Tyrant fanfic: Blood, Love and Tears. Chapter 32
The chapter’s ready! Yay!
I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. I love making Souichi miserable and I’m ashamed to admit it but I love making him miserable a bit more than I love making him have sex. At least in this story.
The next chapter? I have it written but I need to read it and change quite a few things before elyrian can have her way with it. ^-^
After writing about 1/3 of it I changed my conception and I need to reorganize the first part of it so that everything fits. Not to mention add some descriptions between the dialogues and I can assure you, the 33th chapter is laden with dialogues. So right now it’s 6 pages long, when I’m through with it, it’s going to grow a bit more and end up being longer than this chapter (chapter 32). I’m not sure how much, but you should prepare yourself for a long chapter and for getting answers to quite a few questions. ^-^
As things stand, I’ll do my best to work on the 33th chapter this week. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), I have the scenes for the next chapters (34th and 35th) in my head and I’m rushing to type them before they get away from me. So, writing next scenes first and then returning to the 33th, I’m afraid.
The story shouldn’t be longer than what I’ve planed already, 35-36 chapters, maybe and it’s a BIG maybe 37 chapters. Plus the epilogue. But don’t sue me if it’ll turn out longer. I have quite a few love scenes to write before THE END and they tend to end up longer than anticipated. *^-^*
Title: Blood, love and tears
Author: yaoilovefan
Beta: elyrian
Warnings: language
Rating: PG-13
Characters: Souichi, Masaki, Morinaga, Kunihiro, Hiroto, Isogai
Note: It's an AU fic.
Summary: Morinaga is a vampire and wants to play around. One night in a club he finds an interesting human and is mesmerized by him. Will he only use his new prey or will he fall in love? And how will the other one react on an immortal lover? What will his feelings be?
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Souichi attempted to put pressure on the deepest gashes so that the blood would stop flowing. He stayed still hoping it would be enough to let the wounds close, at least for now. Unfortunately he was becoming dizzy again and feared that he might faint at any given moment. His breathing had also picked up and his mouth felt dry. Fainting now wasn’t the best idea but if worst came to worst he might not have any choice in the matter.
His situation was getting worse by the minute. He shouldn’t be panicking but was starting to. With Morinaga he had been scared but not paralyzed by it; with Morinaga’s brother he had been scared shitless but still had not felt the overwhelming fright that he was starting to feel now. ‘Morinaga had been with me back then.’ Now, he was alone, hurt, and didn’t know what would happen to him or if he would survive to see the next day. The chances of that were getting slimmer and slimmer with every passing moment, with every drop of blood that left his veins.
‘Fuck it! I’m not giving up!’ No matter how much he felt like there was no way out, Souichi refused to give in and crumble. Masaki had said that he needed him for something so the vampire should make sure that Souichi stayed alive, at least until he got what he wanted. With grim determination Souichi gritted his teeth and called upon all his remaining strength. He looked down at his arms and noticed with relief that the blood had almost completely stopped flowing. At least one thing was settled.
Before he could gather his wits and decide what to do next, the door burst open nearly bouncing back from the force applied to open it. Souichi flinched from his spot on the floor, startled and tense. He felt a sting in his arms and cursed inwardly. His sudden movement had reopened his wounds. Just his luck. To add the cherry on top of this nightmarish cake, two hounds trotted into the room, the same two beasts that had herded him right into Masaki’s clutches.
Souichi had been pale before but now the last of the blood left his face. Without a conscious thought his body moved backwards as the hounds advanced. He heard a snort from the doorway but Souichi was reluctant to take his gaze from the hounds. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the figure by the door come into the room. The knowledge that it was Masaki did not bring him even an ounce of relief, nor did what he had to say make Souichi feel any better.
“Either you let me take care of the gashes on your arms or you’re going to be a good boy and expose those cuts for my two friends here to take care of.”
“What?” He must have heard that wrong. Did the vampire really want him to bare the cuts to the hounds? The smell of blood would no doubt excite such predators and they would surely attack him. There was no way Souichi was going to expose his wounded arms to such vicious beasts.
“Fine, here. You do it.” Souichi looked at the vampire and tried to ignore the hounds for a moment despite the frightened shaking of his body.
“As you wish.” The vampire smirked smugly, coming to kneel by Souichi’s side.
Before Souichi could react Masaki seized both of his arms, grabbing them by his wrists, and pulled them out to expose the cuts. Souichi didn’t have time to react before Masaki clucked and the hounds started licking the gashes, each taking care of one arm. Souichi cried out and tried to pull his arms back but Masaki was holding him with vampire strength. He didn’t think that letting such vicious killers lick the blood off of his skin was a very good idea. It was probably the worst idea ever but he was just too weak to fight the stupid, coldblooded vampire.
‘If I can’t get away I’ll have to express my displeasure in another way,’ Souichi thought frantically.
“What the fuck are you doing?! Let me go! Right now! You stupid blood sucker, let go of me! Now! Fuck!” Souichi yelled and tried to shake the hold off.
