When Nightmares Become Reality 3/5
Aug. 13th, 2014 08:34 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
write_my_dreamsTitle: When Nightmares Become Reality
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
write_my_dreams
Author:
write_my_dreamsPairings: Asagi x Ruiza, Hakuei x MiA, Kisaki x Jui, eventual Asagi x Tsunehito
Genre: AU, crime, drama
Warning: Mentions of rape and murder, violence in later chapters, stalking.
Disclaimer: The band members portrayed do not belong to me and the only profit I make off of this piece of fanfiction is the personal satisfaction of completing another part of To Love a Vampire.
Warning: Mentions of rape and murder, violence in later chapters, stalking.
Disclaimer: The band members portrayed do not belong to me and the only profit I make off of this piece of fanfiction is the personal satisfaction of completing another part of To Love a Vampire.
Rating: PG-13
Chapters: 3/5
Summary: Jin has gone rogue and is leaving a trail of victims whose bizarre deaths mystify the Tokyo police. Hakuei sends Asagi, Ruiza, and Jui out to eliminate Jin before he can take his eleventh victim: a retired figure skater named Tsunehito who now works as a bartender in Shinjuku.
Tsunehito left the pressure and glamour of figure skating behind. He's content with his simple life of bartending and attending Hide-Zou's lives. About a month ago, a man that Tsunehito and Hide-Zou have dubbed "The Stalker" changes everything.
Author's Comment: Oh look I've emerged from my crypt with another chapter. Long story short, I'm committed to finishing this series again since my two novels are at the revision stage anyway and revisions are a pain. I will try my best to get the next chapter out this month but I can't make any promises since I've started my first proper job and it's definitely more taxing than any of my student jobs.
Summary: Jin has gone rogue and is leaving a trail of victims whose bizarre deaths mystify the Tokyo police. Hakuei sends Asagi, Ruiza, and Jui out to eliminate Jin before he can take his eleventh victim: a retired figure skater named Tsunehito who now works as a bartender in Shinjuku.
Tsunehito left the pressure and glamour of figure skating behind. He's content with his simple life of bartending and attending Hide-Zou's lives. About a month ago, a man that Tsunehito and Hide-Zou have dubbed "The Stalker" changes everything.
Author's Comment: Oh look I've emerged from my crypt with another chapter. Long story short, I'm committed to finishing this series again since my two novels are at the revision stage anyway and revisions are a pain. I will try my best to get the next chapter out this month but I can't make any promises since I've started my first proper job and it's definitely more taxing than any of my student jobs.
Face pressed into Asagi’s blazer like this, stupidly all Tsunehito could think was that the vampire smelled like roses. His clothes, his hair… The redhead curled his fingers into Asagi’s shirt as he felt the wind whipping past his ears. Chest to chest as they were Asagi could surely feel and hear his heart racing. Vampires… Tsunehito’s mind still reeled over the fact that they were real. What he couldn’t understand, though, was what they wanted with him. If this had happened during his skating days when he’d been something of a celebrity then sure, he could understand a vampire’s interest. But now? Tsunehito was only a bartender. Someone so far off a vampire’s radar he couldn’t fathom why four would suddenly come into his life. He tightened his grip on Asagi’s shirt as he wished the whole scenario was a nightmare. One he’d wake up from then call Hide-Zou so they could laugh about how their tradition had invaded his dreams.
This wasn’t a nightmare though as Asagi’s lack of a pulse proved. Vampires were no longer the form of entertainment that they’d been since Tsunehito was fifteen. They were very much living beings and had stepped into Tsunehito’s reality. Even threatened it. The redhead swallowed as he remembered the easy strength with which Jin had pinned him up against the wall. How Tsunehito could never get his wrist or hand free at the bar if Jin seized him. If Asagi hadn’t been there tonight, hadn’t intervened… A shudder rippled through his body. He didn’t want to complete that thought. Didn’t want to imagine what Jin would’ve done now that he finally had Tsunehito trapped.
To his surprise, Asagi slowed his mad dash and stopped completely. Fearing the worst Tsunehito dared to raise his head and look over Asagi’s shoulder. He’d brought them to a section of Tokyo that Tsunehito wasn’t familiar with. They were on a rooftop of all places overlooking a street with a few shops that were still open and a trickle of customers wandering in or out. The redhead opened his mouth to speak but couldn’t get a sound out. He tried again. “Is Jin following us?” This time his voice came out as a pathetic, barely audible whisper. It would be embarrassing if he wasn’t still in shock about being in a vampire’s arms and having another vampire desiring his blood and his body.
Asagi gave him a gentle smile. “No, he isn’t. Jui and Ruiza won’t let him out of their sight. He won’t be troubling you ever again.” There was a dark finality in the last words that didn’t match the kindness in his eyes or the careful way he held Tsunehito as if he were something precious. Not just some ordinary human that he’d had to rescue. “Had Jin been an ordinary pervert I’m sure you could have easily overpowered him. You’re very brave, Tsunehito. Brave enough to stand up to a vampire many times despite not knowing how easily he could take what he wanted from you.”
