Vampire Boyfriend: Viggo (complete)

I took a night shift job because I thought it would be easier. I’m up late anyway, and I might as well make some money for it. After a few years of not really doing anything, getting out to work, even at a convenience store, is pretty exciting. 

I didn’t expect things to be so lively at night, though. I figured I would see the usual night lurkers like drunks, teens, exhausted types, creepers, and the like. What I discovered was a twilight crowd I hadn’t expected. I knew about the Vampire Clinic in town, but I hadn’t put two and two together. Apparently, the clinic has midnight operational hours for special clients only, tending to their specific needs. Since the convenience store is one of the few places open, and probably the cleanest one open, we’re quite popular.

I come across all sorts during my shift - not just vampires from the clinic, but their clients. It’s sometimes strange to witness the parade of creatures who come into the store at night - all the different faces and shapes, all the unusual requests. Apparently, the owner of the store keeps twenty-four-seven hours because of the business the clinic drums up.

Mr. Kiljansson is a vampire as well, but he isn’t someone I see regularly. He sort of magically appears every now and then with someone pretty on his arm. Occasionally, he turns up in the back room looking over security footage or checking the books. The few times I talk with him, he seems rather floaty, like he’s always sort of on a cloud. I’m not sure that’s the right way to put it. He just doesn’t ever seem to be touching the ground.

One evening as I come into work, I start my shift by taking care of the trash and stocking the fridge. When I walk into the fridge, I see Mr. Kiljansson lying on the floor.

“Uh...” I hesitate, holding a crate of sports drink that starts to dig into my hands. “I can come back if you’re busy.” I’m not really sure how to respond to seeing the owner of the place lying face down in the middle of the fridge.

“Just step over me,” he grumbles. “Everyone does.”

I’m not sure if I should walk away. Hell, I’ve barely said two words to Mr. Kiljansson at this point. “Are you… okay, sir?” I set the crate aside and kneel. “This floor isn’t the best to be lying on.” I gather up his long white hair, which is splayed all over the floor. 

“I don’t care anymore,” he sighs. “I have no will to go on.”

I really have no idea what to do. This is way above my pay grade. “Sir, please get up. Whatever has happened is no reason to be on this gross floor. You can be dramatic in the office, if you like.”

He lifts his head. His bright red eyes, surrounded by white eyelashes like a million feathers, glare at me. “Who are you, now?”

“Keira, sir.” My voice cracks. “Keira Layhorn.”

Braced up on one elbow, I can see he’s wearing a ragged t-shirt, which is probably dirty from the floor. “Oh, right.” He sighs and rolls onto his back. “Please, leave me be.”

“OK, then.” I step out of the fridge and towards the front. My co-worker for the night is an exhausted-looking goth who prefers to be called Nine, but his name tag says ‘Chandler’. “How long has he been in there?” I ask him.

Nine rolls his eyes. “I can’t say. He was here when I got here. All I know is that his brother is coming to get him after he gets off work. Happens maybe twice a year.”

I furrow my brow. “Twice a year?”

Nine shrugs. “Gets attached to someone, gets broken up with, you know the drill. And he’s a romantic.” He makes a grand gesture, flourishing his fingers out along the side of his face while he widens his eyes. 

I grimace a bit. “So he’s been dumped?”

“Bingo,” Nine sighs. “You’ll learn to work around him.”

I shake my head. “How long before his brother comes? I really need to get into that fridge and stock the sports drinks before the centaur crowd comes.”

As I say this, the door opens and in walks a man who looks around before his bright, red eyes settle on me. He approaches, smoothing back his hair. “I’m here to pick up my brother,” he says urgently. 

Nine yawns. “He’s in the fridge, Viggo.” 

The vampire turns and smiles. “Oh, thank you. I’ll go fetch him.”

He turns and walks away, but all I can do is stare after him with wide, dopey eyes. “Oh, come on,” Nine grumbles.

“What?” I laugh.

“Getting all goo-goo eyed for the doctor,” Nine smirks.

“He’s a doctor?”

Nine arches his brows at me. “Don’t be that person, Keira. You’re better than this.”