“Calm down. They will not hurt you,” Masaki said calmly.
Souichi didn’t listen and kept yanking but soon the combined blood loss and lack of food made him dizzy again and he slumped, shaking from adrenaline and probably shock.
‘Now’s not the best time to go into shock,’ Souichi thought grimly. Miserable was too mild a word to describe the way he felt but he would rather die than let the vampire see his distress. Instead of losing it, he looked at what the two beasts were doing.
They were almost finished licking the gashes. His skin was coated with thick saliva glistening in the light of the crystals. Souichi frowned, concentrating more on the feeling in his arms. The cuts were not hurting anymore. Either they were numb or he was really going into shock. The latter was very unlikely since the hard floor he was sitting on was starting to hurt his butt. If his ass was getting sore and starting to hurt, then he shouldn’t be going into shock. He also noticed that the cuts had stopped bleeding. When the hounds finished their job and Souichi’s arms were thoughtfully coated with the disgusting slime of their saliva, Souichi also observed something entirely different and so unexpected that he shook his head once to clear it. He just couldn’t believe his own eyes.
The cuts were starting to close all on their own and with a speed that was not possible. Or rather not possible for a human. Souichi suspected that all supernatural beings, or at least some of them, had fast healing powers. Masaki hadn’t let his arms go yet although the hounds had backed away and had lain down near the mahogany desk. Souichi looked up from his arm to Masaki’s face but the vampire’s attention was concentrated on Souichi’s arms. After a few moments in which Souichi wondered about the vampire’s motivations he returned his eyes to his arms and gasped.
The cuts were almost closed. There was no scabbing, no itching; the cuts were just vanishing from his arms. Completely opposite to the way they had been created, they just regressed. It was a thing to behold. Souichi couldn’t stop looking. The sight was just too fascinating to miss. He was still feeling like shit and needed to eat something badly, not to mention rest in a preferably non-stressful environment, but the way his arms were almost healed now was just fascinating! He didn’t know how long it took but when Masaki finally let go of his arms there was no evidence that the skin had been injured in the first place.
Souichi swayed in place on the floor and bit back a groan. His arms were mended but his body still needed a lot of healing. The vampire stood up and went to the two hounds lying peacefully by the desk. Souichi watched him warily. He didn’t understand vampires at all. First meeting vampires in a human club, then one saving his ass from a monster, then forcing him into sex while blood feeding from him, then protecting him from a different vampire, then yet another vampire feeding from him, a second kidnapping, and now one healing him. Where they bipolar or something?
‘If I don’t meet another vampire until the day I die, it’ll still be too soon.’
“What now?” They might have cured him but hell would freeze over before he relaxed in Masaki’s presence. He hadn’t been aware of how unconcerned he had been in Morinaga’s presence despite the circumstances. Morinaga was dangerous, but looking back at the last few weeks Souichi realized something he should have seen a lot sooner. No matter how dangerous Tetsuhiro Morinaga was, he would not hurt Souichi. Not like the vampire’s brother could have, not like Masaki might if he chose to at any given moment.
Masaki kept stroking one of the hounds and without looking at Souichi answered, “I told you already.”
Souichi’s eyes narrowed but suddenly he winced. He was really not feeling well and for a moment he was afraid that he would vomit. After a few deep breaths his stomach settled a bit. He was still feeling nauseated but not to the point of being sick.
“You should be grateful. There won’t be any scarring,” Masaki said conversationally still stroking the enthusiastically tail wagging beasts. The hounds even whined for more from time to time.
Souichi, dumbstruck by the unbelievable scene playing out before him, only actually registered Masaki’s words after a moment.
“That should cheer me up? There shouldn’t have been any wounds in the first place!” Souichi yelled. He was fed up, sick, tired, hungry, and feeling miserable. Masaki putting him out of his misery was starting to sound better with every passing minute.
“I concur.” The vampire’s sigh was long and full of suffering. He looked into Souichi’s eyes and held his gaze while the human’s eyes widened with surprise.
Souichi opened his mouth but nothing came out so he closed it again. He repeated this process a few times unable to utter even one word.
“What?” he finally whispered disbelievingly. ‘I think I misheard. Did he just - ‘
“Yes. I just agreed with your statement,” Masaki said dryly.
Souichi gasped. He had totally forgotten about the apparent mind reading power vampires possessed.
“Get out of my head!” Souichi hissed furiously.
“That might prove to be quite challenging. It’s second nature to slip into unprotected minds, not to mention minds of those from which we drank.”
“Do it anyway,” Souichi grumbled.
Masaki’s eyes narrowed.
“I do not take orders from Humans,” the vampire sneered, nearly spitting out the last word and making goose-flesh appear on Souichi’s newly mended skin. “Do not think that since I admitted to not anticipating the young Rudra’s actions that I’ll be groveling for your forgiveness. I do not care about your fate, although your life does have its worth for the time being.”
