Keith was only eleven when he learned about the existence of vampires. The heartless monsters broke into his home late one night and attacked him and his family. Both his parents were murdered that night, but Keith and his brother escaped. They'd been out of breath and sobbing as they pounded on their neighbors door.

They were much older now. With Keith four years fresh out of high school, they took their midnight hobby to the next level. The moment the sun is down, the brothers are on the prowl looking for the same beasts that killed their parents. A little garlic, a few stakes, and some crosses, they could be taken down easily.

Durning the day, Shiro was an accountant and Keith worked as a paid intern for Google. Yet by night, they were finely tuned vampire killing machines.

The longer they were hunters, the easier vampires were to spot, and they never approached unless they were certain.

Shiro and Keith began loading a duffel bag full of crossbows, stakes, cloves of garlic, crosses, and holy water (as part of their usual routine).

"You two are back at it again?" Adam leaned against the doorframe with his arms crossed. "You've been at it every night for two weeks."

"Ain't no rest for the wicked," Shiro smiled up at his husband happily.

"Wicked my ass." Adam rolled his eyes. "But really, you two need a night off. Have some brotherly bonding."

"We are bonding," Keith interjected.

"Yeah, over killing vampires." He deadpanned. "Why can't you do something normal for a night. Enjoy yourselves! Have dinner or go to the mall."

The two brothers frowned.

"Do we have to?" Keith asked.

"You know what? Yes." Adam turned up his nose.

They both groaned.

"Hey, killing things like you do, it can't be good for you. Er, psychologically." Adam flicked Shiro's ear.

Shiro gave a wide grin and planted a tender kiss on Adam's cheek.

"I get a date night next too." Adam added.

"Yes, dear." Shiro laughed and gave his husband a final kiss that lasted a few seconds longer than what was comfortable for Keith.

"You two are sickening," Keith grimaced rolling his eyes.

"Alright Keith, lets throw this stuff in the trunk. We're going to dinner." Shiro patted Keith's shoulder.

When they were finished, they waved goodbye to Adam and set off. "So, should we start looking for vamps in town square?"

"Nope we're going to dinner." Shiro took a right turn. "I think Adam is right."

"Ughh, you too? Fine." Keith frowned.

Shiro parked in front of an Olive Garden and they both--one more reluctant than the other--got out.

They were lead to a table by a very short girl with short orange hair. "Your server will be with you shortly." She smiled and left.

Almost immediately, a boy roughly Keith's age approached the table. "Hi, I'm Lance, I'll be your server today. Can I get you started with something to drink?" His gaze met Keith's and his cheeks turned a bright pink.

"I'll just have a water please." Shiro smiled.

"Water please." Keith added when Lance turned to him.

"Alright, I'll be right back with those." He smiled a handsome smile and seemed to disappear into the sea of other servers.

"He likes you." Shiro teased peaking over his menu to look at Keith.

Keith's cheeks were set ablaze. "He does not! Shut up!" He whisper yelled.

When Lance returned, he had a tray with roughly six drinks. "Two waters." He said as he placed them gently on the table.

Keith awkwardly thanked him, but he noticed something in the process. "What happened to your neck?"

Lance reached up letting his fingers brush over a small band aid there. "I'm very clumsy," he chuckled, "Have you decided or would you like more time?"

"I think we've decided." Shiro said. He cut Keith a look, he was suspicious too.

They both ordered some pasta and the server walked away a little more nervous this time.

It was a few minutes and Lance returned with a basket of breadsticks and he topped off their waters. "Your food should be out shortly." He said kindly but avoided eye contact.

The moment he left, Shiro leaned in and spoke quietly. "So far the only solid evidence is the bandaid."

"Still. We've seen hundreds of vamps do that same thing." Keith remained convinced.

"He seems so nice." Shiro frowned. They both turned to see Lance conversing with a family just a few tables away. They were all laughing and the young server played a game of tik tak toe on the kids menu with a small girl.

"Good actor?" Keith suggested. "If he is a bloodsucker, all he can probably think about is their blood type."

"It's a shame if he is," Shiro huffed, "he's definitely your type."

"My type?" Keith scrunched up his nose. "I can't take you anywhere."

"Oh whatever, don't act all high and mighty. Before you saw the bandaid you were gushing over him too." Shiro rolled his eyes playfully.

"I was not!" He squeaked.

"Sorry about the wait gentlemen." Lance smiled, Keith was blushing from the previous topic concerning the boy. Lance looked less nervous than before as he placed the dishes delicately in front of them.

"Oh, it was no wait at all." Shiro smiled lightheartedly and gave Keith a small look.

"Is there anything else I can get for you?" Lance flashed a grin that made Keith shift.

"Could I get some garlic?" Keith asked more serious now.

Lance seemed to dim slightly, "Of course, I'll be right back."

Keith watched him walk away and couldn't help but watch the sway of his hips. When he turned back to Shiro, he was giving him a smug look. "Shut up!"