Brave… Tsunehito didn’t feel brave now. Wishing this was a dream, being carried off princess style by a dashing hero just like a damsel in distress. He knew he should be insisting that Asagi put him down. That he was perfectly capable of walking on his own, that if Jin really was no longer an issue then Tsunehito would go home. Make himself a strong drink and try to relax in a safe environment while he dealt with having his reality turned on its head. The words were at the tip of his tongue but he couldn’t get them out. It was easier to cling to Asagi and feel the safety of his arms wrapped so tenderly around him.
“Close your eyes, Tsunehito. A vampire’s speed is quite overwhelming and you’ve already had several shocks tonight.”
The redhead didn’t trust his voice so instead buried his face into Asagi’s shirt again. He braced himself for the inevitable jump only to find that he barely felt it. Still he didn’t dare look up to check that they were on level ground and decided that he would keep his head down until Asagi had stopped again. The wind whipped his hair around his head and he felt like he was sitting in a car with the windows down. How fast was Asagi running? How had he not crashed into something yet? Tokyo wasn’t an easy place to drive in and now Asagi was running at the speed of a car? This was insane… and he was insane for letting himself fall into the role of the damsel in distress when he’d spent the last several years working hard to be independent and prove that he could make it in the world ever since his family cast him out for loving a boy. For loving Hide-Zou.
By the time Asagi slowed to a normal pace again, Tsunehito had recovered from his shock. The first thing he did after raising his head was struggle. “Put me down!” he insisted. He’d had several minutes of weakness which, given what happened, was only natural but he needed to be strong now. He’d managed without vampires before and he certainly didn’t need to continue the role of the damsel in distress.
Asagi stopped and glanced down at the redhead. "Is that wise?" Amusement colored his tone but there was no trace of mockery in his face or voice. Still the question made Tsunehito bristle.
"I'm not a cripple," he said shortly. "I can walk."
"I don't doubt you can but will your legs support you? You've had quite the shock and despite your insistences you still cling to my shirt."
Flushing Tsunehito released Asagi's shirt and flexed his stiff fingers. He'd had a death grip on the shirt, spent an embarrassing amount of time with his face buried in the fabric so he wouldn't have to watch Tokyo become a wild, stomach-turning blur around him. “They will.”
Asagi’s expression made it clear that he didn’t believe Tsunehito. Still he stooped down to gently set the redhead on his feet, hands staying close to catch him if his legs wobbled. Which, to Tsunehito’s humiliation, they did. Before he could fall or protest Asagi had swept him off his feet again. The redhead glowered but for the sake of his pride decided not to say anything. Instead he looked around realizing that Asagi had brought him to a neighborhood with actual houses instead of apartments. They were standing in the driveway of a two story house with a certain Victorian charm and several rosebushes out front. Blinking, the redhead tried not to imagine how much one of these houses cost. Or be mortified that he was about to be carried over the threshold of what was presumably Asagi’s house as if he were a bride. “Is this your home?” he asked.
“It is.” Asagi brought Tsunehito to the front door then, to the redhead’s surprise, gently set him down on his feet. This time he kept a supportive arm around his waist in case his legs should give out. Fortunately, they didn’t. When Tsunehito gave him a questioning look Asagi returned it with a wry smile. “I could sense your displeasure about being carried in my arms. I thought it best that you walk inside on your own instead of being carried inside as if I was bringing home a new bride.”
Tsunehito made a face. “Thanks. For understanding… and for helping me with Jin,” he added when he realized he’d yet to thank the vampire who had saved him from certain death.
“It’s my job,” Asagi said simply. “But you’re welcome.” He pulled a key with a cat shaped cap on it out of his pocket and unlocked the door. He pushed the door open then gave Tsunehito an expectant look. The redhead took a step over the threshold and toed his boots off. There was more Victorian style décor in the entryway along with a mirror. He snuck a glance at the mirror when Asagi walked inside. The vampire’s reflection appeared in it dispelling one of the myths that a vampire wouldn’t show up in a mirror. But he didn’t have a pulse and could run impossibly fast. Also, vampires were strong. Tsunehito wondered what else was true and what was false. The redhead moved out of the way so Asagi could close the door, at a loss for what to do now that he was in Asagi’s home. Bad enough that he was in a complete stranger’s house but this complete stranger was a vampire.
“I can’t go home tonight can I?” Tsunehito guessed.
Asagi sighed softly. “As a precaution, I advise against it. Ruiza stays here with me sometimes so you’re welcome to borrow some of his clothes instead of wearing your uniform. When you’re hungry feel free to explore the kitchen. If you prefer not to cook I can always order takeout. I would offer to cook something for you but
Rui-chan says I’m a terrible cook,” he added with a sheepish laugh.