Masaki stroked both hounds down their backs one last time before standing up and making his way to where Souichi was still sitting on the ground. He unceremoniously hauled the human up to his feet and dragged his stumbling form to the door and through it. Souichi did not have time to protest against the rough handling, and even if he had found a second he was too dizzy to do anything more than concentrate on staying conscious. Luckily Masaki’s grip was firm, a bit firmer than Souichi would have liked, but without it Souichi would have crashed to the floor.
“Where are you taking me?” Souichi asked and through the ringing in his ears he heard the vampire’s answer.
“You’ve yet to experience my hospitality. I’m about to rectify this.”
*** ***
He had done it. He did not know how but he managed to convince his brother to talk with Masaki. His talk with Kunihiro had gone even better than Morinaga had thought possible. His brother had been furious with him for going to the Human World despite the threat the Hunters posed, but when Morinaga had explained the situation his brother’s ire had lessened somewhat. When he had heard about the kidnapping, not to mention that the kidnapper was his ex-friend, he had furrowed his brows in confusion. It had looked like Morinaga wasn’t the only one who didn’t understand why Masaki might have kidnapped a Human.
Morinaga hadn’t said anything about what Masaki had done all those years ago and he didn’t want to say anything about it now, either. The friendship that his brother had had with Masaki ended before Morinaga’s relationship with the other Vampire had begun, but Morinaga suspected that admitting the whole disaster now would have had consequences more dire than he could imagine. He didn’t think it was wise to let Kunihiro talk with Masaki without that knowledge but he didn’t want to be the one to explain things to him. He wanted to forget about that part of his life but doubted that Masaki was going to let him, or forget himself.
Souichi’s kidnapping, as confusing and incomprehensible as it was, had to have something to do with the whole mess from years before. The more Morinaga thought about it the more certain in his belief he was becoming.
It meant that he would have to confess what had happened between Masaki and himself. Morinaga wasn’t looking forward to the confession. Luckily it was the only thing that he had to admit to. He had already told his brother about the Hunter. Kunihiro’s reaction to that was even worse than finding out that Morinaga had gone to the Human World. Oddly more violent and louder than before, his brother’s rage had subsided a lot faster. He had looked strangely at Morinaga and had stayed silent for a very long moment. Morinaga had started to feel nervous and only his willpower had managed to stop him from fidgeting. Finally his brother had moved on from only giving good advice on how to kill the Hunter to asking questions about the situation and their actions up until now. Morinaga had breathed a sigh of relief then.
Now after more time than the younger Morinaga had thought it might take, but with better results than he had anticipated, the two brothers were making their way to the place Morinaga had left Hiroto and Isogai. From there they would go to Masaki’s keep and get Souichi back.
His brother was not happy with the plan but for some odd reason he was indulging Morinaga.
“I still don’t understand why you want the Hunter to remain alive and let him return to the Human World after we retrieve your Human,” Kunihiro grumbled, displeased.
Well, the Hunter’s presence was the only thing that Kunihiro was still struggling to accept.
“Because he wants to help,” Morinaga answered.
His brother looked at him with an arched eyebrow, unconvinced.
“Just… ignore him. He might come in handy and he’s breaking the rules of his profession to be here so we might as well break our own rules, right?”
“There are no rules that state to kill a Hunter if one is spotted in the Demon World.” Kunihiro shrugged.
“But that’s only because no Hunter can come here.”
“And it should have stayed that way!” Kunihiro growled out unhappily.
“Well, sorry! But I was desperate and didn’t know if you’d help me! I needed to be sure I had all the help I could get!” Morinaga wasn’t sure that arguing with his brother was such a good idea but he had always had a big mouth and it had become tradition to tend to let it run free at the least appropriate moments.
“But now that I am helping you, why not kill the Hunter?” The two brothers weren’t very similar, neither in appearance nor in character, but stubbornness was a trait that they both possessed for better or worse.
“My honor is not letting me,” Morinaga answered. He felt it would have been like cheating if he killed Isogai now. Not to mention he didn’t know how Souichi would react if he found out that Morinaga had let his brother kill the Hunter when the only thing Isogai wanted to do was help them bring Souichi back home safely.
He didn’t think it a good idea to inform his brother of his reasons. It might have sounded as if he was far too influenced by the Human, and that might cause Kunihiro to change his mind and not help Morinaga. He wasn’t going to risk it.
They were nearing the clearing where he had left the Hunter and Hiroto and Morinaga’s anxiousness was rising with every step. He hoped that Isogai would have enough brains to understand the situation and not aggravate Morinaga’s brother. It might really not end well for him. Morinaga also hoped that the Hunter and his friend had not started fighting during his absence. Considering the way the two of them had been acting with each other, he had no illusions how extended one on one time might end. He quickened his pace and his brother did the same, walking side by side with him.
It felt good, having his family so near and knowing that they would go to such lengths to help him. The warm feeling that was spreading in Morinaga’s chest distracted him for a moment and he didn’t even realize that they were almost at the clearing. A loud moan brought him back from his musings and made his blood run cold. He was about to pick up the pace, but he did not need to bother. The clearing and its two occupants were already visible.