“Excuse me,” Viggo calls from the fridge. “May I get some help?”

“I’m coming.”

“I bet you want to,” Nine mocks under his breath as he walks away.

I trot up to the fridge and walk inside as Viggo stoops to scoop his brother off the floor. “I know this is the last thing you would want to do tonight. But if you could get the doors for me, I would greatly appreciate it.”

Mr. Kiljansson clings to his brother’s lapel, tugging his nice shirt and shaking him gently. “Oh, Viggo! It was horrible!”

“It always is, Amil.” Viggo sounds like he has the patience of a saint. “I swear, I’m taking your phone away.”

“Just set me out on the porch for the dawn to take me!” Amil whines.

I open the fridge for Viggo to step out, then race ahead to get the front door for him. The two look very similar - I know, how shocking. But Amil has finer features, much softer, while Viggo has a touch of age to him as well as a sharpness. 

Viggo points with his chin. “My car is that one. The doors should be unlocked.” Following his nod, I see a blue hatchback - not something I would picture for a vampire. I open the door and help him get Amil buckled into the front seat. I notice a smattering of small toys, teething rings, and a packet of baby wipes between the seats. In the rear is a pastel pink car seat.

“There we are.” Viggo shuts the door and shakes his head. “Thank you for dealing with him. I tried to get here as soon as I could.”

I notice his long, thin nose is crooked at the end, almost like it got broken once before. “No worries. I’m sure It’s much more bothersome for you.”

“Nothing I’m not used to. We just have to get him propped up for a bit and he’ll be on his way again.” Viggo scratches the top of his head. “I’m sure he’ll be back by then. He just loves coming here to pout. If so, I’ll always come to fetch him.” He smiles, and I feel lighter than air. “Thanks again for your help. Have a good night.”

I wave bashfully as he gets into his car, meandering back inside as Nine reappears to give me that look again. 

A couple of days later, I find Amil in the back office. He’s slouched in his chair, glaring at the security camera monitor. I can see Nine on the screen, out back tossing garbage bags into the dumpster. Amil glances up at me with a pout on his face.

“Keira, right?” he grumbles.

“Uh, yeah.” I start putting my things away into the locker. 

Amil looks back to the screen. “If my brother comes by, tell him I’m not here.” 

I really don’t get paid enough for this. “What should I tell him?” I tie my apron on.

“Tell him I’m not here, that’s all.” Amil leans forward, changing the view of the security camera. “I just want to be here.”

I quickly walk out from the back office as Nine returns inside. He rolls his eyes at me and doesn’t go behind the counter, but instead starts doing the busywork I usually do. “Mind running the register tonight?” he asks.

“Sure.” I smooth my hands down the front of my apron.

A few customers come through in the evening, including a Banshee who keeps screaming at the milk while trying to find the one with the latest ‘best by’ date. Nine continues to avoid the register, so my hands are extra dry from all the hand sanitizer I’ve been using. I absolutely hate handling money. 

Then, a radiant beam of light enters the store. It’s Viggo, wearing just a t-shirt and jeans, still as handsome as ever. But he looks flustered and frustrated as he comes in, and he fixes me with an exhausted stare. “I just got home from a long car trip, and you know what I found?”

“Not your brother?” I ask.

“Have you seen him?”

My eyes involuntarily flick to the office door, then back to Viggo. “He’s not here.”

Viggo grimaces as he too looks at the office door. “Okay, I see.” He scratches the bridge of his crooked nose. “I know security has no audio, so what is he doing?”

Nine rises from going through the candy shelves. He has a slight glare on his face, but he turns away to go towards the door again.

“I’m not sure. He’s just sitting there, watching the security camera monitor.”

Viggo sighs. “Not as bad as I thought, but it still must be aggravating.” He rubs under his eyes. “I have my kid at home with a very tired sitter. Can I have you call me if he moves or does anything?”

“Yeah, I can do that.”

Viggo reaches into his pocket. “What’s your name?”

“Keira,” I answer brightly.

