak bodies.” Scott mutters, incredulity painting his tone. “You really are fragile.”

Avid hides his face against his knees, watching from behind his messy hair as Scott leaves without another word, walking out this time instead of disappearing. As soon as Scott's out of sight, Avid breaks into sobs.

So much for trying to find Scott's weakness. All Avid managed to do was piss him off. He didn’t think Scott had meant to break his wrist, but that didn't change the fact that he now had a broken wrist.

It was his own fault, making stupid choices he knew better than to make. Angering Scott did nothing but hurt him in the end. It wasn't smart and Avid should have known better. He was just too sleep deprived to think straight.

Hot tears streak down Avid's cheeks, his wrist pulsing with pain.

He needed to be more careful if he didn’t want to end up dead. He needed to survive, and that meant playing along with what Scott wanted him to do until Avid could escape.

He only hopes he doesn't lose himself in the process.

Chapter Text

Avid is pinned to the wall, impossibly strong hands holding him down. He can't move or struggle, his body frozen in place. No sound escapes his lips as fangs dig into his neck, his mouth parted in a silent, agonizing scream. Venom runs through his veins, and he can feel his body transforming. When he drops down to his knees, his hands are covered in blood that isn't his own. He falls again into the void, terrifying weightlessness consuming him.

Avid hadn't even realized he had fallen asleep again until he was gasping himself awake, crying out in pain as his broken wrist twinges from where it's pressed against his chest. Avid's heart races, and he breathes in and out in short inadequate puffs. His throat constricts and he can't breathe, his lungs screaming for air.

Avid can't breathe. He gasps in and out sharply but nowhere near enough air enters his lungs. His good hand grasps at the bandages around his throat, scraping weakly at the fabric. His nails scratch red lines against his throat as he claws the bandages off.

It doesn't do anything to help. Avid clenches his eyes shut, his hand moving to yank at his hair, but he's intercepted by a cold hand wrapping carefully around his wrist.

His eyes dart open, and he flinches at the sight of Scott sitting beside him on the sofa, holding his good wrist in his hand. The surprise of seeing Scott suddenly appear in front of him makes his heart stutter. He tries to pull his wrist away from Scott in his panic, but Scott's hold is firm. Avid can't stop hyperventilating, pants and gasps escaping him in equal turns.

“Breathe, Avid.”

Scott pulls him close, guiding Avid's head to his lap, his hand leaving Avid's wrist to instead gently card through his hair. “Breathe.”

Avid blinks hard, trying to obey. He struggles, but unlike earlier, Scott is patient. His claws scratch gently along Avid’s scalp as he pets him. The even stroking motion gradually calms Avid's heart, his breathing slowly following. Eventually, his gasps turn into full breaths, his lungs expanding gratefully.

As soon as Avid is able to get his breathing under control, his face warms as shame and fear mix inside him. He's afraid of Scott, of Scott hurting him again. But still, it's easier to calm himself with Scott's gentle hand in his hair.

“You alright now, monster hunter?” Scott asks, his tone lacking both its usual arrogance and the anger from before.

Avid nods slowly, cautiously pulling himself into a sitting position. Scott lets him go, his red eyes tracking Avid's careful movements as he cradles his broken wrist close. “I'm okay now. Thank you.” Avid murmurs, trying to make himself sound grateful instead of scared.

Scott reaches out his hand and holds it between them. It takes a moment for Avid to realize what he wants, and when he does realize, he hesitates. He knows he decided to play along with what Scott wants, but giving over his vulnerable wrist to the vampire who broke it seemed like a bad idea all around. Without any other options than to outright disobey Scott though, Avid places his wrist into Scott's hand. He winces when Scott runs his thumb over the break, but Scott's touch remains oddly gentle.

“It seems like it's a clean break, at least.” Scott says, the words at least a little reassuring. Scott turns and reaches behind him, pulling forward a roll of bandages. “I'm going to wrap it so you don't make it worse by accident.”

