Artificial Memory (DISCONT'D BUT WILL UPLOAD UNEDITED CHAPTERS)

Chapter 2: I Have Vampiric Tendencies and Lucid Dreams Are Hella Creepy

Once my hand had been dealt with, grabbed the half-full cup of my blood and brought it to Memory. He took it without the hesitation he'd showed when I first met him, downing it in a few swallows.

When he finished it, I took the cup and washed it in the sink by hand. Mom doesn't like the fact that blood would be flying around the dishwasher in the water, so I'm not allowed to put it in there.

As I finished washing the cup, Memory walked over to the fridge and grabbed a carton of orange juice, pouring himself a glass and chugging it just as fast as he'd done with my blood.

"What, is my blood sour?"

I asked him with a hint of annoyance in my voice.

He shook his head, wiping his mouth.

"No, it's great like it always is, I just..."

He trailed off, his lips twisting in faint disgust.

I sensed confusion from him. Words that he was trying to sort out in his head sent a message to me, informing me of his hesitation.

"What?!"

I snapped.

He paused, then responded,

"I don't like this need to drink blood. I mean, couldn't I, like, substitute it with something else instead of making you hurt yourself every couple weeks?"

I put the cup back in the cupboard and grumbled,

"You aren't 'making' me do anything. You should know by now that you can't 'make me' do anything."

"But-"

"Shut up. You're this damn good fighter and stick up for me all the time. Consider my blood payment for your help."

I snapped, whipping around and glaring at him.

He paused, then he smiled and stood back upright.

"All right, if you put it like that..."

He sighed.

The sky had begun to grow rosy and golden beams of light shone through the windows to illuminate the whole house with a cozy light source. Memory had glanced out the window as well, stretching his arms high above him.

"Really nice evening, huh?"

He asked me playfully.

"I guess."

I grumbled despite admiring how his olive skin was tinted a slightly warmer colour.

It was at that moment that Memory let out a faint grunt, bringing his hand up to the right side of his head with a grimace. I glanced at him with vague concern.

"Need some Advil?"

I asked him calmly, even though I was indeed worried.

He forced himself to nod. I turned to the clear Tupperware bin above the fridge where we kept the medicine, reaching up and hunting around for the plastic container. Once I found it, I opened it up and shook a single red tablet into my hand.

I dropped it into Memory's palm as he took a quick gulp of water directly from the tap. Once he swallowed it, he smiled at me.

"Thanks, bro."

"You're annoying."

I snorted.

Instead of laughing as he always did, he rumpled up my messy blonde hair. I narrowed my eyes, gritting my teeth