When Nightmares Become Reality 5/6
Oct. 27th, 2014 03:32 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, angst
Warning: Mentions of rape and murder, psychological abuse, some violence.
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, psychological abuse, some violence.
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: 5/6
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: Work has been so busy this month I just don't have the time or energy to write. I have Chapter 6 typed up so I'll shoot for editing tonight and posting tomorrow. I ended up writing i6 chapters so once again changing the chapter count. Thank you everyone for your patience!
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: Work has been so busy this month I just don't have the time or energy to write. I have Chapter 6 typed up so I'll shoot for editing tonight and posting tomorrow. I ended up writing i6 chapters so once again changing the chapter count. Thank you everyone for your patience!
Asagi had just finished explaining what happened, leaving a troubled Tsunehito to drink his tea. To answer his question, yes, vampires could speak with their minds although a long distance “vampire call” could be difficult or impossible depending on how far apart the vampires were. Their ability to use telepathy was intriguing but it disturbed him to know that Jin could use it to his advantage. Could manipulate someone’s mind, forcing them to experience their worst memories…
“Does that mean Jin… and other vampires… can bend a human to their will?” the redhead asked, biting his lip at the thought of Jin forcing him into wanting to have sex with him by using mental strength. Being physically forced into sex would be traumatic enough but to be utterly unable to resist the compulsion to drop his pants or get on his knees for Jin… Merely envisioning it made Tsunehito feel sick to his stomach. Had Jin that to others like him?
Asagi sighed. “Yes, it is in our power to do so. Some of my kind use it to their advantage while others merely erase the memories of our bite.”
The redhead shuddered violently. This was so disturbing… Although, now that he knew what lurked in the dark, he wondered if ignorance truly was bliss. Would he go back to not knowing that vampires were real? He wasn’t sure and wished he could talk to Hide-Zou about this. If he told Hide-Zou about vampires, would he believe Tsunehito? A troubling question but as Tsunehito looked at Asagi he realized that no, he didn’t want to forget this. He never wanted to forget learning the truth. Did he have a choice in the matter though? “Don’t make me forget anything,” he said fiercely then flushed. He should’ve spoken politely instead of commanding Asagi to do anything.
The vampire looked startled then smiled. “I give you my word that I will not tamper with your mind or your memory.” Sincerity shone in his eyes and radiated from his tone. Asagi wouldn’t break his promise. Would others though?
“Asagi,” Tsunehito said quietly. The teacup rattled loudly on his plate as his fingers started to tremble. He sighed and set the mug and saucer down on the coffee table then looked up at the vampire again. Asagi watched him with patient eyes, making him grateful that out of all the vampires he could have been rescued by—as much as the thought irked him—that it was this kind, gentle, and patient vampire who had stepped in to protect him. Would another vampire have answered his many questions? Offered him food, shelter, and a change of clothes? Vowed to leave Tsunehito’s thoughts and memories alone? Again he could only be grateful that Asagi had stepped in before Jin could have his way with him. Realizing he’d just been staring at the vampire while lost in thought, he blushed and sat up straighter. “Jin is still out there so what… what should I do?” he hated the catch in his voice, how he asked for orders rather than advice. “What should I do” was no longer an appropriate question. Tsunehito was out of his league here and as the only supernatural being in the room, he trusted Asagi’s judgment.
“Stay here until Jin is dead.” Asagi held up his hand to silence Tsunehito when he opened his mouth to protest. “I sincerely hope that he will be eliminated tonight but he is wily and this isn’t the first time he’s eluded his death sentence. I cannot predict the future so you could very well be here for several nights. I understand this isn’t a situation you enjoy but better to be here and alive than outside where you are an easy target.” Asagi brushed his long hair back then continued. “Do not go out at night by yourself. Ideally, avoid going out at night at all. Jin has little care for secrecy and there’s no way of knowing if he or one of his supporters would seize you while your escort’s back was turned.”
Tsunehito frowned as he listened. Asagi was right but to be stuck like this… it sucked. “I can go out during the day though, right?” Sunlight would fry a vampire so he should be safe.
“Yes, but I advise you not to leave during cloudy days. The sun holds a vampire prisoner but if the sun is obscured…” he trailed off with a soft sigh. “Do you work tomorrow?”
Tsunehito shook his head. Tomorrow was his day off which would apparently be spent under house arrest. “I can’t just skip work for the rest of the week though,” he protested before Asagi had a chance to speak. He had bills to pay and those required money which required a job.