The redhead started. “You can eat food?”
“If we have enough blood in our system, yes. It’s similar to humans and alcohol. Have you ever drunk so much that you started throwing up?”
Tsunehito grimaced. “I have.” When his parents kicked him out for choosing Hide-Zou and being himself. He’d gotten wasted that night then had the hangover from hell the next morning. It’d been so bad he’d sworn off alcohol entirely. A promise that hadn’t lasted long.
“It’s similar with a vampire. If a vampire consumes too much food we throw up everything in our system. It’s quite bothersome. The majority of my kind rarely partake in human food but there are some, like Ruiza, who enjoy it. He’s the reason that I have more than wine and ice cream.”
Was Ruiza Asagi’s lover? If he sometimes stayed, had clothes here, and Asagi kept his fridge stocked for him… Tsunehito didn’t want to be rude and ask so kept the question to himself. “I see.”
Asagi gave him a gentle smile. “If you’d like to change, Ruiza’s filled the closet in the spare room. He’s a shopaholic and had to move some of his clothes to my house since he has so many.”
The visual of a shopaholic vampire made Tsunehito laugh. “Too much money on hand?”
“For him, no, since he spends it like water. Buying food, buying clothes, extending his guitar collection…” Asagi shook his head in mock irritation. “He’s quite insatiable.” He walked Tsunehito into the living room then down the hallway to a guest bedroom. In it was a Western style bed with roses carved into the frame. The bedspread had a rose pattern as well and there was a small army of pillows on it. No wonder Asagi smelled like roses since he had rosebushes and was clearly fond of the flower. Asagi told him to pick whatever he wanted then left him to decide. Tsunehito opened the closet door, blinking since it was indeed packed with clothes. So Asagi loved roses, Ruiza loved buying things and eating… he wondered about the other vampire, Jui. Tsunehito pushed the subject from his mind for now as he picked out a comfortable looking pair of sweatpants and a simple t-shirt (deciding he didn’t want to know what “I conquered the mega burger meant). This was the type of outfit he typically changed into after work. He draped his button up, black tie, and black jeans over the bed then pulled on Ruiza’s clothes. Ruiza was a little shorter than him but Tsunehito was thinner so the clothes weren’t a perfect fit but better than borrowing something from Asagi. Now comfortably attired he left the room and went to find Asagi. Since he was alone with a vampire he might as well ask some questions. When would he ever get this opportunity again?
Tsunehito found Asagi in the kitchen. A teakettle was on the stove and he’d taken out two mugs with a pattern of cats and roses. Likes cats, the redhead added to his mental list about the vampire.
“Did you—ugh, I thought Rui got rid of that shirt years ago,” Asagi grumbled as he noticed just what t-shirt Tsunehito had picked out.
The redhead glanced down at his chest. “Guessing you weren’t a fan of Ruiza’s successful demolishment of the mega burger?”
“It was a vile display of gluttony,” Asagi sniffed. “He had a hamburger the size of your head. Plus finished off a plate of fries. By doing so in the thirty minute time limit he got his picture on the wall and the t-shirt you’re wearing.”
Tsunehito cringed at the visual of eating a burger that large along with that many fries. “That’s disgusting.”
Asagi grimaced. “It is. Unfortunately the mega burger wasn’t the last of Rui-chan’s food challenges. Once he even convinced Jui to participate in a two man pizza challenge with him since I refused. They had half an hour to demolish a pizza the size of a small table.”
How could any human let alone a vampire eat that much? Tsunehito had never been able to understand how contestants in eating contests were able to cram so much into their stomachs. “How did that end?”
“Ruiza finished his portion of the pizza. Jui had two slices left and barely got to the bathroom in time to throw up.”
Remembering what Asagi had said about vampires needing blood in their system to consume food, Tsunehito could only imagine how frightening it would’ve been for the other guests if Jui had vomited up blood and pizza at his table. Ruiza seemed like quite the eater though. “Guess that was the last eating contest either of them participated in?”
“For Jui, yes.” Asagi brushed his long hair back over one shoulder as he took out a box of cinnamon sticks and some packets of chai tea. “Jui introduced me to chai tea and I’ve become quite fond of it. Would you like chai? If not, I have other flavors of tea that you’re welcome to drink.”
“Chai is fine.” Tsunehito would often drink it on cold days or after a particularly grueling practice session. Although sometimes Hide-Zou would take him out for coffee or hot chocolate, griping that he needed a treat after what his coach had put him through. Though he’d quit skating only three years ago it seemed like a lifetime had passed. He was a different person now.
The redhead waited until the tea was ready and he’d been invited to sit in the living room with Asagi before deciding to ask his questions. “Um, Asagi, is it okay if I ask you about vampires…?”
