That was just way too fucking cryptic and on the nose for comfort.

🖤🖤🖤🖤

I woke early that next day, Laddie's little snores just white noise as my thoughts plagued me. I had been with them for days now, and it was starting to worry me just how comfortable I was with it. Of course, it was like meeting your favorite group of celebrities, and getting to have a vacation with them in a cave, save them from dying, be the hero. But now, it was time to think logically.

I wasn't from here, this world, this universe. I never figured dimension hopping would even be a real thing, but it was, I guess. Laddie's questions opened my eyes last night. Sooner or later, no matter what, I would have to leave. I didn't belong here. No number of nights out, no matter how many concerts, drinks, joints, edibles, laughs, movie sessions with Laddie, or cuddle piles I had with them, it would end. Eventually. Like a dream you didn't want to end so you went back to sleep. It picked up where it left off, but now that you subconsciously know it's a dream, it lacks...something. Perhaps the facade that it was real, that it was a real reality. Now that I knew it was a dream, I felt out of place. The faces too plain, the noises and actions too generic, the plot of the dream no longer fantastical as it once was. It lost its magic with the realization it wasn't real, that it wouldn't ever be real.

Laddie snuggled closer, Paul rumbles in his sleep, arms tucked securely around Laddie's small torso, pulling the boy closer to him. Laddie doesn't seem to notice, aside from a few twitches in his leg. Once again, the moment lost its tranquility. A pang of nausea boiled hot in my stomach; my chest aching as I thought of leaving. I didn't really want to. But a dark cloud of guilt and anxiety sat heavy over me, practically suffocating me. I wanted to stay, I hated the thought of leaving them, but I also hated myself for wanting to stay. My mother needed me. She was very sick, and I was her only child, we've always been so close. How could I leave her when she needed love and support right now? Her cancer wasn't getting better, only keeping a steady rate of progression. She had months, maybe a year or two if she was lucky and didn't push herself. How could I just abandon her like that? For what? Being with a pack of vampires in an alternate dimension in which Lost Boys was not a movie but in fact reality? She's on her deathbed and her only child just suddenly disappears without a trace? She'd spend the rest of her days not knowing. How could I do that to her?

My throat tightened, and I clenched my teeth, willing myself to not get sick. Vomiting from stress and anxiety wouldn't be a good look, plus, once they see that they'll know somethings wrong and then they'll pry. Vampires didn't even need to pry, they just lifted that imaginary vail that kept your thoughts to yourself and scooped whatever they wanted or needed with a wooden ladle, took a sip and went 'Mm, of course, perfect' when they got what they wanted. So, no vomiting. We do that alone and in a public bathroom where I can cry in peace before a group of drunk girls decide to adopt me and fix my make up and tell me how wonderful I am. Never had that particular experience, but I've seen videos of it online, and it looks nice.

Marko shifted, pressing up against my back, burrowing his face into the nape of my neck, skin cool, but moderate in the chill air of the cave. The house will be better. Oh, yes, that's right. We move in today, tonight? Whatever, you know what I mean. The car was already packed up, and Laddie would ride with me while I drove. I was excited for him, how long has it been since he's slept in an actual bed? Think of all the back problems that boy might have. I leaned back into Marko, his arm slung around me, the other stretched out under my pillow, fingers tangled in Paul's hair. Glancing down at Laddie, I wondered how he'd deal when I left.

David and Dwayne would see to it that he got educated, at least to an acceptable level, though I would have preferred if he was actually home schooled-at least until the eighth grades. The boys would be fine though. They've been alive for so long; they're used to people coming and going. I wasn't a vampire, so that particular bond of blood or whatever wasn't there. Sure, we've gotten close-as close as I think I'm gunna get with them-but I wasn't pack. I didn't expect to be either. I simply wanted to live and help in the beginning. I liked Laddie, liked the pack, and I didn't want to see them die-at least in person. That would have sucked-major balls-nor would I have liked being killed by them, so it was a win-win. I didn't expect to take to their lifestyle so quickly, so easily, like I was simply breathing. It's gunna suck when I have to go.

I would have to. It's the whole balance of the universe thing. Every book and movie ever that deals with time travel and dimension hopping always stresses this point. Balance is needed. The universe can't run without it. I wasn't of this world, the properties seemed to be the same, it wasn't some weird world where people were Alphas or Omegas- knot that I would have minded, haha, get it? Knot? Like not - Okay, continuing. This world seemed to be the same, in every way except that the contents of Lost Boys, and all the other story lines and characters in this universe existed as well, which means that their actor counterparts probably didn't. Shame. I am fucking love Kiefer Sutherland...his music was great. No! I'm not staying, so I have nothing to worry about. I'm fine, everything will be normal soon, because I have to go back. I card my fingers through Laddie's hair, placing a kiss to his crown. No matter how much I'll hate it. I hate leaving my mother to die alone even more.

***

"Okie dokie!" I grin at the packed car with my hands on my hips. "Ready to move out." I pop my door open, Laddie running to the other side, scrambling to get inside.