“Do you value your paycheck more than your life?”
Tsunehito bit his lip as he remembered Jin pinning him to the wall. Asagi’s revelation about what Jin had done to Jui and to his other victims. Bills were important, yes, but not worth dying for. “My life of course.”
“Unlike Ruiza, I do not spend money like water so if you’re concerned about the dip in your pay I have more than enough to make it up.”
Tsunehito had been on his own financially for years. He wasn’t a charity case and if he couldn’t work for a while then he’d stick to a strict budget, limit his spending, and make due until next payday. His pride had already suffered enough what with being the damsel in distress so accepting Asagi’s money would be another nail in the coffin for his dignity. “I appreciate your offer but you’ve already done enough for me.”
Asagi’s laughter startled him. “So young but already so stubborn. Very well, I can’t force you to take my money but I do encourage you to follow the rest of my advice.”
“So, uh, guess I’m calling in sick tomorrow?”
Asagi inclined his head in agreement.
Tsunehito toyed with the hem of Ruiza’s shirt. “What about you and I staying at my place?” If Asagi was going to take blood from him he would have done so already. Inviting the vampire into his apartment would be safe since Tsunehito knew Asagi would protect him from all harm and would never hurt him. “For tomorrow night,” he added knowing they wouldn’t be leaving the house tonight.
“If that’s what you prefer,” Asagi said cautiously. “I warn you though that you can’t rescind your invitation once you’ve offered it.”
Tsunehito didn’t hesitate. “I trust you.”
This time it was Asagi’s turn to be surprised but then he smiled warmly. “If Jin still stalks the night tomorrow then we will return to your apartment.”
Relieved, Tsunehito slumped back against the couch only to sit up as a sudden panic swept over him. “Jin… he won’t use my friends as hostages to get to me, will he?” If Hide-Zou was hurt because of him…
Asagi’s eyes darkened. “He might but I guarantee your friend Hide-Zou is safe. I’m unable to guarantee the safety of your other friends though.”
“How do you know Zou?” Tsunehito asked, startled by that revelation. Most of Hide-Zou’s friends were friends with the redhead too, and they often joked that the two were a matched set. Befriend one and you’d wind up befriending the other.
Asagi chuckled. “I don’t know him personally but we have a mutual friend.”
The redhead blinked. Who could that mutual friend be? As if on cue he remembered their last pizza and vampire movie night where Hide-Zou had asked him about whether vampires could be real. Tsunehito, so ignorant a few days ago, had laughed off his best friend’s suspicious. “…Is it Hiroki and is he a vampire?”
Surprise crossed Asagi’s features again. “Both are correct. How did you know?”
“Zou’s the one who guessed. He thought Hiroki could be a vampire… I didn’t believe him at the time but now that I’m talking to one,” he sighed softly, “I'm really eating my words.” Asagi’s conformation gave him hope that he’d be able to talk to Hide-Zou about vampires. Tell him they were real and that he’d been right all along about Hiroki. “He’s smarter than I gave him credit for,” the redhead said only to quickly amend that statement, “I’m not saying he’s stupid! Just that I never thought he could be right about Hiroki.”
Asagi laughed softly. “He was but don’t spoil Hiroki’s secret. If you are as perceptive as I believe you are then you would know that Hiroki has feelings for Hide-Zou.” He waited for confirmation then continued once Tsunehito had nodded. “Hiroki is very taken with him so having someone out his secret to the object of his desires isn’t conducive to the chance to start a relationship.”
Tsunehito promised he wouldn’t tell although he felt a pang in his heart about having to keep additional secrets from Hide-Zou. Asagi was right though about the redhead needing to let Hiroki deal with his own love life. He was probably waiting for the right time to tell Hide-Zou about himself so forcing his hand would be rude. Or blow his chances entirely…
As the tension seeped from his body knowing that Hide-Zou was safe (since Jin was most likely to use the brunette against Tsunehito because of their closeness) the redhead suddenly found himself exhausted. It’d been a busy day at work so add that to all of tonight’s emotions and revelations that it was no wonder he was so tired.
“Sleep if you’d like. I guarantee that you’re safe here,” Asagi said as he gave the redhead a kind smile, “if you’d like to freshen up first I’ll show you to the bathroom.”