Avid stares at the vampire, unable to connect this new caring version of Scott with the one that bit him and broke his wrist. Scott does as he said he would, firmly wrapping the bandages around Avid's broken wrist.

“What was that whole fit about?” Scott asks once Avid is sufficiently bandaged, raising an eyebrow in Avid's direction.

Avid's face heats up. “I-I just had a nightmare is all.”

Scott hums flatly, letting Avid pull his wrist away again. He looks unimpressed. “You woke up in a panic. I don't think that constitutes just a nightmare.”

Avid shrinks against the sofa, averting his eyes. He didn't want to tell Scott anything, but if he stayed silent, would he anger Scott? Avid wasn't sure, and already hurt as he was, he didn't want to risk it. “I had a nightmare that… A nightmare that I was turned.”

Scott tilts his head. “You say that like it's a bad thing.”

Avid can't quite hide his glare, but he bites back a snarky response. “I don't want to be turned.”

Scott pulls Avid closer to him again, the proximity making Avid blush. He knows he shouldn't be feeling bashful about a vampire. It wasn't his fault though. Scott was very attractive despite being a monster and Avid was weak to pretty faces.

Scott smirks at him, petting his hair again. “What are you thinking about that's got you all red?”

Avid turns his face away from Scott, his face burning red. Scott chuckles. “It seems you aren't as resistant to my charms as you thought.”

Avid bites his lip nervously. This was a chance to start trying to earn Scott's trust. Avid slowly leans into Scott's hand, his eyes fluttering shut. It was embarrassing that it wasn't even really an act. Avid had to stay focused, but it was hard when Scott was being so gentle with him.

He was so tired, and it had been too long since he'd been held.

Maybe a few moments like this wouldn't hurt.

Chapter Text

Avid comes back to awareness slowly this time, no jolting awake in a panic or hyperventilating. This time, Avid doesn't remember what dreams he had, if any at all. He's warm, and his head is fuzzy in a pleasant sort of way that comes with good sleep. It takes a moment for Avid to process that he's somewhere new, tucked into a large canopy bed with soft silk sheets.

Carefully, Avid slides himself up into a sitting position, his back propped by the headboard behind him. He looks around the room, blinking in surprise at the luxury surrounding him. Avid thinks back to what happened before he must have fallen asleep, and flushes as the memories return.

He had fallen asleep against Scott.

Shame warms his face. It was stupid to fall asleep with someone so dangerous and unpredictable near him. Scott could have done anything he wanted, and Avid wouldn't have been able to stop him. Not that Avid could stop Scott even if he was awake, but it was the principle of the thing.

All Scott seemed to have done, however, was move him into this bedroom. It was confusing, and Avid didn't know what to think about this side of his vampire captor. It was odd to think that any vampires could be caring.

Avid shook his head, reminding himself to stay focused. Scott was just putting on an act. He didn't really care. It would be safer for Avid to remember that.

Avid tenses as the door slowly opens, his fist clenching in the dark grey sheets. Scott slides into the room, and Avid's face burns at the memory of Scott's gentle hand in his hair.

Scott's expression of smug indifference has returned, and it makes it a little easier to calm his pounding heart. Avid didn't know how he would handle it if Scott decided to suddenly change up his attitude entirely.

“Good morning, sleeping beauty.”

“...Good morning.”

Was it morning? Avid didn't have any real way to know. The curtains over the bedroom window were drawn and Avid couldn't remember what time it had been before he had fallen asleep. Avid decides it doesn't really matter.

Scott approaches his bedside, setting down a glass of water and a small pill. Avid eyes it warily as Scott rolls his eyes.

“It's for the pain.” Avid blinks at him. Scott raises an eyebrow. “For your wrist?”

Avid nods, but hesitates to take it. Scott could be lying to him. But, Scott could also force him to take it quite easily. And Avid's wrist did hurt.

With a shaky hand, Avid puts the pill in his mouth, washing it down with the glass of water. Scott, seemingly satisfied with his obedience, nods his head.

“It seems even you know how to follow directions.”

Avid holds back a glare, swallowing the rest of the water, his throat less sore now that he's had something to drink. “Thank you.”