"I didn't say anything." Shiro taunted.

"Do I need to remind you this is a potential vampire?" Keith glared.

"Do I need to remind you?" Shiro teased further.

Keith was moments from strangling his brother, but Lance had returned holding a small shaker of garlic. "There you are, anything else I can do?"

"No, this will do, thanks," Keith smiled politely.

Lance looked extra nervous now, and it didn't go unnoticed by the hunters. As Lance was waiting tables, he often took small glances at the brothers.

Under the table, Keith twisted off the top to the shaker and poured some into his hand. As Lance strode by, Keith casually threw the handful at him.

Lance was taken aback and stumbled dropping a few menus. But his face wasn't burning and he didn't seem to be in any pain. "Are you alright? I'm so sorry," Keith immediately jumped up to help the server.

Lance looked up at him unsure but took his hand. "I-it's alright." He picked up the menus and rushed away.

Keith sat down and Shiro's brows were pinched. "He seemed kind of spooked didn't he?"

"Probably because I just threw garlic in his face." Keith said embarrassed. "At least he's not a vamp."

They saw Lance pretty far into the restaurant talking to the short orange haired girl that first led them to their table. He looked slightly panicked.

"Hey Keith, let me see that garlic," Shiro held out his hand. Keith gave it to him and he twisted off the top. He gave it a quick smell and dumped some onto his hand and gave it a taste. He grimaced, "It's salt."

They both called for their ticket and paid the bill. Rushing out, they passed Lance who gave them a nervous look. However, the short girl was giving them the dirtiest look imaginable.

When they reached the car, they pulled around and began the long wait. "They close at 10, that's in two hours. So he has to be out of here at least by 11." Shiro said.

They waited for an hour, and when the clock hit 9:08, they saw the tall server boy. He was wearing his white button up shirt and black slacks still, but he had a jacket on. He was scanning the parking lot nervously from the door before walking out.

"Wait, we don't want him running back inside." Shiro said quietly. A moment seemed to pass and Shiro quickly started out. "Go."

They had their stakes, Shiro held a small crossbow, and Keith's pockets were filled with garlic and bottles of holy water. It was dark out and Lance didn't notice them until they were at least a dozen yards away.

Lance whipped around when he heard them and let out a gasp. He turned and made a dash for his car. He fumbled with his keys as he ran and when he made it to his vehicle, he dropped them. They slid under and he dropped to his knees to try and grab them. But as the hunters got too near, he decided to abandon them and make a break for it. They chased the vampire through the street and followed his sharp turn into an alleyway.

Lance looked over his shoulder and panicked. He turned down another alley, but Keith knew it had a dead end. This was different from a normal vampire hunt. He's never really had to chase this long, usually vamps took their chances fighting over running. Doubt that it was really all one big coincidence flooded Keith's mind. If so, this is really really bad.

"Shiro, block off the entrance to the alley, I'll take care of the vamp!" Keith called continuing the chase as Shiro came to a halt.

Lance finally reached the dead end and turned around frantic. There was a dumpster beside him but he didn't have much else to work with.

Keith finally stopped but he held his crossbow tight and aimed. "Take off the bandaid." Keith demanded. He needed to rid his doubt completely.

The vampire put his hands up. "I-I don't know what you mean."

"Do it." Keith didn't waver.

Lance looked at the ground defeated. He reached up and pulled it off revealing two small red dots. Keith gripped the crossbow tighter now.

"Please, don't shoot!" Lance kept his hands in the air. "I don't drink blood! Well... human blood that is."

Keith said nothing, should he believe him?

"Really," Lance insisted, "I've never even tasted human blood, honest."

"How old are you? 300? 400?" Keith licked his lips, he was struggling to stay calm.

"Twenty-two," Lance slowly lowered his hands.

"You're lying." Keith took a step back. "You don't age."

"You don't know much about v-... us do you?" Lance's hands hung at his sides now.

"I know enough," Keith loosened his grip.

"Well, we have the ability to choose between aging and eventually dying or staying young." Lance spoke quietly.

Keith raised his head no longer aiming. "What else?"

"Look, I'll tell you anything you want to know, but I'm not doing it when you have a weapon." Lance folded his arms.

"Fine." Keith stands down, gently setting it on the ground and stood again.

Lance looked from Keith to the weapon.

"What?" Keith rolled his eyes.

"I still don't trust you." Lance grumbled.

"Then what do you suggest?" Keith frowned.

Lance thought for a moment, "Are you busy tomorrow at eight?"

"No," He shook his head slightly.

"You are now," Lance smiled. "I'll meet you at the café on East Boulevard."

"O-okay." Keith bowed and picked up his crossbow. Lance didn't even flinch surprisingly. "Then I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

Keith quickly left and joined Shiro. "That took a while, are you okay?"

"Yeah I'm good." He nodded. Keith didn't like keeping secrets from Shiro, he couldn't even recall ever having reason to lie about anything. Besides that one time Adam organized a surprise birthday party for Shiro. Other than that, he's told him just about everything.

