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Pyro doesn't see Shelby again for two weeks after her turning. It isn't for a lack of trying, but it seems that Scott is much too busy training her as his fledgling to let them hang out. They don't want to think Scott is keeping them away from each other on purpose, but without Scott and Shelby’s presence, Pyro is completely alone.
Scott forbade them from leaving the castle grounds for their own safety. While Pyro doesn't want to find themself stuck with the members of town after everything, being stuck in the dreary crypt bedroom Scott left to them was unbearably dull.
The silence was getting to them. Pyro had always hated being alone, and now most of their days were spent by themself. Scott would come and check in with them occasionally, kissing them stupid and drinking his fill of their blood.
It felt empty.
Scott praises them for how useful they are when he bothers to visit, but doesn't otherwise engage them in conversation. It felt like Pyro was back at their parent's manor, kept locked away in their room unless they were serving some sort of purpose.
It wasn't that Pyro wasn't grateful for the times when Scott visited. They knew Scott was busy with the town and taking care of Shelby. Those things were more important than spending time with Pyro. They understood that, but that didn't make it any easier to be so isolated from everything.
Pyro gets up from bed, shaking their head. There wasn't any point in sulking. If they were remembering right, Scott said he would be seeing them today.
Pyro reaches over to the lantern on his bedside, lighting it with a match from the box Scott had given them. That was something else to be thankful for. At least they weren't being forced into complete darkness.
It was a kindness. Scott and Shelby didn't have any need for light, but Scott still gave them a lantern. Pyro didn't know what they would do if they were stuck without anyway to see.
While waiting for Scott to come to them, Pyro leans back against the headboard, attempting to read one of the books the vampire left him. Despite having nothing else to do, it was surprisingly hard to focus on the story being told. He reread the same page three times before realizing that it wasn't doing him any good.
Fortunately, Pyro doesn't have to wait much longer, as Scott takes that moment to enter the room. His steps don't make a sound, and he doesn't knock, but Pyro has gotten used to his abrupt entrances over time.
Pyro sits up straighter, setting his book to the side as Scott makes his way over. The vampire smiles, leaning into Pyro's space as he sits down beside him.
"Hello, firelight." Scott cups his face, brushing his sharp nail along Pyro's cheekbone. "How are you?"
Pyro swallows, pressing his face into Scott's hand despite the tight feeling that coils inside his gut. "I— I've been well, I suppose. Just a bit bored."
Scott tuts, though he doesn't look displeased with the response. "Are the books I left you not catching your interest?"
"They're great! Really." Pyro shifts. "I guess I've just been missing the sun a little. Being outside, you know?"
Scott tilts his head, frowning. "I wouldn't know much about basking in the sun, I'm afraid."
"Ah. Of course." Pyro flushes lightly, embarrassed. "My apologies."
Scott waves off Pyro's apology, pulling him forward until he's sat halfway onto Scott's lap. The position does nothing to help his burning face.
No matter how many times Scott pulled him close like this, he still got flustered. It made him uncomfortable, but Scott always comments that he looks to be enjoying himself, so he must on some level.
It was better not to think about it too hard, Pyro's found. His mind always gets mixed up when he does.
Scott leans in, tugging Pyro's collar down and pressing a kiss to his neck. It sends a shiver down Pyro's spine, though he's careful to remain still. He made the mistake of moving too much when Scott was feeding before and it wasn't something he wanted to repeat.
Scott's fangs sink into his throat, and Pyro muffles the whimper that tries to escape. Being fed from never felt good. It hurt, though less so when Pyro didn't fight it. It makes him lightheaded, and the only thing he can do afterwards is sleep it off.
Pyro breathes through it, letting out a relieved exhale when Scott unlatches and pulls away. Scott holds Pyro close to him, and Pyro let's himself lean against Scott's shoulder.
"Scott?"
When Scott hums in question, Pyro swallows dryly, fidgeting with his sleeves. He tells himself it wouldn't hurt to ask, but there's a part of him that is scared it will. Scott hadn't hurt him with any intention since that first night at the lake, but he could.
Pyro was only human. Scott could kill him easily. He wanted to believe that he mattered to the vampire, that Scott wouldn't even think about causing him harm now, but Pyro wasn't sure.
Maybe that doubt made him ungrateful.
"What is it, Pyro?"
Pyro takes a deep breath. "Could I see Shelby?"
Scott raises an eyebrow, but before he can speak, Pyro continues. "It's not that I don't like your visits, I'm very appreciative that you come to see me, but I miss talking to people."
Pyro holds his breath as he waits for Scott's answer, unable to stop the flinch when Scott runs his claws though his hair.
"I suppose you have been here by yourself for quite some time." Scott tilts Pyro's chin up so that their eyes meet. "I'll bring her by tomorrow. How does that sound?"
A smile pulls at Pyro's lips. "That sounds great. Thank you, Scott."
Scott smirks. "Of course. It's not like I've been keeping her away. She's been very busy learning."
Pyro pauses, something tightening in his chest. It was one thing to think about how Shelby must be avoiding him, it's another to hear that it's been her choice to stay away.
Scott coos. "Don't look like that, firelight. I'm sure she'll love to meet up and tell you all about her lessons."
The smile on Pyro's face feels more forced than before, but he doesn't let it drop. "Of course."
Scott stands, pressing a kiss to Pyro's forehead before making his way to the door. "I'll see you tomorrow then, Pyro."
Pyro lifts his hand into a wave, but Scott is already gone by the time he does so.
His expression loosens, and he falls back onto the bed.
At least tomorrow he won't be by himself.