[Fic] Replacement (2/3)
Title: Replacement
Pairing: KameDa (Kamenashi / Ueda)
Rating: PG-13
Genre: AU - Vampires; Angst
Summary: Sometimes, waiting for an eternity doesn't guarantee happiness.
Disclaimer: I don’t own anybody.
Originally posted here.
Part One | Part Two | Part Three
Replacement (2/3) - Flowers and an Unwanted Guest
Kamenashi looks hesitantly out of the window; it’s Sunday morning and Kamenashi has something important he has to do.
Wrapped tightly in a long black trench coat, Kamenashi puts on his fedora and sunglasses. Face covered by a flu mask, Kamenashi fastens the gloves on his hands. Slipping into his boots, Kamenashi wonders if he is sufficiently covered. Although it is summer and he is practically melting at the sheer heat, Kamenashi decides that he should still be able to tolerate a walk to the florist shop.
Grabbing a black umbrella, Kamenashi marches out of the mansion bravely.
***
"Your usual bunch of blue roses?"
Kamenashi nods.
"You know me so well, Nakamaru."
The florist laughs.
“You're my only customer that dresses like this every Sunday when stocks for the blue roses arrive; how can I not remember or know you?"
“You thought I was going for a funeral when I came here the fast time a few years back,” Kamenashi grins as he recalls the funny sight of Nakamaru trying very hard to explain that blue roses are not appropriate for funerals.
“Enough of making fun of me!” Nakamaru grumbles as he works on an elaborate ribbon design. "Since you’re buying blue roses again… I don’t think your love has reciprocated?”
"I'm still working on it," Kamenashi replies quietly.
"Blue roses signify unobtainable love," Nakamaru sighs. "Why don’t you try giving another colour like orange? Orange represents a desire to develop a deeper relationship with the person receiving the flowers…”
When Kamenashi forces a smile, Nakamaru nods understandingly and doesn’t utter a single word more. Taking the flowers, Kamenashi pays and thanks Nakamaru for the additional decorations.
***
The flowers have already wilted when Kamenashi reaches home.
Dejectedly tossing them into the trash pile, Kamenashi apologizes to no one in particular for wasting the flowers and the wrapping paper.
Maybe I will win his affection when he finally receives them.
***
"Why bother?"
Kamenashi is surprised when he returns to his room to see Ueda. It’s twelve noon now; Ueda should have no reason to be awake. Feigning ignorance, Kamenashi laments about the weather and how his rashes are acting up and disrupting his sleep.
"The flowers," Ueda cuts in. "Our skin burns when we walk under the sun. A trip to the shop can be fatal."
Kamenashi denies Ueda's accusations.
"Why would I sacrifice my life for something worthless? Flowers die when we touch it. There's no point in getting hurt senselessly."
Even though Ueda remains silent, his steely gaze continues to focus on Kamenashi. Finally, Ueda removes his coat and scarf, revealing burnt scars on his neck which are already healing.
"You followed me," Kamenashi gasps in surprise. Throughout the years, Kamenashi believes that he has honed his senses sufficiently to feel Ueda's presence even without a mental bond. It looks like Kamenashi has thought too highly of his abilities.
"I do every time you leave the mansion," Ueda states flatly.
Kamenashi is oddly touched by Ueda's constant protection.
“Are you okay?” Kamenashi walks up to Ueda and starts inspecting the injuries. “You’re wearing a coat; such severe injuries shouldn’t be the case!”
"The effects of the sun aren't obvious on you, but they are to me,” Ueda explains coldly. “The stronger the vampire, the darker his nature. If that's the tactic you have thought of to get rid of me or break out from my grip, I would say it's a rather good but pointless one. I’ve already told you that you can leave me whenever you want to."
"Think whatever you want," Kamenashi replies, happiness seeping away rapidly and words devoid of emotions. As usual, Ueda sees the worst in him; there isn't a point in explaining.
***
“Kazuya,” Taguchi sighs the moment Kamenashi opens the door. “Why are you here again?”
“Ueda detests me. I ought to move away.”
“Don’t be silly…” Taguchi chortles. “Tat-chan is just being a worrywart and refusing to admit it.”
“Go on.”
When a smirk appears on Taguchi’s face, Kamenashi tosses a stack of cash onto Taguchi’s desk.
“Tanaka Koki is here.”
Kamenashi stiffens.
“The slayer?”