Seeing what those two were indulging in made Morinaga freeze in mid-step and made his mouth fall open. He hadn’t even realized that his brother had stopped right beside him and arched both eyebrows in stunned wonder. There they were, a Vampire and a Hunter, lying on the ground with the Vampire underneath the Hunter. But that wasn’t what made the Morinaga brothers stop in their tracks; it was the activity that they were engaged in that had brought on the sudden paralysis.
Morinaga had feared leaving Isogai and Hiroto alone in case they started fighting, but there they were, on the ground with Isogai between Hiroto’s legs and their mouths connected in clearly a very passionate kiss.
‘At least they have still their clothes on,’ Morinaga thought a bit hysterically.
The two love birds were still oblivious to the presence of the two voyeuristic Vampires and were enthusiastically demonstrating the fine art of French kissing. Morinaga watched in horror as Hiroto’s legs wound themselves around Isogai’s hips, bringing their bodies more firmly together. The moans from both of them that followed made Morinaga blush scarlet.
“So that is why you didn’t want the Hunter killed,” Kunihiro said steadily, staring unblinkingly at the amorous pair.
Morinaga had totally forgotten that his brother was standing right beside him. He didn’t have time to say anything before Hiroto and Isogai finally noticed that they had an audience. The Hunter sprang away from the Vampire with quite remarkable speed. The two guilty love birds looked at the two Vampires with ‘Oh, shit!’ expressions on their faces. Hiroto slowly stood up and concentrated on straightening out his rumpled clothes.
“Umm… We… eeerrr…”
“So as you can see we haven’t killed each other!” Isogai smoothed down his clothes, already looking no worse for wear than when Morinaga left. “Isogai Taichirou,” he nodded once in greeting, looking at Kunihiro. “And who are you?”
“Why are you here, Hunter?” Kunihiro harshly ignored the Hunter’s introduction and his question. The slight amusement at the sight of the Vampire and Hunter making out vanished from his voice entirely.
Isogai didn’t let himself be intimidated and didn’t bat an eye. He stood calmly, seemingly relaxed, but from his stance it was clear to see that he was ready to act if his life was threatened.
“I’m here to help rescue Tatsumi Souichi.” His answer was clear and steady, full of determination.
Kunihiro’s eyes narrowed. Morinaga swallowed. If his brother became annoyed now he might just withhold his help in getting Souichi back from Masaki.
“And you think you might help in achieving that?” Kunihiro asked skeptically with one eyebrow raised.
This time it was Isogai’s turn to narrow his eyes, but only briefly. Very quickly his features smoothed out and he actually grinned.
“Of course! I’m the unforeseen factor that might just give you time to rescue Tatsumi-kun,” he smirked confidently.
Morinaga felt like strangling him but instead glared at the Hunter ominously.
“It doesn’t sound like you think you’ll survive the adventure,” Kunihiro said conversationally.
Hiroto gasped and looked at the Hunter with some indescribable feeling in his eyes. Isogai sent him a look that was both apologetic and regretful with also a hint of affection. Morinaga’s brows furrowed in concentration, trying to decipher what those glances meant. When he finally managed to, his eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. He was such an idiot. He should have noticed it earlier and the display of horniness demonstrated just a moment ago shouldn’t have come as such a surprise. He was looking from Hiroto to the Hunter with a mixture of concern and bewilderment.
“I took an oath. I’ll protect Humans from danger like Tatsumi is in even if the price is my own life.” Isogai watched Kunihiro with a seriousness that Morinaga had never seen before. True, the Hunter had acted seriously briefly from time to time, but he had never been this resolute before.
“I don’t think it’s going to be necessary, Hunter. I intend to resolve the situation without any bloodshed,” Kunihiro said coldly.
Morinaga wasn’t the only one to sigh in relief after hearing this declaration.
“I will hold you to your word, Vampire,” Isogai said.
“My Lord,” Kunihiro growled.
“I’m no lord.” Isogai’s eyebrow arched.
Morinaga groaned loudly. He couldn’t stop the sound from emerging from his throat.
“Just ignore him, brother. He’s annoying and I would like to squeeze the life out of him at least a few times during an hour but …” Morinaga shrugged helplessly. He knew why he always stopped himself from killing Isogai but he didn’t want to reveal the reason to his brother.
Kunihiro shook his head, “You keep the oddest company possible, Tetsuhiro.”
Isogai gave Kunihiro his creepiest smile. “I’ll take that as a compliment, lord scary-vampire.”
Hiroto choked half in disbelief and half in an attempt to stifle the giggle wanting to burst out from his throat.
“I’ll pretend you didn’t say that,” Kunihiro hissed.
“Fine, have it your way, Lord Dracula.”
Chapter 33
Note: About time Isogai and Hiroto ended making out, right? A love scene between them is still mostly optional so if you want to see them going at it, let me know. And Souichi; he’s healed and about to be cared for… Good, right? Or maybe not? *smirks and doesn’t tell you a thing*
I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. I love making Souichi miserable and I’m ashamed to admit it but I love making him miserable a bit more than I love making him have sex. At least in this story.