Asagi laughed softly. “Brave and curious. You may.” He took a sip of his tea then gave the redhead an expectant look.
Tsunehito hesitated as he considered what question to ask first. How old was Asagi? What was becoming a vampire like? How could he defend himself against vampires? What myths were true and which were false? The redhead decided he should ask about defending himself first in case he found himself in a situation like this ever again. “How can I fend off vampires? Do crosses and garlic really work?” That’d been more than one question but he was curious.
The question made Asagi sigh. “For your sake I truly hope that you will never cross paths or attract the attention of a vampire. As for crosses, no they are harmless to us. It’s merely a Christian myth. Other religious charms and symbols are equally inefficient. As for garlic, the scent is merely obnoxious. Tell me, Tsunehito, are you fond of the smell of garlic?”
Tsunehito shook his head.
“Imagine how garlic would smell if the scent was magnified.”
“…I’d rather not.”
Asagi laughed. “Exactly. Garlic is pungent for humans but for vampires the smell is strong and quite repelling.”
“So you have good senses?”
Asagi gave him an amused look as if he’d just asked an absurd question. “I can hear your heart beating, the blood flowing through your body… I can smell alcohol and cigarettes on you from the bar along with your own scent and the shower products you used before coming to work. My vision is equally strong.”
Tsunehito blinked. How could Asagi even smell what shampoo he’d used this morning? Not even he could do that! But then again… he was just a human. “Mirrors?”
“Myth; I saw you looking at the mirror to see if my reflection would appear or not.”
Damn. The redhead thought he’d been discrete when checking if Asagi had a reflection. “Silver?”
Asagi raised his hand to indicate the silver rings on his fingers along with the charm bracelet clasped around his waist. Tsunehito hadn’t even noticed he was wearing jewelry. “Harmless.”
Silver, mirrors, garlic, and religions symbols were useless against vampires. They could run fast, had incredible senses, and super strength. “Do vampires have to be invited into someone’s home to enter it?” That was common in movies but didn’t always happen.
Asagi inclined his head in agreement.
Tsunehito frowned. If Jin couldn’t enter his apartment without an invitation—something he’d never receive—then why was he staying with Asagi? He could be at home, drinking his own tea or alcohol and curled up on his own couch in his own clothes. Asagi was friendly for a vampire but still… “So why am I here with you?”
“I want to ensure that you’re safe. I also assumed you wouldn’t be comfortable letting a strange vampire into your home.”
Asagi had a point there. Tsunehito wouldn’t have wanted to let him into his apartment. “You look too regal to sleep in a coffin so I’m guessing coffins aren’t in fashion anymore?”
That question made Asagi laugh again. “I much prefer a comfortable bed. Although, to be fair, I have never slept in a coffin so for all I know they could be comfortable. What other questions do you have?”
“Does holy water bother you?”
A shudder swept through Asagi’s body. “It burns… I have only experienced its sting once but I felt as if acid had been poured onto my body.”
Tsunehito frowned. “Why does holy water work but religious symbols don’t?”
“A cross or a Star of David is merely an image. I could go any store in Tokyo and easily buy a cross necklace. If the necklace has been blessed by a holy man or woman then yes, it would burn my skin, but otherwise it’s merely a piece of jewelry.”
“Oh… what about sunlight?”
The look of utter devastation on Asagi’s face made Tsunehito wish he could take the words back. “To enter the sun is to die,” the vampire said softly. “In life I loved to watch the sunrises and sunsets. As a vampire such a thing is impossible… When I was new to this life I tried and merely glimpsing the sunset burned my eyes. I could not see for three days and had to rely on my senses and my lover as if I were a child.”
Tsunehito sucked in a breath as he imagined that. How horrible… to long to see the sun so badly and then have your eyes burned by it. To counteract the seriousness the last question had brought, he asked one that would surely get Asagi to laugh. “Can you turn into a bat?”
Asagi chuckled. “I cannot. And no, before you ask, I do not sparkle like those abominations from Twilight. Nor do I have wings or some hideous true form. What you see before you is what I always look like unless my fangs are present.” He sipped his tea again then tilted his head, studying the redhead. “Are you fond of vampire movies and books? The way we are portrayed in Hollywood or Japanese cinema is quite unlike what we truly are.”
Tsunehito blushed at the question. “Um… yeah.” Realizing he’d been too busy asking questions to try his tea he quickly took a sip. Delicious. The redhead curled his fingers around the cup and took another drink. “My best friend and I started a tradition when I was fifteen and he was seventeen. We’d eat pizza and watch a bad vampire movie. Sometimes we’d even raise our standards and watch a good vampire movie.” He laughed softly, thinking of how they’d just done that recently. “Most of my questions come from what I’ve seen in movies.” He sipped his tea again as he wondered what else to ask Asagi. He was curious to know how vampires got their blood but was nervous that if he did ask he’d find out that it’d be from his veins.