Viggo hands me a business card. “Keep me updated. If he goes somewhere or if he starts to do something, I’ll come by and fetch him. But for now, I think he’s out of the way. I just need to get back home and give my kid a bath and give the sitter a break.”

The card is very nice, crisp white with sharp black print. I look up at him and smile. “I’ll try my hardest.”

“I owe you. Thank you.” He leaves, and I can’t help but smile a little more. It’s been a long time since I had a crush on someone who wasn’t on TV.

Nine comes back in with a slight scowl. “Did he take him?”

I shake my head. “He’s kind of busy, so he told me to call if Amil did anything.” I pocket the business card as Nine glares at the office door. 

As the night wears on, the phone rings. I answer with the usual chipper voice I always use for customer service. “May I help you?”

“Is this Keira?” It’s Viggo on the other end. “I’m just calling to check in. Is he still in the office?”

“I assume,” I sigh. “The door hasn’t opened and I haven’t heard a peep.”

“That’s good. I’ve got things settled here, so I’m going to come by and pick him up. Expect me in a few.”

I feel silly being excited to see him again, but what’s the harm? When I see the blue hatchback pull up, Viggo steps out of the driver’s seat. At the same time, the back door opens and what looks like a massive wolf slips out. I watch in shock as Viggo comes to the door, while the wolf stands at the glass and watches from outside. Viggo goes down the snack aisle, grabbing a bunch of beef jerky before he comes to the counter. 

“Is that for your, um, dog?” I ask hesitantly.

Viggo glances and waves to the wolf creature. “He has a fondness for spicy ones, and after tonight, I think he’s earned the bonus.” He pays for the beef jerky, then heads to the office door and knocks. “Amil, come on out.”

The door swings open, and Amil is standing there with a sour look on his face. “You didn’t have to bring the dog.”

“He’s pissed at you. Of course I did.” Viggo pats his brother’s back as he leads him towards the door. “Besides, you don’t need to be doing this to your employees.” Viggo turns and looks back at me. “Thanks again, Keira.”

“It was no problem, really.”

Viggo takes the beef jerky and hands it to Amil as he pushes him out the door. The big wolf-dog gets up and walks Amil to the car.

“My brother can be a handful. He’s always had that flair for the dramatic. So first, let me apologize for him. Secondly, I owe you a lot of gratitude. Could I possibly take you out for dinner some time?”

I’m buzzing with excitement. “I have Thursday off,” I say with a shy giggle. “But you really don’t have to do that! Nothing happened, and it was barely like he was here.”

“I’d like to, though. You have my card - just tell me your favorite restaurant, and I’ll book us anywhere you like.” He gives me a smile, and I can see the sharp glint to his teeth. “It doesn’t have to be this week, it can be anytime you’re free.”

“Sure.” I’m a bit breathless. 

There is a loud bark from outside, and Viggo turns. “I better go. I look forward to hearing from you, though.” He glides out the door, and I am swooning.

I have a hard time working up the nerve, but eventually I send a text message to his phone after I can’t fall asleep that morning. As I lie gazing up at my ceiling, I start to wonder why he would want to take me out. Is it just for a thank-you, or does he have ulterior motives? He has a kid, but is he married? Divorced? What’s his story? Well, maybe I’ll figure all that out when he takes me to dinner. 

I wake up later that evening, groggy and heavy-headed. I go into the bathroom first thing to take my medications. As I look in the mirror, I study the dark circles under my eyes, but at least I have color in my cheeks. For a long time, I had such a poor complexion. This time last year I was still recovering, so it amazes me how well I’m doing considering where I was. 

I go back into my room to get changed and take my phone off the charger, and I see I have a message from Viggo. “I’ve made us a reservation for Thursday at eight at the place you mentioned. I haven’t been there, so I’m excited to see it. Take care and have a good day.”

I bite back a smile that’s threatening to cover my face. I shouldn’t get my hopes high. Who knows what he wants? He could just be thanking me for babysitting his brother, or this could be a date. It could also be a vampire thing. If that’s the case, he’s in for a disappointment. 

