Chapter Text
Scott's angry with them, and Pyro isn't sure they're going to survive it. They hadn't meant to feed from Shelby before he did, and although they stopped early enough for Scott to turn her, Pyro knows the issue hasn't been resolved.
They were disobedient, and though they hadn't been told the rules beforehand, they should've known better than to give in to their aching stomach. It makes sense that Scott would get to feed first, and that Pyro would take whatever he allows them afterwards.
It didn't matter that they hadn't had a decent meal since they were turned. It was their own fault for being so bad at hunting. Scott is their Sire, not their caretaker.
He turned them, but he's reminded them enough times that they aren't his responsibility.
Pyro had hope after their turning that Scott would help them learn how to be a vampire, but he made it clear he isn't interested in teaching them.
Walking through the woods feels safer than being back at the castle ruins, especially after Scott threatened to kill them if they make a mistake like that again.
They walk quietly, their full belly only serving to make them feel more guilty. It feels good to not be on the brink of starvation, but it's tainted by Scott's disappointment. They wish they could enjoy the feeling at least a little, because they doubt they'll ever be this full again.
Pyro isn't good at hunting animals, and Scott isn't going to let them indulge again if he goes after another human. They'll be lucky if they get any blood at all with how mad Scott is at them. He obviously holds grudges, and with how old he is, Pyro could be going hungry for a long time.
The sun stings their skin as it starts to rise and Pyro knows they need to head back. They turn around, startling at the sight of another person watching them.
Louis smiles at them, long white hair braided over his shoulder, fangs gleaming in morning light. "Hello, Pyro. It's been a while since I've seen you."
Pyro swallows, shrinking in on themself at the elder vampire's attention. Scott had told them not to interact with Louis after they were turned, but it isn't like Pyro can just turn their back on someone who's more powerful than them.
They try to return the smile, though it feels shaky on their face. "Hi, Mayor Louis."
Louis chuckles stepping towards them, his hand landing on their shoulder. "Just call me Louis, dear. I don't care much for titles."
Pyro nods, staring at the ground, trying not to flinch under his touch.
"It's getting light out. Would you like me to walk you back? I'm sure Scott must be worried about you."
They nod again without thinking, only realizing their mistake as Louis takes their hand. He pulls them along gently, back towards the ruins.
Pyro's eyes sting. Scott's going to be so mad at them for this. Not only are they speaking to Louis when they were told not to, they're bringing him to the castle. With Scott already displeased with them, they don't want to know what he'll do to them for this. The bruises under their clothes from the night before are barely there, healed almost instantly, but it still hurt when it happened.
It's not like they can tell Louis they changed their mind. He's an elder vampire, the same as Scott. He could end Pyro just as easily if they offend him.
They force themself to keep moving forward, trying to let Louis' soft humming calm them down.
Scott probably won't kill them. He'll understand the position Pyro's in, even if he's mad. They're still useful, so it would be a waste to get rid of them over this. Even if they get a few more bruises, they'll fade too quickly for it to matter.
They tell themself he'll understand as they cross the bridge. They hold on tight to that belief when Scott spots them, his eyes narrowing in Pyro's direction.
Louis smiles politely, letting go of Pyro's hand, resting his palm over their back instead.
Scott finally looks away from Pyro, a charming smile of his own falling into place on his face. Pyro knows better than to think that means they aren't in trouble.
"Louis. I see you found my fledgling for me. I was just about to go looking for them."
Scott reaches forward, taking Pyro's wrist in his hand, pulling them closer to his side. His grip is tight, claws digging into their skin, the bones creaking under his hold.
Pyro trembles at the tell of irritation. He isn't going to be understanding, is he?
Louis' eyes flick from Scott to Pyro, his eyebrows furrowing. "Is there a problem here?"
Scott's hand tightens further around their wrist. They try not to flinch, willing Louis to walk away.
Scott tilts his head. "Problem?"
Louis expression goes blank. "They're trembling, Scott. What did you do?"
Pyro winces as nails cut into their wrist, biting their lip to keep from whimpering. Why couldn't Louis just walk away after delivering them to Scott? What did he gain from making him more upset?
Scott's eyes narrow again, his smile dropping. "I didn't do anything. Pyro just needs a firm hand to keep them in line."
Louis frowns. "They seem fine to me."
"That's because you don't know them," Scott sighs dramatically. "They wouldn't know what to do with themself if I didn't tell them."
Pyro wilts at Scott's disappointment, their eyes stinging again. Were they really that difficult to deal with?
Louis doesn't look happy with that answer. "They're a fledgling, Scott. They aren't going to know how to handle being a vampire right away. That's unreasonable."
Scott scowls. "Don't tell me how to treat my fledgling. You don't see me telling you how to make Owen behave."
Louis' eyes darken. "Owen isn't a dog. He doesn't need me to tell him how to behave."
Scott smirks, looking over at Pyro, who shrinks under his gaze. "Well, I guess that's the difference. Pyro's mine. I treat them exactly how they deserve."
"You don't own them, Scott." Louis crosses his arms. "They're a person."
Pyro glances between them nervously, not daring to speak up for themself when both elder vampires are upset.
Scott huffs, releasing Pyro's wrist and pushing them towards Louis. They're only stopped from tumbling to the ground by Louis catching them.
Scott's smirk widens. "If you're so sure, why don't you take him? I have no need for a disobedient fledgling anyway."
Louis' eyes widen at the same time Pyro's do. "Excuse me?"
Pyro's chest tightens, shock and fear building inside him. He looks up at Scott, but Scott doesn't bother giving him his attention, focused solely on Louis.
"You— You're giving me your fledgling?"
Scott shrugs, crossing his arms. "We'll see how you handle him. You'll see I'm right."
Pyro looks up at Louis as the elder vampire's expression twists in disgust. "Fine. Pyro deserves better than you anyway."
Pyro follows numbly behind Louis. He hazards a look back at Scott, but his Sire is already turning away.
He lets Louis pull him away from the ruins, trying not to cry. Scott just gave him away. His Sire is abandoning him to another elder vampire because he doesn't want to deal with him.
Pyro shakes his head, trying to focus on the present. He could hate himself later for failing Scott. In the moment, he's being brought to wherever Louis is staying, and the elder vampire in question is upset.
He needs to be good, otherwise the same thing will happen again, and Pyro won't be able to survive on his own.
Not when he still doesn't know anything about being a vampire.