“I believe he is just passing by,” Taguchi continues. “There aren’t any rampant or stray vampires in this town. We act in accordance to the law book and there is no reason for us to be his target. However, his presence is still a cause for concern. Tat-chan is right to be paranoid. Kazuya, stop running around and putting extra stress on Tat-chan, okay?”
Kamenashi twitches in agitation. He hates it when Taguchi treats him like a kid (although Taguchi has all the rights to, since he is five hundred years older?).
“You know everything don’t you?”
“Like you always label me, I’m just a humble businessman,” Taguchi breaks out into a sly grin, flashing his sharp fangs. “Always glad to be of some help to you, Ka~zu~ya~”
Kamenashi snorts and leaves the room.
***
Tanaka Koki…
Kamenashi shivers even as he thinks about the name. This slayer is different from the rest he has heard of; Tanaka Koki is well-known for his skills.
Strolling along the river bank, Kamenashi wonders about his argument with Ueda earlier.
If you're concerned, why did you put it that way?
Kamenashi can never understand how Ueda thinks. He clings on to the possibility that Ueda is just not very adequate in expressing himself. However, Kamenashi is starting to feel the strain after fifty years. His relationship with Ueda has been deteriorating recently; Kamenashi no longer knows how to interact with Ueda anymore.
Sitting by the edge of the river, Kamenashi watches the sunset alone.
It would be good if I had a partner to watch the vermillion skies with me…
Kamenashi abandons his umbrella and coat when darkness envelopes his surroundings. Hesitant at the prospects of returning home, Kamenashi stares emptily at the reflection of the moon bopping in the river.
***
When Kamenashi takes a step back into the mansion, Ueda appears behind him.
“Have you been following me again?”
Ueda returns to his room without a word.
***
“Let’s have dinner in town,” Kamenashi suggests randomly on a boring night.
Ueda peers over the newspapers.
“Repeat.”
“Let’s have dinner in town.”
“No.”
“Why?”
“No.”
“You’re concerned for me, aren’t you? Since Tanaka Koki is around…”
“No.”
“What are you? A broken record?”
Ueda goes back to reading and Kamenashi kicks the pillar in frustration.
I love getting hurt, don’t I? Kazuya, you are a freaking masochist.
***
“Kamenashi Kazuya, we’re going out.”
Kamenashi momentarily takes his eyes off the television. It is a rare moment that Ueda is asking him out, but Kamenashi needs to keep tabs on the stock markets. After all, their entire livelihood depends on it.
“You’ve been watching stocks for the past fifty years. Aren’t you bored of it?”
Kamenashi stares at Ueda.
“You’re striking a casual conversation with me?”
Ueda looks awkward as he tries to mumble an excuse.
“I think I’m going to make a killing in the next few minutes,” Kamenashi snickers. “Where are we going anyway?”
“Taguchi’s place,” Ueda sighs. “The other vampires want to hold a meeting as to why Tanaka Koki is still lingering around this area.”
“Are you concerned about me? You have never attended such discussions.”
“Ask any further and I’ll leave without you,” Ueda threatens before exiting the room. “I’ll meet you at the foyer.”
Is Ueda warming up? Kamenashi thinks optimistically, contented at even the slightest positive change in Ueda. It may have taken a long while, but I’m glad that giant iceberg is thawing!
“I’ll be with you in a minute.”
Kamenashi rushes into the bathroom and applies a copious amount of hair gel and spray. Styling his hair according to the latest summer look, Kamenashi fixes his eyebrows and applies a little powder on his face. It is comforting to know that Ueda has an excellent night vision and his efforts wouldn’t be in vain.
***
“What would you like me to get for you?” Kamenashi breaks the silence as they walk to Taguchi’s mansion. “A car? That would make travelling much easier. You can avoid the sunlight too with darkly tinted windscreens…”
“A driving licence would be incredibly inconvenient,” Ueda points out flatly. “Taguchi is already charging a great deal for our faux identity cards. I don’t need more reasons to offer that moneygrubber extra cash.”
“I can afford it,” Kamenashi grins. “I just sold off the stocks I bought twenty years ago. I earned a huge fortune that can last us for years, even though I probably destroyed other investors and the company in the process.”
“I’m not interested to know such things… I don’t really need money.”
“But having them around doesn’t hurt either!” Kamenashi argues. “After watching the investment patterns all these years, I’m quite a skilled professional.”
Ueda says nothing in response.
Walking beside Ueda, Kamenashi eyes the older vampire.
I wonder how he’ll react if I try to hold his hand…
An unfamiliar figure steps out of the alley and stands before them when Kamenashi attempts to do so.
