Tired
“Come again.” Andrew said to the already shutting door, in the flattest tone possible. He wanted to pull his hair out. It was always the customers during the middle of the night that were the rudest, or the strangest. They almost always left a huge mess and never any tips.
A flash of lightning illuminated the group of three strangers on the sidewalk as they left, talking and laughing together. Why they’d chosen to leave as it started to rain, he wasn’t sure.
He sighed as he bitterly tidied the table they’d been sitting at, tossing napkins and wiping up sticky rings left from the cups. Even if they hated being served by someone like him they didn’t have to forget all their manners… Did they? What were they thinking. Maybe he did deserve it.
Hopefully no one would come in for a while and he could get a break from having to clean up after people, he thought. This was probably the only perk of working the graveyard shift at a 24 hour cafe. Sometimes there were hours at a time where no one came in, and his boss didn’t care what he did during his shift.
Well, he said he cared, but Mr. Marshall wouldn’t come to check on the state of his business in the middle of the night. As long as the till was correct each night when Andrew left and the place didn’t burn down it seemed like that was enough. And that worked for Andrew. He could work to pay for his Mother’s medications and somewhat support them both, while avoiding the large crowds that came during the daytime.
“You couldn't work the day shift anyway, I can’t have you scaring my customers off.” The owner said with contempt when he had hired him.
Now that the booth was cleaned, he settled back down on his stool near the cash register to watch the time tick by. The single analog clock that hung over the front door to the cafe marked 1:35 am. Andrew could visualize it even if he closed his eyes. 6 miserable more hours to go.
The shitty jazz that constantly looped over the speakers grated in one ear and out his other. Trying to relax, he rested his elbows on the counter and started composing a list of the task’s he needed to accomplish tomorrow.
They needed some groceries at home -
Not that he could afford much. At most he’d be able to grab a couple fresh vegetables, soup stock and fruits for his mom. That would already probably be most of the spare change he had until he got paid in two days… For himself he’d just have to keep tolerating the single free meal he was allowed to have on shift at the cafe...
He should do a load of laundry... the kitchen needed tidying as well - there were dirty dishes left from his last disastrous attempt at cooking.
His mother tried to help but she got frailer by the day. Despite this she still tried to take care of him, Andrew knew there wasn’t anyone kinder than her on earth.
His chores would never actually be finished, but it was ok. He just wanted to make her as comfortable as possible. Absently, he flipped the page of the magazine sitting in front of him. It was hard to care about whoever, or whatever was on the page. Just another rich celebrity, someone with no real problems complaining about something ridiculous… like the shape of their eyebrows or something. The rich never had to worry the way he did. Or work as hard. They could afford top notch care and services without even batting an eye… And never gave back… Bastards.
The bell that hung over the door bell jangled as someone stumbled into the cafe.
“Welcome.” Andrew said, out of habit.
He didn’t look up at first. Most people that came to the cafe at 2 am didn’t want to be bothered, but whoever had just entered sounded like they’d booked it in there. Unable to ignore his curiosity, he glanced up, his visible eye searching for what would have made the stranger bolt inside. The rain wasn’t that serious.
The person in front of him had his back turned to look outside the cafe, he glinted from the raindrops covering him as he looked back and forth. Andrew squinted. He couldn’t see anyone else outside.
When he finally turned away from the door, the stranger awkwardly cleared his throat and started swiping some of the rain off his leathery looking jacket.
He was fairly built, at least 4 inches taller than Andrew, and his hair was a creamy white. Strangely similar to Andrew’s own. The drizzle outside had flattened it down a bit, and a couple droplets of water were hanging cutely on his eyelashes. In contrast to his pale hair there was a large, dark scar over his left eye and a large portion of his face. But to Andrew that only made him more compelling, he struggled to look away.
“Uhm. Do you need help with something?”
“Would I be able to get a cup of coffee?” Was the immediate reply. The stranger’s voice was lower than Andrew’s, and he spoke evenly. His eyes kept fluttering to the long windows outside, but he eventually walked up to the counter.
“Oh. Yes of course.” Andrew rose from his stool and turned toward the outdated coffee machine the Owner had set up on the bar. It made coffee that wasn’t much better than hot water, and was terribly overpriced, just like everything else on the menu. Why couldn’t he stop looking outside?
Perhaps he’d only been running to escape the rain?
Andrew checked to make sure the coffee was an acceptable temperature before passing it over to the man with slightly shaky hands. He slid a spoon to him as well.
“Here you are. I-it’s on the house.”
The stranger didn’t look up from where he was setting his jacket down. Inhaling, Andrew hoped in vain for a “thank you”, even waiting while the man got settled. He let his breath out. Nothing. Crinkling his nose in disappointment, he couldn’t help but think maybe he should have charged him after all… But $3.50 for bad coffee was practically a crime.
