o6. Promise to Keep
Title: Promise to Keep
Character(s): Ryeowook, Yesung, Kyuhyun
Rating: PG
Word Count: 5500
Summary: Sixth installment. There is a new pair in town, and they've come to collect. There's Real Plot at last!
References: Story Archive
The City greets them with a foreboding steel-gray sky, and the crisp, wintry air snaps at their coats in unwelcome. Not discouraged in the least, Ryeowook tucks his hands deeper into his pockets and lets the cold bite as much as it wants. The weather has been vicious since their arrival late last night, but the sun is supposed to come out in the afternoon. He's looking forward to that, and smiles up at the mass of clouds despite the wind howling down the narrow street. Snow is still piled upon the sidewalks from Christmas.
"I wasn't expecting the City to be so big," Ryeowook comments, leveling his gaze and glancing briefly to the side.
Yesung shrugs, his breath dissipating steady puffs. "I've never been here before, and we're not exactly influential in this area." His tone is so dry that Ryeowook laughs. There's only one influence in this place, and the rest of them keep their heads down.
"But when the cat's away..."
"We're not here for playing," he says mildly, almost bored. "Tip or no, we're in the middle of the lion's den. And it's a shitty lead, too."
Ryeowook lays a comforting hand on Yesung's sleeve. "He said he'd meet us when we got here. I'm sure there's more information he didn't want to share over the phone."
"He's probably just going to whine about his face some more," Yesung scoffs as they turn a corner, walking past a row of stores to the small coffee shop that is the designated meeting place. "You've never had to deal with him, but trust me, the guy is a useless little creep."
"I wouldn't say that - everyone has a use, even useless little creeps." Ryeowook flashes his teeth in a grin, and then sighs happily as they enter the café, warmly enveloped by heat and the scent of fresh coffee and pastries. "Mm... And isn't it hard enough to find latent talents? Any lead is better than none. Oh, those croissants look good."
Half an hour later, and no little creep in sight (useless, indeed). Ryeowook half-dozes in his seat by the window, chin propped in his hand. There's a rustle as Yesung picks up a newspaper and flips though it, and then taps Ryeowook's hand to get his attention. "Look. We're wasting time." Ryeowook blinks and focuses his eyes on the article held in front of his nose. When he recognizes the name, he grabs onto the paper with a cry of dismay.
"Our guy's dead?" He scans the print while worrying at his lip. "Christmas Eve, huh? That sucks."
"Sucks for us, you mean." Yesung slouches, and whatever grouchiness had been alleviated with food and drink was now back in full-force. "We have a vague location, a vague age range, and a vague physical description for this talent."
Ryeowook continues to stare at the article, ignoring the complications of their mission. "What do you suppose killed him? It doesn't say anything specific. You think..." He leans forward, voice lowered. "You think Shiwon found out?"
Yesung gives a small shake of his head. "When he's in residence, everyone stays good and quiet, and if he knew about us coming here he wouldn't have left again so soon. We better hope we're done before he gets back. It hasn't been long since the group in New Jersey was taken out."
Ryeowook grimaces at the mention of that disaster, though it happened before he was brought in. "If it wasn't him, then it was probably hunters. We should be careful."
"We should always be careful of hunters," Yesung reminds in a patient drawl, and grins when Ryeowook makes an exaggerated, 'I know, I know' gesture. "Anyway, it could've been them, though why they'd go after small-fry like him I can't guess. An unsuspecting human could've offed him for all I care. The fact is, we have a job to do, and very little information to go by."
"Age range puts him in either high school or college," Ryeowook points out helpfully. It's not like they can give up and go, so there's no use in being defeatist. "And we're already enrolled at - Arcadia, was it? - for our cover. We'll just start there."
* * * * *
They get lucky and find who they're looking for on the first day of the new semester. It's so convenient that Yesung is suspicious, but Ryeowook tells him not to look a gift horse in the mouth. "Have you ever been wrong before?" he asks while they stand in line in front of the Registrar's office, which took forever to find. He noticed a message on a bathroom wall that said the campus layout would have been better designed by a drunk monkey. Most students are making schedule changes, but they both need to turn in forms for their transfer credits.
"Never." Yesung continues to frown, eyes trained on the boy standing a few people ahead in the line. In a voice quieter than normal hearing would be able to pick up, he says, "He's the one, but it's definitely latent. Also-"
"Other vampires, I know." Ryeowook's lips barely move in an equally-soft reply. He may not possess the additional gifts of the natural-born, but his sense of smell is the same as any other vampire's. There's at least one distinctive mark-scent on their human target. His vision goes a tad unfocused when he narrows in on it, and Yesung nudges him forward when the line moves. The mark is unfamiliar, and it's not just a scent, actually, it's more like an impression on his senses. It's overwhelmingly sweet, vibrant, and not-so-innocently laced with steel. Soft, with sharp edges. Bright, and goes well with dark colors.
He hears a quick, "Thank you," and the boy is turning away from the desk. Ryeowook gets his first real look at him - tall and good-looking, with a narrow face and full mouth, and the two words he uttered hinted at a low, pleasant voice. It only takes a few seconds for him to pass by, but there's something nice about him that still has Ryeowook smiling by the time it's their turn to reach the desk.
He lucks out again in Psych101 that afternoon when he walks in and sees the boy sitting at the far side of the room, head turned to the window with a pen between his teeth. Ryeowook slides into the chair across from him, and finds out after the professor takes attendance that his name is Kyuhyun. Even if it wasn't the first day (when no material was covered), and even if he cared enough about the subject to pay attention, Ryeowook wouldn't have remembered anything else about the class.
It's easy to stop Kyuhyun at the end of the period, with several rows of desks in between them and the door where other students file out. "Excuse me," he begins, shouldering his bag and holding up the sheet of paper with his schedule on it. "I just transferred here. Can you tell me how to get to this building?" Not all his nervousness is feigned: he really has no clue what some of the buildings are named because their abbreviations are so weird.
"That's Madison Hall, it's... Um, actually, why don't I walk you there." Kyuhyun gives a lopsided grin. "You've probably noticed our campus makes no sense. Welcome to Arcadia."
At some point during their conversation, Ryeowook's relieved grin turns giddy and lasts for the rest of the day.
* * * * *
They spend a lot of time together after that, all three of them, and while getting close is part of the plan, Ryeowook thoroughly enjoys it. Yesung laughs often and more loudly in their little group, though he's still mission-oriented. "Don't be careless," the elder cautions one night during a study break. "I'm worried about these other vampires, especially the one he's obviously involved with."
"I know," Ryeoweook says with habitual patience, grown used to reaffirming things even when they're blatantly clear. He isn't careless at all. In fact, he has remarkable control for one so young, having been trained since he was found by their group at age nine. "Kyuhyun is always saying we should meet him, and we can't come up with excuses forever. Besides, if we can tag his I.D., I'm sure he's noticed ours. Even if we're not nearly so...clingy." He grins a bit when he says that, because it's impossible to not notice the mark-scent. Kyuhyun has a possessive boyfriend.