Scott raises his eyebrow again, humming in response. “You're welcome.”

Avid looks down at the silk sheets, rubbing his thumb over the soft, sleek fabric. He does feel a little better now, though whether the pill was that fast acting or he really was that thirsty, Avid didn't know.

What he did know was that he was hungry, and Scott hadn't brought him any food. He guesses it was because of the incident last time with the rug, but dread still curls up in his gut, twisting uncomfortably. Anxiety is a physical weight on his chest, and Avid is afraid to broach the topic with Scott.

He doesn't want to make Scott angry by reminding him of Avid's earlier mistake, but he also doesn't want to go hungry. He doubts Scott would let him starve, but he also doesn't want to find out. Avid needs his strength if he's going to maintain the brain power he needs to keep up with Scott, so he can escape.

“Scott?” Avid's voice trembles a little as he speaks, and he knows Scott can hear it.

Scott tilts his head, his unwavering gaze doing nothing to ease Avid's frayed nerves. “Yes?”

“Can I… Can I have something to eat? I'm hungry.”

Scott huffs, and Avid can't quite hold back a flinch at the annoyed sound. “I don't know. Are you going to waste my efforts again?”

Avid quickly shakes his head. “I-I won't. I'm, I'm sorry. For what I did before. I wasn't thinking straight. I swear I wouldn't do it again,” Avid pauses, hesitating only a second before deciding his pride isn't more important than eating. “Please?”

Avid is tense as Scott hums again, tilting his head like he's scrutinizing Avid's plea. Avid's good hand clenches and unclenches in the sheets as he waits for Scott to speak. He doesn't have any way to provide for himself, and he's painfully aware that he's reliant on Scott. If he says no, Avid will be stuck going hungry until Scott decides that he's suffered enough for his stupid mistake.

Scott sighs dramatically, shaking his head. Just as Avid's heart skips a beat, panic creeping in, Scott speaks. “Fine. You're lucky I'm so gracious and have already forgiven your little act of rebellion.”

Avid lets out the breath he was holding. He's a little surprised that he actually does feel grateful. It would have been easy for Scott to use this to hurt him, but he didn’t. It was more than Avid expected.

“Thank you.”

Scott hums again, softer this time. “I'll be back.”

Avid leans back and watches Scott leave, and is surprised again that he actually believes Scott when he says he'll return. It's strange that he's allowed himself to put any sort of trust into this weird back and forth relationship that's forming between him and Scott.

Avid reminds himself again that vampires aren't to be trusted. He repeats it in his head until the message sticks.

He won't let himself be tricked. Not by someone like Scott.

Not when he still had goals he needed to complete.

Avid couldn't falter.

Chapter Text

Scott does return a few hours later, announcing his presence with a quiet pleased hum as the door creaks open. Avid finds himself nervous as he notices the lack of a tray in Scott's hands. He didn't even consider that Scott could be lying about bringing him food, but that anxiety makes itself known as Scott approaches. Hunger pangs ache in Avid's stomach, and embarrassingly enough, the thought of not eating makes him want to cry.

He doesn't have to wait in suspense for long, however, as Scott rolls his eyes at Avid's distressed expression. “We're leaving.”

Avid's brows furrow, swallowing nervously. “Leaving?”

Scott nods, offering Avid his hand and helping him to his feet. “The dining hall. I don't trust you with food around my nice furniture anymore.”

Avid flushes lightly at the comment, but mostly just feels relieved as Scott confirms that he's going to be brought to a meal. He follows behind Scott, luckily able to keep his feet stable underneath him. It had only been a few days, but he was feeling much less sick from the blood loss he'd experienced earlier at Scott's fangs. He shudders at the memory.

The dining hall looks the same as the last time he saw it, though now there's a delicious smelling plate set before one of the chairs. Avid carefully takes a seat, his mouth watering at the lavish meal of steak and vegetables in front of him.

He watches as Scott takes the chair opposite him, a small wine glass in his hand. Avid thinks it's safe to assume that the red liquid inside the glass isn't wine, though the thought does make him vaguely nauseous.