Despite this however, he never came clean about the encounter.

7:16 p.m.

Keith was starting to have second thoughts about meeting up with the bloodsucker. Even as he was thinking up all the ways this was a bad idea, he continued to get ready. He double checked that his choice for a red shirt and black jeans was good and quickly slipped on a black belt and black jean jacket.

Moving to the bathroom, he fixed and pawed at his hair getting it just right. Brushing his teeth is when he started to feel like an idiot. He shouldn't bother putting in so much effort into his appearance, after all he was meeting up with one of the most heartless and horrible creatures known to man.

He made eye contact with Shiro's cologne and decided it wouldn't hurt anything. He put in this much effort so far anyway...

Walking out of the bathroom he attempted to make a quick escape but was noticed quickly by Adam. "Where are you going dressed so nice?" A grin spread across his face.

"I'm not dressed nice! This is just a normal outfit." Keith frowned slipping on his boots.

Shiro quickly joined in. "Hm, is that my cologne you're wearing?"

"No! I just..." Keith huffed, "my finger slipped and it sprayed me."

"Riiight. Because that makes total and complete sense." Adam chuckled.

"C'mon spill! Since when did we keep secrets?" Shiro pouted.

Keith sighed. "Fine... I have a meeting. A casual business meeting that I wanted to look decent for."

"Hmm, seems sus but okay." Adam gave him an unconvinced look.

"I'm leaving," Keith said opening the door.

"Do you have a stake with you?" Shiro called out.

"Always," Keith finally escaped their intrusive questions. Keith actually had a stake, holy water, and was wearing a cross under his shirt.

Keith was sitting at a table at the coffee shop bouncing his leg nervously. This had to be the most idiotic thing he'd ever done. Why did he agree to this? This Lance guy was obviously trying to separate him from Shiro to kill him. Why'd he agree to something that was such a blatant set up?

Lance walked through the door looking bright and handsome. He brought a lightness with him wherever he walked. He was a little pale but it didn't deter him.

Keith swallowed thickly when Lance spotted him and smiled attractively. He sauntered up to the table Keith was sitting at and hesitated to pull out the chair. Keith nodded and Lance took a seat. "I'm actually kind of surprised you showed up..." Lance trailed off looking for the hunter to fill in.

"Keith." He supplied. "I'm sort of surprised I did too."

"Keith..." Lance said like he was testing the name out.

"So where do we start?" Keith pursed his lips.

"How about with coffee?" Lance grinned and held his hand up which caught the attention of a waitress. "Hi, may I have a latte please?"

"And for you?" She looked to Keith.

"Uh, I'll have the same." Keith spoke politely.

She left and Lance looked to him happily. "How about we start with what you already know. Or think you know that is,"

"Okay," Keith thought a moment, "we can start with our first disagreement. You can't age."

Lance leaned his elbows on the table folding his arms. "That's only half true. You can't age... if you drink human blood. I think of it as, if a vampire is drinking from someone, it's like their taking some of their life and adding it to theirs. If a vampire starts to age, he or she could drink the blood of someone and regain some of their youth."

"Let me get this right..." Keith pondered the new revelation. "So if you were to stop drinking human blood, you'd age. Like fast or just like everyone else?"

"Just like everyone else. And I don't need to stop because I've never started." Lance cut him a sharp look.

"Okay okay," Keith rolled his eyes, "so if you were to wait like 70 years and you were an old man, you could just drink human blood and bam you're young again?"

"Yes but you'd need to consume a lot of people to do that. 70 years would probably require about 70 people give or take." Lance explained. "Wow that was kind of morbid."

"Says the vampire." Keith said sarcastically.

The waitress suddenly returned with their lattes and they hushed. When she left, Lance took a slow sip from the large ceramic mug. "This place is my favorite. They make the best coffee and I love the atmosphere."

Keith looked around. It was actually really nice.  "Okay, so if you don't drink human blood, what do you eat. I didn't think vamps ate or drank regular food."

"Common misconception. Vampires need food and water just like anyone else. But..." Lance trailed off.

"But what?" Keith prompted.

"We also do need blood. I don't personally drink human blood but instead I partake in animals' blood. I don't like it, but trust me, it's better than a starving vampire."

Keith remained hushed as he watched Lance elaborate, the vampire's eyes shifted to the table and he moved uncomfortably in his seat.

"Apparently people use animal blood all the time for beauty products and such. So I order it regularly for my dietary needs." Lance rubbed the back of his neck.

"What happens if you don't eat?" Keith asked.

"Well, I only need blood about once every one to two weeks. I don't ever push it beyond that. One time I was put on back order for the... blood and I had to go three weeks. It was... not pleasant. I had a fever, my skin itched, I felt like my stomach was eating me alive, and I felt foggy. I had to resort to getting my own. I killed a squirrel. After I did it I..."