Yesung levels him with a flat stare, and Ryeowook mentally sighs at the warning he knows will come. Sources indicate that the possessive boyfriend could be trouble. "Sungmin Lee is well-known locally in both human and vampire circles, and he's been close to Shiwon for decades."
"And Shiwon is responsible for the Jersey incident, I remember." Ryeowook turns away so he doesn't have to see the look Yesung must be giving him. Instead, he cranes his neck to glimpse into the tiny kitchen of their off-campus apartment (the privacy is needed to conceal their dietary habits). "But it's been a few weeks. Shouldn't we try to stay ahead of the game? What if Sungmin starts looking in on us?"
"He'd have a hell of a time trying to find anything condemning." But there's a shadow of doubt in Yesung's eyes, evidence of living so many years with things to hide.
"We're still really suspicious if we avoid him. He's not a natural, so he won't find out about me. Unless I'm careless." Ryeowook tilts his chair back until he can see the fridge. In a bold show of his demonstrated carelessness, the door opens as if tugged by an invisible hand, and out floats an opaque plastic jug labeled 'pomegranate juice.' A glass from the cupboard is also levitated, the chilled blood poured (he keeps his eyes on the whole process just to make sure nothing spills, because he really doesn't want to get out of his chair), and his hand closes around the drink as the refrigerator door shuts.
"Show off," Yesung comments, rolling his eyes. After a considering pause, like he's weighing how much he wants to say whatever's on his mind, he adds, "He'd find out if he bit you."
Ryeowook doesn't think that remark deserves a reply. He wrinkles his nose in some distaste while he sips. He doesn't like drinking it cold and he's finicky about the flavor, but it's the only option for now.
"Fine, you've made your point and you're right." Yesung narrows his eyes as Ryeowook smiles into his glass. "This kid better have an impressive talent. All these complications are going to give me gray hairs."
"That would be a welcome change." This time he can't avoid the look and the astounded half-exclamation, half-sputter. Snickering, Ryeowook continues, "I've seen photos! Your style hasn't changed for the last fifty years. Come on, something new won't hurt." Laughing, he ducks the first pillow Yesung throws at him. The second one, he stops in midair and sends it back.
* * * * *
Their much-anticipated meeting with Sungmin is in a casual little Vietnamese restaurant in February, its tables sparsely populated. When Ryeowook arrives with Yesung in tow, he takes his first look at the other vampire, finally matching the strong impression to the flesh-and-blood person. He has a cute face, and his expression is welcoming without even a hint of malice. A soft, pink sweater with the Playboy rabbit emblazoned in white on the front heightens the cuteness while skewing any innocence. He's seated next to Kyuhyun, their arms barely touching, and the sheathed quality of his smile isn't a sign of trust so much as it's a dare.
Ryeowook's grin is harmlessly bland while stilted introductions are made and a waitress, a vampire by her scent, takes their beverage orders. While meeting Sungmin's pointed bright-eyed gaze, it occurs to Ryeowook that being innocuous isn't the only card they can play; instead of hiding the threat, he can just as well present a new one, something much more likely and artfully close to the truth.
Before he can plan his strategy, Sungmin weaves his fingers together and rests his chin on them, his eyes wide and his smile winsome from across the table. "It's wonderful to meet you at last, but I was so surprised when I found out. Kyuhyun seems to be surrounded by vampires."
He doesn't bother to lower his voice. Yesung freezes, and there's a crash on the floor when Ryeowook's glass slips from his hand (he has to stop himself from catching it with just a thought). Only afterwards do they realize that the other pair of customers have already left, and the restaurant is empty.
Kyuhyun is staring incredulously, from Sungmin to the others. "You guys are also-"
"Now, look." The waitress scowls, brushing hair from her face with one hand and gesturing to the spill with the other. All things considered, she's remarkably composed, and she addresses Sungmin with long-suffering indulgence. "That was uncalled for, Min. Don't bat those lashes at me, you sneak, that kind of stunt could get you in heaps of trouble. At your age, you should know better."
"Aw, be fair - I don't bring up your age, you shouldn't talk about mine," he replies with a familiar, easy grin, stirring his lemonade with the straw. "I promise to behave from now on." She scoffs to let him know how much she believes that, and then with a stern glare she goes to fetch a mop and broom.
Ryeowook twists his hands together anxiously on the table, gaze lowered. Most vampires who take public risks with their identities are not thought kindly of by their peers. Sungmin's withstanding popularity isn't an exaggeration, and neither is the City's independence from the Council. It's one thing to hear about such talk, but it's something else to witness the truth to the gossip. "I'm sorry," Ryeowook begins awkwardly, and Yesung's silence admits this is entirely his show. "It's not like we can go around revealing these things, or one of us would have said something. But I'm sorry I didn't tell you." He looks up, straight at Kyuhyun, imploring and hopeful with his fingers a nervous flutter of movement.
Kyuhyun only shakes his head, a tiny smile on his lips. He either doesn't notice or ignores Sungmin's carefully blank expression. "I understand. You don't need to apologize."
Ryeowook smiles in return, drops his gaze shyly and asks, "This doesn't change anything, does it?"
"Not a thing." He reaches out to give Ryeowook's clenched hands a reassuring pat. "I promise." With a turn of his wrist, Ryeowook reverses the hold and squeezes Kyuhyun's hand momentarily before sliding away. Ryeowook doesn't need heightened senses to recognize the animosity being directed at him from Sungmin's quarter.
He grins wider. "Thank you."
* * * * *
"I hope you know what you're doing," Yesung remarks once they're home.
"Me?" Ryeowook blinks innocently, shrugging out of his jacket and smoothing his wind-tousled hair. "I didn't do anything terrible."
Shaking his head, Yesung disappears into the kitchen for a real drink. His voice is somewhat muffled by the wall. "Sungmin is probably wishing you dead right now."
"I held Kyuhyun's hand for two seconds, and he thinks I'm out to steal his boyfriend." Ryeowook peeks around the corner to check that Yesung is pouring him a glass too.
The elder glances up. "Well, you kind of are. In a way."
"I know. Isn't it grand? Just not in the way he thinks. ...Probably."
"And that's where I worry."
"Don't." Ryeowook accepts his glass and sips at it delicately, grimacing at the taste. The refrigerated animal blood seems to get grosser by day. "Kyuhyun's friendly, but he only has eyes for Sungmin."
There's a pause while Yesung takes his time draining his glass, then immediately rinses it out in the sink. "That's nice, but if you wind up sobbing into your pillow with a broken heart, I reserve 'I told you so' rights."
Ryeowook looks down at the remaining blood he hasn't drunk, and wonders how angry Yesung would be if it was dumped over his head. On the other hand, there's also a slightly safer option. He narrows his eyes at the water running from the faucet, and the direction of the flow changes at a sharp angle to spray outward. Ryeowook wisely flees the scene while Yesung is in mid-turn.
* * * * *
Ryeowook's fingers move lightly over the keyboard, only partly concentrating on his playing. It's not a difficult piece, but he's easily immersed in Kyuhyun's rich, captivating vocals, despite the poor acoustics of his apartment. A practice room on campus would have produced better sound, but they were less comfortable, less private, and depressingly cave-like. His hands eventually still as Kyuhyun's last note trails to an end, and he lets out the breath he's been holding into the subsequent silence. Ryeowook leans back in the chair and lets his eyes fall half-shut, more than a little sorry to break the perfect quiet with even a soft comment.