As soon as Scott is seated, Avid starts on his food, the actions a bit awkward with only one hand. The good thing is that the steak had already been cut, so Avid doesn't have to ask for help. He wonders briefly if Scott intentionally had the meal done to be accessible for him with his broken wrist, before batting the thought away. He didn't need to give any points in Scott's favor. It would only make everything harder.

Scott sips from the glass, staring at Avid as he eats. It's a little uncomfortable, but Avid is hungry enough that he pushes the discomfort down.

Avid tries to pace himself, but the food is gone quickly enough anyway. He swallows the last bite, leaning back in his chair once he's finished. He looks up to see Scott still staring at him. He shifts nervously under Scott's intense red eyes.

Scott stands, walking around the table until he's stood beside Avid's chair. Scott leans against the table, but still looms over him, making him shrink into himself. Scott tilts his head down at Avid. “Did you enjoy your meal?”

Avid nods carefully. “I did. Thank you.”

Scott smiles, amusement flickering in his eyes. “Good. Because I need you for something now.”

Avid tenses. “What?”

Scott shrugs. “It's time for you to start paying back my kindness. I've been very merciful towards you, haven't I?”

Avid's eyes widen, his skin paling. He really should have known better than to trust that anything a vampire would give him would come freely. He speaks carefully, trying to keep his voice even. “You have been,” he pauses, the words like ash in his mouth. “Merciful. W-What is it that you want…?”

Scott's smile twists into a smirk. “Well, I'm quite parched. The animal blood I've gotten from the townspeople is…” His face twists into a scowl. “Adequate. But I've been craving something more fresh, and walking all the way back to the village is an effort I would rather not make today.”

Avid's good hand is clenched tight in the fabric of his pants, his body trembling. “You want to feed from me?”

Scott's smirk returns, his eyes lowering to eye Avid's throat. “Exactly. I knew I wouldn't have to spell it out for you.”

Cold sweat drips down the back of Avid's neck, his nerves standing on edge as Scott looks him over like prey.

“It's going to happen regardless of what you do, but as long as you don't struggle, I'll make it easy for you.”

Avid swallows hard. “...You won't make it hurt if I don't fight you?”

Scott nods, looking pleased with Avid's response. “Not anymore than it needs to.”

Fear presses in on him, but Avid knows it isn't really a choice at all. Either he struggles and it will hurt, or he goes willingly and Scott goes easy on him. He's in no state to fight Scott as he is now, and he knows even if he was he wouldn't win.

Avid looks back up to Scott, nodding his head slowly. “I won't fight.”

Scott brightens. “I'm glad we've come to an agreement then.”

Scott leads Avid back to the bedroom from before, Avid following nervously behind him. Scott opens the door for him, and Avid enters the room, standing awkwardly in the middle.

“Sit on the bed. It will be easier that way.”

Avid nods, walking over to the bed on shaky legs and sitting down where Scott has directed him. His hands tremble as Scott approaches, leaning down over him. Scott lifts his chin, his cold fingers trailing over Avid's throat. Avid shivers, ashamed that the reaction isn't just from the fear of what's about to happen.

Scott's fangs find Avid's neck, sinking in easily. Avid whines at the sensation, clenching his eyes shut as pain sparks from the bite. He tenses up as Scott's hand finds his hair, but all Scott does is stroke his fingers through the strands, not dissimilar to the day before.

Just as Avid starts to get dizzy, Scott pulls away, removing his fangs carefully from Avid's neck. Avid lifts his hand to cover the wound, a small trail of blood dripping onto his hand.

“That was good.” Scott praises, still petting Avid's hair. “You did well, my dear. So sweet.”

Avid flushes red at the pet name, looking up at Scott in confusion.

“I'll see you later, monster hunter.” Scott says, waving before disappearing before him.

Avid shakes his head, trying to stop the furious blush from spreading. Scott just bit him. He shouldn't be flustered from a simple compliment and a cute nickname. Logic doesn't stop his cheeks from warming.

