Chapter Text
Hudson had been roaming around the middle of his garden, enjoying the view of all the plants and flowers he’s grown overtime. The sun was setting and the moon was rising. He sat down on a bench, and thought of his new next door neighbor, Zachary. He’d never seen Zachary step out during the day, not once. He’d only ever seen Zachary when the sun was gone. Hudson felt a tap on his shoulder, speak of the devil…
“Good evening, Hudson! Though I suppose it’s practically night, isn’t it?”
Zachary spoke cheerfully, his smile not faltering.
“Hello, Zach…” Hudson murmured, he’d shortened Zachary’s name because he didn’t want to say the full thing. How lazy.
Zachary stood next to Hudson, admiring his garden with him. He put his hands behind his back, standing unnervingly still, posture straight as if he never learnt to move.
Hudson looked over his shoulder to see Zachary, soon getting lost at the sight of the blonde man before him. Zachary caught the brunette staring, earning a chuckle from him.
“Good view, yes?”
Hudson immediately snapped out of his daze, shaking his head as he laughed nervously. “Yes— yeah! sorry sorry…”
“No need to apologize, my dear.” Zachary leaned in towards Hudson, his gaze lingering on the pulse of his neck, specifically near his jugular. He brought his gaze back up to Hudson’s face, his smile unwavering.
Hudson’s face was flushed, embarrassed about how he’d been caught staring at Zachary, but also at the pet name.
“Dear?— my.. that’s awfully bold of you, we hardly know each other…”
Zachary hummed in response, his sly grin widening, his fang poking out, but it was intentional. “Bold indeed, but can you blame me?”
Hudson saw the fang, it was just for a second, it was gone before he could register what it was. He took it as his eyes deceiving him and made an excuse to go, unsure if he could stand the presence of the man before him. “I’ve got to go now, my plants inside don’t take care of themselves and I forgot to water them today.”
Zachary arched an eyebrow, interest growing. “Leaving so soon.. however, you seem to be very interested in plants, Hudson.”
“Ahh.. do I? It’s just a small hobby—” Hudson was cut off by Zachary’s finger on his lips, a gentle touch yet it still shut him up.
“A hobby can tell so much about one.. they tell such stories.” Zachary cupped Hudson’s cheek, thumb caressing it with such a tender touch, Hudson could’ve sworn he would’ve leaned into the man right there and now. He backed away, insisting on leaving.
Zachary simply put his hand back behind his back, regaining his composure. “Would it be so.. bad sounding if I were to ask to see what other plants you have? A man like me you see, I tend to love seeing other people’s interests.”
Hudson’s heart felt like it was about to beat out of his chest, it was beating rapidly, he was sure Zachary could basically hear it. “Y-you want to see them? Well by all means, come in!” He chuckled nervously
Zachary hummed in approval, “Lead the way, my dearest.”
Hudson could’ve sworn he would have exploded right there if he heard another pet name, maybe he would’ve just died on the spot. He got up from the bench, leading Zachary to the front door of his house. The walk felt longer than it actually was, each second feeling like minutes.
When they got in, he kicked off his shoes at the front door, hanging his suit jacket on the coat hanger.
“Well, make yourself at home. There’s not much, so…”
Zachary looked around the house, eyes wandering over various things. His gaze then settled on Hudson. “So, where are these.. plants, you speak of?”
Hudson turned on his heel, facing the blonde who was now in front of him “The plants.. right. They’re in the kitchen. Over there…” he pointed towards the kitchen, the plants, which were a vibrant healthy green, sat in small decorative pots on the counter by the window.
Zachary peered over Hudson’s shoulder to see the plants, even though he had very little real interest in them, he was more interested to learn more about Hudson, not some plants. “Ah, beautiful plants, lively and lovely looking. You take good care of them, yes?” he said smoothly, his smile still haven’t faded.
Hudson looked back at him, putting his hand to his neck, a habit he’s had since his teenage years. “Well, I suppose so.”
Zachary hummed in response, stepping closer to the brunette in a prideful stride, his posture still unnervingly straight. “Mmh, it’s sure late out, you wouldn’t send someone like me back out into the dark, cold, night would you?”
Hudson felt a bit of guilt, even though he didn’t do anything. He didn’t want to seem rude in any way, so of course with his survival instincts of a bitten eraser that had no use, he allowed the blonde formal butler to stay the night.