Deciding he’d like that, Tsunehito nodded. “Please.” He tended to shower after work anyway to get the reek of cigarette smoke off his body. Such a foul-smelling habit and one he outright refused to participate in. Or so much as kiss a smoker. “Thank you for everything.”
“You’re welcome.”
Asagi led him out of the living room and down the hallway to a large bathroom with a deep, Jacuzzi style bathtub and a walk-in shower in the corner that could comfortably fit two or even three people. Glass sliding doors formed two of the shower walls. Shelves were built into the wall by the bathtub where Tsunehito could see bath salts, scents, bubbles, bath beads, even some rubber duckies. A large pink one with roses on it had him giving Asagi a questioning look.
Asagi flushed. “Ruiza gave it to me because of the rose pattern.”
Tsunehito smiled. “It’s cute.” There was something bizarrely adorable about a vampire having a small collection of rubber ducks. “Guessing your bath products are rose scented too?” Fortunately he liked roses. He’d be in trouble otherwise since Asagi was clearly fond of the flower and its fragrance.
“Some of my towels too,” the vampire chuckled. “Let me get you a toothbrush and a towel.” He left Tsunehito in the bathroom.
Yawning, the redhead tucked his hair behind his ears. If Asagi said he was safe here then he definitely believed him. For now all he could do was take a nice, hot shower then collapse into bed. Hoping that this whole mess would be resolved tomorrow night. Maybe. Hopefully. He wanted Jin dead so he could have his safety and his independence back. Deal with regular perverts at the bar instead of twisted, sadistic vampires.
At least he was safe here.
Despite Asagi’s promise of safety, Tsunehito’s slumber was far from peaceful. Jin stalked his nightmares just as he did in reality. After the third dream starring the vampire he gave up on sleeping. A quick look out the curtains showed that dawn was just beginning to brighten the sky. Absently he realized sleep was one question he’d failed to ask Asagi. Did the sun put vampires to sleep or could they be awake during the day? He was curious to find out and since sleep wasn’t going to happen he rolled out of bed to look for Asagi. That resolve faded as he realized he might end up barging in on a sleeping vampire. Not a good idea… he should probably just leave Asagi alone. Hadn’t he pestered him enough already with all his questions? The redhead decided to head to the kitchen and brew himself some coffee. Asagi had tea so surely he had coffee too. He was pleased to find that there was, in fact, coffee. As he set the coffee maker to brew he pulled the kitchen curtains back to look outside. The sky was overcast but for a few patches of blue sky. Would the hunt for Jin continue during the day or would it be too much of a risk?
“You can’t sleep?”
Tsunehito started violently at Asagi’s question and quickly closed the curtains. He turned to see the vampire simply dressed in lounge pants and a white shirt with black cats printed on it. The outfit made him smile. Were other vampires this good at being adorable or was that a skill that only Asagi possessed?
“I… kept having nightmares,” the redhead said quietly. “So I gave up on sleeping. Er, sorry for using your coffee maker. I should’ve asked but I didn’t know if you were sleeping or not.” Seeing Asagi awake during the day answered his question about vampire sleeping habits.
Asagi chuckled. “Don’t worry about it. I imagine I’ll need a few cups myself to help me stay awake.”
The curious part of Tsunehito’s brain jumped at the chance to ask more. How did coffee affect a vampire? Could they get addicted to caffeine? Did vampires get insomnia? How much coffee did a vampire need to ward off the daylight drowsiness? He’d pestered Asagi enough with his questions earlier so would try to keep his curiosity to himself. For now. “You’re staying awake because of me, aren’t you.”
Asagi inclined his head. “Yes. It’s to ensure that if Jin does come here, you won’t be unguarded. I’m quite sure that Jin would never do something so idiotic though. He’s a survivor; he wouldn’t risk his life in such a drastic manner.”
The beeping coffee maker stopped Tsunehito from replying. He poured them each a mug of coffee, handing Asagi’s to him and thanking him again for everything. “Well since neither of us will be sleeping do you want to watch a movie? Or some TV?” Maybe they could have some popcorn later too.
“I’d like that.”
*
By the time evening reached the city both were exhausted and on edge. The weather had been fickle, sometimes pelting the ground with sheets of rain from the gloomy sky and other times the sun fought through the clouds to shine down. Neither mentioned that this was a day where a vampire could risk moving around during the daylight hours. Tsunehito was paranoid about Jin coming for him so stuck to Asagi like glue. The redhead yawned then rubbed his eyes as he glanced over at Asagi. They had just finished watching another movie and Tsunehito was ready to do something else. Ideally go back to his apartment but that was something he’d leave up to Asagi. Deferring to others normally irked him but not in a situation where his life depended on it. Like his job… he still wasn’t thrilled about having to take time off but Asagi had been right when he asked Tsunehito what was more important.