"Your voice is wasted in a place like this."
Kyuhyun's laugh is a subdued, pleasant roll of sound that makes Ryeowook feel slightly wistful. If Yesung hadn't been in class, he'd be giving him one of those warning looks... Or maybe not. They both share an appreciation for music in general, their friend's voice in particular. Ryeowook knows Yesung is affected too, when Kyuhyun sings.
"Sungmin tells me that all the time," Kyuhyun admits, expression gentle, and Ryeowook lets out a half-hearted sigh. It's discouraging, that evident attachment, because it makes their job - his job - so much harder.
But he might as well get on with it, since Yesung agreed it was time. "Kyuhyun," he says, turning so he's seated sideways in the chair and gazing earnestly at the other boy. This is the important part. "You have talent, and talent should be encouraged, right? I'm not just talking about singing. I'm talking about..." Ryeowook gestures helplessly, because there's no way to explain without sounding a little bit mental.
With puzzlement clear on his features, Kyuhyun slowly moves to sit down on the bed so they're at eye level. "You're not going to make me guess, are you?" he asks with a nervous smile, and Ryeowook shakes his head, the fingers of his right hand tapping against the knuckles of his left.
"You have an ability, that you're unaware of. Most people are, and they'll live their whole lives without knowing. It's rare if it shows at all, and then it's..." He gives his head another shake, curt and almost vicious, veering away from that path. Seeing Kyuhyun's confusion, he tries again. "Things like telepathy, or psychokinesis, or clairvoyance - well, there are a lot of types. Natural-born vampires can detect them, even if they're latent. Yesung had you pegged right away."
"...Me? With something like-- like that?" There are the tell-tale signs of doubt: he's bordering on incredulity, a sneaking suspicion he's still skeptical enough to dismiss. When you can accept such a thing as vampires, though, everything else isn't much of a leap. In Ryeowook's experience, a demonstration usually helps.
With some effort, he holds up a hand, palm-down in midair. His fingers curl slightly so they're bent elegant and even, and one of them presses down. Behind him, a lone key flattens and middle C rings out. It's followed by the shift of his fingers and a matching chord, leading into a simple tune. His motion stops and so does the song.
Kyuhyun stares. "I couldn't do anything like that."
"Maybe not psychokinesis, but something like that, and since it's you, it's probably wondrous." He reaches out to grasp Kyuhyun's hand, holding tight. "You're special, and you deserve to be. I didn't think it was that great at first, but I learned, and then I was grateful."
His friend's expression has only become increasingly flummoxed since the beginning of their conversation. It would be funny if this wasn't so critical and nerve-wracking. "I don't think- Come on, I mean, you're one thing, you're already a vampire. That almost makes sense for you, but me..." He shrugs, grins a faltering grin. "I'm just human."
"So was I," Ryeowook insists, tugging on Kyuhyun's hand because he needs to understand and accept. "And my power manifested while I was still human. I was just a kid. It was horrible." Flatly, he makes the words surface in a detached recollection to get the point across. "People tend to get scared when objects fly around, and sometimes there are accidents and others get hurt. The only good thing that came out of it was that I was eventually found and trained. There are some who are never found, or it'll be too late and they're convinced they're crazy. Some die, or kill others by accident. Human beings aren't safe or mundane at all."
He rises so he can join Kyuhyun on the bed, leaning his weight on the other body beside him. Kyuhyun squeezes his hand, falling silent. Ryeowook can feel that he's shaking and rubs his cheek against Kyuhyun's shoulder, letting him have all the time he needs for the information to sink in. Eventually, Kyuhyun takes a deep breath. "So... What does this mean for me?"
"To be honest, you'd likely never have a related problem for the rest of your life. You might get headaches or have trouble with electronic devices, small stuff that doesn't have an impact in the long run. If it's going to show on a noticeable scale, it's usually when the person's younger." But it would be such a waste to ignore. He exhales slowly; he can't lie, even if it makes his case more difficult. Lying would only cause trouble later. Most people would simply jump at the chance for power, or they'd do it to be accepted. But Kyuhyun, damn it all, is happy where he's at.
Well, perhaps not completely happy, as deeply in love as he is with a vampire.
"In order for a latent talent to manifest," Ryeowook says while playing with an idea in his mind, "your brain needs a pretty severe shock."
"That sounds...dangerous," Kyuhyun comments, and there's really no way to console him because it's true.
"It can happen after an accident or some sort of trauma. Though in some cases, all it takes is adolescence to hit, and looking at any teenager, that's not surprising." He gets a chuckle with that part, enough encouragement to continue, "The surest way to have an ability show is by becoming a vampire. Dying is the pinnacle of extreme. Anything hidden will surface after that."
There's a long, long silence. Ryeowook knows he's asking a lot, and he knows why Kyuhyun will be disinclined to agree, but he also knows how he might be persuaded. At least he isn't being pushed away. "I... Ryeowook, that's kind of..."
"What do you have to lose?" he asks quietly, fingers still threaded with Kyuhyun's. "And what do you have to gain? At school, I thought it was strange, how you rarely interact with anyone but Yesung and I. Remember when Sungmin said you're surrounded by vampires? He's right, you know; you belong with us."
"It's not like that. I can't..." He looks helpless, and he's gripping Ryeowook's hand in the same message as before, this time in reverse. 'Please understand.' Ryeowook gets the sinking feeling he doesn't understand at all when Kyuhyun says, "Don't ask me to do it for Sungmin."
He sounds afraid, but for reasons Ryeowook can't comprehend. "Kyuhyun-"
"I can't do it. Thank you - for telling me - and I'm sorry. Are you... Is this going to be all right? With us, I mean. I'm really sorry, but I just can't." Every bit of him is so miserable that Ryeowook hugs him without hesitation, though he feels at a loss now himself.
"It's not a problem, don't worry." It will just cause more frustration on their end. Yesung's right - he'd better be worth it (no, Ryeowook knows he'll be worth it). "Um. But... Keep it a secret, will you? It's dangerous for everyone if word gets out." He feels Kyuhyun nod, so at least they're on the same page again.
Yesung's class has ended by the time Ryeowook returns to their place, and he walks in to the sound and smell of something in the microwave for dinner. The question, "How did it go?" floats from the kitchen, and when Ryeowook doesn't answer, Yesung appears around the corner. He takes one look, opens his mouth, and Ryeowook glares.
"My heart isn't broken, so don't say a word of 'I told you so'." He doesn't feel like sobbing into his pillow either, but he does end up sniffling a little into Yesung's shirt when he tells the whole story. Ryeowook supposes this what an unrequited love scene feels like, judging from the movies, and it's quite pathetic. He's sought out a few talents since his turning as a matter of course, and they usually inspire pity or disdain, if anything. None of them have been so significant to him. Kyuhyun is neither hurt, nor searching, nor ambitious; he's comfortably normal, and Ryeowook thinks that's something they need. He personally needs Kyuhyun to join them, he believes Yesung thinks so too, and why Kyuhyun doesn't realize it remains a mystery. Well, a Sungmin-related mystery, and Ryeowook just frowns. He didn't really have anything against the other vampire until tonight - he just wanted to make sure Sungmin didn't suspect them for the right reasons, but now he's grimly satisfied that Kyuhyun's boyfriend will be pissed over all the evident clinging.