"Can I pick a song?"

"Sure bud, let me get this set up kay?" I plugged in my phone, knowing that Max lived outside of the town, so it would be a bit of a drive, at least from the cave. I hand it to Laddie, making sure to turn down the volume so he doesn't blare it. Marko saunters by, throwing me a smirk, a certain swag to him that I haven't seen before. I cock a brow, a family trait I've been told, before throwing a slow, confused smile back. He waves before throwing a leg over his bike, kicking it to life.

Dwayne is the next, coming up to the car and reaching out, fingering the blue and purple beads Paul made Marko put into my hair. His dark eyes trail over it before he gives me a quirk of his lips, a nodding approval. My face flushes. "Be good Laddie, don't give El trouble while she drives, we can get ice cream after we get settled if you're good, okay?" Laddie beams, brighter then the sun could ever hope to get. Dwayne brushes my hair from my shoulder, nail lightly over my neck. I try to not flinch at the sensation, but probably fail because Dwayne's gentle smile turns just a tad too smug for me. He promptly turns and strides to his bike, like nothing fucking happened. That prick. I hum to myself, trying to not blush harder than I already was.

"Mwah!" I blink, startled by the very big kiss Paul plasters on my cheek, practically diving headfirst into my window.

"Paul!" I shriek, trying to get away as the blond pepper's kisses into my ear. It tickles, making me breathless from the rush of the shock. He jumps away, slamming into Marko purposely to get to his bike, motions wild and jerk, untamed in the way only Paul could smoothly pull off. I shake my head, what the-

"Elsie," I jump, turning to the window. David stood there, smirking with leering eyes. He looks like a predator. Not the sexual kind, but just...predatory. Jesus. A thrill runs through my body. I bite it back; those are very bad thoughts to have while in front of David. "Make sure to keep up, don't want you to get lost. It's quite dark out." I narrowed my eyes, wondering if it was a challenge for a rebuttal, if he was just teasing me, or if he was serious. Probably all three, in a very David way.

"Good thing you're here huh?" I give him a big grin, wiggling in my seat like a happy student that just answered correctly in front of the whole class.

David gives a very distinct 'hn'. I turn to look away, feeling naked under his gaze, focusing on my seat belt. Safety first. "Behave."

"Yes, Dad," I bite back, sarcastic as ever before I remember exactly who I'm snarking. Fuck. I flush deeply, turning to either scream or stutter a 'don't think that means anything!' before he beats me to it.

"That's Sir to you." David grins, all teeth and cold eyes before turning and getting on his bite. I bite my lip, ignoring the snickers and stares from the other boys. My face is hot, and I can't really breathe.

"What the fuck is with them today..." I mutter, though Laddie hears my voiced thoughts, they were meant to be private damnit. He giggles, looking mighty pleased in his seat, bear in his arms as he holds my phone. He looks at the boys before grinning at me, cute dimples in his cheeks. "Seat belt bud." I manage to say after a moment, putting the car in drive with a quiet, 'fucking vampires.

"So," I state, hands on my hips. "Seven bedrooms, three bathrooms, a dining room, kitchen, living room, a whole basement, a secret basement, an attic, and a patio overlooking a big ass yard?" I click my tongue, damn that is a nice deal. The house is fairly modern, at least in style, though there is a bit of a Victorian feel to the design. The inside was furnished, clean and calming colors like blue and white, with various shades of gray. Max was loaded and it seemed he didn't mind luxuries. I wouldn't either if I was a vampire. You aren't staying so just stop thinking about it I hiss in my head.

"Also, a killer garden," Marko smiles, thumb between his teeth again, he leans against the mantle over the fireplace. Paul jumps over the back of the couch, landing hard on the cushions. His face blanks, before he slowly starts to wiggle his ass.

"Bouncy!" He grins, making me shake my head. Of course, it's bouncy; it's not covered with mold or has spiders and rats living in it. "So, we've moved in." Yes, we did. It wasn't a very tough process. Most of it was just getting rid of Max's things and bringing in what little there was of the boys'. They truly didn't have that many worldly possessions. Guess when you live forever materialistic tendencies wear off. "What'd we do now? The night's still young."

"Paul's right," David walks into the room, boots thudding in a slow gate. Dwayne comes from the opposite side of the house, leaning against the door jam. "Let's go get a bite." Marko and Paul whoop, rushing out to the bikes. David's eyes catch mine, "Stay with Laddie?"

I hum, "There isn't any food in the fridge or pantry. A lot of it was fake or running low. I could take him with me to get stuff." Dwayne walks by, pulling out a wad of money. I thank him, the dark vampire's fingers brush hair from my face before he gives me a kiss on the head. I blink, surprised and internally screaming, unable to come up with an answer.

Dwayne smirks, "Thank you." I nod, still stiff with shock. Can't fucking breathe either. The two leave and I noticed Laddie standing there with a giant grin.

"How's getting groceries with me sound?"

"Can we get ice cream?"