“Um, Asagi,” the redhead glanced to the vampire, “do you think it’s safe to go to my apartment? Or at least to a restaurant?” he added in case the first was deemed too dangerous. He really hoped that wouldn’t be the situation. Asagi had a beautiful home and plenty of movies but Tsunehito wasn’t interested in staying inside and watching TV all day. He was also starting to get hungry. Sure, he could order takeout like he’d done for lunch but it’d be nice to get out and go somewhere.
Asagi seemed not to have heard him since his fingers were frozen on the remote in his lap. Tsunehito was about to repeat his question then recalled vampire telepathy (“vampire cell phone” he’d jokingly called it earlier when Asagi had contacted some other vampire whose name Tsunehito had forgotten). Asagi dropped the remote and stood. He walked to the door and threw it open to reveal Ruiza and another vampire with a pretty face and blonde and brown hair. The other vampire’s shirt was torn, there was a nasty looking burn on his neck and on his wrist, and there were bloodstains on his shirt and jeans. Ruiza was in better condition although there was blood on his shirt and in his hair. “You absolute fools,” Asagi hissed, seizing the pair and pulling them into a fierce embrace. Tsunehito watched, feeling confused. Who was the other vampire? What was going on? Did the blood on their clothes mean Jin was dead? Why was Asagi angry though? Also the sun hadn’t set that long ago so surely that wasn’t enough time to find and defeat Jin…
“You were out during the day,” Tsunehito whispered, stunned that they would take such a risk. Sure he’d considered the possibility of it happening what with the changing weather but hadn’t voiced it to Asagi since it seemed too farfetched. He flushed as the more battered vampire glanced over Asagi’s shoulder to meet his gaze. It was easy to tell that he was young for a vampire since his eyes didn’t hold the same age and wisdom that Asagi’s did. Tsunehito was curious to know his age. And who the hell he was. Obviously someone close to Asagi to be hugged so tightly.
“We were,” he replied, squirming in Asagi’s embrace. “Ruiza and I decided it was a necessary risk.”
“Which it absolutely was not!” the black-haired vampire seethed.
The younger vampire ignored Asagi’s complaint. “Jin is finally dead and had Ruiza and I waited until nightfall, we wouldn’t have been able to get to him in time! You know we couldn’t lose sight of him again.”
“You could have been killed though!” Asagi snapped. “You were so reckless it makes me sick to imagine the danger you two put yourselves in. You aren’t new vampires so you should know better! Especially you, MiA.” He released Ruiza but not MiA pushing the blonde and brunette out to arms length. “How could you do this to Hakuei?” he asked softly. “How could you risk being out in the day especially after what happened to Kana? If Hakuei lost you too…” he trailed off and sighed, dropping his arms back to his sides.
Asagi’s words piqued Tsunehito’s curiosity again. Hakuei was obviously MiA’s lover but who was Kana? He couldn’t hide a smile as he noticed Ruiza attempting to take advantage of Asagi’s preoccupation with MiA to sneak down the hallway.
“Don’t think I have finished lecturing you, Ruiza,” Asagi said sharply making Ruiza start then freeze and look like a guilty child. Tsunehito snorted in laughter then covered his mouth as MiA arched an eyebrow at him. Well how could he not laugh at seeing two vampires getting scolded like misbehaving children? Asagi either hadn’t heard him or, more likely, chose not to respond as he grabbed MiA and Ruiza and marched them down the hallway to what Tsunehito assumed was the bathroom to get them cleaned up and in MiA’s case patched up. He decided he might as well brew another pot of coffee as the four of them could probably use it although in Ruiza and MiA’s case maybe they’d prefer alcohol. At least he knew Jin was dead and could never, ever trouble him again.
It felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders to know that.
“Does that mean Jin… and other vampires… can bend a human to their will?” the redhead asked, biting his lip at the thought of Jin forcing him into wanting to have sex with him by using mental strength. Being physically forced into sex would be traumatic enough but to be utterly unable to resist the compulsion to drop his pants or get on his knees for Jin… Merely envisioning it made Tsunehito feel sick to his stomach. Had Jin that to others like him?