* * * * *
Ryeowook is up late studying for a midterm the night when Kyuhyun knocks on their door. There's a wounded air about the boy as he stands uneasily in the entryway, apologizing for the inconvenient visit. His voice sounds thick, though his eyes are dry, and Ryeowook places a hand on his arm and draws him wordlessly inside. Yesung appears from the bedroom, sleep-rumpled and stifling a yawn, leaning against the wall while Ryeowook sits Kyuhyun down and asks what's wrong.
The question is enough of a push for him to take a deep breath and plunge. "I'll do it."
Something in Ryeowook's chest tightens and holds. "Are you sure?" He doesn't need to know why, and the pleading look Kyuhyun gives him suggests that he can't, or won't, explain anyway.
"Do you still want me to?"
"Of course we do." The plain relief on Kyuhyun's face makes the tightness unravel, and Ryeowook smiles a little for his benefit. He braces an elbow on the table and leans forward to take Kyuhyun's hand. "We want you with us, okay? I promise that won't change. Personally, it would take more than a crowbar to pry me away."
Magic words. The trust lights up Kyuhyun's expression, chasing away unwanted shadows, and a sliver of a grin appears when Yesung steps near to mess up his hair. "Me too," the vampire says, his fingers moving to rest on the back of Kyuhyun's neck and lingering before he walks away, cell phone in hand.
"He's going to call ahead and let the others know we're coming," Ryeowook explains, thumb rubbing circles into Kyuhyun's palm. Seeing Kyuhyun's puzzlement, he adds somewhat sheepishly, "We'll have to leave the City for a while. All three of us. Making vampires is technically illegal even though it happens... Well, not too often, but not rarely, either. It's especially risky if you have a latent talent."
Kyuhyun doesn't look thrilled by this part of the plan, but he doesn't take his hand from Ryeowook's - he's holding onto it like it's a lifeline. "Where are we going? And, um, what 'others'?"
This time, Ryeowook's smile is brilliant. "Others like us. There happens to be a place not far, it's in-state, and I guess it's like a school. I was trained there. There are a couple of them spread around the country in secret."
Kyuhyun's unblinking stare and eventual shrug seem to say, 'All right, a vampire school. Sure, why not?'
"It's not as strange as it sounds," Ryeowook assures him, laughing under his breath. "Some of the people there are human, particularly if they're young and their ability has already manifested. I was one of those, so I've lived half my life there. I wasn't turned until I was ready."
"How did you know you were ready?" Kyuyhyun asks, curious now, though still on the edge of his chair and probably making an effort to focus only on the present conversation. Ryeowook has decided not to pry, figuring it's better if his friend doesn't dwell and second-guess.
In answer to the question, he gestures with a hand and levitates a textbook off the table. "When my control was reliable. You can be pretty disoriented right after being turned - your body functions differently, your senses are enhanced, and if you have a psychic ability, suddenly it's let loose. People like us can be especially dangerous, both as vampires and humans, but vampires have that extra edge."
"And you're a danger to yourself, too," Kyuhyun observes, calm despite the worry crossing his features.
"Yes," Ryeowook replies honestly. There's no way around that - it's why training is essential. He wants to say Kyuhyun will be all right for sure, but he won't make promises he can't keep. All he can do is reach out and smooth his fingertips over the anxiety on Kyuhyun's face.
Soon Yesung is back and ushering them out the door to catch the bus. "Right now?" Kyuhyun is shocked into stillness while Yesung hooks his arm and Ryeowook's hands push gently at his back.
"Don't worry about school or your belongings, all of that will be taken care of. Do you have a reason to wait?"
There's a brief second where he continues to stand firm, shoulders stiff, heels in the carpet, a whirlwind of thoughts behind his surprised gaze. Ryeowook leans in, close enough that he might simply blow those thoughts away, when he feels the resistance leave Kyuhyun's body and they can lead him out the door.
The streets are desolate at this hour, but well-lit by lamps, stars, and the moon. Spring is approaching, stalking the remainder of winter's frost, and it's brisk enough that it's excusable for Ryeowook to thread an arm between Yesung's and Kyuhyun's and huddle warm between them. He grins openly, eyes dark and glinting when the light hits him, and they're walking at a fairly quick pace but he wants to run because that would be suitable for their sudden night flight. It's silly, but the elation is filling him to the brim.
The bus stop isn't too far, past a few more apartments and townhouses, and then around a construction area. There are some other people out - a woman hurrying anxiously from her car to her doorstep, a bunch of youths loitering beneath a crooked streetlamp, a pair of men nearing them on the sidewalk (one of them dragging his fingertips over the metal weave of the fence bordering the construction ground, making it rattle). They pass these two awkwardly, neither side inclined to separate and go around, so there's a jostling of elbows and an exchange of dirty looks.
The minor episode is just about over when one of the strangers, the bigger one (and both of them human), stops, turns, and calls out, "Wait."
Kyuhyun's step falters, but Ryeowook tugs him along, uninterested in a random thug.
"Wait," he hears again, sharp-cut and accompanied by steady footfalls. Kyuhyun is nervous on his one side, Yesung tense on the other, and then suddenly the elder vampire draws in a hiss of breath, sliding out of Ryeowook's grasp to face the human.
Yesung's eyes narrow as they size the person up, and the man does the same, flicking to Ryeowook and Kyuhyun as well. A crease forms on his brow and he points, singling Kyuhyun out. "You," he says, sounding equal parts puzzled and annoyed, "You're in bad company. I suggest beating it and forgetting about your two friends here."
"Excuse me-" Kyuhyun begins in an unusually cross tone, but Yesung cuts him off with a word.
"Hunter," he announces softly, but the sound carries and Ryeowook's fingers tighten on Kyuhyun's arm.
The man grins fiercely, whatever doubt there was in his reason for addressing them now gone. He starts to speak, but hardly gets a syllable out before his companion - his partner - rushes forward in the most reckless move Ryeowook's ever seen.
"Both of you, go," Yesung orders without turning around, meeting the attacker. The hunter is smaller, almost weak-looking, but he's fast and agile enough to not take much damage after being thrown off. When he steadies himself on his feet, his expression is feral and focused, and he goes in again.
Ryeowook hesitates, he can help-
"I can handle this," Yesung growls pointedly, in a tone Ryeowook rarely hears from him. "Go!"
And Ryeowook knows with an angry, grating feeling inside that his brand of help would give away more than they can risk revealing to hunters. He pulls Kyuhyun along to run.
end
Sapphy: kfjgskgdhsja. This? So frustrating. D:
Sy: With apologies to Sungmin: Happy birthday! Your boyfriend has just been pseudo-kidnapped. ... We are so sorry.