The next chapter? I have it written but I need to read it and change quite a few things before elyrian can have her way with it. ^-^
After writing about 1/3 of it I changed my conception and I need to reorganize the first part of it so that everything fits. Not to mention add some descriptions between the dialogues and I can assure you, the 33th chapter is laden with dialogues. So right now it’s 6 pages long, when I’m through with it, it’s going to grow a bit more and end up being longer than this chapter (chapter 32). I’m not sure how much, but you should prepare yourself for a long chapter and for getting answers to quite a few questions. ^-^
As things stand, I’ll do my best to work on the 33th chapter this week. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), I have the scenes for the next chapters (34th and 35th) in my head and I’m rushing to type them before they get away from me. So, writing next scenes first and then returning to the 33th, I’m afraid.
The story shouldn’t be longer than what I’ve planed already, 35-36 chapters, maybe and it’s a BIG maybe 37 chapters. Plus the epilogue. But don’t sue me if it’ll turn out longer. I have quite a few love scenes to write before THE END and they tend to end up longer than anticipated. *^-^*
Title: Blood, love and tears
Author: yaoilovefan
Beta: elyrian
Warnings: language
Rating: PG-13
Characters: Souichi, Masaki, Morinaga, Kunihiro, Hiroto, Isogai
Note: It's an AU fic.
Summary: Morinaga is a vampire and wants to play around. One night in a club he finds an interesting human and is mesmerized by him. Will he only use his new prey or will he fall in love? And how will the other one react on an immortal lover? What will his feelings be?
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Souichi attempted to put pressure on the deepest gashes so that the blood would stop flowing. He stayed still hoping it would be enough to let the wounds close, at least for now. Unfortunately he was becoming dizzy again and feared that he might faint at any given moment. His breathing had also picked up and his mouth felt dry. Fainting now wasn’t the best idea but if worst came to worst he might not have any choice in the matter.
His situation was getting worse by the minute. He shouldn’t be panicking but was starting to. With Morinaga he had been scared but not paralyzed by it; with Morinaga’s brother he had been scared shitless but still had not felt the overwhelming fright that he was starting to feel now. ‘Morinaga had been with me back then.’ Now, he was alone, hurt, and didn’t know what would happen to him or if he would survive to see the next day. The chances of that were getting slimmer and slimmer with every passing moment, with every drop of blood that left his veins.
‘Fuck it! I’m not giving up!’ No matter how much he felt like there was no way out, Souichi refused to give in and crumble. Masaki had said that he needed him for something so the vampire should make sure that Souichi stayed alive, at least until he got what he wanted. With grim determination Souichi gritted his teeth and called upon all his remaining strength. He looked down at his arms and noticed with relief that the blood had almost completely stopped flowing. At least one thing was settled.
Before he could gather his wits and decide what to do next, the door burst open nearly bouncing back from the force applied to open it. Souichi flinched from his spot on the floor, startled and tense. He felt a sting in his arms and cursed inwardly. His sudden movement had reopened his wounds. Just his luck. To add the cherry on top of this nightmarish cake, two hounds trotted into the room, the same two beasts that had herded him right into Masaki’s clutches.
Souichi had been pale before but now the last of the blood left his face. Without a conscious thought his body moved backwards as the hounds advanced. He heard a snort from the doorway but Souichi was reluctant to take his gaze from the hounds. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the figure by the door come into the room. The knowledge that it was Masaki did not bring him even an ounce of relief, nor did what he had to say make Souichi feel any better.
“Either you let me take care of the gashes on your arms or you’re going to be a good boy and expose those cuts for my two friends here to take care of.”
“What?” He must have heard that wrong. Did the vampire really want him to bare the cuts to the hounds? The smell of blood would no doubt excite such predators and they would surely attack him. There was no way Souichi was going to expose his wounded arms to such vicious beasts.
“Fine, here. You do it.” Souichi looked at the vampire and tried to ignore the hounds for a moment despite the frightened shaking of his body.
“As you wish.” The vampire smirked smugly, coming to kneel by Souichi’s side.
Before Souichi could react Masaki seized both of his arms, grabbing them by his wrists, and pulled them out to expose the cuts. Souichi didn’t have time to react before Masaki clucked and the hounds started licking the gashes, each taking care of one arm. Souichi cried out and tried to pull his arms back but Masaki was holding him with vampire strength. He didn’t think that letting such vicious killers lick the blood off of his skin was a very good idea. It was probably the worst idea ever but he was just too weak to fight the stupid, coldblooded vampire.
‘If I can’t get away I’ll have to express my displeasure in another way,’ Souichi thought frantically.
“What the fuck are you doing?! Let me go! Right now! You stupid blood sucker, let go of me! Now! Fuck!” Souichi yelled and tried to shake the hold off.
“Calm down. They will not hurt you,” Masaki said calmly.