“Do you maybe have cream and sugar?” One of the boards creaked as the man pulled himself onto the stool nearest Andrew. Now that he was a bit closer, Andrew could see the stranger’s skin was a bit pallid and that he had a piercing on the bridge of his nose, between sunken eyes. It looked like he was naturally tan but spent most of his time indoors. Hesitating, it almost made Andrew think he was ill. But none of his actions betrayed him, he looked fine otherwise.
“Those are actually on the table behind you.” He finally answered. That should be obvious. Most of the cafe’s patrons came to use the internet so they didn’t typically share a coffee at the counter with him . Did this guy think he was stupid? “Did you not come to use a computer?”
The man looked into Andrew’s eyes while reaching to cup the coffee between both hands.
“No, thank you though.” He shook his head. “I got what I need right here.” He lifted the cup up to his mouth, and blew on it. Although, there was hardly any steam at all. Andrew swiped at a drop of coffee that he’d clumsily splashed on the counter before going back to sit at his usual perch near the register. Quickly he realized it was useless to try to sneak glances. They were the only two in there, and the man was also looking at him between wiping rivulets of water off his cheek or forehead.
Who came to this part of town at 2 am for a terrible cup of coffee? Instead of a bar… or a party with friends, or maybe being at home with those you loved. This man didn’t look like he’d just come from any of those places. Andrew bounced his knee on the bar of his stool. The man didn’t make him nervous but he wasn’t sure if he should say something. He wanted to ask about his scars, as he touched his own.
“And thank you for the coffee, by the way,” The man was smiling at him now. Apparently his tame and level manner of speaking was normal, so unlike his abrupt entrance. “It’s fantastic.”
Andrew bristled, was he mocking him? The coffee the old fashioned machine made was definitely awful. Plus, he was almost positive the man hadn’t taken a drink yet. He’d only lifted it up to his mouth to blow on it a few times. What a weird thing to say.
“Um… You’re welcome I guess. Let me know if you need anything else...” Andrew brushed a strand of hair back behind his ear, pulling his hand away from his scarred cheek. He was about to turn back toward his magazine when the stranger spoke again.
“Really?” He sounded genuinely surprised.
“Yes… Though I might not be able to help you with much.” Andrew bit on his somewhat chapped lip.
“Can you tell me your name?” The stranger’s request made Andrew pull his arms in, like he was trying to protect himself.
“M-my name…? What kind of strange question is that.” His voice wavered.
“Oh! You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to, I just thought because you said…” The man paused and rested his cup back on the counter. “And you’re not wearing a name tag so...”
“I’m not required to wear a name tag. D… Do you want to make fun of my name or something?”
“No, no. I don’t mean it like that.” He replied, looking positively dumbfounded. “I’m sure you have a lovely name.” Andrew squirmed uncomfortably in his seat.
“But why do you need to know?” He asked. It was better to be on the safe side even though the man seemed to reassure him, just a little.
“I’d like to know what to call you.” He swallowed before speaking gently. “I’m Norton.”
Well, now Andrew felt a little bad for being so defensive. But this Norton was a little strange. Right? Maybe he was drunk or something- but he didn’t seem intoxicated as he thumbed the edge of the coffee cup and calmly waited for Andrew’s response.
He only lasted a few seconds before relenting under the steady gaze.
“It’s Andrew. M-my name is Andrew.” Norton was still fiddling with the edge of the cup, and he most definitely hadn’t taken a drink, Andrew decided.
“Andrew… It’s nice to meet you, Andrew.” The way he said it seemed like he was rolling the name around on his tongue… as though to check the taste. “I didn’t mean to surprise you, I just needed to get out of the rain and this was one of the only places open nearby. I’m sure you get a lot of strange characters during the night.”
Andrew nodded in agreement. “It’s nice to meet you too. You can stay as long as you need.” He let out a sigh and kicked his legs. Hopefully Norton wouldn’t hold it against Andrew for being wary of him. It even calmed him to hear Norton admit that it was natural to be on guard in the middle of the night.
Norton chuckled and flashed him a grin, “I really appreciate it.” Before glancing over his shoulder yet again.
It may have been Andrew’s imagination, but in the low light Norton’s canines looked unnaturally long.
“May I ask you something?” Andrew said, looking to Norton.
Norton nodded at him. He felt almost like their roles were reversed and he’d answer anything the angelic looking man in front of him asked right now. “Of course.”
“W-Why were you out in the rain in the first place? It’s so late, do you not have an umbrella?!” Andrew tapped his cheek. It wasn’t any of his business but he was curious, and it didn’t seem like Norton would be leaving anytime soon. “If you don’t mind telling me that is! You don’t have to.”
“Oh! I don’t mind. It’s a little complicated but I-“ Norton started.