In the end, Tsunehito didn’t get a chance to ask another question. Asagi suddenly sat bolt upright in his chair as his pale face drained of the little color it held. He raised a hand to his head, seeming to be concentrating on something. Can vampires speak with their minds? The redhead wanted to ask but he didn’t dare interrupt Asagi. Abruptly the vampire set his cup down on the coffee table then crossed to Tsunehito, a look of agitation on his face. “What’s wrong? What happened?”
“Jui,” Asagi whispered, closing his eyes in pain.
Notes
1) I'm aware the cliffhanger is a dick move but it was necessary!
2) This fic used to be 7 chapters long but I'd deviated so much from my original outline I ended up having to write it out again. Now it'll be two more chapters plus an epilogue, bringing it to a total of 6 chapters.
This wasn’t a nightmare though as Asagi’s lack of a pulse proved. Vampires were no longer the form of entertainment that they’d been since Tsunehito was fifteen. They were very much living beings and had stepped into Tsunehito’s reality. Even threatened it. The redhead swallowed as he remembered the easy strength with which Jin had pinned him up against the wall. How Tsunehito could never get his wrist or hand free at the bar if Jin seized him. If Asagi hadn’t been there tonight, hadn’t intervened… A shudder rippled through his body. He didn’t want to complete that thought. Didn’t want to imagine what Jin would’ve done now that he finally had Tsunehito trapped.
To his surprise, Asagi slowed his mad dash and stopped completely. Fearing the worst Tsunehito dared to raise his head and look over Asagi’s shoulder. He’d brought them to a section of Tokyo that Tsunehito wasn’t familiar with. They were on a rooftop of all places overlooking a street with a few shops that were still open and a trickle of customers wandering in or out. The redhead opened his mouth to speak but couldn’t get a sound out. He tried again. “Is Jin following us?” This time his voice came out as a pathetic, barely audible whisper. It would be embarrassing if he wasn’t still in shock about being in a vampire’s arms and having another vampire desiring his blood and his body.
Asagi gave him a gentle smile. “No, he isn’t. Jui and Ruiza won’t let him out of their sight. He won’t be troubling you ever again.” There was a dark finality in the last words that didn’t match the kindness in his eyes or the careful way he held Tsunehito as if he were something precious. Not just some ordinary human that he’d had to rescue. “Had Jin been an ordinary pervert I’m sure you could have easily overpowered him. You’re very brave, Tsunehito. Brave enough to stand up to a vampire many times despite not knowing how easily he could take what he wanted from you.”
Brave… Tsunehito didn’t feel brave now. Wishing this was a dream, being carried off princess style by a dashing hero just like a damsel in distress. He knew he should be insisting that Asagi put him down. That he was perfectly capable of walking on his own, that if Jin really was no longer an issue then Tsunehito would go home. Make himself a strong drink and try to relax in a safe environment while he dealt with having his reality turned on its head. The words were at the tip of his tongue but he couldn’t get them out. It was easier to cling to Asagi and feel the safety of his arms wrapped so tenderly around him.
“Close your eyes, Tsunehito. A vampire’s speed is quite overwhelming and you’ve already had several shocks tonight.”
The redhead didn’t trust his voice so instead buried his face into Asagi’s shirt again. He braced himself for the inevitable jump only to find that he barely felt it. Still he didn’t dare look up to check that they were on level ground and decided that he would keep his head down until Asagi had stopped again. The wind whipped his hair around his head and he felt like he was sitting in a car with the windows down. How fast was Asagi running? How had he not crashed into something yet? Tokyo wasn’t an easy place to drive in and now Asagi was running at the speed of a car? This was insane… and he was insane for letting himself fall into the role of the damsel in distress when he’d spent the last several years working hard to be independent and prove that he could make it in the world ever since his family cast him out for loving a boy. For loving Hide-Zou.
By the time Asagi slowed to a normal pace again, Tsunehito had recovered from his shock. The first thing he did after raising his head was struggle. “Put me down!” he insisted. He’d had several minutes of weakness which, given what happened, was only natural but he needed to be strong now. He’d managed without vampires before and he certainly didn’t need to continue the role of the damsel in distress.
Asagi stopped and glanced down at the redhead. "Is that wise?" Amusement colored his tone but there was no trace of mockery in his face or voice. Still the question made Tsunehito bristle.
"I'm not a cripple," he said shortly. "I can walk."
"I don't doubt you can but will your legs support you? You've had quite the shock and despite your insistences you still cling to my shirt."
Flushing Tsunehito released Asagi's shirt and flexed his stiff fingers. He'd had a death grip on the shirt, spent an embarrassing amount of time with his face buried in the fabric so he wouldn't have to watch Tokyo become a wild, stomach-turning blur around him. “They will.”