Souichi didn’t listen and kept yanking but soon the combined blood loss and lack of food made him dizzy again and he slumped, shaking from adrenaline and probably shock.
‘Now’s not the best time to go into shock,’ Souichi thought grimly. Miserable was too mild a word to describe the way he felt but he would rather die than let the vampire see his distress. Instead of losing it, he looked at what the two beasts were doing.
They were almost finished licking the gashes. His skin was coated with thick saliva glistening in the light of the crystals. Souichi frowned, concentrating more on the feeling in his arms. The cuts were not hurting anymore. Either they were numb or he was really going into shock. The latter was very unlikely since the hard floor he was sitting on was starting to hurt his butt. If his ass was getting sore and starting to hurt, then he shouldn’t be going into shock. He also noticed that the cuts had stopped bleeding. When the hounds finished their job and Souichi’s arms were thoughtfully coated with the disgusting slime of their saliva, Souichi also observed something entirely different and so unexpected that he shook his head once to clear it. He just couldn’t believe his own eyes.
The cuts were starting to close all on their own and with a speed that was not possible. Or rather not possible for a human. Souichi suspected that all supernatural beings, or at least some of them, had fast healing powers. Masaki hadn’t let his arms go yet although the hounds had backed away and had lain down near the mahogany desk. Souichi looked up from his arm to Masaki’s face but the vampire’s attention was concentrated on Souichi’s arms. After a few moments in which Souichi wondered about the vampire’s motivations he returned his eyes to his arms and gasped.
The cuts were almost closed. There was no scabbing, no itching; the cuts were just vanishing from his arms. Completely opposite to the way they had been created, they just regressed. It was a thing to behold. Souichi couldn’t stop looking. The sight was just too fascinating to miss. He was still feeling like shit and needed to eat something badly, not to mention rest in a preferably non-stressful environment, but the way his arms were almost healed now was just fascinating! He didn’t know how long it took but when Masaki finally let go of his arms there was no evidence that the skin had been injured in the first place.
Souichi swayed in place on the floor and bit back a groan. His arms were mended but his body still needed a lot of healing. The vampire stood up and went to the two hounds lying peacefully by the desk. Souichi watched him warily. He didn’t understand vampires at all. First meeting vampires in a human club, then one saving his ass from a monster, then forcing him into sex while blood feeding from him, then protecting him from a different vampire, then yet another vampire feeding from him, a second kidnapping, and now one healing him. Where they bipolar or something?
‘If I don’t meet another vampire until the day I die, it’ll still be too soon.’
“What now?” They might have cured him but hell would freeze over before he relaxed in Masaki’s presence. He hadn’t been aware of how unconcerned he had been in Morinaga’s presence despite the circumstances. Morinaga was dangerous, but looking back at the last few weeks Souichi realized something he should have seen a lot sooner. No matter how dangerous Tetsuhiro Morinaga was, he would not hurt Souichi. Not like the vampire’s brother could have, not like Masaki might if he chose to at any given moment.
Masaki kept stroking one of the hounds and without looking at Souichi answered, “I told you already.”
Souichi’s eyes narrowed but suddenly he winced. He was really not feeling well and for a moment he was afraid that he would vomit. After a few deep breaths his stomach settled a bit. He was still feeling nauseated but not to the point of being sick.
“You should be grateful. There won’t be any scarring,” Masaki said conversationally still stroking the enthusiastically tail wagging beasts. The hounds even whined for more from time to time.
Souichi, dumbstruck by the unbelievable scene playing out before him, only actually registered Masaki’s words after a moment.
“That should cheer me up? There shouldn’t have been any wounds in the first place!” Souichi yelled. He was fed up, sick, tired, hungry, and feeling miserable. Masaki putting him out of his misery was starting to sound better with every passing minute.
“I concur.” The vampire’s sigh was long and full of suffering. He looked into Souichi’s eyes and held his gaze while the human’s eyes widened with surprise.
Souichi opened his mouth but nothing came out so he closed it again. He repeated this process a few times unable to utter even one word.
“What?” he finally whispered disbelievingly. ‘I think I misheard. Did he just - ‘
“Yes. I just agreed with your statement,” Masaki said dryly.
Souichi gasped. He had totally forgotten about the apparent mind reading power vampires possessed.
“Get out of my head!” Souichi hissed furiously.
“That might prove to be quite challenging. It’s second nature to slip into unprotected minds, not to mention minds of those from which we drank.”
“Do it anyway,” Souichi grumbled.
Masaki’s eyes narrowed.
“I do not take orders from Humans,” the vampire sneered, nearly spitting out the last word and making goose-flesh appear on Souichi’s newly mended skin. “Do not think that since I admitted to not anticipating the young Rudra’s actions that I’ll be groveling for your forgiveness. I do not care about your fate, although your life does have its worth for the time being.”