Avid needs to stop blushing at anything remotely nice Scott says to him.

It isn't smart and Avid needs to be smart if he wants to survive.

Curse Scott and his stupid perfect face.

Chapter Text

Avid walks back and forth across the bedroom, trying to do something to keep himself occupied, while also building up his stamina again. Ever since Scott first bit him all Avid had been able to do was sit and stumble around. It was important that he regained his strength.

Avid continues pacing before he jolts, freezing when he notices Scott leaning against the wall watching him. He hadn't heard the door open. Avid's hand buries itself in the fabric of his vest, his discomfort rising the longer Scott continues to stare in silence.

Luckily, Scott decides to speak up. “Good evening, my dear.”

Avid's cheeks warm and he averts his eyes. “Hi. Did you need something?”

Scott hums. “So quick to the point.” Scott pushes off the wall, walking over to Avid and standing over him. He looks a mix between annoyed and smug. “I could hear you pacing.”

Avid swallows nervously. “Sorry. I was just trying to keep myself busy.”

Scott rolls his eyes. “I guessed that was the case, so I brought you something to keep you occupied that won't drive me crazy.”

Avid tilts his head, his eyebrows rising when Scott hands him a leather bound book.

“Read that instead of making an indent on my floor with your pacing.”

Avid nods slowly, holding the book to his chest. “Thank you.”

Scott shrugs, but doesn't move to leave again. Avid shifts awkwardly as Scott lingers in front of him. “Did you need something else…?”

Avid blinks as Scott lifts his chin, his eyes widening as Scott brushes his claw over Avid's bottom lip. A light shiver runs up Avid's spine. “Scott…?”

“I have something fun planned for tomorrow.”

Avid furrows his eyebrows. “What does that mean?”

Scott smirks. “You'll see.”

Avid frowns. “That doesn't answer my question.”

Scott backs away towards the door, an arrogant smile his only response. The door shuts as Scott leaves, Avid staring after him dumbfounded.

Avid looks down at the book Scott had handed him, sitting down on the corner of the bed. The title is pressed into the cover in swirly gold font. From a quick look through the yellowed pages, it seemed to be a book of poems. It isn't something Avid could imagine Scott reading, nor was it something he would have picked up himself, but it was better than nothing to read at all.

Avid leans back against the headboard, propping the book up on his knees. He tries to focus on the words but his mind keeps wandering off. All he can think about as the poems go on about sun basked fields and overgrown nature is that he wants to go home. Avid didn't have a home anymore though, not really.

His home had died with his partner.

Avid needs to leave the castle, and he needs to leave soon. Playing along with Scott's whims was only messing him up from his goals. He needs to leave Oakhurst and recuperate, to let his body heal where he was safe.

Because he wasn't safe with Scott. Scott was a vampire, and a very dangerous one at that. Scott was trying to manipulate him, and Avid wouldn't allow himself to be swayed. He knows better.

It's then that the thought is brought forward that he hadn't heard a door lock this time when Scott left the room. It had to be a sign that he needed to leave.

It was a chance at escape. Scott would kill him if he caught him, but Avid couldn't take another day in this castle.

It was a shot Avid was going to have to take.

With his decision made, Avid waits until night to make his move.

All he can do is hope this doesn't backfire.

Chapter Text

Avid makes a plan while he waits for nightfall. While he knows that Scott is more powerful at night, the vampire is also more likely to be outside the castle, which gives Avid an opening. He doesn't have any weapons, so Avid knows he's going to have to rely solely on stealth and hope that he makes it out before Scott finds him.

His hands shake as he approaches the door, his broken wrist held tightly to his chest. The door knob twists slowly, and Avid almost sighs in relief as it opens silently. He was right. Scott hadn't locked the door this time.

Avid slips out into the hall, peering around cautiously. Once he's sure he's alone, Avid starts to walk down the long hallway. There's a red carpet along the floor, which helps to muffle his footsteps. Avid had briefly seen this part of the castle when Scott escorted him to the dining hall just a day earlier. He had tried to mark the turns they took in his memory, so Avid had an idea of where he was in relation to the entrance.

