The theatre began to go silent as the movie played. Danny thought the movie was pretty interesting; it was all about how this teenage boy was having nightmares about vampires. After a month straight of having these nightmares, the boy awoke in the middle of one to see a vampire lurking in his room. When the vampire came on the screen it surprised everyone, even Darren. Darren was so startled that he had grabbed Danny’s hand. Danny didn’t think anything of it.

Darren started to say something to Danny but he was so into the movie that he hardly noticed what Darren was saying to him. When Danny turned to ask Darren what he said, Darren leaned in and kissed him. Danny was surprised, but he went along with it. When Danny actually realized what he was doing, he pulled back, stood up and walked away. He went to the bathroom and washed his face. Staring at himself in the mirror, he noticed something different. He looked almost as though he had fangs, and his eyes weren’t their usual sapphire-gray, but instead, they were tinted crimson.

It’s just my mind playing tricks on me, because of that vampire movie we’re watching. Danny thought, solely trying to convince himself. At that moment Darren walked in.

“Look, Danny, I’m really sorry. I was just caught up in the moment and…” His voice trailed off there. Danny had known Darren long enough to be able to tell that he was hurt. Danny looked at him. Darren’s eyes were full of fear and pain. Fear that he made a mistake that would cost him his best friend and pain at the thought of never being more than friends.

“It’s not a problem. Darren, you know you don’t have to lie to me. How long have you felt this way?” Danny inquired.

“For quite a while now; since the first time that I saw you with your shirt off when we were swimming. I’m really sorry Danny, please don’t let this change the relationship we have now.” Danny gave a sly smirk.

“Well, I was going to kiss you again, but seeing as how that would ‘change the relationship we have now’…” Danny replied. Darren smiled and wrapped his arms around Danny. They had hugged before but Danny never thought of how much he would like it. Danny savored the sweet embrace and gently planted a kiss on Darren’s cheek; Darren started a full on blush and they walked back to the movie hold hands.

By the time they got back to the movie, it was almost over. They stayed until the end and then they went back to Darren’s house to let his mom know that Danny would be staying with them tonight.

“Well, you know it’s always fine with me! Hell, why do you think I gave him a key? Danny, you know that you’re always welcome to stay over; now, what would you kids like to eat?”

“No, the question is 'where would you like to eat?' It’s your choice today.” Danny responded.

“Danny, you can’t keep taking us out; you’ll spend all your hard-earned money! You’re going to spoil us,” she complained in her modest yet proud way.

“Hey! What did I say about talking like that! You deserve to be spoiled, and I definitely didn't have to work for the money. When I help out with my Dad’s job, it doesn’t feel like work.” Danny gave her a big hug and a kiss on the cheek.

“Darren, it’s official. I’m adopting Danny,” she told her son. Darren opened his mouth to remind her that she had said that every day since she met Danny, but Danny had a faster tongue.

“Aw, thanks, Mom. So where am I taking you?” Danny questioned.

“Well, I figured you wouldn’t give up, so I made dinner already. We have a beautiful barbecue and of course your favorite part of any meal Danny: mozzarella sticks and poppers for the appetizers,” she stated, knowing that she had won. Danny had bought her a deep frier and she always made sure to keep stock on the items she needed for his favorites.

“You know me too well.”