Chapter Six
Charlie
The Deep Lore of Vampires
Kip: u know anything bout vampires?
I snort, reading my newest message from Kip.
He’s kind of a weird guy. I should be creeped out that he got my phone number from my phone and texted me but…
he’s actually kind of sweet. He seems kind of like a big oaf, in an endearing way.
I don’t think he means any harm. He’s kind of like a puppy, following me around and wanting attention.
And honestly, it was kind of nice that someone cared enough to make sure I got home safe.
Charlie: I’m kind of a vampire connoisseur.
Kip: a wut
Charlie: I’m an expert. I’ve seen basically every vampire movie ever.
Kip: i liked Twilight
Ooh boy. If that’s Kip’s frame of reference for vampire movies, we’re both in trouble.
Charlie: Why are you asking about vampires?
I think I vaguely remember him making a dumb vampire joke last night, but I couldn’t tell you what it was.
Maybe the guy has a newfound love of vampires.
It makes me think I judged him too quickly, based on his jockiness.
So far he’s been nothing but kind and a total sweetheart. Is Kip really just a big teddy bear?
Kip: my roommate tyson turned me into one yesterday
That’s what his joke was about last night! He said he was a vampire.
Charlie: Haha, very funny.
Kip: dont know y thats funny. so far its sucked
Charlie: Good one. Sucked. Classic vampire joke.
Charlie: You know, I actually heard about this new vampire/goth club that’s downtown. Maybe you should check it out if you’re that into vampires.
Kip: how bout we check it out together?
Woah, there. Is Kip asking me on a date? To a vampire club? Or am I reading too much into this and he’s actually just being friendly?
Charlie: As friends…or?
My cheeks flush as I watch his text bubble with three dots pop up, and then disappear.
Of course it’s as friends, Charlie. What, just because another guy is nice to you that means he wants to suck your dick?
Get over yourself. Besides, Kip is like wayyyyy attractive and wayyyyy out of my league.
And he’s probably not into guys. He’s a nice guy, and is being friendly. That’s it. End of discussion.
Kip: y? u want it to be as more than friends? ;)
Ooookayyyy…is he…flirting with me?
Kip: cuz i’m not usually a dating kind of dude, but i’d make an xception 4 u
He’s definitely flirting with me. I mean, right? Nope. Kip is clearly messing with me. Being a jokester. I’m going to slide right past all of that and move on with the conversation. I’ll pretend that I’m not thinking about what it would be like to date Kip. Handsome, muscular, sweet, Kip.
Charlie: I suppose I can take you there, if you want. I’ve never been. Clubbing isn’t usually my thing.
Kip: OMG. yessssss. let’s do it. 2nite?
Kip: i don’t have any vamp clothes. or goth. idk what to wear! what if all the cool vamps judge me
Charlie: Screw them if they judge you. Wear what you want. Though there’s probably some type of dress code. So best to go with some jeans and a button up?
Kip: right on little dude. that’s why ur my new bff.
Oh boy, what did I just agree to?
I can’t believe I’m doing this. This isn’t like me at all.
I NEVER go out clubbing willingly. I also don’t go out with random jocks a met the day before (and I still don’t know if he was being serious about this being a date, or if this is a friend hang).
Buttttt, Kip seemed so excited when I told him about this place.
The details of his appearance remain blurry in my mind after the copious amount of alcohol I drank last night, but I know he was hot.
And had a wicked good smile with glittering white teeth.
And I just bet that smile was spread wide on his handsome face when I told him about this club, Blood Rose.
I know I’m pathetic, alright? Pining after a guy I spent a total of twenty minutes with, who I can’t even remember all that clearly.
You want to know what’s even more pitiful?
I got dressed up for tonight. Like, really got dressed up.
Picked out my nicest black button up shirt, with embroidered white roses on the collar.
And tight fitting black skinny jeans, which I must say sculpt my ass just right.
Paired with platform combat boots, and a few pieces of silver jewelry.
I even used hair product, getting my bangs to fall perfectly over my forehead.
I’m definitely going to fit in at this goth club.
I’m pretending to be busy on my phone while I wait, scrolling mindlessly through Reddit, when I’m suddenly crushed into a hug.
I gasp, my eye snapping upwards to see my assailant.
It’s Kip.
“Hey, little dude!” Kip says excitedly, squeezing me so tight that I think my ribs might crack.
I wheeze. “Hi, Kip.”
“I’m so freaking excited to be here with you, Charlie!” Kip says, shaking my body.
“Can’t. Breathe.” I croak.
Kip’s grip loosens. “Sorry.” He says sheepishly. “I sometimes get a lil’ too excited.”
“It’s all good, Kip.”
He steps away, and I get my first look at him. And that’s when I realize that I should not have worn this tight of pants. Please, God, if you’re real, please make it so the shadows disguise the chub I’m sporting right now.
Kip is wearing a dark purple button up, the top few buttons undone to show the column of this tanned throat as well as the swell of his mouthwatering pecs.
Oh Jesus, I’m not this type of guy, I swear.
I don’t ogle other people like they’re pieces of meat.
That’s what the normal part of my brain says at least. The horny part begs my eyes to trail down further, checking out his thick thighs in his dark blue jeans.
And his bulge. Is that how it looks normally, or is he coming down with a case of chub-itis like me?
I swallow, my throat suddenly dry. “Y-you look good.”
Kip beams at me, his pearly whites gleaming. “Thank you, Charlie.” His voice is huskier than it was a moment ago. His eyes slowly peruse my form, trailing from the top of my head, to the tips of my toes, and then back up with excruciating slowness.
Kip leans down close to my ear to whisper “You look fucking delectable.”
His breath whispers against my ear, sending a shiver down my skin. I feel heat spreading from my cheeks all the way down through my limbs, and I swear I actually purr in pleasure.
“Should we head inside?” Kip snaps me out of my lust-filled haze.
“Uhh, yep. Let’s go.”
The inside of the club is dark, with purple and red pulsing lights decorating the space. There are black, glittering chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The dance floor is checkered black and white, which is really crowded, as revealed by lasers flashing over the revelers.
Along the sides of the room, there are round black leather booths with heavy black velvet curtains framing each individual one.
Some tables have their curtains pulled closed, while other’s are left wide open.
It’s clear that some of the people here don’t mind putting on a show.
There are people grinding on laps, and furiously making out.
A couple of people are even sucking on the necks of others, in clear view for everyone to see.
There is a long bar along the back wall, bartenders quickly serving up various cocktails.
“I read online that they have specialty cocktails, all vampire themed.” I shout over the pounding bass.
“This place is fucking awesome, Charlie!” Kip shouts back. “I can’t believe I’m in a real vampire club.” His tone is filled with awe.
I hate to dim his spirit, but it’s gotta be said. “I mean, not real vampires. Because vampires don’t exist.”
Kip shoots me a look. “I thought the same thing, little dude. I thought the same thing.”
That was oddly cryptic.
“What do you want to drink? I’ll grab us something, if you want to snag a table.” Kip changes the subject.
“I want to try the ‘Vampire’s Kiss’. It’s one of their signature drinks.”
“You got it, Chuck. I’ll be back.” With a flash of teeth, Kip heads off towards the bar.