The Vampire's Apprentice

Clancy sat in silence. Finally, he said, "Perhaps tomorrow they will allow you to see him. If you are not needed to look after the three already here."
 
"I don't know. It depends on when their mother comes home," Clancy told her. He hesitated then cautiously reached out and guided her up and to him in a hug. He didn't give her much choice in the matter, just moved her gently and hugged her.
 
Kitty remained still, wondering if she should let the moment pass. She wasn't sure to think at first.

Gingerly, she wrapped her arms around his slim figure, pulling herself closer and pressing her cheek to his chest. It wasn't quite the same as the last several times they had come so close—neither of them were caught in weakness; it was a conscious choice—but she never was one to turn down a moment of affection, no matter what the circumstances. She sighed, contented.
 
Clancy held her close, feeling the beat of her heart and feeling the rush of her blood. It was appealing, and years of habit caused his teeth to prick, wanting to taste it, but he pushed the feeling down firmly. Now was not the time for that. Now was a moment of comfort. He let the hug linger for a moment longer, trying to judge the proper length of time to hold a hug, then slowly let her go. "It will be alright, Kitty," he assured her softly.
 
The girl nodded, reluctant to release him. Of course it would be fine. She had no doubt it would be fine.

"She didn't need this, you know. She's already got enough in her life without the stress of another added thing." Kitty didn't remember ever thinking this, but there it was, and she believed it. The notion only brought on further unease.
 
Clancy leaned back on one hand while Sam stirred to look at them both. "Hmm, I suppose I could have a talk with EJ about the aspects of manhood. You may volunteer your time to look after the twins when they are not in school, and I believe food can be a issue at times."
 
She nodded. "Yes, that sounds good. We shall do that."

Kitty briefly thought about something, then asked a question. "Do you intend to go out any time soon?"
 
"I will have to go hunting soon, so perhaps tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow I have a meeting with a client who wishes to meet me face to face," Clancy said, thinking over his schedule.
 
Clancy followed but had to step aside as Sam trotted in front of him, determined to stay close to his human.

The twins had eaten half the cookies and were now huddled sleepily on one end of the couch. EJ had pulled up his feet and was staring gloopily at nothing.
 
The girl stood as opposed to sitting down. She spoke, though not with as much authority as she would have liked, being self-conscious of Clancy, and quieter because of the twins.

"EJ, do you plan to stay here or are you heading next door to sleep?" Kitty asked, knowing he was old enough to take care of himself but offering kindness even so. "You three are welcome to remain tonight until Mrs. Mooney comes home."
 
"I am supposed to stay with the twins," EJ said without looking at her. "I'll stay. Besides, Mum would be worried if I left."

"Indeed," Clancy murmured. He sighed. "Very well. Come, JC, JP, you may sleep in my room tonight. Do not touch my things!" He got them up and moving to his bedroom.
 
Kitty went to retrieve some spare blankets for EJ, bringing them back to the living room whilst barely being able to see over the pile—having not been a very big person to begin with. She set them on the couch.

"I've got a spare pillow, too, if you want it." Kitty told him.
 
"Thanks, but I don't think I'll be sleeping," EJ said, checking his phone again. "I wish she'd call."

From Clancy's bedroom, they heard a firm, "No, what did I say about not touching? That is a silk tie not a noose!"
 
Clancy was glaring at the innocent-eyed twins, who were currently wearing several articles of clothing. "Are you not old enough to have some semblance of responsibility?"
"We're 8!" chirped one of the clothing mounds.
 
She snickered upon seeing them, biting at her bottom lip but not containing her smile. With a slight glance towards Clancy, she went to remove the twins from their piles. "Come, you two. Let's not make a mess of Mr. McCleary's clothes. It's bed time."
 
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