The stairs creak lightly under his socked feet as Avid steps down them, wincing at the noise. He glances around, but no one comes running, so Avid continues down to the main floor.

The opulence of the castle is just as breathtaking as it was seeing it the first time, though Avid doesn't linger around long enough to take it in.

The cold of the floor seeps into Avid's feet as he walks along the stone, his socks not thick enough to keep the chill away. Scott had taken his boots that first day he locked Avid in the lounge. It wasn't ideal to have to escape through a forest without shoes on, but Avid didn't have time to go looking for wherever Scott had hidden them.

It's eerily silent as Avid reaches the grand hall, the quiet unnerving him. It reminds him of when he first came to the castle, though that feels far away now despite only a week having passed. He had trembled fearfully at the sense that his break in was too easy.

…This was too easy.

The door being left carelessly unlocked, and the empty, silent halls.

It was too perfect.

“How disappointing.”

A cold chill spreads though Avid's body, dread washing over him like a tidal wave. He turns slowly, freezing in place at the sight of Scott staring right at him, his eyes narrowed.

He almost trips over his own feet in an attempt to back away as Scott takes a step forward. Avid knows his eyes are impossibly wide, his whole body racing with fear. There's no light in Scott's eyes. It's terrifying, and Avid knows that he needs to run, his legs trembling under him.

“Here I thought we were getting somewhere,” Scott says. “You don't think things through at all.”

It's reminiscent of the statement Scott made when Avid had first tried to stand after having been fed on, but this time there's humor in his voice.

Avid breaks into a sprint, his socks sliding along the stone floor. He can't hear anything past the pounding of his heart in his ears, cold air whooshing around him as he runs down the hall.

He doesn't make it nearly far enough.

Scott appears out of nowhere and Avid crashes right into him. Avid stumbles backwards, his nerves alight with panic. Scott moves in a flash, slamming Avid back against the wall, his hand encircling Avid's throat. Avid sputters, the back of his head spiking with pain from where it hit the wall.

Avid blinks up at Scott, tense under his hand. Avid swallows thickly, his Adam's apple bobbing against Scott's cold hand. He opens his mouth, but closes it again almost immediately as Scott's grip squeezes gently around Avid's neck.

Tears spring into Avid's eyes, his breathing shallow. It would be so easy for Scott to choke him. It wouldn't even be a challenge for the vampire to crush Avid's windpipe, if he chose to. Terror and panic make an awful, petrifying mix inside him, hot tears escaping down his cheeks.

Scott stares at him mildly. “You have a lot of audacity daring to try and escape me, Avid. I don't appreciate my things attempting to leave.”

Avid forgets himself, fear blurring the line with anger. “I'm not a thing…! You can't just keep me here forever–”

Avid is cut off by Scott's hand tightens around his throat, the pressure blocking his airway. Avid panics, squirming and scratching uselessly at Scott's wrist with his good hand.

He inhales sharply when Scott loosens his hold again, more tears streaming down his face as he coughs on his breath.

Scott's eyes are still narrowed. “Watch your words carefully, monster hunter.”

Avid whimpers fearfully. “I-I'm sorry.. I'm so sorry,” Avid swallows hard. “P-Please, please don't hurt me.”

Scott drops him and Avid falls to his knees, gasping in air and sobbing. He's more afraid than he's ever been in his life, more so even than that first night. He can't stop crying, choking on his own tears as they fall.

He can't even bring himself to struggle as Scott lifts him up into a bridal carry, hiding his face against Scott's chest.

Scott carries him silently, opening the bedroom door and depositing Avid onto the bed. Avid presses himself into a small, protective ball.

Avid flinches at the sound of the door shutting, wincing as he hears the lock click. Avid moves slowly, pulling the sheets over his head, curling up underneath them.

His throat aches from where Scott choked him, and Avid is sure there will be a bruise.

A muffled sob escapes Avid's lips, sniffling quietly.

