Tyler walked into Jenna's room and saw her laying on the bed, doing something on her phone. He has just walked in before after telling her he was on his way but this time her mom let him in.

"Hey," she instantly looked up. "How was it?"

Tyler sat down on the bed and didn't say anything at first. He just stared straight ahead.

"Ty?" Jenna asked cautiously, moving to put her hand on his shoulder.

He blinked. "Jenna," he croaked out. "You should have seen his face at first. He was so betrayed. And then he was so sweet and understanding that I didn't deserve it. We talked a little bit more before I left but things still felt awkward to me. I just told my boyfriend I was a blood sucking monster."

Jenna was quiet at first. "Did you tell him about me?" She asked, insecurity evident.

Tyler looked over at her with a worried face. In the time they've been friends, she's always been calm and cool and collected when it came to talking about who they were. She was always strong for the both of them. She was only ever sad when recalling the past. This was different. "Yeah," Tyler told her gently.

"Did you tell him about... y'know..." she asked, guilt evident in her voice.

"He asked me if I've ever killed anyone. I told him the truth. I didn't say anything about you though. Not in regards to that," he told her honestly.

Jenna bit her lip and nodded. "Okay. Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me," Tyler grabbed her hand. "You don't ever have to tell him what you did if you don't want to."

Jenna's eyes filled with tears. "It wasn't my fault. What happened. It was when I first turned and I didn't know what I was doing and—"

Tyler squeezed her hand. "I get it," he said sincerely. "You don't have to explain yourself to me. It wasn't your fault."

She wiped her tears with her free hand. "I know. I just try not to worry about it."

"It wasn't your fault," he repeated.

Jenna swallowed and cleared her throat. "But other than that it went good?"

Tyler nodded but sighed. "I think. I just... I don't know. I just don't feel very good about it. He wanted me to show him my fangs and eyes and he was watching me so intensely. I know he wasn't judging me but the fact that he wasn't shying away is what freaks me out more. He was supposed to tell me to fuck off and call me a freak and—"

"He didn't do any of that because he's a good person, Ty," Jenna reminded. "And so are you. He's probably going to be weirded out for a little bit but he'll get used to it. He really likes you and you really like him. I'm glad he knows now."

"I told him what I promised you and your mom— that I'd make sure he didn't end up like us," he stared at Jenna. "If he got turned I'd never forgive myself, I want you to know that. I wouldn't wish being like this upon anyone."

The guilty look returned to Jenna's face but she tried to conceal it. That confused Tyler but he didn't think anything of it. She was probably thinking about... the incident again.

"I'm with you there," she told him. "We're both going to protect him. He's not just your boyfriend y'know," she teased. "He's my best friend."

Tyler gasped. "What about me?"

Jenna rolled her eyes with a smile. "He's my second. You're my first. Always and forever."

Tyler pulled her into his side and kissed her forehead. He was so incredibly lucky to have Jenna. And things with Josh may have been rough last night but Tyler knew he was lucky to have him too.

---

"What about fast food?"

Tyler was sitting on Josh's bed with him the next day. Josh was currently trying to find a job and wanted Tyler's help since he had been born and raised in Hartgate.

Tyler was sitting against the wall and Josh was in between his legs, leaning against Tyler with his laptop on his lap. "I've seen the Popeye's chicken sandwich videos. If I have to deal with any of that I'll lock myself in the freezer and cry."

Tyler let out a laugh which accidentally led to a snort. Once that sound came out, Josh began laughing too. They laughed together for a moment before each letting out breaths.

Josh turned and looked at Tyler with loving eyes. "Hey," he spoke. "Jenna called me last night. After you went home."

Tyler's smile fell. "Oh?"

Josh nodded. "Yeah. We talked a little bit about her being... a... vampire," he said it hesitantly like he still didn't want to believe it. "I may have had a little tiny break down," he laughed out. He quickly stopped when Tyler gave him a worried and guilty look. "It wasn't your fault! Everything just kinda hit at once after she confirmed it too and she talked it out with me. I'm okay now."

"Okay..."

"But I'm glad I found out," Josh continued sincerely. "You seem more relaxed. Like you don't seem like you're always panicked about something and it's nice."

"I just feel like I don't deserve your acceptance."

"You do," Josh assured. "Some things I may have to... work around or get used to... but I like you for you and want to make this work. As long as you don't like eat me."

Tyler chuckled. "I'm not a cannibal, Josh."

Josh grinned. "I know. I just wanted to see you smile," he paused and bit his lip. "Am I allowed to kiss you?"

"Yeah?" Tyler gave him a weird look. "Why wouldn't you? We've kissed countless times since we got together."

Josh blushed. "Jenna told me what happened when you went to the bathroom that day we first like... kissed kissed."

Tyler's face paled. "Oh," he cleared his throat. "I'm sorry."

"Oh don't be," Josh assured. "My number one priority is making sure you're comfortable. That's my job."

Tyler smiled at that. "Thanks, baby."

He saw Josh's blush deepen. "Do you think it'll happen again? Y'know, now that you're not concerned about hiding your teeth?"

Tyler thought that over. He had always been holding back slightly when kissing Josh because he was scared. But now he didn't have to. "Do you wanna try?" He raised an eyebrow.

Josh let out a hum. "Have you ever kissed anyone with them already out?"

"No..."

"Do you wanna try that?" Josh asked teasingly, a flirtatious look on his face.

Tyler gave him a look. "Oh is me drinking blood from people a turn on to you?" He teased back.

Josh thought for a moment. "I did say you made a cute vampire on Halloween," he paused. "Wait, is that why you asked me to be your boyfriend on Halloween?"

"It felt fitting."

Josh laughed. "Back to what I was saying..."

Tyler let out a laugh. "Are you being serious right now?"

Josh shrugged. "Why not? It's bound to accidentally happen again at some point. Why not just let it happen?"

"We don't even know if it feels any different kissing with my fangs out."

"We won't know unless we try..."

Tyler rolled his eyes but smiled. "Okay."

He closed his mouth but felt his fangs retract. He waited for Josh to look ready before slowly leaning in and kissing him softly.

Josh instantly kissed back and let one of his hands rest on Tyler's cheek.

Josh was right. It didn't really feel too different but Tyler didn't have to worry about his emotions getting in the way. He couldn't get so passionate that his fangs came out if they were already out. It was... relieving almost.

They pulled back a few seconds later and Tyler willed his teeth to go back to normal.

Josh let out a hum. "That was hot."

"You freak," Tyler laughed. "A vampire kink huh?"

Josh let out a cackle. "Shut up!"

Tyler laughed even harder. "Get back to your job search, weirdo."

Josh clicked his tongue before turning back to his laptop.

Tyler let himself smile.

Yeah, he was lucky to have Josh too.