In any case, I can’t wait for Thursday to roll around. Between shifts, over the next couple of days, I stop by some clothing stores to look for an outfit. It’s been so long since I actually bought myself something, I’m not sure what looks good on me anymore. I’m so used to just wearing jeans and a shirt, andI’m not sure about my size either. After wearing hospital gowns for a while, clothing doesn’t matter too much to me.

On Thursday, I bolt upright in bed. I get up and take my medication, then hop into the shower to scrub down. I usually wear very minimal makeup - enough concealer to cover the bags under my eyes and whatever springs up on my face, and something to make my brows look more than nonexistent. 

I sit back for a moment, taking in a deep breath. I need to calm down. No need to get so fancy. But I want to look nice for Viggo. Having a crush sucks. It makes me so itchy about everything that I am doing.

Once I’m dressed and as ready as I’ll ever be, I head out to the restaurant. When I arrive, I see Viggo waiting outside and looking over his phone, which he tucks into his pocket as I approach. “Good evening, Keira,” he says with a charming smile. “You look very pretty.”

That’s a good sign! Right? “Thank you, this is really nice of you. You didn’t have to thank me with dinner. I would have been happy with a coffee.”

“I can get you coffee too, if you’d like,” he chuckles. 

I like the suggestion of coffee. My mind wanders to a large, warm bed, where I’m waking up to him serving me breakfast. I’m hopeless. “Just one or the other is fine.”

Viggo opens the door for me and we go inside. “Let’s start with this for tonight. Maybe another day we can go to this wonderful cafe I know.”

My heart leaps. “Another day?”

Viggo smiles at me. “If you’d like. I would certainly like to thank you again.”

This isn’t a thank-you, it’s a date. My cheeks burn as the realization hits, and Viggo’s smile becomes shy and unsure. “If tonight goes well,” I say kindly. “Sure.”

Viggo’s smile brightens again. “I’m sorry to hide my intention, but it’s been a while and I wasn’t certain a lovely young girl like you would ever take interest in my sort.”

“What sort is that?” I giggle. 

Viggo’s mouth flattens into a grim line, and I can see how the outer corners stretch back towards his ears. Vampires have uncommonly wide jaws that can unhinge to latch onto their prey. I’m used to needles, and being bitten doesn’t seem so horrible, especially if it’s playful.

“The monstrous sort,” he grumbles. “Most people tend to think an invitation to dinner is also an invitation to be dinner. It scares most people off.”

“I wouldn’t make a very good dinner, so I’m not worried,” I say with a shake of my head. 

Viggo pulls out my chair for me. “Why would you say that?”

“Long story.” I take the menu from the tabletop and look it over, even though I know exactly what I want. “So, um… did you leave Amil alone?”

“He’s helping look after my daughter. The sitter has to go grocery shopping, so hopefully she can keep him busy.” He gives me a smirk. “Trying to deflect from your long story?”

“Maybe,” I chuckle. “I’m not comfortable with telling it yet.”

Viggo nods. “Understood.” He only orders wine for dinner, while I order a seafood boil with dirty rice.

“Any reason you work the night shift?” Viggo asks once the food arrives.

“The pay is fine. I’m usually up anyway, and when I took it, I thought It’d be easier and much more quiet.” I laugh. “I didn’t know the night life around here would be quite so… different.” I lean forward. “I heard you were a doctor? I assume you work at Dr. Leeche’s?”

Viggo nods. “I work the late shift too. The pay is much better, but the work can get a little more difficult.”

I feel a little dizzy talking to him. I’m so excited that I haven’t eaten anything yet. I usually have something immediately after taking my medications, but the bread basket on the table has remained untouched. The dinner goes well, and when we finish, Viggo and I take a walk. As we’re heading back towards the restaurant, the massive wolf-like dog is waiting by the car. A little girl with pure white hair and different-colored eyes is wearing a baby leash attached to the dog.

Viggo races up and grabs the girl, looking down at the dog and then at me. “I was hoping to keep this night going, but it appears I have to go hunt down my brother.”

I begin to grow insanely angry. “Did he just leave her alone with a dog?” 

“Oh no, no, this is the sitter,” Viggo replies.

The dog and I lock eyes, and I have no idea how to respond.