Masaki stroked both hounds down their backs one last time before standing up and making his way to where Souichi was still sitting on the ground. He unceremoniously hauled the human up to his feet and dragged his stumbling form to the door and through it. Souichi did not have time to protest against the rough handling, and even if he had found a second he was too dizzy to do anything more than concentrate on staying conscious. Luckily Masaki’s grip was firm, a bit firmer than Souichi would have liked, but without it Souichi would have crashed to the floor.
“Where are you taking me?” Souichi asked and through the ringing in his ears he heard the vampire’s answer.
“You’ve yet to experience my hospitality. I’m about to rectify this.”
*** ***
He had done it. He did not know how but he managed to convince his brother to talk with Masaki. His talk with Kunihiro had gone even better than Morinaga had thought possible. His brother had been furious with him for going to the Human World despite the threat the Hunters posed, but when Morinaga had explained the situation his brother’s ire had lessened somewhat. When he had heard about the kidnapping, not to mention that the kidnapper was his ex-friend, he had furrowed his brows in confusion. It had looked like Morinaga wasn’t the only one who didn’t understand why Masaki might have kidnapped a Human.
Morinaga hadn’t said anything about what Masaki had done all those years ago and he didn’t want to say anything about it now, either. The friendship that his brother had had with Masaki ended before Morinaga’s relationship with the other Vampire had begun, but Morinaga suspected that admitting the whole disaster now would have had consequences more dire than he could imagine. He didn’t think it was wise to let Kunihiro talk with Masaki without that knowledge but he didn’t want to be the one to explain things to him. He wanted to forget about that part of his life but doubted that Masaki was going to let him, or forget himself.
Souichi’s kidnapping, as confusing and incomprehensible as it was, had to have something to do with the whole mess from years before. The more Morinaga thought about it the more certain in his belief he was becoming.
It meant that he would have to confess what had happened between Masaki and himself. Morinaga wasn’t looking forward to the confession. Luckily it was the only thing that he had to admit to. He had already told his brother about the Hunter. Kunihiro’s reaction to that was even worse than finding out that Morinaga had gone to the Human World. Oddly more violent and louder than before, his brother’s rage had subsided a lot faster. He had looked strangely at Morinaga and had stayed silent for a very long moment. Morinaga had started to feel nervous and only his willpower had managed to stop him from fidgeting. Finally his brother had moved on from only giving good advice on how to kill the Hunter to asking questions about the situation and their actions up until now. Morinaga had breathed a sigh of relief then.
Now after more time than the younger Morinaga had thought it might take, but with better results than he had anticipated, the two brothers were making their way to the place Morinaga had left Hiroto and Isogai. From there they would go to Masaki’s keep and get Souichi back.
His brother was not happy with the plan but for some odd reason he was indulging Morinaga.
“I still don’t understand why you want the Hunter to remain alive and let him return to the Human World after we retrieve your Human,” Kunihiro grumbled, displeased.
Well, the Hunter’s presence was the only thing that Kunihiro was still struggling to accept.
“Because he wants to help,” Morinaga answered.
His brother looked at him with an arched eyebrow, unconvinced.
“Just… ignore him. He might come in handy and he’s breaking the rules of his profession to be here so we might as well break our own rules, right?”
“There are no rules that state to kill a Hunter if one is spotted in the Demon World.” Kunihiro shrugged.
“But that’s only because no Hunter can come here.”
“And it should have stayed that way!” Kunihiro growled out unhappily.
“Well, sorry! But I was desperate and didn’t know if you’d help me! I needed to be sure I had all the help I could get!” Morinaga wasn’t sure that arguing with his brother was such a good idea but he had always had a big mouth and it had become tradition to tend to let it run free at the least appropriate moments.
“But now that I am helping you, why not kill the Hunter?” The two brothers weren’t very similar, neither in appearance nor in character, but stubbornness was a trait that they both possessed for better or worse.
“My honor is not letting me,” Morinaga answered. He felt it would have been like cheating if he killed Isogai now. Not to mention he didn’t know how Souichi would react if he found out that Morinaga had let his brother kill the Hunter when the only thing Isogai wanted to do was help them bring Souichi back home safely.
He didn’t think it a good idea to inform his brother of his reasons. It might have sounded as if he was far too influenced by the Human, and that might cause Kunihiro to change his mind and not help Morinaga. He wasn’t going to risk it.
They were nearing the clearing where he had left the Hunter and Hiroto and Morinaga’s anxiousness was rising with every step. He hoped that Isogai would have enough brains to understand the situation and not aggravate Morinaga’s brother. It might really not end well for him. Morinaga also hoped that the Hunter and his friend had not started fighting during his absence. Considering the way the two of them had been acting with each other, he had no illusions how extended one on one time might end. He quickened his pace and his brother did the same, walking side by side with him.
It felt good, having his family so near and knowing that they would go to such lengths to help him. The warm feeling that was spreading in Morinaga’s chest distracted him for a moment and he didn’t even realize that they were almost at the clearing. A loud moan brought him back from his musings and made his blood run cold. He was about to pick up the pace, but he did not need to bother. The clearing and its two occupants were already visible.