Asagi sighed. “Yes, it is in our power to do so. Some of my kind use it to their advantage while others merely erase the memories of our bite.”
The redhead shuddered violently. This was so disturbing… Although, now that he knew what lurked in the dark, he wondered if ignorance truly was bliss. Would he go back to not knowing that vampires were real? He wasn’t sure and wished he could talk to Hide-Zou about this. If he told Hide-Zou about vampires, would he believe Tsunehito? A troubling question but as Tsunehito looked at Asagi he realized that no, he didn’t want to forget this. He never wanted to forget learning the truth. Did he have a choice in the matter though? “Don’t make me forget anything,” he said fiercely then flushed. He should’ve spoken politely instead of commanding Asagi to do anything.
The vampire looked startled then smiled. “I give you my word that I will not tamper with your mind or your memory.” Sincerity shone in his eyes and radiated from his tone. Asagi wouldn’t break his promise. Would others though?
“Asagi,” Tsunehito said quietly. The teacup rattled loudly on his plate as his fingers started to tremble. He sighed and set the mug and saucer down on the coffee table then looked up at the vampire again. Asagi watched him with patient eyes, making him grateful that out of all the vampires he could have been rescued by—as much as the thought irked him—that it was this kind, gentle, and patient vampire who had stepped in to protect him. Would another vampire have answered his many questions? Offered him food, shelter, and a change of clothes? Vowed to leave Tsunehito’s thoughts and memories alone? Again he could only be grateful that Asagi had stepped in before Jin could have his way with him. Realizing he’d just been staring at the vampire while lost in thought, he blushed and sat up straighter. “Jin is still out there so what… what should I do?” he hated the catch in his voice, how he asked for orders rather than advice. “What should I do” was no longer an appropriate question. Tsunehito was out of his league here and as the only supernatural being in the room, he trusted Asagi’s judgment.
“Stay here until Jin is dead.” Asagi held up his hand to silence Tsunehito when he opened his mouth to protest. “I sincerely hope that he will be eliminated tonight but he is wily and this isn’t the first time he’s eluded his death sentence. I cannot predict the future so you could very well be here for several nights. I understand this isn’t a situation you enjoy but better to be here and alive than outside where you are an easy target.” Asagi brushed his long hair back then continued. “Do not go out at night by yourself. Ideally, avoid going out at night at all. Jin has little care for secrecy and there’s no way of knowing if he or one of his supporters would seize you while your escort’s back was turned.”
Tsunehito frowned as he listened. Asagi was right but to be stuck like this… it sucked. “I can go out during the day though, right?” Sunlight would fry a vampire so he should be safe.
“Yes, but I advise you not to leave during cloudy days. The sun holds a vampire prisoner but if the sun is obscured…” he trailed off with a soft sigh. “Do you work tomorrow?”
Tsunehito shook his head. Tomorrow was his day off which would apparently be spent under house arrest. “I can’t just skip work for the rest of the week though,” he protested before Asagi had a chance to speak. He had bills to pay and those required money which required a job.
“Do you value your paycheck more than your life?”
Tsunehito bit his lip as he remembered Jin pinning him to the wall. Asagi’s revelation about what Jin had done to Jui and to his other victims. Bills were important, yes, but not worth dying for. “My life of course.”
“Unlike Ruiza, I do not spend money like water so if you’re concerned about the dip in your pay I have more than enough to make it up.”
Tsunehito had been on his own financially for years. He wasn’t a charity case and if he couldn’t work for a while then he’d stick to a strict budget, limit his spending, and make due until next payday. His pride had already suffered enough what with being the damsel in distress so accepting Asagi’s money would be another nail in the coffin for his dignity. “I appreciate your offer but you’ve already done enough for me.”
Asagi’s laughter startled him. “So young but already so stubborn. Very well, I can’t force you to take my money but I do encourage you to follow the rest of my advice.”
“So, uh, guess I’m calling in sick tomorrow?”
Asagi inclined his head in agreement.
Tsunehito toyed with the hem of Ruiza’s shirt. “What about you and I staying at my place?” If Asagi was going to take blood from him he would have done so already. Inviting the vampire into his apartment would be safe since Tsunehito knew Asagi would protect him from all harm and would never hurt him. “For tomorrow night,” he added knowing they wouldn’t be leaving the house tonight.