Character(s): Ryeowook, Yesung, Kyuhyun
Rating: PG
Word Count: 5500
Summary: Sixth installment. There is a new pair in town, and they've come to collect. There's Real Plot at last!
References: Story Archive
The City greets them with a foreboding steel-gray sky, and the crisp, wintry air snaps at their coats in unwelcome. Not discouraged in the least, Ryeowook tucks his hands deeper into his pockets and lets the cold bite as much as it wants. The weather has been vicious since their arrival late last night, but the sun is supposed to come out in the afternoon. He's looking forward to that, and smiles up at the mass of clouds despite the wind howling down the narrow street. Snow is still piled upon the sidewalks from Christmas.
"I wasn't expecting the City to be so big," Ryeowook comments, leveling his gaze and glancing briefly to the side.
Yesung shrugs, his breath dissipating steady puffs. "I've never been here before, and we're not exactly influential in this area." His tone is so dry that Ryeowook laughs. There's only one influence in this place, and the rest of them keep their heads down.
"But when the cat's away..."
"We're not here for playing," he says mildly, almost bored. "Tip or no, we're in the middle of the lion's den. And it's a shitty lead, too."
Ryeowook lays a comforting hand on Yesung's sleeve. "He said he'd meet us when we got here. I'm sure there's more information he didn't want to share over the phone."
"He's probably just going to whine about his face some more," Yesung scoffs as they turn a corner, walking past a row of stores to the small coffee shop that is the designated meeting place. "You've never had to deal with him, but trust me, the guy is a useless little creep."
"I wouldn't say that - everyone has a use, even useless little creeps." Ryeowook flashes his teeth in a grin, and then sighs happily as they enter the café, warmly enveloped by heat and the scent of fresh coffee and pastries. "Mm... And isn't it hard enough to find latent talents? Any lead is better than none. Oh, those croissants look good."
Half an hour later, and no little creep in sight (useless, indeed). Ryeowook half-dozes in his seat by the window, chin propped in his hand. There's a rustle as Yesung picks up a newspaper and flips though it, and then taps Ryeowook's hand to get his attention. "Look. We're wasting time." Ryeowook blinks and focuses his eyes on the article held in front of his nose. When he recognizes the name, he grabs onto the paper with a cry of dismay.
"Our guy's dead?" He scans the print while worrying at his lip. "Christmas Eve, huh? That sucks."
"Sucks for us, you mean." Yesung slouches, and whatever grouchiness had been alleviated with food and drink was now back in full-force. "We have a vague location, a vague age range, and a vague physical description for this talent."
Ryeowook continues to stare at the article, ignoring the complications of their mission. "What do you suppose killed him? It doesn't say anything specific. You think..." He leans forward, voice lowered. "You think Shiwon found out?"
Yesung gives a small shake of his head. "When he's in residence, everyone stays good and quiet, and if he knew about us coming here he wouldn't have left again so soon. We better hope we're done before he gets back. It hasn't been long since the group in New Jersey was taken out."
Ryeowook grimaces at the mention of that disaster, though it happened before he was brought in. "If it wasn't him, then it was probably hunters. We should be careful."
"We should always be careful of hunters," Yesung reminds in a patient drawl, and grins when Ryeowook makes an exaggerated, 'I know, I know' gesture. "Anyway, it could've been them, though why they'd go after small-fry like him I can't guess. An unsuspecting human could've offed him for all I care. The fact is, we have a job to do, and very little information to go by."
"Age range puts him in either high school or college," Ryeowook points out helpfully. It's not like they can give up and go, so there's no use in being defeatist. "And we're already enrolled at - Arcadia, was it? - for our cover. We'll just start there."
* * * * *
They get lucky and find who they're looking for on the first day of the new semester. It's so convenient that Yesung is suspicious, but Ryeowook tells him not to look a gift horse in the mouth. "Have you ever been wrong before?" he asks while they stand in line in front of the Registrar's office, which took forever to find. He noticed a message on a bathroom wall that said the campus layout would have been better designed by a drunk monkey. Most students are making schedule changes, but they both need to turn in forms for their transfer credits.
"Never." Yesung continues to frown, eyes trained on the boy standing a few people ahead in the line. In a voice quieter than normal hearing would be able to pick up, he says, "He's the one, but it's definitely latent. Also-"
"Other vampires, I know." Ryeowook's lips barely move in an equally-soft reply. He may not possess the additional gifts of the natural-born, but his sense of smell is the same as any other vampire's. There's at least one distinctive mark-scent on their human target. His vision goes a tad unfocused when he narrows in on it, and Yesung nudges him forward when the line moves. The mark is unfamiliar, and it's not just a scent, actually, it's more like an impression on his senses. It's overwhelmingly sweet, vibrant, and not-so-innocently laced with steel. Soft, with sharp edges. Bright, and goes well with dark colors.
He hears a quick, "Thank you," and the boy is turning away from the desk. Ryeowook gets his first real look at him - tall and good-looking, with a narrow face and full mouth, and the two words he uttered hinted at a low, pleasant voice. It only takes a few seconds for him to pass by, but there's something nice about him that still has Ryeowook smiling by the time it's their turn to reach the desk.
He lucks out again in Psych101 that afternoon when he walks in and sees the boy sitting at the far side of the room, head turned to the window with a pen between his teeth. Ryeowook slides into the chair across from him, and finds out after the professor takes attendance that his name is Kyuhyun. Even if it wasn't the first day (when no material was covered), and even if he cared enough about the subject to pay attention, Ryeowook wouldn't have remembered anything else about the class.
It's easy to stop Kyuhyun at the end of the period, with several rows of desks in between them and the door where other students file out. "Excuse me," he begins, shouldering his bag and holding up the sheet of paper with his schedule on it. "I just transferred here. Can you tell me how to get to this building?" Not all his nervousness is feigned: he really has no clue what some of the buildings are named because their abbreviations are so weird.
"That's Madison Hall, it's... Um, actually, why don't I walk you there." Kyuhyun gives a lopsided grin. "You've probably noticed our campus makes no sense. Welcome to Arcadia."
At some point during their conversation, Ryeowook's relieved grin turns giddy and lasts for the rest of the day.
* * * * *
They spend a lot of time together after that, all three of them, and while getting close is part of the plan, Ryeowook thoroughly enjoys it. Yesung laughs often and more loudly in their little group, though he's still mission-oriented. "Don't be careless," the elder cautions one night during a study break. "I'm worried about these other vampires, especially the one he's obviously involved with."
"I know," Ryeoweook says with habitual patience, grown used to reaffirming things even when they're blatantly clear. He isn't careless at all. In fact, he has remarkable control for one so young, having been trained since he was found by their group at age nine. "Kyuhyun is always saying we should meet him, and we can't come up with excuses forever. Besides, if we can tag his I.D., I'm sure he's noticed ours. Even if we're not nearly so...clingy." He grins a bit when he says that, because it's impossible to not notice the mark-scent. Kyuhyun has a possessive boyfriend.
