Lured by the Moon

Sebastian walks into the bathroom, carrying a sack of fresh clothes in his hands. He could feel the persisting dampness on his head and throughout his soaked clothes.

After making sure not a single person was in sight. He didn't want anyone to invade his privacy. With a relieved sigh, he dried himself with the towel as he changed into his new clothes.

It was a casual red shirt that rolled to his elbow and a pair of black, ripped jeans. It must be from a friend or ex-boyfriend, he wondered. Otherwise, why would she be carrying clothes around in her truck? As if she was prepared in advance.

Regardless, none of it matters. He will meet her tonight; just thinking about it makes him feel tipsy at some point. It's been awhile since he had some fresh blood since he was occupied with the dead body, his brother, and lastly Atlas.

It was a strange feeling. He isn't certain, but he's not foolish to recognize that he came to care for the boy over time. Ironically, his father was right.

He always kept his heart in check, making sure it didn't get attached to someone. Somehow he's like a pesky fly that doesn't go away; it was too late before he realized he had gotten beneath his skin.

As he was absorbed in his thoughts, a knock on the door woke him from his absentmindness. He could hear the hidden concern in Atlas's voice, "Is everything okay?"

Rolling his eyes amusedly, he responded sarcastically, "Yes, don't be so impatient." Gathering his previous clothes tucked under his arms, he walked out casually and saw that Atlas was lost in thought, a heavy pondering on his face like he's thinking about something deeply.

He reaches out his fingers to flick on Atlas's forehead; he asks mischievously, "What are you pondering so hard about?"

Atlas was startled before he glared at him, rubbing his forehead as if he suffered an injustice. Sebastian was about to roll from chuckling until he felt Atlas hitting his side again.

What a vicious little brat you are.

Sebastian pretends to groan as if he were suffering from great pain in his side; he whispers hoarsely, which sounds fake to Atlas's ears, "Why are you always hitting me? I didn't do anything."

Atlas didn't know what to say in response; he was at a loss for words. A tick crease on his forehead.

I didn't even hit him that hard!

Ignoring his actions, he crosses his arms and looks him in the eye as seriously as he could. "You told me that we would have that talk."

Straightening up, he understood what Atlas was talking about. He wanted to know more about him. "Alright. But first, are you hungry?"

Atlas gave him a look as if he were trying to gauge his words, then nodded hesitantly. With a slight smirk, they walked toward one of the restaurants next to the movie theater. Sebastian looks down at Atlas, who was looking at the menu board. "What are you getting?"

Sebastian follows where his eyes were looking. It was an expensive Chinese food that contained pork egg rolls, lo mein, and chicken broccoli.

Sebastian takes out his big, fat wad of cash and gives the cash register thirty-five dollars in exchange for the food.

Passing the takeout box to Atlas that leaves the warmth lingering on his palms, he winks at the cash register, who tries to hide her tinted blush.

Sebastian rolls his eyes nonchalantly at the weak-minded woman who was enamored of his appealing looks like many others.

Walking out of the building where people walk by as they head toward his car. Atlas follows him like a puppy. As soon as they got into the car, Sebastian knew he had something to say by the hesitation that flickered across his face, but seems to have found the courage to speak. "W-Why was there blood in the cup?"

Sebastian could tell by the earnestness in his tone that his answer would determine his fragile trust in him.

Unfortunately, he can't just reveal the darkest secrets he carried for centuries to someone he'd just met. He knows nothing about the boy. Where is he from? Why do his eyes become purple with double pupils? Clicking his tongue, he responded in a careful voice, "Why don't you tell me something about yourself?"

His eyes became deep and assessing, but it wasn't enough to change his mind. Then he sighed before looking away; he swallowed hard. "I-I ran away."

What a vague response it is. He knew that Atlas was mistreated or abused by someone. According to his father, he carries scars on his body. His eyes narrowed. He wanted to see if Atlas would tell him the truth about who hurt him. "Who did you run away from?"

It was the first time he heard the hardness and hatred that drip from his words like poison. "My father."

Sebastian knew he wouldn't say anymore by the tightening in his jaw as he was holding the words back. Sebastian decided to honor his words for once, but it was a small leeway to the darkest secrets he carries.

Just once, he wants to let his guard down.

"And yes, there was a purpose to the blood. I drink it." Atlas's eyes widened with surprise. He stutters like he could see a glimpse behind the cracked door, a slow realization flashing through his black eyes: "You broke that wolf's neck with speed and strength. You have strength, speed, and y–you drink b-blood."

Before he could say anything further, Sebastian raised a finger toward his lips in a gesture for silence. Atlas didn't say anything, although his face became pale like ashen snow. In a soft voice, he said, "Sometimes, it's best not to say anything."

Sebastian pulled out of the parking lot and drove home, whereas Atlas was silent, yet Sebastian couldn't decide if it was wise of him to tell his darkest secret.

—-

As they pulled before the house. It was the first time Atlas was silent for the past thirty minutes. Sebastian almost regretted telling him his secret in an indirect way, but he was smart enough to figure it out.

He knew it was risky to reveal his secrets, but he has a feeling that he can trust Atlas to some degree.

I just hope I'm not wrong.

Getting out of the car, his phone suddenly buzzed loudly enough, like it was calling for a halt amidst the deadly silence.