“If that’s what you prefer,” Asagi said cautiously. “I warn you though that you can’t rescind your invitation once you’ve offered it.”
Tsunehito didn’t hesitate. “I trust you.”
This time it was Asagi’s turn to be surprised but then he smiled warmly. “If Jin still stalks the night tomorrow then we will return to your apartment.”
Relieved, Tsunehito slumped back against the couch only to sit up as a sudden panic swept over him. “Jin… he won’t use my friends as hostages to get to me, will he?” If Hide-Zou was hurt because of him…
Asagi’s eyes darkened. “He might but I guarantee your friend Hide-Zou is safe. I’m unable to guarantee the safety of your other friends though.”
“How do you know Zou?” Tsunehito asked, startled by that revelation. Most of Hide-Zou’s friends were friends with the redhead too, and they often joked that the two were a matched set. Befriend one and you’d wind up befriending the other.
Asagi chuckled. “I don’t know him personally but we have a mutual friend.”
The redhead blinked. Who could that mutual friend be? As if on cue he remembered their last pizza and vampire movie night where Hide-Zou had asked him about whether vampires could be real. Tsunehito, so ignorant a few days ago, had laughed off his best friend’s suspicious. “…Is it Hiroki and is he a vampire?”
Surprise crossed Asagi’s features again. “Both are correct. How did you know?”
“Zou’s the one who guessed. He thought Hiroki could be a vampire… I didn’t believe him at the time but now that I’m talking to one,” he sighed softly, “I'm really eating my words.” Asagi’s conformation gave him hope that he’d be able to talk to Hide-Zou about vampires. Tell him they were real and that he’d been right all along about Hiroki. “He’s smarter than I gave him credit for,” the redhead said only to quickly amend that statement, “I’m not saying he’s stupid! Just that I never thought he could be right about Hiroki.”
Asagi laughed softly. “He was but don’t spoil Hiroki’s secret. If you are as perceptive as I believe you are then you would know that Hiroki has feelings for Hide-Zou.” He waited for confirmation then continued once Tsunehito had nodded. “Hiroki is very taken with him so having someone out his secret to the object of his desires isn’t conducive to the chance to start a relationship.”
Tsunehito promised he wouldn’t tell although he felt a pang in his heart about having to keep additional secrets from Hide-Zou. Asagi was right though about the redhead needing to let Hiroki deal with his own love life. He was probably waiting for the right time to tell Hide-Zou about himself so forcing his hand would be rude. Or blow his chances entirely…
As the tension seeped from his body knowing that Hide-Zou was safe (since Jin was most likely to use the brunette against Tsunehito because of their closeness) the redhead suddenly found himself exhausted. It’d been a busy day at work so add that to all of tonight’s emotions and revelations that it was no wonder he was so tired.
“Sleep if you’d like. I guarantee that you’re safe here,” Asagi said as he gave the redhead a kind smile, “if you’d like to freshen up first I’ll show you to the bathroom.”
Deciding he’d like that, Tsunehito nodded. “Please.” He tended to shower after work anyway to get the reek of cigarette smoke off his body. Such a foul-smelling habit and one he outright refused to participate in. Or so much as kiss a smoker. “Thank you for everything.”
“You’re welcome.”
Asagi led him out of the living room and down the hallway to a large bathroom with a deep, Jacuzzi style bathtub and a walk-in shower in the corner that could comfortably fit two or even three people. Glass sliding doors formed two of the shower walls. Shelves were built into the wall by the bathtub where Tsunehito could see bath salts, scents, bubbles, bath beads, even some rubber duckies. A large pink one with roses on it had him giving Asagi a questioning look.
Asagi flushed. “Ruiza gave it to me because of the rose pattern.”
Tsunehito smiled. “It’s cute.” There was something bizarrely adorable about a vampire having a small collection of rubber ducks. “Guessing your bath products are rose scented too?” Fortunately he liked roses. He’d be in trouble otherwise since Asagi was clearly fond of the flower and its fragrance.
“Some of my towels too,” the vampire chuckled. “Let me get you a toothbrush and a towel.” He left Tsunehito in the bathroom.
Yawning, the redhead tucked his hair behind his ears. If Asagi said he was safe here then he definitely believed him. For now all he could do was take a nice, hot shower then collapse into bed. Hoping that this whole mess would be resolved tomorrow night. Maybe. Hopefully. He wanted Jin dead so he could have his safety and his independence back. Deal with regular perverts at the bar instead of twisted, sadistic vampires.
