Forever

Disclaimer: I don't own The Little Vampire.

A/N: AU, and bear with me.
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RUDOLPH'S POV

Tony watched me from the window, frowning at me as I landed. He undid the latch and walked away, keeping his back to me as long as was practically possible. "Tony, is something wrong?" I asked, but he didn't answer. At least, he didn't answer right away.

He flopped into a sitting position on the floor, leaning his back against his toy chest. "I'm a big huge disgusting freak," he moaned.

"And why on earth do you say that?"

"Because it's true!"

I walked over and knelt beside him. "What makes it true? Has someone said such a thing to you?"

"No, but it's still true."

"Tony, what's true?"

He glared at me out of the corner of his eye, his eyes narrow. "I hate you for making me like you." He sprung to his feet and walked over to the window. "I was gonna jump and then you showed up."

I grabbed his forearms and pulled him away from the window. "You're my best friend, Tony. Don't do this to yourself."

"Why not?"

"Well, you never know." My voice had changed it's tone without my knowledge, and ever so slowly, I became aware of his pulse as it thundered through his body. "I might like you, as well."

"You do?" I let go of him so he could turn to stare at me. "I thought you hated me because I was gay."

"I'm...sorry?"

"That means liking other men."

"Oh. I don't see a problem."

"So we can be sick freaks together."

I grasped Tony's forearms. "Tony, don't ever describe yourself in that manner again. Understood?" He nodded, and I released him.

"I just want..."

"What? What do you want?"

"Is being a vampire with you too much to ask?"

"I wouldn't say too much, but rather...unusual."

"Well, it's just..."

"What?"

"I don't wanna lose you. I want us to be this way forever."

"Just whistle for me, and I want you to think about what you're saying right now, alright?"

"Okay." Tony pulled me into him and kissed me. His heartbeat thundered in my ears as he slid his arms around my neck, and just like that, it was over, leaving me with something I couldn't describe.

"What was that?"

"Me saying 'I love you.'"

"At least give me a good chance to respond, Tony." I kissed him, this time, the way I wanted to, but he didn't pull away, in spite of my fairly loose hold on him. Eventually, I pulled away. He buried his face in my shoulder, tears in his eyes.

I led Tony to the bed and lay next to him, watching his eyes get heavy. "Sleep," I urged him.

"Not until you tell me something."

"Tell you what?"

"Are you gonna let me grow up?"

"I am afraid I must, until the Stone of Attamon is found, which shouldn't be much longer."

"Okay." His eyes finally closed, and I kissed his forehead gently.