Asagi’s expression made it clear that he didn’t believe Tsunehito. Still he stooped down to gently set the redhead on his feet, hands staying close to catch him if his legs wobbled. Which, to Tsunehito’s humiliation, they did. Before he could fall or protest Asagi had swept him off his feet again. The redhead glowered but for the sake of his pride decided not to say anything. Instead he looked around realizing that Asagi had brought him to a neighborhood with actual houses instead of apartments. They were standing in the driveway of a two story house with a certain Victorian charm and several rosebushes out front. Blinking, the redhead tried not to imagine how much one of these houses cost. Or be mortified that he was about to be carried over the threshold of what was presumably Asagi’s house as if he were a bride. “Is this your home?” he asked.
“It is.” Asagi brought Tsunehito to the front door then, to the redhead’s surprise, gently set him down on his feet. This time he kept a supportive arm around his waist in case his legs should give out. Fortunately, they didn’t. When Tsunehito gave him a questioning look Asagi returned it with a wry smile. “I could sense your displeasure about being carried in my arms. I thought it best that you walk inside on your own instead of being carried inside as if I was bringing home a new bride.”
Tsunehito made a face. “Thanks. For understanding… and for helping me with Jin,” he added when he realized he’d yet to thank the vampire who had saved him from certain death.
“It’s my job,” Asagi said simply. “But you’re welcome.” He pulled a key with a cat shaped cap on it out of his pocket and unlocked the door. He pushed the door open then gave Tsunehito an expectant look. The redhead took a step over the threshold and toed his boots off. There was more Victorian style décor in the entryway along with a mirror. He snuck a glance at the mirror when Asagi walked inside. The vampire’s reflection appeared in it dispelling one of the myths that a vampire wouldn’t show up in a mirror. But he didn’t have a pulse and could run impossibly fast. Also, vampires were strong. Tsunehito wondered what else was true and what was false. The redhead moved out of the way so Asagi could close the door, at a loss for what to do now that he was in Asagi’s home. Bad enough that he was in a complete stranger’s house but this complete stranger was a vampire.
“I can’t go home tonight can I?” Tsunehito guessed.
Asagi sighed softly. “As a precaution, I advise against it. Ruiza stays here with me sometimes so you’re welcome to borrow some of his clothes instead of wearing your uniform. When you’re hungry feel free to explore the kitchen. If you prefer not to cook I can always order takeout. I would offer to cook something for you but
Rui-chan says I’m a terrible cook,” he added with a sheepish laugh.
The redhead started. “You can eat food?”
“If we have enough blood in our system, yes. It’s similar to humans and alcohol. Have you ever drunk so much that you started throwing up?”
Tsunehito grimaced. “I have.” When his parents kicked him out for choosing Hide-Zou and being himself. He’d gotten wasted that night then had the hangover from hell the next morning. It’d been so bad he’d sworn off alcohol entirely. A promise that hadn’t lasted long.
“It’s similar with a vampire. If a vampire consumes too much food we throw up everything in our system. It’s quite bothersome. The majority of my kind rarely partake in human food but there are some, like Ruiza, who enjoy it. He’s the reason that I have more than wine and ice cream.”
Was Ruiza Asagi’s lover? If he sometimes stayed, had clothes here, and Asagi kept his fridge stocked for him… Tsunehito didn’t want to be rude and ask so kept the question to himself. “I see.”
Asagi gave him a gentle smile. “If you’d like to change, Ruiza’s filled the closet in the spare room. He’s a shopaholic and had to move some of his clothes to my house since he has so many.”
The visual of a shopaholic vampire made Tsunehito laugh. “Too much money on hand?”
“For him, no, since he spends it like water. Buying food, buying clothes, extending his guitar collection…” Asagi shook his head in mock irritation. “He’s quite insatiable.” He walked Tsunehito into the living room then down the hallway to a guest bedroom. In it was a Western style bed with roses carved into the frame. The bedspread had a rose pattern as well and there was a small army of pillows on it. No wonder Asagi smelled like roses since he had rosebushes and was clearly fond of the flower. Asagi told him to pick whatever he wanted then left him to decide. Tsunehito opened the closet door, blinking since it was indeed packed with clothes. So Asagi loved roses, Ruiza loved buying things and eating… he wondered about the other vampire, Jui. Tsunehito pushed the subject from his mind for now as he picked out a comfortable looking pair of sweatpants and a simple t-shirt (deciding he didn’t want to know what “I conquered the mega burger meant). This was the type of outfit he typically changed into after work. He draped his button up, black tie, and black jeans over the bed then pulled on Ruiza’s clothes. Ruiza was a little shorter than him but Tsunehito was thinner so the clothes weren’t a perfect fit but better than borrowing something from Asagi. Now comfortably attired he left the room and went to find Asagi. Since he was alone with a vampire he might as well ask some questions. When would he ever get this opportunity again?