Yesung levels him with a flat stare, and Ryeowook mentally sighs at the warning he knows will come. Sources indicate that the possessive boyfriend could be trouble. "Sungmin Lee is well-known locally in both human and vampire circles, and he's been close to Shiwon for decades."
"And Shiwon is responsible for the Jersey incident, I remember." Ryeowook turns away so he doesn't have to see the look Yesung must be giving him. Instead, he cranes his neck to glimpse into the tiny kitchen of their off-campus apartment (the privacy is needed to conceal their dietary habits). "But it's been a few weeks. Shouldn't we try to stay ahead of the game? What if Sungmin starts looking in on us?"
"He'd have a hell of a time trying to find anything condemning." But there's a shadow of doubt in Yesung's eyes, evidence of living so many years with things to hide.
"We're still really suspicious if we avoid him. He's not a natural, so he won't find out about me. Unless I'm careless." Ryeowook tilts his chair back until he can see the fridge. In a bold show of his demonstrated carelessness, the door opens as if tugged by an invisible hand, and out floats an opaque plastic jug labeled 'pomegranate juice.' A glass from the cupboard is also levitated, the chilled blood poured (he keeps his eyes on the whole process just to make sure nothing spills, because he really doesn't want to get out of his chair), and his hand closes around the drink as the refrigerator door shuts.
"Show off," Yesung comments, rolling his eyes. After a considering pause, like he's weighing how much he wants to say whatever's on his mind, he adds, "He'd find out if he bit you."
Ryeowook doesn't think that remark deserves a reply. He wrinkles his nose in some distaste while he sips. He doesn't like drinking it cold and he's finicky about the flavor, but it's the only option for now.
"Fine, you've made your point and you're right." Yesung narrows his eyes as Ryeowook smiles into his glass. "This kid better have an impressive talent. All these complications are going to give me gray hairs."
"That would be a welcome change." This time he can't avoid the look and the astounded half-exclamation, half-sputter. Snickering, Ryeowook continues, "I've seen photos! Your style hasn't changed for the last fifty years. Come on, something new won't hurt." Laughing, he ducks the first pillow Yesung throws at him. The second one, he stops in midair and sends it back.
* * * * *
Their much-anticipated meeting with Sungmin is in a casual little Vietnamese restaurant in February, its tables sparsely populated. When Ryeowook arrives with Yesung in tow, he takes his first look at the other vampire, finally matching the strong impression to the flesh-and-blood person. He has a cute face, and his expression is welcoming without even a hint of malice. A soft, pink sweater with the Playboy rabbit emblazoned in white on the front heightens the cuteness while skewing any innocence. He's seated next to Kyuhyun, their arms barely touching, and the sheathed quality of his smile isn't a sign of trust so much as it's a dare.
Ryeowook's grin is harmlessly bland while stilted introductions are made and a waitress, a vampire by her scent, takes their beverage orders. While meeting Sungmin's pointed bright-eyed gaze, it occurs to Ryeowook that being innocuous isn't the only card they can play; instead of hiding the threat, he can just as well present a new one, something much more likely and artfully close to the truth.
Before he can plan his strategy, Sungmin weaves his fingers together and rests his chin on them, his eyes wide and his smile winsome from across the table. "It's wonderful to meet you at last, but I was so surprised when I found out. Kyuhyun seems to be surrounded by vampires."
He doesn't bother to lower his voice. Yesung freezes, and there's a crash on the floor when Ryeowook's glass slips from his hand (he has to stop himself from catching it with just a thought). Only afterwards do they realize that the other pair of customers have already left, and the restaurant is empty.
Kyuhyun is staring incredulously, from Sungmin to the others. "You guys are also-"
"Now, look." The waitress scowls, brushing hair from her face with one hand and gesturing to the spill with the other. All things considered, she's remarkably composed, and she addresses Sungmin with long-suffering indulgence. "That was uncalled for, Min. Don't bat those lashes at me, you sneak, that kind of stunt could get you in heaps of trouble. At your age, you should know better."
"Aw, be fair - I don't bring up your age, you shouldn't talk about mine," he replies with a familiar, easy grin, stirring his lemonade with the straw. "I promise to behave from now on." She scoffs to let him know how much she believes that, and then with a stern glare she goes to fetch a mop and broom.
Ryeowook twists his hands together anxiously on the table, gaze lowered. Most vampires who take public risks with their identities are not thought kindly of by their peers. Sungmin's withstanding popularity isn't an exaggeration, and neither is the City's independence from the Council. It's one thing to hear about such talk, but it's something else to witness the truth to the gossip. "I'm sorry," Ryeowook begins awkwardly, and Yesung's silence admits this is entirely his show. "It's not like we can go around revealing these things, or one of us would have said something. But I'm sorry I didn't tell you." He looks up, straight at Kyuhyun, imploring and hopeful with his fingers a nervous flutter of movement.
Kyuhyun only shakes his head, a tiny smile on his lips. He either doesn't notice or ignores Sungmin's carefully blank expression. "I understand. You don't need to apologize."
Ryeowook smiles in return, drops his gaze shyly and asks, "This doesn't change anything, does it?"
"Not a thing." He reaches out to give Ryeowook's clenched hands a reassuring pat. "I promise." With a turn of his wrist, Ryeowook reverses the hold and squeezes Kyuhyun's hand momentarily before sliding away. Ryeowook doesn't need heightened senses to recognize the animosity being directed at him from Sungmin's quarter.
He grins wider. "Thank you."
* * * * *
"I hope you know what you're doing," Yesung remarks once they're home.
"Me?" Ryeowook blinks innocently, shrugging out of his jacket and smoothing his wind-tousled hair. "I didn't do anything terrible."
Shaking his head, Yesung disappears into the kitchen for a real drink. His voice is somewhat muffled by the wall. "Sungmin is probably wishing you dead right now."
"I held Kyuhyun's hand for two seconds, and he thinks I'm out to steal his boyfriend." Ryeowook peeks around the corner to check that Yesung is pouring him a glass too.
The elder glances up. "Well, you kind of are. In a way."
"I know. Isn't it grand? Just not in the way he thinks. ...Probably."
"And that's where I worry."
"Don't." Ryeowook accepts his glass and sips at it delicately, grimacing at the taste. The refrigerated animal blood seems to get grosser by day. "Kyuhyun's friendly, but he only has eyes for Sungmin."
There's a pause while Yesung takes his time draining his glass, then immediately rinses it out in the sink. "That's nice, but if you wind up sobbing into your pillow with a broken heart, I reserve 'I told you so' rights."
Ryeowook looks down at the remaining blood he hasn't drunk, and wonders how angry Yesung would be if it was dumped over his head. On the other hand, there's also a slightly safer option. He narrows his eyes at the water running from the faucet, and the direction of the flow changes at a sharp angle to spray outward. Ryeowook wisely flees the scene while Yesung is in mid-turn.
* * * * *
Ryeowook's fingers move lightly over the keyboard, only partly concentrating on his playing. It's not a difficult piece, but he's easily immersed in Kyuhyun's rich, captivating vocals, despite the poor acoustics of his apartment. A practice room on campus would have produced better sound, but they were less comfortable, less private, and depressingly cave-like. His hands eventually still as Kyuhyun's last note trails to an end, and he lets out the breath he's been holding into the subsequent silence. Ryeowook leans back in the chair and lets his eyes fall half-shut, more than a little sorry to break the perfect quiet with even a soft comment.