Seeing what those two were indulging in made Morinaga freeze in mid-step and made his mouth fall open. He hadn’t even realized that his brother had stopped right beside him and arched both eyebrows in stunned wonder. There they were, a Vampire and a Hunter, lying on the ground with the Vampire underneath the Hunter. But that wasn’t what made the Morinaga brothers stop in their tracks; it was the activity that they were engaged in that had brought on the sudden paralysis.
Morinaga had feared leaving Isogai and Hiroto alone in case they started fighting, but there they were, on the ground with Isogai between Hiroto’s legs and their mouths connected in clearly a very passionate kiss.
‘At least they have still their clothes on,’ Morinaga thought a bit hysterically.
The two love birds were still oblivious to the presence of the two voyeuristic Vampires and were enthusiastically demonstrating the fine art of French kissing. Morinaga watched in horror as Hiroto’s legs wound themselves around Isogai’s hips, bringing their bodies more firmly together. The moans from both of them that followed made Morinaga blush scarlet.
“So that is why you didn’t want the Hunter killed,” Kunihiro said steadily, staring unblinkingly at the amorous pair.
Morinaga had totally forgotten that his brother was standing right beside him. He didn’t have time to say anything before Hiroto and Isogai finally noticed that they had an audience. The Hunter sprang away from the Vampire with quite remarkable speed. The two guilty love birds looked at the two Vampires with ‘Oh, shit!’ expressions on their faces. Hiroto slowly stood up and concentrated on straightening out his rumpled clothes.
“Umm… We… eeerrr…”
“So as you can see we haven’t killed each other!” Isogai smoothed down his clothes, already looking no worse for wear than when Morinaga left. “Isogai Taichirou,” he nodded once in greeting, looking at Kunihiro. “And who are you?”
“Why are you here, Hunter?” Kunihiro harshly ignored the Hunter’s introduction and his question. The slight amusement at the sight of the Vampire and Hunter making out vanished from his voice entirely.
Isogai didn’t let himself be intimidated and didn’t bat an eye. He stood calmly, seemingly relaxed, but from his stance it was clear to see that he was ready to act if his life was threatened.
“I’m here to help rescue Tatsumi Souichi.” His answer was clear and steady, full of determination.
Kunihiro’s eyes narrowed. Morinaga swallowed. If his brother became annoyed now he might just withhold his help in getting Souichi back from Masaki.
“And you think you might help in achieving that?” Kunihiro asked skeptically with one eyebrow raised.
This time it was Isogai’s turn to narrow his eyes, but only briefly. Very quickly his features smoothed out and he actually grinned.
“Of course! I’m the unforeseen factor that might just give you time to rescue Tatsumi-kun,” he smirked confidently.
Morinaga felt like strangling him but instead glared at the Hunter ominously.
“It doesn’t sound like you think you’ll survive the adventure,” Kunihiro said conversationally.
Hiroto gasped and looked at the Hunter with some indescribable feeling in his eyes. Isogai sent him a look that was both apologetic and regretful with also a hint of affection. Morinaga’s brows furrowed in concentration, trying to decipher what those glances meant. When he finally managed to, his eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. He was such an idiot. He should have noticed it earlier and the display of horniness demonstrated just a moment ago shouldn’t have come as such a surprise. He was looking from Hiroto to the Hunter with a mixture of concern and bewilderment.
“I took an oath. I’ll protect Humans from danger like Tatsumi is in even if the price is my own life.” Isogai watched Kunihiro with a seriousness that Morinaga had never seen before. True, the Hunter had acted seriously briefly from time to time, but he had never been this resolute before.
“I don’t think it’s going to be necessary, Hunter. I intend to resolve the situation without any bloodshed,” Kunihiro said coldly.
Morinaga wasn’t the only one to sigh in relief after hearing this declaration.
“I will hold you to your word, Vampire,” Isogai said.
“My Lord,” Kunihiro growled.
“I’m no lord.” Isogai’s eyebrow arched.
Morinaga groaned loudly. He couldn’t stop the sound from emerging from his throat.
“Just ignore him, brother. He’s annoying and I would like to squeeze the life out of him at least a few times during an hour but …” Morinaga shrugged helplessly. He knew why he always stopped himself from killing Isogai but he didn’t want to reveal the reason to his brother.
Kunihiro shook his head, “You keep the oddest company possible, Tetsuhiro.”
Isogai gave Kunihiro his creepiest smile. “I’ll take that as a compliment, lord scary-vampire.”
Hiroto choked half in disbelief and half in an attempt to stifle the giggle wanting to burst out from his throat.
“I’ll pretend you didn’t say that,” Kunihiro hissed.
“Fine, have it your way, Lord Dracula.”
Chapter 33
Note: About time Isogai and Hiroto ended making out, right? A love scene between them is still mostly optional so if you want to see them going at it, let me know. And Souichi; he’s healed and about to be cared for… Good, right? Or maybe not? *smirks and doesn’t tell you a thing*