Keith couldn't help leaning forward listening to Lance talk.

"I... balled for like hours. Since then I made sure I always kept a back up stock. You know," he chuckled humorlessly, "I used to be vegetarian before I was turned. I still eat that way besides the blood."

Keith couldn't believe his ears. He started feeling sorry for the guy and he struggled to remind himself that this was a heartless blood sucking monster who was probably making it all up. It was quiet a moment.

"So uh, what next?" Lance rubbed his hands on his jeans.

"Stakes, sunlight, and garlic." Keith listed.

"Stakes do kill us but I think that would kill anybody." Lance rested his chin on his palm.

"So, what you're saying is any weapon could kill a vampire?" Keith raised a brow.

"Yeah, but keep in mind we are faster and stronger. As for sunlight, I notice that I sunburn easy and my eyes struggle to adjust to it but that's it. The longer I go without blood the more sensitive I am to it though." Lance thought for a moment. "Garlic, if I touch it will make me break out with a rash and if I eat it, I'll be throwing up and sick for a day or so depending on how much I consume."

"Huh." Keith leaned back in his chair pondering the new information. "Another question,"

"Go for it." Lance took a slow sip of coffee.

"Why are you helping me? Don't you realize I could reach across this table and render you to a pile of ashes in the blink of an eye?" Keith folded his arms.

"Actually, I wouldn't turn to ashes. That's only old vampires. I'm only twenty-two remember?" Lance flashed a smile.  "And yes, I do realize that. But I feel it's worth the risk. You see, all my friends and family are human, and as of recently, I've been hearing about a lot of disappearances and rumors about bad vampires and gangs of them. I just want this town to be safe. I know there's good and decent vampires out there, I've met them and they've even helped me out. But the number of us starting to drink human blood is worrying."

"So you're rooting for us to kill your vampire buddies?" Keith scoffed.

"No, just the bad ones. I'm hoping that maybe if you know more about us, that maybe you can leave the peaceful vampires alone."

"Like you?" Keith sipped his coffee.

"We aren't perfect but we're not bad. We're no worse than any other person. We have a right to want to live. There's nothing wrong with that as long as you're doing it in a peaceful way." Lance frowned.

"You still crave blood."

Lance set his mug down a little hard. "I didn't ask for this lifestyle Keith."

"A lifestyle? Is that what you're calling it?" Keith scowled.

"You eat meat, it's basically the same thing! You don't deserve to die over it!" Lance argued.

"Yeah but you crave human blood."

"That isn't even true! I've never even tasted it so I don't have any desire for it. It smells good just like anything else but I have no inkling to bite whatever person's closest to me."

Keith eyed him. "Then why are there so many vampires who drink human blood?

"I'm guessing for the youthful effects. Also when you first are turned, you do have a craving for human blood but at that point you'll take whatever you can get. It's hard to fight the urge to drink someone like a Capri Sun."

Keith let a laugh slip, "So after that the craving for human blood fades?"

"Yeah, more or less." Lance shrugged. "Now it's like when you're human, if you're hungry, you don't identify people or certain animals as food even though they have meat."

Keith considered that. "I guess it makes sense."

"Though, I've heard human blood is far more exquisite than any animal." Lance smirked.

"You're on thin ice Lance, don't push it." Keith cut him a glare. "You said something about blood smelling good, do you have like a super good sense of smell?"

"Yes, just like how we tend to be be faster and stronger."

"So you can like... smell my blood?" Keith grimaced.

"No," Lance rolled his eyes, "I can smell you. Everyone kind of has a unique smell, specific to them. You smell sweet, absolutely fantastic. I could eat you right up."

Keith glared harshly.

"I'm joking Keith." Lance sighed. "Lighten up."

"Also, you said vampires are stronger and faster and all that, which yeah I can confirm. But you were rather slow and you seem... clumsy." Keith thought about when he was chasing Lance with Shiro. How Lance had run instead of trying to fight and how he was easy to catch up with and corner.

"Uh, well, it's because I don't drink blood often. My body is pretty sluggish because of the lack of a nutrient essential for my survival. For example, imagine you only allowed yourself protein once every two weeks. You'd feel just as shitty."

Keith did note the lack of color to Lance's cheeks and how he did seem pretty tired around the eyes. He hasn't really considered that.

Lance looked down noticing their empty mugs. "I do have something to ask of you,"

Keith was a little surprised but listened quietly.

"Let me join you."

"No."

"Please Keithy?" Lance pouted.

"No, and don't call me Keithy."

"C'mon. Vampire hunting is dangerous. They're stronger than you Keith." Lance turned serious.

"That's why I have my brother." Keith frowned.

"Keith, you obviously haven't run into any seriously bad vampires. They could easily overpower the both of you. You need someone who can match them."

"Lance, you couldn't even manage to run from me." Keith rolled his eyes.

"I'll start drinking blood more often. Or at least start rationing it out so I have a little a day. I'll be stronger!" Lance begged.

