five

While the remainder of his first school was rather uneventful, He still feared for the weekend. The town trip. Nicolai had never been to the town near the school, Wraik. He had asked Chulo about it the night before and by the sounds of it they weren’t the most supportive town when it came to magical beings. 

 

The bus ride there was fun. He sat next to Theo and Ryo, the witch entertaining the fae by casting ridiculous spells on Astris. Nicolai felt very safe on the bus ride. Haziel and Lillea sat in front of the trio, gossiping about when Raux and Sabrina were going to finally go on a date.

 

“Nicolai?” Dimitri called from across the walkway, “The people in the town, they-they might not like your eyes. But-but just ignore them okay?” 

 

“Yeah, Mitri. I understand.” Nicolai smiled sadly, he could feel the memories in Dimitri’s voice. 

 

“Nicky, If you’re interested I always have my colored contacts with me, You could put them in for today if you're nervous.” Haziel smiled, turning around to face the tall boy. “But if you don’t want to that’s great, I say f**k ‘em.” 

 

“Haziel let me wear them on my first day, it can really help.” Iden smiled, his eyes a warm orange. “What’d you say, Nicky?” 

 

“F**k ‘em.” He mumbled, “Thank you, though, Haziel, Iden.” 

 

“F**k ‘em.” She smiled, turning back around into her seat. 

“I’m glad you decided not to wear them, Nicolai.” Theo spoke as he drew in his sketchbook. “I think they’re pretty.” 

 

“What?” The vampire chuckled, fangs on full display. 

 

“I think they’re pretty. Your eyes. They’re pretty.” Theo smiled, meeting eyes with the vampire. 

 

Nicolai made a realization then. About what Theo had said. About how the boy could still see his red eyes. His voice dropped to a whisper as he spoke the next line. 

 

“Are they pretty when they're red or when they’re white?” 

 

The question startled the fae, he hadn’t even realized Nicolai would remember that, questioning him for it, would never have crossed his mind. 

 

“In the mornings, they’re red. And they’re pretty. The rest of the day they’re white. They’re pretty then too.” Theo whispered back, turning back to his drawing. 

 

“Thank you.” Nicolai smiled again, leaning back into his seat, and closing his eyes. 

Dimitri wasn’t exaggerating when he said that the townspeople wouldn’t like his eyes. The moment he got off the bus, he received stares. With the distance between him and the townspeople, he had assumed it was for his height, but as the group of kids got closer, it was obvious they were judging him for much more. 

 

“Maybe I should’ve put contacts in.” He mumbled, looking at the disgusted faces around him. 

 

“Too late for that, Nick.” Astris shook his head. “The f*****g bigots will get over it, trust me.” 

 

“Astris is right.” Yenci piped up, “Now come on, It’s not a town trip without ice cream from the Novik Brothers.” 

 

“Ice cream? It’s freezing outside.” He shook his head, “You’re insane.” 

 

“Get used to it then, Nicky, ‘Cause we’re getting ice cream.” Iden shook his head, interlacing his hands with Yenci’s and running off. 

“Don’t worry, in the winter we just go to the coffee shop instead. They’ll find us when they’re done.” Jon reassured, guiding himself and Nicolai across the street. “It’s been their tradition since their first day in town.” 

 

“It’s sweet.” Chulo commented, “But they can keep it for the two of them, I would much rather pump myself full of caffeine.” 

 

“Wow, very healthy, Chulo. What a great example for the children.” Ryo spoke sarcastically. 

 

“Oh, shut up Ry.” 

Nicolai felt much more nervous around the juniors and seniors than he did Theo and the youngsters. He felt the urgent need to impress. 

 

While the elder boys all talked, he watched Theo draw in his sketchbook. It was easy to identify what creature he was drawing this time. 

 

It was a night creature. Those you only see in dreams. They float over you in your sleep, communicating with you through dream. Nicolai figured Theo had lots of night creatures on his case, being an underworld fae wasn’t easy. 

When the waitress at the cafe came to their table, is when things turned. She was an elderly lady, white hair back in a tight bun, a hunch to her walk and mumbling under her breath. 

"What are you gentlemen goin’ to be having today?” She spoke sharply glancing up to the table. 

 

“Nicolai, you order first!” Serim smiled, motioning towards the boy. 

 

Nicolai was cut off before he could even start. 

 

“My god!” The lady shouted, startling the group of six, and most of the restaurant. “We haven’t had one of you people since that Durthur!” 

 

“W-what?” Dimitri spoke, “We come every weekend , Ma’am.” 

 

“No I know that.” She cursed, lifting a shaking hand to point at Nicolai. “You.”

 

“Is there a problem?” Jon asked, a stern look on his face. 

 

“You freaks haven’t been here since Durthur.” She spoke. “I thought we’d gotten rid of your kind.” 

 

“His kind?” Astris argued back, anger painted across his face. 

 

“The freaks with the white eyes.” She spat, “Go get your coffee somewhere else.” 

 

“What did you just say to him?” Jon spoke standing up out of his seat. 

 

“J-just leave it, Jon.” Nicolai spoke, tears starting to burn in his eyes. “I’ll go get ice cream with Yenci and Iden.” 

 

“You shouldn’t have to leave just because some old b***h can’t get her head out of her a*s.” Astris swore, grabbing his stuff as he followed Nicolai out the door. The others close behind. 

 

“ I should’ve worn those f*****g contacts.” The vampire shook his head, he was a little ways ahead of the other boys, his long legs helping him escape to the ice cream parlor faster than the others. 

 

“None of what happened there was your fault, Nicolai.” Chulo spoke softly, he was the closest to the vampire, still a bit behind. “You shouldn’t be punished for existing.” 

 

“Yeah, well, I am.” Nicolai sighed, slowing down as they reached the outside of the ice cream parlor. “That’s not going to change, ever. So, right now, I just want to get some ice cream, alright?” 

 

“Alright, Nicky.” Theo spoke sadly, “But if you need anything other than ice cream. Don’t hesitate.” 

 

“Theo is right. We are here for what you need, Nicolai. Whatever that is.” Ryo spoke slowly, carefully being sure to not stumble over his words. 

 

“What I need has been gone for a long time now.” He mumbled, opening the door to the ice cream parlor.