“You think I wouldn’t understand?” Andrew interrupted sourly. He's just looking for reasons to criticize me, Norton thought with a small chuckle, which made Andrew scowl. He couldn’t help it, for some reason he wanted to go against his nature and reassure Andrew.
“Nothing like that. You seem like you’d be the most understanding. I just had to get out of my…” He paused for a second and swirled his full coffee cup around. “House?” It was a fine answer, if you ignored the way the end of his sentence lifted like it was a question.
“I’m avoiding someone for a bit if I’m being honest.” He finished with a troubled expression.
“Eh?” Andrew exclaimed and sat up in surprise, “If- If you’re bringing trouble here I’m going to have to ask you to leave… If you just need to get out of the rain that’s one thing but you can't lead any shady characters here!” Norton’s eyes widened at the sudden motion, and the way Andrew suddenly seemed a bit more firm. He watched intently, waiting until Andrew finished speaking to relax.
“You don’t have to worry, it’s nothing like that. And this is probably one of the last places they’d come for me.” Norton reassured him. Andrew shuffled his chair a bit closer. Even though his past gave him endless reasons to distrust people- they always wanted to get ahead, or to take advantage of others, or even to punish people for their differences -something about Norton felt safe.
“You say that but- But I noticed you keep checking over your shoulder.” He searched Norton’s dark eyes. Framed by light lashes that matched his hair, they looked almost like they were a deep red. Even though that was ridiculous.
Outside it was still raining. Water was streaking down the windows of the cafe, and the clouds blocking the moon made a nearby streetlight the only thing illuminating outside the shop. It still didn’t look like there was anyone outside to Andrew, and while his eyesight was admittedly terrible, anyone with half a brain would be running for shelter right now-not loitering under a streetlight. “Are you sure you should be here?” Andrew pulled his hand up to his chest where he gripped his cross necklace with white knuckles. He felt unsettled, but it wasn’t because of Norton.
He couldn’t ask Norton to leave, what if he was in trouble?
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Unbeknownst to Andrew, beyond the broad shouldered man sitting in front of him and just past the orange glow of lamp, there were in fact three figures watching them.
Standing under the awning of a market that was closed for the night, they were observing what was happening in the cafe with a great deal of disinterest. The three of them shared at least two traits, silvery, almost colorless hair, and a distinctly unnatural cast to their skin tone. Though the second was easy to miss in the darkness of the night.
The tallest of the three had a small ponytail and neat sweep of bangs facing the left. One of his gloved hands rested comfortably on the waist of his companion and the other was clutching the handle of a medium sized briefcase. A red facemask was covering his mouth and nose, though it didn’t hide his elegantly high cheekbones. The man whose waist was being held was shorter than the two others, and his forehead glittered with a fancy piece of jewelry carefully tucked into his hair. The long fluffy braid laying over his shoulder shifted each time he flipped the small paper he was holding or adjusted himself to press up against the taller one. The third was standing a bit away from the two men, she had a veil obscuring part of her face, and a short bobbed hairstyle. Without looking up from her phone she turned towards the other two, although she really was only addressing the taller.
“Is he almost done in there? We gave him the perfect opportunity to bleed someone dry without any interruptions!! I’ll be so mad if he wastes it.”
Her voice pitched and she sounded annoyed. “Hmmmmh. And I told Mary and Michi I would be back earlier than last time. I’m not a babysitter.” She impatiently tapped the toe of her glossy, heeled boot. Aesop considered her, expression unreadable. She was probably texting one of them as they spoke.
“Take a look for yourself.” Aesop responded. She glanced up momentarily, though it was impossible to tell where she’d looked from under the veil, or if she’d only rolled her eyes. “He’s still sitting. We… have to let him take his time.” His quiet voice slightly muffled through his facemask. His boyfriend tilted his head back and tapped it on Aesop’s chest. Apparently he was also feeling impatient tonight.
“Vera’s right. We shouldn’t have to babysit him just because he doesn’t want to eat.” Joseph pouted, still flicking the paper he was holding rapidly between his hands. Aesop’s gaze moved from the distant cafe window and tilted his head to look down into Joseph’s light eyes. He could basically see his reflection in them, the way the pupil almost matched the whites. Joseph finally just clutched the photo in one hand and reached up to stroke Aesop’s cheek with the other. “In fact, maybe he has no interest in staying alive at all?”
Aesop’s cheeks flushed at the display of “public” affection. It may only be Vera there but Joseph was well aware he preferred to show his affections in private. They were opposite in that aspect.
“Be patient. Once he’s finally given in he won’t have any more troubles. Perhaps because you’re accustomed it’s harder for you to recall the struggle of your first kill, my dear.” Aesop Carl was the youngest of the three, aside from Norton. He’d been turned about 120 years ago, while Vera predated him by about 300, and Joseph nearly 500. The oldest in their group was almost 800.
Aesop was the most level headed by sheer chance alone.