Throughout the night, Zachary never once dropped his ‘friendly’ smile. When Hudson had been preparing for bed, Zachary sat on the edge of the bed, humming fixing the collar of his sleeve, and then perfecting his tie. There was no reason to fix his perfect black suit, it never was wrinkled, never any flaws to his outfit.
Hudson came through the door, his eyes slightly widened as he saw the other man on his bed. “Oh— you wanna sleep here?” he asked nervously, realizing he’s never talked with Zachary about where he’d sleep.
Zachary nodded in response, looking back up at Hudson and crossing his legs.
“I’ve looked around the house, and it appears you have no guest room. The floor or the couch would be really.. below, for someone like me, you see..”
he paused, uncrossing his legs.
“Besides, sleeping with someone like you.. is not a bad idea. I could enjoy the presence of someone next to me in the same bed, not just anyone though.” he chuckled.
Hudson froze for a moment, realizing the blonde had a point. He had no guest room. He never thought he’d have anyone being under the same roof as him. “You’re right.. there’s uh.. no guest room. Well I’ll just take the couch,” he started, ignoring the last part Zachary said about sleeping with someone. “I’m sure you’d like your space—“
Zachary immediately spoke up, cutting the brunette off. “Why sleep alone when I could be with you? Would you really sleep on the couch? A lowly place for a warlock like you.”
Hudson’s eyes widened, warlock? He’s never told Zachary he was a warlock, a failed one yes, but still. “You.. you know?” he spoke with an almost inaudible shaky voice.
Zachary got up, hands behind his back as he walked towards Hudson, nearly pinning him to the doorframe. “I can sense those marks on your back, the magic that wells underneath them.” he raised his hand, placing it on the Hudson’s shoulder. “It’s a rather.. obvious sense of magic that emits from you.”
Hudson stood still, looking at the pale hand on his shoulder. “Right.. my markings.. don’t think I’m a successful warlock, it doesn’t matter now, it’s all in the past.” he sighed, “The magic I have can only silence people. Nothing else.”
Zachary tightened his grip on the brunettes shoulder before letting go, putting his hands back behind his back. “Unfortunate, indeed. But magic is still magic. Now, why don’t you stay here with me, the bed is comfortable, you have good taste in furniture.” he walked back towards the bed, sitting on the edge as he waited for Hudson.
Hudson finally gave in and sighed again, “Do you have any clothes to sleep in? Or do you plan to wear a suit to sleep?” he tried joking, however it was a horrible attempt, was it even a joke?
The blonde’s gaze shifted towards Hudson’s closet, “How about that black turtleneck you have on that hanger? And maybe a pair of sweats.” Zachary crossed one leg over the other.
Hudson looked at his closet, spotting the clothing Zachary was talking about. “Ah yes— of course, I hope they fit.” He walked over to the closet and grabbed the clothing, going back to the bed and handing them to Zachary. “Here, try them on.” He then went to the dresser, grabbed clothes, and went to the bathroom to change.
When he came out, he was wearing a black tanktop and grey sweatpants. He saw Zachary sitting on the bed, fixing his middle parted blonde hair Hudson found oddly attractive, it suited his face. What? What was he thinking, he hardly knows the guy.
He broke the odd silence, “Do the clothes fit well?”
Zachary’s gaze shifted to Hudson, looking him up and down before replying, “They do,” he then paused, looking over Hudson again, the way the tank top cuddled his torso just right. “Now then, are you ready for slumber, or are you going to stand there all night, Hud?”
Hudson flushed at the nickname and the gaze over his torso, looking away before he walked towards the bed and lied down. “Well, don’t camp the whole bed.” he turned to his side, keeping distance from Zachary.
Zachary lied down next to the brunette, respecting the distance he’d placed between them. His gaze dropped to Hudson’s back, the warlock markings that were visible on his shoulder blades, he could practically feel the magic radiating from beneath his skin. He then looked at the mans neck, he could hear the lively pulse that called out to him, as if it were begging to be bitten.
He watched Hudson sleep, watching the way his chest rose and fell with every small breath, the man was surely asleep. He felt the ache in his fangs, the urge to just bite and feed on the man in front of him, but he held back, did he really want to hurt Hudson? Risk killing him? Zachary had grown an.. odd attachment to the man, he couldn’t bring himself to bite. Instead, he closed his eyes, falling into the depths of slumber.