Avid was never going to escape. He was going to die in this stupid castle, his future laid out for Scott to toy with how he pleases.

Avid cries himself to sleep, his dreams plagued with fear and uncertainty.

Chapter Text

The sheets feel like a weak protection, but it's all Avid has. He stays curled up under them, flinching when he hears the door open. He hadn't known if Scott would return today or not, and Avid doesn't know how to feel that he did.

He can't hear Scott's footsteps, but he can sense Scott standing above him. “It's time to wake up, sleeping beauty.”

Avid curls up further, his hand clenching in the sheets. His throat is sore, and he doesn't want to make himself speak, so he stays silent.

Scott, apparently displeased with this, pulls the sheets off of Avid in a shift motion. Scott rolls his eyes as Avid flinches. “Stop being dramatic.”

Avid shifts nervously as Scott stares down at him, raising his eyebrow in Avid's direction. “Well, don't you look awful.”

Avid shrinks into himself. Scott sighs loudly, setting down the glass of water and bowl of what looks like crackers down on the bedside table. He crosses his arms once his hands are free, still staring down at Avid intensely.

“I think it's been long enough,” Scott mutters. “I'm going to run you a bath. You need to get clean.”

Avid stares up at Scott hesitantly, but ultimately nods his head. He's afraid of what Scott will do if he says no, and a bath does sound nice.

Scott steps away, entering the small door leading to the adjoined bathroom. It doesn't take him very long to return, but Avid is still anxious as he waits. Avid looks up at Scott from behind his hair as Scott comes closer, jumping only a little as Scott picks him up again. It's a similar position to the one from last night, and the thought of it makes Avid want to cry again. He holds back the urge.

Scott carries him into the bathroom, setting him down on a stool beside the large bathtub. Scott points to the counter. “Clothes and bandages are on the counter. I'll be waiting outside, so don't try anything stupid.”

Avid nods slowly, watching as Scott leaves. Avid strips out of his dirty clothes and carefully slides into the bath. He's thorough as he cleans himself, though it's more difficult with only one hand, washing away all the sweat from his skin. Avid brings a careful hand to the scars around his neck, wincing at the tender bruise that's already forming. The scar he got when he was attacked as a child is inflamed, though that's nothing new. It had never healed right, despite how old of a wound it was.

Once Avid is finished cleaning the scars, he dunks his head under the water, surfacing again to run his hand though his damp curls.

Avid grabs the towel Scott left him, surprised at how fluffy it is. He dries himself off before padding over to the counter and changing into the clothes Scott set out. They're a bit big on him, but the shirt is light and flowy and the pants are soft, so he can't complain. As soon as he's dressed, Avid grabs the roll of bandages and gently wraps them around his throat, covering up his scars and the yellowing bruise.

Avid can't help but look down between the pile of his dirty clothes and the new ones Scott gave him to wear. Despite knowing that he couldn't change into dirty clothes once he was clean, it still makes a bitter feeling bubble up that even what he wears is now being chosen for him.

Avid sighs quietly, walking over to the door and slowly opening it. He spots Scott sitting in one of the armchairs in the room, staring back at him. Scott tilts his head as Avid comes into view, his eyes trailing over Avid in a way that might have made him blush if he was any less tired.

Scott nods to himself, a gleam in his eyes as he stands up. “You look good. Better than before.”

Avid tries not to back away as Scott approaches him, guiding him towards the bed again. “You can rest now. I have other things to do.”

Scott's hand is pressed gently to Avid's back and it's so starkly different from the night before that Avid wants to cry, a sniffle escaping him. Luckily, Scott doesn't mention it.

Avid climbs back onto the bed, watching again as Scott leaves. Once the door closes, Avid turns his attention to the bedside table, where water and crackers still sit. Avid slowly works his way through them, wincing as swallowing aggravates his sore throat.

Avid can't deny that he feels better now that he's clean, but all that he can think about is how much he's going to owe Scott for choosing to be kind to him.

He knows better now than to think the cost will be nothing, and he's scared of what could be the price.

Still, Avid can't help but feel a little grateful that Scott isn't being cruel to him after his botched escape attempt.