Keith stared Lance a moment. "I can't believe I'm going to agree to this..." he groaned.

"You won't regret it! A vampire can sniff out another vampire easily." Lance boasted. "But I refuse to kill or let you kill good vampires."

"Sure, yeah," Keith huffed leaning his head on the table. "Why do I feel like I'll regret this?"

It was as Keith and Lance were leaving the small cafe that Keith noticed he couldn't see Lance's bite marks and he had no bandaid. He asked about it and Lance cocked a smile. "Makeup. I guess I did a pretty good job if even Mr. Vamp Hunter can't see them."

"That's unnerving that you can hide them so well." Keith frowned.

"You'd be surprised, Keith, at how many people are actually vampires in this city and are living happily right under your nose." He smirked.

"Lance, I can spot a vampire from a mile away. It's not like you're one to talk either, I spotted you." Keith folded his arms.

"Only because the bandaid gave it away. I was running late for work that day and of course it was the one day vampire hunters decided they wanted pasta." Lance pouted.

"Lance!" An older woman across the street waved flagging him down.

Lance smiled widely and greeted her pulling her into a tight hug. She was a bright blonde with high cheekbones and glasses. She was slightly overweight with a bright flowery blouse and a large purse that weighed on her shoulder. "Aunt Cassy! How are you?!"

Keith watched the interaction awkwardly. Lance seemed overjoyed to see the old woman. He did say he had a lot of friends and family that were human.

"Wonderful now that I got to see your handsome face!" She kissed his cheek. "And who's this handsome fellow with you?" She looked Keith up and down happily.

"Uh, I'm Keith," he held out his hand but she ignored it for a hug instead. "Aww, I see, too embarrassed to tell your auntie about your new boyfriend." She gave Lance a look like 'you sly dog'.

Keith went speechless. Him? Boyfriends with a vampire? Over his dead body! Literally.

"Aunt Cassy, you always did know me too well." Lance laughed.

Keith was going to drive a stake through that guys stupidly nice chest.

"Well I won't intrude on your date, but do call, I want to hear all about what you've been up to! I want to hear how school has been, you hear me? Also you should eat, you're looking so pale and famished." She patted his cheek.

"It's okay aunt Cassy, it will!" Lance promised.

They parted ways and Lance was still beaming.

"That's was so lucky! I haven't seen her in a while and I've been so busy it keeps slipping my mind to call." He sighed.

"Your aunt?" Keith checked.

"Well, I call her my aunt but we're not actually related. You know, she's a vampire too right? 'Mr. I can spot a vampire from a mile away'."

"She was a..." The color drained from Keith's face. "But she was so..."

"Keith," Lance stopped walking and he turned more serious, "I mean what a told you. There's good people out there, good vampires."

He started walking again and they fell into a small silence before Keith remembered something. He reached over and socked Lance in the shoulder.

"Ow! What was that for?!" He rubbed his arm with a pouted lip.

"Boyfriend?" Keith scowled.

"You're right, I should've taken you to dinner first." Lance smiled but cowered when Keith raised his fist again.

"What's that about you and school?" Keith asked.

"I'm in my sophomore year of college," Lance grinned widely.

"For what?" Keith raised an eyebrow curiously.

"No." Lance frowned, "You'll only laugh."

"What are you, four?" Keith rolled his eyes but when he looked back at Lance he was obviously serious. "Fine. I promise I won't laugh."

"Okay," Lance softened, "criminal justice. More specifically, blood splatter analysis."

"What the fuck?" Keith scoffed. "Of course you'd want to work close to blood. It's all you damn bloodsuckers can think about."

"Excuse me, that couldn't the further from the truth. Stop just assuming things!" Lance turned a little angry which was obvious by the flush in his cheeks.

"Vampire... blood... Lance you couldn't be more obvious." Keith sighed.

"Keith, I'm choosing this job because I can help put away bad people. I can use what abilities I've been burdened with for good. I can show up to a crime scene and understand if it was a vampire attack or not, and I can even smell the culprit to some extent. At least I'm trying to make the most of a bad thing." Lance huffed.

Keith was slightly taken back. "Lance...?"

"What?" He snapped.

"How were you turned? How old were you?"

Lance looked to meet Keith's gaze and his features darkened. "I was only twelve. A gang of vampires saw me walking home after school; I was late because I had detention. Being too disruptive in class..." he sighed, "they pulled me into an alley and they kicked me around a while."

Keith listened and things seemed to click into place.

"Aunt Cassey was the one who found me. She kind of coached me through my transformation. Did you know it's super painful? Some of your teeth fall out and new ones grow, your organs shift and change, your eyes burn, and your skin itches and feels like it's searing."

"So you're trying to get rid of the people who are like the ones that turned you." Keith concluded.

Lance nodded and stared down the street.

"You're a vampire that want's to make the world a better place." Keith smirked. "I'll be damned."

