There wasn’t much concentrating for Flynn that next day. While he’d actually slept, he still felt out of sorts. And it was sad he couldn’t say the last time he’d gotten more than a handful of hours of rest. The coolness of Dodger’s body didn’t hurt either. If anything it was a very welcomed comfort. It was constant sweltering around them, though most the other creatures didn’t feel it as the humans had. Well Flynn would keep that little tid bit for himself. It was okay to be selfish when it came to Dodger. The less he shared with anyone else the better. But even when he could get some rest normally it was hardly every peaceful. He couldn’t honestly say the last time he felt like he did in the wake of seeing Dodger’s lifeless body first thing. It threw him in a way he hadn’t expected. That sight alone let Flynn know it wasn’t just the fact that the vampire was forbidden territory, but there was something more the human felt for him. 

The air in the house changed instantly when he’d come down the stairs. Of course he half expected everyone to be having some sort of a party. No instead they’d all stuck to their chores as if he were still there. It honestly touched him in a way he couldn’t describe. Maybe they were working together better than he’d thought. That was until the younger ones had finally spotted him in the door way. And the barrage of questions and furry were not in short supply. He’d made sure to keep Dodger locked in his room for his own safety. It wasn’t as if he were going anywhere but he’d be damned if anyone in this house was going to do something as stupid as was floating through their heads. He’d managed to gain the upper-hand quicker than he’d thought. Threatening to go through weeks without enough food was enough to quiet the oldest ones and the children were all too thrilled to be able to see Dodger again. Though this time he’d make sure they were tucked in bed, all of them, before they’d left tonight. “Get everything done before supper.” He ordered all the older ones, the scowls and groans were enough for him to understand they’d get it done. That left him to entertain the twins. And it also meant he could watch the house with Dodger safely kept upstairs. 

By the time Flynn and the little ones had gotten supper ready he was quite surprised to see how tired the rest of them were as they drifted into the house. A few quick commands to get their places set and supper finished gave Flynn a few moments to go and check on the man still in his bed. He hadn’t any clue what to expect when he’d unlocked the door but the still lifeless body was both a relief and cause for concern. He wasn’t sure he’d ever get used to seeing that. He was dead. Actually dead. But that was Dodger. Sooner or later he’d awaken and be ready. Did that mean he needed to feed when he woke? After last night’s activities he couldn’t imagine it wouldn’t hurt. That was a bridge to cross when he’d actually waken up. Flynn stole a few more glances at him from the door jam and closed the door but left it unlocked this time. 

The hours until dusk seemed to take an enternity to come. But thankfully the sky grew red and slowly darker. The twins and Em were off to bed first followed by the boys and then Riles taking up the rear. Just in time for it to be dark enough for Dodger to safely come out. He’d made sure all the doors were closed before he’d opened his own. A soft knock on the door frame as he’d opened it, his eyes finding the naked form of the vampire still on his bed as he was just a few hours ago. Flynn’s cheeks beamed red and he’d closed the door behind, taking slow strides towards him. “Are ...” He whispered, clearing his throat as he’d tried his damnedest to focus only on that messy hair and sharp featured face. “Are you awake?”