By morning time, Zachary had woken up early at around 6 AM, he got up and closed the curtains, ensuring that later there would be no sunlight peering through. He looked back at the bed, and saw Hudson still asleep. He observed him for a minute before getting back into bed, he then wrapped his arms around the brunettes waist, tangling their legs together. He inhaled his scent, and sighed. He knew Hudson would be surprised once he woke, maybe even flustered. Zachary would simply blame it on bad sleeping habits, the need to hold something, or someone, even in slumber, really he just wanted to hold the man. He smiled, closing his eyes again as he snuggled close to Hudson.
Hours later, around 9 AM, Zachary never fell back asleep, he wouldn’t let the void of sleep drag him through when he could willingly choose to hold Hudson in his arms instead.
He felt the man stir in his arms, signs of waking up. Zachary pretended to be asleep, eyes closed and lied unnaturally still, already prepared for the act.
Hudson murmured groggily, obviously still tired. He opened his eyes, and saw himself tangled with the blonde, his eyes widened, immediately wide awake. He wondered why Zachary was holding him, he was trapped in Zachary’s embrace with a firm grip, his legs tangled with the blonde’s. He looked at Zachary’s face, he was seemingly asleep. He didn’t want to wake the man, so he stayed still. The position was comfortable anyways, he didn’t mind.
Zachary pretended to be waking up now, yawning and slightly stretching. He looked down at Hudson, and feigned surprise. “Hudson? Oh my, we’re in a rather.. odd, position aren’t we?”
Hudson’s face flushed immediately, startled not only by the position he woke up to, but now by the blonde’s comment.
Zachary saw Hudson’s red face, humming in satisfaction.
“It must be my horrible habits when I sleep, I tend to.. reach out for something, or someone, in this case… My deepest apologies.” he spoke softly, his voice smooth and laced with velvet.
Hudson sighed in defeat, “Do you plan to let go? Or.. I suppose this is fine…”
Zachary tightened his grip around the brunettes waist, burying his face in the crook of his neck.
“Just a little longer? I must say, I’m rather comfortable.”
Hudson gave in and just let himself be held by the blonde.
“You’re cold.”
“Well then, I’ll just start taking body heat from you.”
“I want to be warm mind you.”
“Too bad.”
Zachary snuggled Hudson, pulling him closer as if they were best friends cuddling, maybe more. Maybe that’s what he wanted, to give up his vampire life and be.. human.
Hudson leaned in towards Zachary’s touch, before he suddenly pulled away, rubbing his arms. “Seriously, you’re freezing! Go take a hot bath and warm up or something!”
Zachary chuckled before he sat up, his clothes surprisingly having no wrinkles, Hudson didn’t bother to notice, however.
A few minutes later, Hudson had a bath prepared for the blonde waiting in the other room. He could still feel the freezing touch of the man, it sent shivers down his spine.
He got up from his knees after checking the temperature of the bath water, making sure it wasn’t too hot or too mid. He walked towards the door, calling out to Zachary to let him know the bath was ready.
“Zach! The bath is ready, get your freezing ass in there before I fear you turn to ice!” Hudson yelled, walking through the doorframe, and bumping into something…
Zachary was already standing there, hands behind his back as he looked down at the brunette.
“Ow!— you’re too fast for me.” Hudson complained, regaining his composure.
“Perhaps you’re just too slow, the bath is ready you say? Splendid!” he exclaimed a little too loud for the quietness of Hudson’s home.
Hudson grumbled, “I’m not slow. Get in the damn bath.”
“Why don’t you join me?” the blonde purred.
“I SAID GET IN THE BATH!”
Hudson shoved Zachary in the bathroom and slammed the door shut
Zachary whined, a break in his composure, “Maybe one day you’ll find reason to join me in a bath or shower.”
Hudson groaned and left, going towards the living room.
As time passes, Hudson figured Zachary was taking too long in the bath, it’s been almost an hour, what the fuck is he doing? He went back to his room, and knocked on the bathroom door. “Zach? What the hell is taking you so damn long?—“ he got cut off by the door opening suddenly, revealing Zachary having only a towel wrapped low on his hips.
“Pardon me, please forgive me for the unnecessary time taken.” Zachary smirked when he saw Hudson’s flushed gaze staring him down, “My, a powerful warlock losing his strong composure over something simple as a shirtless man.”
“SHUT UP AND GET DRESSED!”
Hudson stormed off, why was he losing his composure over a stranger with only a towel? Sure Zachary was attractive— what? That’s gay, what was he thinking?
He sat on the edge of the bed, leg bouncing involuntarily and impatiently. He looked at the wall, his reminder to nag Callum about money that gambler owed him for helping him pay off a debt. He sighed, and wondered how Luke dealt with his boyfriend, maybe they were able to stick together because they were both broke people.