When Keith was home and happily sitting on the couch in his pajamas, he pondered his encounter with Lance. It was unusual for sure and he didn't know if he could believe a word Lance says.

Shiro walked by and sat next to Keith. "What's on your mind bud?"

Keith was startled but he turned to talk to him. "Shiro, what if... there were good vampires?"

"There aren't." Shiro frowned.

"I know, but I'm saying what if." Keith said a little agitated. "Like what if we found out our neighbor was a vampire, the one that brings us casseroles."

"Is she?" Shiro tensed, ready to kill.

"No, I'm talking hypothetically." Keith snapped.

"Good, because those casseroles are exquisite." Shiro kissed the tips of his fingers.

"I'm trying to say, what if there are good vampires? Like don't drink human blood and are good people..." Keith trailed off.

"First of all, they're not people, Keith. And second, they don't exist. Even if they did, I'd stake them through the head in a heartbeat. They're bound to slip up and bleed someone dry. They aren't good, they can't be good. You of all people should know this." Shiro spoke sternly. "Why are you asking? Did you find a vampire?"

"No, I was just thinking." Keith pressed back into the couch. He should've already expected that answer.

Shiro eyed him suspiciously and got up. "Well, I'm going to go help Adam with dinner."

Keith couldn't get any help on this one, he'll just have to go with his gut.

Lance and Keith were walking through the street. It was pretty late now, and the sun was setting nicely. "Wow, that's pretty." Lance eyed the pink and orange sky happily.

"Yeah," Keith agreed but his gaze fell on Lance. Dim lights sparsely lit up his face from the street and his eyes seemed to twinkle as they searched the sky.

Keith's heart thrummed in his chest and he shook his head trying to clear the intrusive thought.

"You okay?" Lance looked to him kindly.

Keith nodded, that tightness still in his chest.

"How about we go in there," Lance pointed to a small bookshop.

"Lance, we're hunting vampires, not going on a date." Keith remarked but but his lip letting the word date slip.

Lance visibly pouted, "C'mon, I've been looking for this one book and I want to see if they have it."

"Fine," Keith rolled his eyes.

"Thanks! I've checked every other bookstore in town and haven't come up lucky, but this place has everything. I've been avoiding it for months because I saw a hunter in here and I was scared to come back." Lance brightened. "But now you're here, so the big scary hunter dudes will leave us alone."

"I'm big scary hunter dude." Keith glared.

Lance looked him up and down. "You're shorter than me. And don't get me wrong, you're strong, you obviously have muscles..." he reached forward to give Keith's arm a little test squeeze but Keith pulled it away. Lance frowned pulling his hands to his sides. "Can I ask you a personal question?"

"Depends." Keith eyed him suspiciously.

"Why do you hate vampires so much?" Lance asked quietly.

Keith looked at him and was almost taken back. "Well... what's not to hate, they drink human blood, they're evil, and they're killers."

"But I'm not, so why do you hate me?" Lance tilted his head slightly to the side and Keith felt a ping in his chest.

"Uh, I..." Keith panicked, "I don't."

"Keith," he gave him a disbelieving look, "you won't even touch me."

"It's just," Keith licked his lips, "hard to get used to."

The corner of Lance's mouth turned up and he held out his hand. "Then let's get used to it. I'm not exactly used to being buddy with a hunter either."

Keith looked down at the offered hand. He couldn't believe a vampire wanted to hold his hand. "My parents were killed by vampires." He blurted.

"What?" Lance's face dimmed.

"That's why." Keith watched Lance's hand fall back to his side. He couldn't believe he was going to do this. He reached his hand out offering it to Lance.

Lance hesitantly took it. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay. You told me something personal, so I might as well."

"I can't believe you're actually willingly holding my hand." Lance swung their held hands between them as they walked to the book store.

"Yeah yeah," Keith rolled his eyes moodily. They let go to walk into the store and Keith's hand felt a little cold at the loss. Wait, huh? "Your hands are shockingly warm for someone who's dead."

"And your hands are shockingly cold for someone who's alive." Lance countered. "But thank you for noticing, I had a fresh dose of 'go go' juice this morning."

Keith grimaced, "You're impossible."

Lance searched through the fiction section for quite some time before letting out an exited 'aha!' and pulling a book off the shelf. Dandelion Wine.

"Um, do you read a lot?" Keith asked making conversation.

"Do I read a lot? Keith, I'm a book whore. A literary slut, if you will." Lance hugged the book close to his chest. "Yes I read a lot."

Keith tried to keep a straight face but let out a snort. "I could expect nothing less from you."

Lance thumbed thought the bold mindlessly still smiling at their conversation.

"What's it about?" Keith pursed his lips.

"Uh well, it's about this one town during the summer and it runs through different stories of some of the townspeople. It takes place in the 20's and it has a lot of deep underlying meanings..." Lance spoke wistfully.

"Like?"

"Like... the struggle between life and death; between the joys of human experience and the inevitable surrender to mortality. Basically, how are you supposed to enjoy life knowing it will eventually come to an end?"