“Ah,” Joseph pouted at the way Aesop brought up his age. “Yet I seem to recall you didn’t have any problem feeding yourself when I turned you.” He pointed out petulantly.
“I,” Aesop fumbled for words, his hand squeezing into Joseph’s side, “I had a very good reason to take care of myself.” Neither him nor Joseph had thought it would end up this way, all those years ago. Joseph used to kill without much consideration, relishing in hunting as a distraction. When he’d stalked after an Embalmer who’d thanked him for what he was doing as his life was being drained away, Joseph was so shocked he stopped right then and there. The rest was history.
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“You’re right.” Norton licked his lips. “I should probably go.” He was so hungry that he felt weak, pain shooting through his gut. It was an eerie sensation, looking at the slender man in front of him and seeing a meal . The human across from him had no idea Norton hadn’t fed for weeks and with every passing second he became more and more inviting. Four vampires within a hundred meters and Andrew was worried about him. He was too kind for his own good. Norton placed a palm on the counter, leaned forward and hooked a knuckle under Andrew’s chin. Or, tried and failed. The action surprised him so much that the skin to skin contact was only for a millisecond, as Andrew violently jerked his head away and tucked his chin towards his chest. It seemed he was stiff with fear. Norton blinked rapidly, processing that he was now looking only at a crown of angelic white hair rather than into a striking red eye. Andrew was scared of him.
He withdrew his suspended hand. He’d almost given in. He'd wanted to. And it was awful. Quickly scooping his jacket into his arms he got ready to leave.
This wasn’t right.
“I’m sorry.”
Andrew seemed frozen in place until Norton pushed on the door to leave, but the blessed door bell seemed to snap him out of his trance.
“You’re going?!” Andrew tried not to feel like a joke really was being played on him. Was Norton just messing with him? Did his friends dare him to come to the cafe just to get a laugh at his reaction? It was all too much.
“It’s hard to explain.” Norton chuckled weakly, touching the back of his neck. He was halfway in and out of the door, like he was having second thoughts. “I’ll come back if I’m able to.”
“It’s s-still raining.” Andrew said feebly. Norton was probably leaving because he'd somehow made him feel bad. It really was that terrible to be around him, so much so that people wanted to strike him and then leave.
“It’s ok, thank you, Andrew.” Norton had to get out of there for Andrew’s good. How easy it felt like would be to take his hand and kiss it. To look to his eyes before moving to the veins that pulsed invitingly on his arm. Would he even put up a fight? He didn’t look terribly strong… Norton pushed past the door with his shoulder and pulled on his jacket while quickly crossing the street. Thankfully, the rain had turned into nothing more than a light sprinkle. He disappeared from Andrew’s sight.
Andrew was alone in the cafe again, just trying to parse what had happened together. His heart felt like it might beat anxiously out of his chest.
Andrew wasn't able to get Norton out of his brain.
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Vera was kicking him.
Literally hitting the toe of her dainty boot into his shin, repeatedly. If he was still human the bruising would have been incredible.
“Norton! Everyone’s sick of you wasting away at the manor. We were keeping everyone away so you could peacefully enjoy a meal! And you come out exactly the same!” He was slumped against the building his friends- if you could call them that -had been waiting for him at. Too tired to stand up fully anymore.
“He wasn’t ready to die. He trusted me way too easily. I couldn’t stand if-” Norton was cut off by Joseph pulling himself off of Aesop to grab him by the chin and look more closely at his face. It might be intimidating if it wasn’t Joseph.
“By the looks of it, you’ll fall asleep if you don’t eat something soon.” Being undead, technically Norton couldn’t die. But when he’d first been turned, after weeks of refusing cups of blood that had been carefully collected and offered to him, Joseph had explained that if he didn’t drink something he’d fall asleep for a couple years at least. Adding that when he woke up he’d likely be so hungry that he wouldn’t be able to control himself and he’d go on a murderous rampage. This was enough to convince Norton to down a single cup, but he’d turned over in his bed after, completely ignoring Joseph stomping his feet and calling him insufferable.
He hadn’t asked for this.
“Can we go back? I’m tired.”
Vera let out a shrill gasp, red lips open.
“ You’re tired?! You wouldn’t be tired if you had just killed him! He’s nobody. I don’t get what you’re so concerned about!” But Aesop seemed to understand that Norton was going to be stubborn tonight. He turned and started walking away from the three, silently expecting them to follow, while holding a hand open for Joseph. Joseph rolled his eyes at Norton and followed after Aesop, running to catch up and slotting his hand into his. They were so annoying.
“You’ll have to do it eventually.” Vera grumbled before pointedly walking off to follow Joseph and Aesop. Norton sighed. He really was running out of strength. But now that he was away from a flesh and blood human it was easier to ignore the stabbing pain in his gut.
He couldn't erase Andrew’s eyes from his mind.
They sparkled like gems.