"I don't see why not."

Laddie and I pursue the aisles of a food market. Truly it was amazing to see these prices. You don't ever really think how the economy has changed before you're suddenly in the past. I get essentials, bread, milk, eggs, veggies, fruits, some meat, and of course ice cream. I got a few frozen pizzas, some snack foods for Laddie. I knew I'd be getting him three meals a day, and I didn't mind him having a snack between them. Oh juice, we all love juice.

"Oh, excuse me," A woman's voice cut through my thoughts on different chips. I see Laddie had bumped into an older woman. She looked shocked before smiling when he apologized, "It's alright young man, shopping with your mother tonight?" That made me flush. Laddie did look young, maybe around seven for his height, but there is no way I looked old enough to have a seven- or six-year-old! Not unless I got pregnant just out of high school!

"Yeah!" I smiled, nodding to the woman as Laddie continued his search down the aisles, looking for the perfect chips.

"I'm sorry, he gets excited sometimes."

"Oh, it's alright, my little Devon was the same at that age." She winked at me, "But to be honest, you miss it once they're all grown up and left you for college. Sometimes I just wish I could go back and keep him at that age." She moved on quick, leaving me to deal with that mind fuck. I glanced up, wondering if the universe was trying to send me a message. That was just way too fucking cryptic and on the nose for comfort. I sigh, pushing the cart forward to catch up with Laddie. I really don't need another old lady telling me some weird ass advice.

Laddie helped me carry in the food, also taking pride in helping organize and set up the kitchen with me. I was thinking about having him help me cook; I know it can be fun for kids and good skills to learn. I'm not the best cook, as I hardly ever really cook, but when I do, I do enjoy it.

"We're home!"

"Kay!" I say, keeping my voice lower as I didn't have to yell. The house was big, but not big enough they wouldn't hear me from two rooms away. It was decided that each boy, and me I guess for the time I am staying here, will get their own room. It can be a bedroom, rec room, just a chill room, anything they wanted. I can picture Paul's room being a chaotic mess of posters, CDs, boom box, a couch, some instruments and more. I can picture Marko having some sort of art studio with some small birds in a cage. Dwayne could have a library, I think, something nice and relaxed-he'd need it in this house. David...I don't know. It's very hard to get a read on him. I can see his room like an office, some books, alcohol, cigars? That's a funny picture, David with cigars instead of cigs. He's got his throne chair, a new leather one instead of the old wheelchair. Laddies would be his own bedroom, something that's his. Somewhere to do his homework, read comics, do whatever he wanted. I don't think he had his own space in the cave. This is good for him.

"El," I hum, looking over my shoulder to see Dwayne leaning against the door of Laddie's room. I had been hanging and folding clothes, organizing them into the drawers. "We're setting up the nest, Marko and Paul are arguing." He nods, clearly wanting me to follow. Before we even get down there I can hear it. Laddie is standing outside the door, looking just a little nervous but obviously amused from how animated their argument is. David is leaning back against a wall in the basement, arms crossed-oh he's not in his big coat. That's really nice.

"That's so stupid Paul! We all sleep together, but we still can have our own space!"

"But if we all get individual beds then I can't cuddle with anyone!"

"It's not all about you! Maybe I want some peace from you! I need my own space too!"

"How can you say that! You love me! We cuddle all the time!"

"We never did before you dumbass!"

"But we hung close together!"

"It was a tight space!"

I blink, shaking my head. Really? I glanced at Dwayne, wondering how the hell I was supposed to even help with this. He gives me a small grin, apparently this happens often. I cock my hip, hands resting on them as I watch them argue.

"Boys?" I call out, catching their attention immediately.

They both start talking.

"El! Tell him we all need to nest together!"

"Can you please tell him that I deserve my own space!?" They glare at each other, while there wasn't any real fire behind it, I can tell there is some mild annoyance. I look around the room, taking in the few scattered pillows while noting the obviously large pile of blankets and large pillows by Paul.

"One at a time, what do you each want?"

"I would like to make individual nests for everyone, so we can have our own space. It was pretty cramped in the cave."

I looked to Paul, who was pouting with his arms crossed. "I want a big pile all together, I like cuddling with others. The rooms upstairs are for privacy and space."

"Okay, okay well...would it be alright to cover the whole floor in mattresses and pillows and blankets? So that way it's like the floor is one big nest? There's enough space for all of us if we want to spread out and stretch while we can still be together." I offer, looking around. We'd need maybe four mattresses. "It gives you both what you want; freedom and movement and also to be near others to cuddle. And you know I'd cuddle with you if you wanted Paul." They both look at each other, a silent conversation between them.

They nod, "That works."

I smile, "Great! We can use the beds from upstairs, at least the ones that you guys are sure we don't need!" I clap excitedly.

"Why are you excited about beds?"

"Because Paul, there are no rats or spiders or bugs or snakes or dust or possibility of a body being here like at the cave." I rush up the stairs, "Of course I'm excited about new mattresses!"