"Wow," Keith faltered, "that sounds... deep."

"Yeah but it delivers the message in a really innocent and heartfelt way." Lance sighed.

Lance purchased the book and they left the bookstore. The street was nearly deserted and the two boys walked in the dark in silence.

Keith felt Lance's hand gently bump his and he flinched. He reminded himself their earlier conversation and bumped Lance's hand back.

Lance looked to the other side of the street obviously avoiding Keith's gaze and slowly intertwined their fingers.

Keith and Lance have been hunting together often. It was usually about multiple nights a week and it meant turning Shiro down to go hunting with him. It's not that he didn't like hunting with Shiro, he still did it often, but it was more about trying to balance hunting with the both of them equally. He couldn't tell Shiro about Lance. Not in a million years. Shiro would kill him on the spot.

But Keith didn't want that. Keith was beginning to like Lance. He never had many friends and he never confided in anyone but Shiro and sometimes Adam. But he talked openly to Lance and of course it was reciprocated. They would spend hours upon hours just talking. But what Keith liked most was that they didn't even need to talk. They often found comfort just being in each other's presence.

Keith never thought he'd ever be close to a vampire. He never thought he'd even be buddy buddy with a vampire. But he never also thought he'd lie to Shiro, especially about something like this. But Keith was horrified something could happen to Lance. If something did, he probably would never forgive himself.

Usually when Keith and Lance hunted, they'd patrol the streets and walk through parks. They actually didn't tend to hunt many vampires, not as much as Shiro and Keith had, but Keith didn't find himself caring all that much.

The first time they fought a vampire together, they were in an alley way and it was a youthful looking woman with sharp features. She was cocky and scolded Lance for siding with someone like Keith. But worst of all, she was strong. Like stronger than most vampires Keith had been up against. Lance said it was probably because she was really old.

Keith had been in awe watching the two vampires fight however. Lance was right that he could be strong too. While he wasn't as strong as the woman, they were quick and broke bricks with just their fists. Finally when Lance held her at bay, Keith dove in for the kill. She'd burst into ashes and Lance panted dusting himself off.

But now, on a night like this one, Keith and Lance weren't really looking for trouble. They walked through the streets kicking rocks and trying to stay warm from the fall chill. "Wanna go down there?" Keith nodded in the direction of an alley and Lance followed him.

They stood in the darkly lit alley and Keith sighed leaning against the wall. "It's kind of quiet tonight."

"Yeah, probably because they're scared. They heard we're in the prowl. You know, Lance and Keith, the dangerous duo." Lance grinned getting a chuckle from Keith.

Lance's smile faded and he stared at Keith for a moment. "What is it?" Keith asked with a small tilt of his head.

"Uh," Lance shook his head, "nothing."

Keith looked unconvinced but didn't press the topic. "Do you think we'll ever win? Like all the bad vampires will be gone forever..."

Lance hesitated and took a step closer. "I don't know. Maybe one day we can retire but I actually don't mind it so much you know? If we never get to quit this madness, at least we'll still be fighting side by side."

Keith's breath caught in his chest. Lance was always so... Lance. It would sometimes catch Keith by surprise and make butterflies stir in him.

But something about the look in Lance's eye made him swallow. It could have been the casual glance to Keith's lips or the pensive step closer again. So when Lance leaned down and gently pressed his lips to Keith's, he shouldn't have been all that shocked, but yet he was regardless.

Keith let the kiss last all but two seconds before pulling back. His hands were on Lance's chest and he stared at him intensely. "W-what was that?"

"I-I'm sorry." Lance stuttered. "I- Keith like you. Keith I like you so much. I don't know how it happened I just-..." Lance seemed panicked and almost like he'd cry if Keith let him go on talking any longer.

So Keith pulled Lance back in and kissed him. This time it was less hesitant and more full of want. Keith was pulling Lance as close as possible and felt Lance gasp into the kiss.

Lance pulled away not daring break eye contact with Keith. He quickly reached and retrieved the cross necklace around Keith's neck and slid it over his head. It fell to the ground and Keith could make out the faint cross mark on Lance's palm in the dark. He couldn't fuss about it though as Lance was already drawing him back in.

It had gotten a little steamy but Keith justified it as they had been restraining themselves so long it was a little explosive. It didn't get past a little harmless groping but they'd gone home that night on cloud nine.

Then it sort of became part of their norm. They'd spend time together going around in shops or have dinner and then patrol. Then at some point throughout the night, they wind up in a deserted alley where they'd have a small steamy make out session and call it a night. Often because their trousers were a little tight and they'd be high on endorphins.

One particular night, Keith came home and was met with Shiro sitting on the couch in his pajamas waiting patiently. He felt a little guilty that just ten minutes prior, he and Lance-yeah a vampire-were feeling each other up in an alley. "Keith, I want to talk to you."