The bed dipped slightly, Zachary sat next to Hudson.
“Thinking hard, Hud?”
“Thinking hard is for losers,” Hudson said smugly, “It’s stupid.”
“So you’re a loser?”
“What? No.”
“It looked like you were thinking about something, and you say it’s for losers. So, you’re a loser.”
Hudson groaned, running a hand through his curly hair.
“Stupid. I take it back then, it’s for the best of people.”
Zachary chuckled, seemingly taking pleasure in Hudson’s defeated look, he crossed a leg over the other elegantly.
“I see. Well, let’s not waste our day sitting here. “
Hudson agreed silently with a nod of his head, proceeding to get up and head for the living room. Zachary followed close behind.
As the day passed, Zachary found more and more excuses just to be under the same roof as Hudson. Of course, Hudson being just a kind soul (not really), let Zachary stay for more nights.
It was a chaotic passing time, Hudson often yelling at Zachary and Zachary just doing pure ragebait.
It was around 8 PM, or 8:43 PM to be exact. Hudson had been asleep, due to being exhausted from yelling at strangers at the grocery store and complaining about overpriced items to managers and cashiers. Karen move.
Zachary looked at his sleeping body on the bed, his fangs aching to just bite.. it’s been days, he wasn’t sure how much longer he could refrain from biting the brunette, well fuck that because he’s already on the bed with Hudson.
He straddled the mans lap, leaning down towards his neck, glaring right at Hudson’s pulse point. He licked the skin, and suddenly the skin was pierced, blood spilled out of the two punctures like a masterpiece to Zachary.
The sudden sensation of pain spread through Hudson’s neck, jolting him awake. He saw Zachary on top of him, feeding on him. He was terrified, matter of fact he was petrified. A moment passed by before he tried shoving the blonde vampire off, his attempts however were futile.
Zachary snapped his eyes open, tearing himself away from Hudson’s neck. The blood trickled down his chin his eyes were wide and apologetic.
“Hudson— I’m sorry I.. I couldn’t stop myself…” he said softly as he wiped the blood from his chin, the composed butler persona vanished completely, replaced by a creature realizing its own monstrous nature.
Hudson lied there, eyes still wide as if he’d seen a ghost. His neighbor, the man he’d let sleep under the same roof as him, was a vampire the whole time, how could he not have noticed?
“You’re a.. you’re a vampire…” Hudson’s voice came out low line a whisper. He took his hand, and brought it to the two pictures on his neck.
Zachary looked away, feeling ashamed, something he hadn’t felt in his centuries of living. He moved off of Hudson.
“Yes…”
He wiped the blood from his mouth and chin, looking at his now bloodstained hands. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.. attack you.”
Hudson stared for a moment, before moving closer to the blonde. “Don’t… don’t apologize. It’s okay.”
Zachary’s eyes widened in surprise, “But I could’ve killed you! I drank your blood, I hurt you!” he ran a hand through his hair, clearly distressed.
“Zachary.. just.. don't mention it." Hudson's voice was almost inaudible, he'd been drained of his energy, the blood loss made his head throb.
"If you're sorry then stay.. stay with me..." he leaned on the blonde's shoulder.
"Alright.. if that is what you desire, then I shall stay." Zachary let the other man lean on him, suddenly Hudson sat up right.
The brunette cupped the vampires cheek, making the other look at him. He stared into those blue eyes, a look of something vulnerable on his face.
Zachary returned the gaze, looking into the ocean blue eyes that were currently staring into his very being. He leaned in closer, giving Hudson a moment to back away, but he never did. Instead, the brunette sealed the gap, pressing his lips against Zachary's.
It wasn't just a kiss, it was a connection of their beings, a kiss of desperation, passion, need and want.
After a moment, Hudson pulled away for air, before diving back in.
Zachary pinned the other, one hand on his hip as the other lied on Hudson's head, fingers tangling in the soft brown locks. He met him with equal ferocity. He let out a low moan into Hudson's mouth, his hips pressing hard against the warlock's, seeking to rid of every last bit of separation between them.
Hudson whimpered in response, his voice cracking slightly as he closed his eyes. When they pulled away, Hudson rested his head back onto the vampires shoulder, finding comfort in the others cologne.
Zachary let him rest there, Hudson's face was pressed in the nape of his neck. He rested his hands on the brunette's back as the other brushed through Hudson's hair.
"I love you.. so much, you know?"
"I love you too..." Hudson sighed, finding peace in the moment despite their previous blood filled reality.