"Your voice is wasted in a place like this."
Kyuhyun's laugh is a subdued, pleasant roll of sound that makes Ryeowook feel slightly wistful. If Yesung hadn't been in class, he'd be giving him one of those warning looks... Or maybe not. They both share an appreciation for music in general, their friend's voice in particular. Ryeowook knows Yesung is affected too, when Kyuhyun sings.
"Sungmin tells me that all the time," Kyuhyun admits, expression gentle, and Ryeowook lets out a half-hearted sigh. It's discouraging, that evident attachment, because it makes their job - his job - so much harder.
But he might as well get on with it, since Yesung agreed it was time. "Kyuhyun," he says, turning so he's seated sideways in the chair and gazing earnestly at the other boy. This is the important part. "You have talent, and talent should be encouraged, right? I'm not just talking about singing. I'm talking about..." Ryeowook gestures helplessly, because there's no way to explain without sounding a little bit mental.
With puzzlement clear on his features, Kyuhyun slowly moves to sit down on the bed so they're at eye level. "You're not going to make me guess, are you?" he asks with a nervous smile, and Ryeowook shakes his head, the fingers of his right hand tapping against the knuckles of his left.
"You have an ability, that you're unaware of. Most people are, and they'll live their whole lives without knowing. It's rare if it shows at all, and then it's..." He gives his head another shake, curt and almost vicious, veering away from that path. Seeing Kyuhyun's confusion, he tries again. "Things like telepathy, or psychokinesis, or clairvoyance - well, there are a lot of types. Natural-born vampires can detect them, even if they're latent. Yesung had you pegged right away."
"...Me? With something like-- like that?" There are the tell-tale signs of doubt: he's bordering on incredulity, a sneaking suspicion he's still skeptical enough to dismiss. When you can accept such a thing as vampires, though, everything else isn't much of a leap. In Ryeowook's experience, a demonstration usually helps.
With some effort, he holds up a hand, palm-down in midair. His fingers curl slightly so they're bent elegant and even, and one of them presses down. Behind him, a lone key flattens and middle C rings out. It's followed by the shift of his fingers and a matching chord, leading into a simple tune. His motion stops and so does the song.
Kyuhyun stares. "I couldn't do anything like that."
"Maybe not psychokinesis, but something like that, and since it's you, it's probably wondrous." He reaches out to grasp Kyuhyun's hand, holding tight. "You're special, and you deserve to be. I didn't think it was that great at first, but I learned, and then I was grateful."
His friend's expression has only become increasingly flummoxed since the beginning of their conversation. It would be funny if this wasn't so critical and nerve-wracking. "I don't think- Come on, I mean, you're one thing, you're already a vampire. That almost makes sense for you, but me..." He shrugs, grins a faltering grin. "I'm just human."
"So was I," Ryeowook insists, tugging on Kyuhyun's hand because he needs to understand and accept. "And my power manifested while I was still human. I was just a kid. It was horrible." Flatly, he makes the words surface in a detached recollection to get the point across. "People tend to get scared when objects fly around, and sometimes there are accidents and others get hurt. The only good thing that came out of it was that I was eventually found and trained. There are some who are never found, or it'll be too late and they're convinced they're crazy. Some die, or kill others by accident. Human beings aren't safe or mundane at all."
He rises so he can join Kyuhyun on the bed, leaning his weight on the other body beside him. Kyuhyun squeezes his hand, falling silent. Ryeowook can feel that he's shaking and rubs his cheek against Kyuhyun's shoulder, letting him have all the time he needs for the information to sink in. Eventually, Kyuhyun takes a deep breath. "So... What does this mean for me?"
"To be honest, you'd likely never have a related problem for the rest of your life. You might get headaches or have trouble with electronic devices, small stuff that doesn't have an impact in the long run. If it's going to show on a noticeable scale, it's usually when the person's younger." But it would be such a waste to ignore. He exhales slowly; he can't lie, even if it makes his case more difficult. Lying would only cause trouble later. Most people would simply jump at the chance for power, or they'd do it to be accepted. But Kyuhyun, damn it all, is happy where he's at.
Well, perhaps not completely happy, as deeply in love as he is with a vampire.
"In order for a latent talent to manifest," Ryeowook says while playing with an idea in his mind, "your brain needs a pretty severe shock."
"That sounds...dangerous," Kyuhyun comments, and there's really no way to console him because it's true.
"It can happen after an accident or some sort of trauma. Though in some cases, all it takes is adolescence to hit, and looking at any teenager, that's not surprising." He gets a chuckle with that part, enough encouragement to continue, "The surest way to have an ability show is by becoming a vampire. Dying is the pinnacle of extreme. Anything hidden will surface after that."
There's a long, long silence. Ryeowook knows he's asking a lot, and he knows why Kyuhyun will be disinclined to agree, but he also knows how he might be persuaded. At least he isn't being pushed away. "I... Ryeowook, that's kind of..."
"What do you have to lose?" he asks quietly, fingers still threaded with Kyuhyun's. "And what do you have to gain? At school, I thought it was strange, how you rarely interact with anyone but Yesung and I. Remember when Sungmin said you're surrounded by vampires? He's right, you know; you belong with us."
"It's not like that. I can't..." He looks helpless, and he's gripping Ryeowook's hand in the same message as before, this time in reverse. 'Please understand.' Ryeowook gets the sinking feeling he doesn't understand at all when Kyuhyun says, "Don't ask me to do it for Sungmin."
He sounds afraid, but for reasons Ryeowook can't comprehend. "Kyuhyun-"
"I can't do it. Thank you - for telling me - and I'm sorry. Are you... Is this going to be all right? With us, I mean. I'm really sorry, but I just can't." Every bit of him is so miserable that Ryeowook hugs him without hesitation, though he feels at a loss now himself.
"It's not a problem, don't worry." It will just cause more frustration on their end. Yesung's right - he'd better be worth it (no, Ryeowook knows he'll be worth it). "Um. But... Keep it a secret, will you? It's dangerous for everyone if word gets out." He feels Kyuhyun nod, so at least they're on the same page again.
Yesung's class has ended by the time Ryeowook returns to their place, and he walks in to the sound and smell of something in the microwave for dinner. The question, "How did it go?" floats from the kitchen, and when Ryeowook doesn't answer, Yesung appears around the corner. He takes one look, opens his mouth, and Ryeowook glares.
"My heart isn't broken, so don't say a word of 'I told you so'." He doesn't feel like sobbing into his pillow either, but he does end up sniffling a little into Yesung's shirt when he tells the whole story. Ryeowook supposes this what an unrequited love scene feels like, judging from the movies, and it's quite pathetic. He's sought out a few talents since his turning as a matter of course, and they usually inspire pity or disdain, if anything. None of them have been so significant to him. Kyuhyun is neither hurt, nor searching, nor ambitious; he's comfortably normal, and Ryeowook thinks that's something they need. He personally needs Kyuhyun to join them, he believes Yesung thinks so too, and why Kyuhyun doesn't realize it remains a mystery. Well, a Sungmin-related mystery, and Ryeowook just frowns. He didn't really have anything against the other vampire until tonight - he just wanted to make sure Sungmin didn't suspect them for the right reasons, but now he's grimly satisfied that Kyuhyun's boyfriend will be pissed over all the evident clinging.