It was better than nothing, and right now, Avid would take what he could get.

Chapter Text

Scott returns the next night with another glass of water. Avid sips at it slowly, trying to hide his anxiety as Scott stares intently at him. He hadn't slept well, nightmares following much too close again. Exhaustion was weighing down on his shoulders, though Avid tried his best to hide it.

As soon as the glass is empty, Scott speaks, sitting in front of Avid on the bed. “I'm quite thirsty. Let me see your neck.”

Avid tenses, swallowing thickly. Barely two days had passed since Scott had last bit him and his throat was still sore and bruised. “So soon? Wouldn't it be better to wait until I heal more–?”

Avid shuts his mouth as soon as he notices Scott's eyes narrowing at him. Avid looks up at Scott nervously before lowering his head and pulling his knees up to his chest.

Scott huffs quietly. “I brought you another pill for the pain. As long as you do as I say, I'll give it to you.”

Avid shifts in discomfort, but knows that again, it isn't really a choice. Only a bad option and slightly better option. Avid couldn't fight off Scott even if he tried. It was better to give in.

Avid moves so that he's sitting with his legs underneath him. “What do you need me to do?”

Scott smiles at his compliance. “Take your bandages off first. You can put them back on once I'm done.”

Avid lifts his good hand to his neck, carefully unwrapping the fabric from around his throat. Avid sets the bandages on the bedside table, trying to ignore his trembling fingers.

“Show me your neck, my dear.”

Avid hesitates only a moment before doing as he's told, slowly tilting his head to the side. He flinches as Scott moves closer, but doesn't allow himself to pull away. Scott fangs plunge into Avid's throat, rougher than last time, though not quite as painful as the first. It still makes Avid whimper, his hand clenching into the fabric of Scott's overcoat.

Scott slowly eases his bite, making it feel more uncomfortable than painful. Scott pulls away once he's gotten his fill, dislodging his fangs carefully again from Avid's neck. He looks down at Avid with an unreadable expression, his hand lifting to Avid's neck.

Avid stays very still as Scott wipes away the blood trailing down his throat with his thumb, tutting quietly. “This really is your own fault, you know. Any other vampire would have killed you on sight if you tried to escape them. If I was feeling any less merciful you would be dead.”

The thought brings tears to Avid's eyes again, his body quivering. He tries to hide it, but he knows Scott sees from the sigh the vampire lets out.

“None of that now,” Scott murmurs, pulling Avid into his lap and wrapping his arm around him. “Shush. Stop being so pitiful, my dear.”

Avid sniffles and, against his better judgment, curls up against Scott's chest, resting his head on Scott's shoulder. “...Why didn't you kill me?”

Scott hums, brushing Avid's hair behind his ear and running his nails along Avid's scalp. “It would be wasteful of me to dispose of someone that I find so interesting. Not to mention that you're mine now, and I keep good care of my things. When they behave as they should, at least.”

Avid nods slowly, too exhausted to argue with Scott's claim over him.

They stay cuddled up to one another from a moment longer before Scott adjusts Avid to lay back down on the bed. He stands, obviously moving to leave, and Avid does something he knows he shouldn't. He reaches out and grabs onto Scott's sleeve.

Scott looks back at him, raising an eyebrow. Avid swallows, flushing lightly. He averts his eyes, not wanting to meet Scott's stare.

He remembers how much better he slept when Scott was beside him, and the idea of being alone with his own thoughts tonight makes Avid nauseous.

Avid takes a short breath in before speaking, his voice barely louder than a whisper. “Can you stay? Please? Just until I fall asleep.”

Scott sighs, shaking Avid's hand off his sleeve. Avid's heart sinks, but before he can ask again, Scott is taking a seat in the armchair beside the bed.

Avid stares at him, surprised by the action even though it's what he wanted. Scott smirks lightly, shaking his head. “Go to sleep.”

Avid nods, leaning back down and curling up. He watches Scott for a moment before allowing his eyes to close.

It doesn't take long for him to drift off.