Tsunehito found Asagi in the kitchen. A teakettle was on the stove and he’d taken out two mugs with a pattern of cats and roses. Likes cats, the redhead added to his mental list about the vampire.
“Did you—ugh, I thought Rui got rid of that shirt years ago,” Asagi grumbled as he noticed just what t-shirt Tsunehito had picked out.
The redhead glanced down at his chest. “Guessing you weren’t a fan of Ruiza’s successful demolishment of the mega burger?”
“It was a vile display of gluttony,” Asagi sniffed. “He had a hamburger the size of your head. Plus finished off a plate of fries. By doing so in the thirty minute time limit he got his picture on the wall and the t-shirt you’re wearing.”
Tsunehito cringed at the visual of eating a burger that large along with that many fries. “That’s disgusting.”
Asagi grimaced. “It is. Unfortunately the mega burger wasn’t the last of Rui-chan’s food challenges. Once he even convinced Jui to participate in a two man pizza challenge with him since I refused. They had half an hour to demolish a pizza the size of a small table.”
How could any human let alone a vampire eat that much? Tsunehito had never been able to understand how contestants in eating contests were able to cram so much into their stomachs. “How did that end?”
“Ruiza finished his portion of the pizza. Jui had two slices left and barely got to the bathroom in time to throw up.”
Remembering what Asagi had said about vampires needing blood in their system to consume food, Tsunehito could only imagine how frightening it would’ve been for the other guests if Jui had vomited up blood and pizza at his table. Ruiza seemed like quite the eater though. “Guess that was the last eating contest either of them participated in?”
“For Jui, yes.” Asagi brushed his long hair back over one shoulder as he took out a box of cinnamon sticks and some packets of chai tea. “Jui introduced me to chai tea and I’ve become quite fond of it. Would you like chai? If not, I have other flavors of tea that you’re welcome to drink.”
“Chai is fine.” Tsunehito would often drink it on cold days or after a particularly grueling practice session. Although sometimes Hide-Zou would take him out for coffee or hot chocolate, griping that he needed a treat after what his coach had put him through. Though he’d quit skating only three years ago it seemed like a lifetime had passed. He was a different person now.
The redhead waited until the tea was ready and he’d been invited to sit in the living room with Asagi before deciding to ask his questions. “Um, Asagi, is it okay if I ask you about vampires…?”
Asagi laughed softly. “Brave and curious. You may.” He took a sip of his tea then gave the redhead an expectant look.
Tsunehito hesitated as he considered what question to ask first. How old was Asagi? What was becoming a vampire like? How could he defend himself against vampires? What myths were true and which were false? The redhead decided he should ask about defending himself first in case he found himself in a situation like this ever again. “How can I fend off vampires? Do crosses and garlic really work?” That’d been more than one question but he was curious.
The question made Asagi sigh. “For your sake I truly hope that you will never cross paths or attract the attention of a vampire. As for crosses, no they are harmless to us. It’s merely a Christian myth. Other religious charms and symbols are equally inefficient. As for garlic, the scent is merely obnoxious. Tell me, Tsunehito, are you fond of the smell of garlic?”
Tsunehito shook his head.
“Imagine how garlic would smell if the scent was magnified.”
“…I’d rather not.”
Asagi laughed. “Exactly. Garlic is pungent for humans but for vampires the smell is strong and quite repelling.”
“So you have good senses?”
Asagi gave him an amused look as if he’d just asked an absurd question. “I can hear your heart beating, the blood flowing through your body… I can smell alcohol and cigarettes on you from the bar along with your own scent and the shower products you used before coming to work. My vision is equally strong.”
Tsunehito blinked. How could Asagi even smell what shampoo he’d used this morning? Not even he could do that! But then again… he was just a human. “Mirrors?”
“Myth; I saw you looking at the mirror to see if my reflection would appear or not.”
Damn. The redhead thought he’d been discrete when checking if Asagi had a reflection. “Silver?”
Asagi raised his hand to indicate the silver rings on his fingers along with the charm bracelet clasped around his waist. Tsunehito hadn’t even noticed he was wearing jewelry. “Harmless.”
Silver, mirrors, garlic, and religions symbols were useless against vampires. They could run fast, had incredible senses, and super strength. “Do vampires have to be invited into someone’s home to enter it?” That was common in movies but didn’t always happen.
Asagi inclined his head in agreement.
Tsunehito frowned. If Jin couldn’t enter his apartment without an invitation—something he’d never receive—then why was he staying with Asagi? He could be at home, drinking his own tea or alcohol and curled up on his own couch in his own clothes. Asagi was friendly for a vampire but still… “So why am I here with you?”
“I want to ensure that you’re safe. I also assumed you wouldn’t be comfortable letting a strange vampire into your home.”