* * * * *
Ryeowook is up late studying for a midterm the night when Kyuhyun knocks on their door. There's a wounded air about the boy as he stands uneasily in the entryway, apologizing for the inconvenient visit. His voice sounds thick, though his eyes are dry, and Ryeowook places a hand on his arm and draws him wordlessly inside. Yesung appears from the bedroom, sleep-rumpled and stifling a yawn, leaning against the wall while Ryeowook sits Kyuhyun down and asks what's wrong.
The question is enough of a push for him to take a deep breath and plunge. "I'll do it."
Something in Ryeowook's chest tightens and holds. "Are you sure?" He doesn't need to know why, and the pleading look Kyuhyun gives him suggests that he can't, or won't, explain anyway.
"Do you still want me to?"
"Of course we do." The plain relief on Kyuhyun's face makes the tightness unravel, and Ryeowook smiles a little for his benefit. He braces an elbow on the table and leans forward to take Kyuhyun's hand. "We want you with us, okay? I promise that won't change. Personally, it would take more than a crowbar to pry me away."
Magic words. The trust lights up Kyuhyun's expression, chasing away unwanted shadows, and a sliver of a grin appears when Yesung steps near to mess up his hair. "Me too," the vampire says, his fingers moving to rest on the back of Kyuhyun's neck and lingering before he walks away, cell phone in hand.
"He's going to call ahead and let the others know we're coming," Ryeowook explains, thumb rubbing circles into Kyuhyun's palm. Seeing Kyuhyun's puzzlement, he adds somewhat sheepishly, "We'll have to leave the City for a while. All three of us. Making vampires is technically illegal even though it happens... Well, not too often, but not rarely, either. It's especially risky if you have a latent talent."
Kyuhyun doesn't look thrilled by this part of the plan, but he doesn't take his hand from Ryeowook's - he's holding onto it like it's a lifeline. "Where are we going? And, um, what 'others'?"
This time, Ryeowook's smile is brilliant. "Others like us. There happens to be a place not far, it's in-state, and I guess it's like a school. I was trained there. There are a couple of them spread around the country in secret."
Kyuhyun's unblinking stare and eventual shrug seem to say, 'All right, a vampire school. Sure, why not?'
"It's not as strange as it sounds," Ryeowook assures him, laughing under his breath. "Some of the people there are human, particularly if they're young and their ability has already manifested. I was one of those, so I've lived half my life there. I wasn't turned until I was ready."
"How did you know you were ready?" Kyuyhyun asks, curious now, though still on the edge of his chair and probably making an effort to focus only on the present conversation. Ryeowook has decided not to pry, figuring it's better if his friend doesn't dwell and second-guess.
In answer to the question, he gestures with a hand and levitates a textbook off the table. "When my control was reliable. You can be pretty disoriented right after being turned - your body functions differently, your senses are enhanced, and if you have a psychic ability, suddenly it's let loose. People like us can be especially dangerous, both as vampires and humans, but vampires have that extra edge."
"And you're a danger to yourself, too," Kyuhyun observes, calm despite the worry crossing his features.
"Yes," Ryeowook replies honestly. There's no way around that - it's why training is essential. He wants to say Kyuhyun will be all right for sure, but he won't make promises he can't keep. All he can do is reach out and smooth his fingertips over the anxiety on Kyuhyun's face.
Soon Yesung is back and ushering them out the door to catch the bus. "Right now?" Kyuhyun is shocked into stillness while Yesung hooks his arm and Ryeowook's hands push gently at his back.
"Don't worry about school or your belongings, all of that will be taken care of. Do you have a reason to wait?"
There's a brief second where he continues to stand firm, shoulders stiff, heels in the carpet, a whirlwind of thoughts behind his surprised gaze. Ryeowook leans in, close enough that he might simply blow those thoughts away, when he feels the resistance leave Kyuhyun's body and they can lead him out the door.
The streets are desolate at this hour, but well-lit by lamps, stars, and the moon. Spring is approaching, stalking the remainder of winter's frost, and it's brisk enough that it's excusable for Ryeowook to thread an arm between Yesung's and Kyuhyun's and huddle warm between them. He grins openly, eyes dark and glinting when the light hits him, and they're walking at a fairly quick pace but he wants to run because that would be suitable for their sudden night flight. It's silly, but the elation is filling him to the brim.
The bus stop isn't too far, past a few more apartments and townhouses, and then around a construction area. There are some other people out - a woman hurrying anxiously from her car to her doorstep, a bunch of youths loitering beneath a crooked streetlamp, a pair of men nearing them on the sidewalk (one of them dragging his fingertips over the metal weave of the fence bordering the construction ground, making it rattle). They pass these two awkwardly, neither side inclined to separate and go around, so there's a jostling of elbows and an exchange of dirty looks.
The minor episode is just about over when one of the strangers, the bigger one (and both of them human), stops, turns, and calls out, "Wait."
Kyuhyun's step falters, but Ryeowook tugs him along, uninterested in a random thug.
"Wait," he hears again, sharp-cut and accompanied by steady footfalls. Kyuhyun is nervous on his one side, Yesung tense on the other, and then suddenly the elder vampire draws in a hiss of breath, sliding out of Ryeowook's grasp to face the human.
Yesung's eyes narrow as they size the person up, and the man does the same, flicking to Ryeowook and Kyuhyun as well. A crease forms on his brow and he points, singling Kyuhyun out. "You," he says, sounding equal parts puzzled and annoyed, "You're in bad company. I suggest beating it and forgetting about your two friends here."
"Excuse me-" Kyuhyun begins in an unusually cross tone, but Yesung cuts him off with a word.
"Hunter," he announces softly, but the sound carries and Ryeowook's fingers tighten on Kyuhyun's arm.
The man grins fiercely, whatever doubt there was in his reason for addressing them now gone. He starts to speak, but hardly gets a syllable out before his companion - his partner - rushes forward in the most reckless move Ryeowook's ever seen.
"Both of you, go," Yesung orders without turning around, meeting the attacker. The hunter is smaller, almost weak-looking, but he's fast and agile enough to not take much damage after being thrown off. When he steadies himself on his feet, his expression is feral and focused, and he goes in again.
Ryeowook hesitates, he can help-
"I can handle this," Yesung growls pointedly, in a tone Ryeowook rarely hears from him. "Go!"
And Ryeowook knows with an angry, grating feeling inside that his brand of help would give away more than they can risk revealing to hunters. He pulls Kyuhyun along to run.
end
Sapphy: kfjgskgdhsja. This? So frustrating. D:
Sy: With apologies to Sungmin: Happy birthday! Your boyfriend has just been pseudo-kidnapped. ... We are so sorry.