Keith groaned and sat down across from his brother. "What is it?"

"You've been different lately. You're rarely ever here and when you are it's like your head is somewhere else. You've been turning down hunting and yet you're always gone and coming home at late hours."

"I've just been a little stressed about work and all. And I already told you, I've been hanging out with Hunk and Pidge." Keith rolled his eyes.

"Really? Well I ran into Hunk and Pidge the other day and am they said they hadn't seen much of you for a few months." Shiro's face grew stern. "You're lying. Why?"

"Shiro, I'm an adult," Keith snapped, "why do you need to know?!"

"Because you're my brother. If something happened to you..." Shiro rubbed his eyes. "Are you hunting alone at night?"

"No! I'm just-" Keith huffed, "I'm fine! Stop poking around in my business."

He didn't mean to be so cold to Shiro, but he felt like he had to be. He didn't want this thing with Lance being messed with. He liked his afternoons with Lance. The peaceful trips to Lance and now his favorite cafe. And watching Lance wander through the bookstore. He thought of the quiet afternoons when they'd go to park and Lance would read while Keith's head rested in his lap. He would stroke and play with Keith's hair and sometimes read lines he liked aloud to see what Keith thought of them.

Just the thought made him long for Lance at that very moment.

The next day he met up with Lance outside the vampires apartment. He had freshly showered because he hated smelling like pasta and garlic. Keith smiled seeing him and wrapped his arms around his neck pulling him into a hug.

"Hm, someone missed me..." Lance hugged back and kissed the side of his head.

Keith spotted a book of poetry in Lance's hand and felt was overjoyed. "Park?" He raised an eyebrow and Lance smiled. The weather was warming up for spring and today was especially nice. "Did you put on sunscreen?"

"Yeah, I learned my lesson last time." Lance laughed taking hold of Keith hand. They strolled under the newly blooming trees and admired the budding flowers. It was such a peaceful evening and Keith wouldn't have it any other way.

The sun began to set and Lance put down his book. "It's getting a little dark to read." He carded his fingers through Keith hair.

"Just a few more minutes?"

Lance chuckled and leaned down to kiss his ear. "Yeah,"

After a while of patrolling the streets, they found a vampire in a dark alley who was moments away from feeding on a young woman. When the vampire noticed them, he released the woman and she ran. He put up a pretty good fight but he was no match for Lance and Keith. The two had really perfected their teamwork to an art; it was remarkable really.

When the vampire exploded into dust, Lance and Keith helped dust each other off. Which of course turned into giggles and laughs and then they were having one of their infamous make out sessions against the brick wall of a bakery.

Lance had Keith against the wall and was kissing down his neck and nibbling his ears which made Keith sigh.

"Get off of him!" Rung a deep voice that echoed through the alley.

Keith froze gripping Lance tightly. He knew that voice. He knew it all too well.

Shiro.

"Let go of my baby brother. I swear to god I'll blow your head off." Shiro was holding a crossbow and it was aimed steadily at Lance.

Keith scrambled to move in front of the clean shot knowing his brother wouldn't shoot. Lance's eyes were wide and horrified and Keith hated it. "Shiro, put down the weapon."

"Move out of the way Keith." Shiro ignored him.

"No, Shiro, I mean it. If you hurt him I'll never forgive you." Keith felt for Lance's hand and when he found it he grabbed it tightly in his own for comfort.

Shiro seemed to faulted at the statement. "Are you turned Keith? Did he bite you?"

"No. I'm not a vampire." Keith spoke steadily despite how his heart was racing. "Please put it down."

"Keith, they're evil. Pure evil. I don't know what he's told you, convinced you, but it's a trick. You have to know that, I thought you understood." Shiro shook his head. "They killed our parents Keith! Now you're hanging out in dark alleys with them."

"Not all vampires are bad. Lance is good. I'd stake my life on it." Keith was shaking now. "Shiro. I love Lance."

Lance's hand squeezed his firmly and an arm wrapped around his middle. "And I love you." Lance told him in his ear.

Keith felt himself shiver and pressed himself closer to the one he could trust at the moment. "Shiro, I'm begging you. Put it down. I'll stand here all night if that's what it takes. I'm not going to let you touch him."

Shiro's eyes flicked with sadness. He slowly lowered his aim and set the crossbow on the ground. Keith let out a breath he'd been holding and felt tension release from his muscles. "Oh thank god." He turned around and pulled Lance into a tight hug.

"Keith why?" Shiro shook his head.

"Shiro, meet Lance. My boyfriend. And Lance, meet Shiro, my brother." Keith smiled weakly.

Neither moved from their respective spots.

"Get ready to explain yourself." Shiro glared at the unusual couple. The vampire hunter and the vampire.

What would you do if I just like... killed Lance. Like
Shiro ==>crossbow==>Lance==>death

Just like that.

I mean obviously I didn't, but I could have. The thought definitely crossed my mind.

You really are all at my mercy. You're welcome for not killing him.