At least he was safe here.
Despite Asagi’s promise of safety, Tsunehito’s slumber was far from peaceful. Jin stalked his nightmares just as he did in reality. After the third dream starring the vampire he gave up on sleeping. A quick look out the curtains showed that dawn was just beginning to brighten the sky. Absently he realized sleep was one question he’d failed to ask Asagi. Did the sun put vampires to sleep or could they be awake during the day? He was curious to find out and since sleep wasn’t going to happen he rolled out of bed to look for Asagi. That resolve faded as he realized he might end up barging in on a sleeping vampire. Not a good idea… he should probably just leave Asagi alone. Hadn’t he pestered him enough already with all his questions? The redhead decided to head to the kitchen and brew himself some coffee. Asagi had tea so surely he had coffee too. He was pleased to find that there was, in fact, coffee. As he set the coffee maker to brew he pulled the kitchen curtains back to look outside. The sky was overcast but for a few patches of blue sky. Would the hunt for Jin continue during the day or would it be too much of a risk?
“You can’t sleep?”
Tsunehito started violently at Asagi’s question and quickly closed the curtains. He turned to see the vampire simply dressed in lounge pants and a white shirt with black cats printed on it. The outfit made him smile. Were other vampires this good at being adorable or was that a skill that only Asagi possessed?
“I… kept having nightmares,” the redhead said quietly. “So I gave up on sleeping. Er, sorry for using your coffee maker. I should’ve asked but I didn’t know if you were sleeping or not.” Seeing Asagi awake during the day answered his question about vampire sleeping habits.
Asagi chuckled. “Don’t worry about it. I imagine I’ll need a few cups myself to help me stay awake.”
The curious part of Tsunehito’s brain jumped at the chance to ask more. How did coffee affect a vampire? Could they get addicted to caffeine? Did vampires get insomnia? How much coffee did a vampire need to ward off the daylight drowsiness? He’d pestered Asagi enough with his questions earlier so would try to keep his curiosity to himself. For now. “You’re staying awake because of me, aren’t you.”
Asagi inclined his head. “Yes. It’s to ensure that if Jin does come here, you won’t be unguarded. I’m quite sure that Jin would never do something so idiotic though. He’s a survivor; he wouldn’t risk his life in such a drastic manner.”
The beeping coffee maker stopped Tsunehito from replying. He poured them each a mug of coffee, handing Asagi’s to him and thanking him again for everything. “Well since neither of us will be sleeping do you want to watch a movie? Or some TV?” Maybe they could have some popcorn later too.
“I’d like that.”
*
By the time evening reached the city both were exhausted and on edge. The weather had been fickle, sometimes pelting the ground with sheets of rain from the gloomy sky and other times the sun fought through the clouds to shine down. Neither mentioned that this was a day where a vampire could risk moving around during the daylight hours. Tsunehito was paranoid about Jin coming for him so stuck to Asagi like glue. The redhead yawned then rubbed his eyes as he glanced over at Asagi. They had just finished watching another movie and Tsunehito was ready to do something else. Ideally go back to his apartment but that was something he’d leave up to Asagi. Deferring to others normally irked him but not in a situation where his life depended on it. Like his job… he still wasn’t thrilled about having to take time off but Asagi had been right when he asked Tsunehito what was more important.
“Um, Asagi,” the redhead glanced to the vampire, “do you think it’s safe to go to my apartment? Or at least to a restaurant?” he added in case the first was deemed too dangerous. He really hoped that wouldn’t be the situation. Asagi had a beautiful home and plenty of movies but Tsunehito wasn’t interested in staying inside and watching TV all day. He was also starting to get hungry. Sure, he could order takeout like he’d done for lunch but it’d be nice to get out and go somewhere.
