True Love in a Convenience Store

Walter sat behind the counter, flipping through a magazine he had borrowed from the rack. The night shift was always boring, but it was better for his skin than being out during the day.

On a TV in the corner, late night pundits argued, but he could barely be bothered to pay attention. More than anything, he wanted to just go home and surf the internet like he did every night.

Josiah Black was a celebrity. The type of guy that girls swooned for. Tall, handsome. A smooth talker. He had dated a good portion of his fans, too. From mermaids to other vampires to the occasional werewolf. A dullahan or two.

But they were never exactly right. Something was always wrong. Always. This time, it had been her tentacles. Too touchy-feely. It nearly ruined his immaculate white suit.

He stopped at the gas station, disappointed and hungry. He'd grab a snack and head back out again.

"Do you sell blood?" he asked the boy at the counter.

"Yeah sure," he replied, a slight lisp in his voice due to the clunky braces that adorned his fangs. He pointed to the back of the store, where the colder items were kept. "I like the kind in the blue cans, it's pretty good."

That voice. It was adorable. It was more than adorable, it was...it was perfect.

Suddenly, he grabbed the boy's face and brought it closer to his so he could stare at him.

"You're a vampire," he replied excitedly. "You're perfect!"

Walter struggled in the strange customers grasp, flailing his arms.

"P-please let go, sir--you're not allowed to touch the employees, only the products!"

"But you're so cute!" he cooed, grinning. "I like you! I really like you a lot! You're just...adorable!"

He wiggled.

"Would you like to go on a date?"

"U-um, what day?" he stammered. "I have to be home by 9 p.m. on most nights, s-s-so..."

Walter couldn't remember the last time he had been called cute by someone who wasn't related to him. It was an odd feeling--unsettling, but not altogether unpleasant.

He adjusted his glasses, hoping that the strange customer wouldn't grab his face again.

"I think you're parents might make an exception if they knew who, exactly, it is who's asking you out," he bowed deeply. "I am Josiah Black, president of that one company you totally know the author just hasn't figure it out yet."

"...Are you for real?" he asked, suddenly very nervous. "I...I didn't do something wrong, did I? Why are you here? Are you going to tell my parents I had a soda?"

He laughed heartily, patting the boy on the head.

"Oh no! I'm interested in you. Would you like to date?"

"...Mister, I'm a boy," he said slowly, sure this man was confused. "I think there's a girl who works here on the shift after mine, though, her name's Cindy or something."