Asagi had a point there. Tsunehito wouldn’t have wanted to let him into his apartment. “You look too regal to sleep in a coffin so I’m guessing coffins aren’t in fashion anymore?”
That question made Asagi laugh again. “I much prefer a comfortable bed. Although, to be fair, I have never slept in a coffin so for all I know they could be comfortable. What other questions do you have?”
“Does holy water bother you?”
A shudder swept through Asagi’s body. “It burns… I have only experienced its sting once but I felt as if acid had been poured onto my body.”
Tsunehito frowned. “Why does holy water work but religious symbols don’t?”
“A cross or a Star of David is merely an image. I could go any store in Tokyo and easily buy a cross necklace. If the necklace has been blessed by a holy man or woman then yes, it would burn my skin, but otherwise it’s merely a piece of jewelry.”
“Oh… what about sunlight?”
The look of utter devastation on Asagi’s face made Tsunehito wish he could take the words back. “To enter the sun is to die,” the vampire said softly. “In life I loved to watch the sunrises and sunsets. As a vampire such a thing is impossible… When I was new to this life I tried and merely glimpsing the sunset burned my eyes. I could not see for three days and had to rely on my senses and my lover as if I were a child.”
Tsunehito sucked in a breath as he imagined that. How horrible… to long to see the sun so badly and then have your eyes burned by it. To counteract the seriousness the last question had brought, he asked one that would surely get Asagi to laugh. “Can you turn into a bat?”
Asagi chuckled. “I cannot. And no, before you ask, I do not sparkle like those abominations from Twilight. Nor do I have wings or some hideous true form. What you see before you is what I always look like unless my fangs are present.” He sipped his tea again then tilted his head, studying the redhead. “Are you fond of vampire movies and books? The way we are portrayed in Hollywood or Japanese cinema is quite unlike what we truly are.”
Tsunehito blushed at the question. “Um… yeah.” Realizing he’d been too busy asking questions to try his tea he quickly took a sip. Delicious. The redhead curled his fingers around the cup and took another drink. “My best friend and I started a tradition when I was fifteen and he was seventeen. We’d eat pizza and watch a bad vampire movie. Sometimes we’d even raise our standards and watch a good vampire movie.” He laughed softly, thinking of how they’d just done that recently. “Most of my questions come from what I’ve seen in movies.” He sipped his tea again as he wondered what else to ask Asagi. He was curious to know how vampires got their blood but was nervous that if he did ask he’d find out that it’d be from his veins.
In the end, Tsunehito didn’t get a chance to ask another question. Asagi suddenly sat bolt upright in his chair as his pale face drained of the little color it held. He raised a hand to his head, seeming to be concentrating on something. Can vampires speak with their minds? The redhead wanted to ask but he didn’t dare interrupt Asagi. Abruptly the vampire set his cup down on the coffee table then crossed to Tsunehito, a look of agitation on his face. “What’s wrong? What happened?”
“Jui,” Asagi whispered, closing his eyes in pain.
Notes
1) I'm aware the cliffhanger is a dick move but it was necessary!
2) This fic used to be 7 chapters long but I'd deviated so much from my original outline I ended up having to write it out again. Now it'll be two more chapters plus an epilogue, bringing it to a total of 6 chapters.
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no subject
Date: 2014-08-13 07:05 pm (UTC)This was absolutely perfect. Tsune finally finding his usual feisty self only to realize that he's not quite as strong or steady as he thought he was and Asagi is pure priceless perfection. So patient and sweet and kind.
Oh the visual of Tsunehito in Rui's Megaburger shirt. ROFL! Talk about gluttony xD
The calm manner in which they talk, the way Tsunehito is still slightly on edge but curious too is just perfect and makes the whole chapter flow so effortlessly. The cliff hanger just leaves you wanting more. Definitely want more. This was fabulous. Missed the toothy boys XD
no subject
Date: 2014-09-04 12:47 am (UTC)Thank you :) He's still a fiery redhead but he has realized that he's definitely not as tough as he used to believe. Asagi is wonderful and perfectly content to answer Tsune's many questions.
Hehe I had to include that.
It is his one chance to talk to a vampire so naturally he's curious to know what vampires are really like. Also Asagi has a calming nature. As for the cliffhanger if I have any time at work I'll try writing some more of Chapter 4. Aw my toothy boys. They missed the attention lol
no subject
Date: 2014-08-13 10:29 pm (UTC)Yes, very evil of you for that cliffhanger haha.
I hope Jui is okay T__T What did Jin do?!
<3 loved.
no subject
Date: 2014-09-04 12:48 am (UTC)But needed!
Oh you'll find out in Chapter 4. My stupid job is exhausting so I usually don't have the energy to write or do anything by the time I finally get home. Maybe on the weekends I can get things typed up