Asagi seemed not to have heard him since his fingers were frozen on the remote in his lap. Tsunehito was about to repeat his question then recalled vampire telepathy (“vampire cell phone” he’d jokingly called it earlier when Asagi had contacted some other vampire whose name Tsunehito had forgotten). Asagi dropped the remote and stood. He walked to the door and threw it open to reveal Ruiza and another vampire with a pretty face and blonde and brown hair. The other vampire’s shirt was torn, there was a nasty looking burn on his neck and on his wrist, and there were bloodstains on his shirt and jeans. Ruiza was in better condition although there was blood on his shirt and in his hair. “You absolute fools,” Asagi hissed, seizing the pair and pulling them into a fierce embrace. Tsunehito watched, feeling confused. Who was the other vampire? What was going on? Did the blood on their clothes mean Jin was dead? Why was Asagi angry though? Also the sun hadn’t set that long ago so surely that wasn’t enough time to find and defeat Jin…
“You were out during the day,” Tsunehito whispered, stunned that they would take such a risk. Sure he’d considered the possibility of it happening what with the changing weather but hadn’t voiced it to Asagi since it seemed too farfetched. He flushed as the more battered vampire glanced over Asagi’s shoulder to meet his gaze. It was easy to tell that he was young for a vampire since his eyes didn’t hold the same age and wisdom that Asagi’s did. Tsunehito was curious to know his age. And who the hell he was. Obviously someone close to Asagi to be hugged so tightly.
“We were,” he replied, squirming in Asagi’s embrace. “Ruiza and I decided it was a necessary risk.”
“Which it absolutely was not!” the black-haired vampire seethed.
The younger vampire ignored Asagi’s complaint. “Jin is finally dead and had Ruiza and I waited until nightfall, we wouldn’t have been able to get to him in time! You know we couldn’t lose sight of him again.”
“You could have been killed though!” Asagi snapped. “You were so reckless it makes me sick to imagine the danger you two put yourselves in. You aren’t new vampires so you should know better! Especially you, MiA.” He released Ruiza but not MiA pushing the blonde and brunette out to arms length. “How could you do this to Hakuei?” he asked softly. “How could you risk being out in the day especially after what happened to Kana? If Hakuei lost you too…” he trailed off and sighed, dropping his arms back to his sides.
Asagi’s words piqued Tsunehito’s curiosity again. Hakuei was obviously MiA’s lover but who was Kana? He couldn’t hide a smile as he noticed Ruiza attempting to take advantage of Asagi’s preoccupation with MiA to sneak down the hallway.
“Don’t think I have finished lecturing you, Ruiza,” Asagi said sharply making Ruiza start then freeze and look like a guilty child. Tsunehito snorted in laughter then covered his mouth as MiA arched an eyebrow at him. Well how could he not laugh at seeing two vampires getting scolded like misbehaving children? Asagi either hadn’t heard him or, more likely, chose not to respond as he grabbed MiA and Ruiza and marched them down the hallway to what Tsunehito assumed was the bathroom to get them cleaned up and in MiA’s case patched up. He decided he might as well brew another pot of coffee as the four of them could probably use it although in Ruiza and MiA’s case maybe they’d prefer alcohol. At least he knew Jin was dead and could never, ever trouble him again.
It felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders to know that.
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no subject
Date: 2014-10-28 05:37 am (UTC)Have to love how sweet and kind Asagi is to Tsunehito. Poor princess having to be looked after, it's a blow to his independence and stubbornness :) And now he knows that Zou is dating a vampire. That's going to be a hard secret to keep but one Tsune can for love's sake.
It was so good to read the fang gang again. Miss those toothy boys and our feisty princess. Can't wait to read more <3
no subject
Date: 2014-12-26 02:38 pm (UTC)Yay for Jin being out of the way! Asagi is a sweetie but oh he can be VERY fussy. Well MiA is in quite a lot of trouble when he gets home so first he has to deal with fussy Asagi then Hakuei.
Asagi is so wonderful for Tsunehito. Definitely a huge blow for him but he's glad he has Asagi there for him. Hiroki and Zou aren't dating... yet. Tsune keeps trying to push them together. Definitely a hard secret to keep, but he knows he can do it.
I'm finally posting Chapter 6 :) Then I have a few one-shots that's mostly just Asagi and Tsunehito getting closer and exploring their relationship/each other. Also have one of him meeting Atsushi though I'm not sure about that one anymore...
no subject
Date: 2014-10-28 08:33 pm (UTC)I'm glad that Ruiza and Mia are okay, love how Asagi scolding them and Tsunehito's reaction was cute hehe.
Can't wait to see what happens next xD
no subject
Date: 2014-12-26 02:40 pm (UTC)Hakuei would go on a murderous rampage if MiA didn't return home safely. MiA and Ruiza took Jin on together so they were able to keep each other mostly safe. Tsunehito is deeply amused at seeing two vampires get fussed over
Posting Chapter 6 now!