***
The man has an oppressive presence about him and even without him lifting a finger, Kamenashi feels nauseous. Reeking heavily with the stench of vampires' blood, Kamenashi finds it difficult to take another look at the person before him. There is something unsettling about him and it makes Kamenashi immensely sick. Stealing a glance at Ueda, Kamenashi can tell immediately that something is wrong; Ueda hardly appears shaken.
Instinctively going on the defensive, Kamenashi gasps in surprise when Ueda holds on to his hand and asks him to relax.
"Keep your cool," Ueda commands. "That man in front is Tanaka Koki."
At the mention of the slayer's name, Kamenashi feels his chest tightening.
"Something wrong?" the vampire slayer inquires as he takes a step forward. There is no threat in his voice, but Kamenashi finds it impossible to shake off his quaking fear. His fangs grow out involuntarily while he backs away and retreats behind Ueda.
"Thank you for your concern, but we're both very fine," Ueda replies coolly as Kamenashi clutches on to his sire. "Pardon me for asking Tanaka Koki but what brings you to our humble territory?"
Kamenashi is still jittery even when Ueda squeezes his hands in reassurance.
"Your younger one doesn't seem to listen to your orders," Tanaka Koki notes with a frown on his face. “He doesn’t calm down even when you instruct him to.”
"He is only a little wild," Ueda answers politely with a slight curl of his lips. "He is no stray."
"I don't sense any link between the both of you either."
"It's just weak," Ueda explains, uncertainty lacing his words. "We didn't exactly finish the process."
"He didn't bite you back?" Koki chuckles. "Then it's amazing how tame he is."
Kamenashi feels a lump in his throat, not exactly capable of following the conversation. Aren’t their links severed instead of it being incomplete?
"He loves me a lot; we don't need ancient rituals to bind us together."
"Oh?"
It is comforting to see Koki's suspicion fading to amusement, but Kamenashi’s mind is preoccupied with other matters.
"You knew about my feelings all this while? And is it true that you lied about severing our links fifty years ago?”
Kamenashi’s fangs slowly retract as delight replaces his strong emotions of fear. He can almost cry with joy that Ueda isn’t as brutal towards him as Ueda has described himself to be.
Maybe that’s why I can feel a fraction of Ueda’s emotions vaguely during full moon when I’m stronger…
"We'll talk about it some other time," Ueda hushes and turns to face Koki again.
"As long as he isn't attacking random humans, I guess I don't have an appointment with you," Koki finally concludes and Kamenashi can hear Ueda sighing with relief.
He cares!
"I'm just here to visit someone. You can let your old friend Taguchi know about that too."
The tension eases when Kamenashi giggles as Koki emphasizes on the word 'old'.
"Your humour is tasteless," Ueda comments while throwing Kamenashi a disapproving look.
Kamenashi mutters a word of apology but Ueda waves it away.
"Before I go, would the two of you help a very lost tourist?"
Kamenashi nods eagerly and proceeds to moves forward to look at the crumpled piece of paper Koki has extended. Although Ueda follows along (their hands are still together; Kamenashi doesn't intend to let go once their fingers are latched), it is clear that Ueda is hesitant. He is exerting far too much strength to pull Kamenashi back.
Koki seems to have understood the situation, for he walks over instead.
"Isn't that Nakamaru's shop?" Kamenashi exclaims when he sees the familiar address. "You're the florist's friend?"
"You know Yucchi?"
"A little," Kamenashi replies. “I frequent his shop often and he invites me for tea sessions when…”
Kamenashi ends his sentence abruptly and merely smiles to ease the tension.
…when Ueda throws me out in a fit of impulse, sadness or agitation.
"Great," Koki claps his hands in glee. "Could you give me some instructions?"
"I can even show you there!" Kamenashi offers, much to Ueda’s chagrin.
***
“Nakamaru!” Kamenashi greets when he enters the florist shop. The bells by the door jingle softly.
“Kamenashi?” Nakamaru rubs his eyes as he looks up sleepily from the counter. “There aren’t blue roses today and I’m about to close for the day…”
“I brought you a friend!”
Koki steps in while Ueda follows oddly close to the slayer (Ueda managed to wriggle out of Kamenashi’s grasp on their way here and insists that he needs to keep an eye on Koki from behind).
“Yucchi! Good to see you again.”
“Koki, you’re here too? What a pleasant surprise!”
Kamenashi smiles delightedly as the two pals catch up with one another.
It’s great to have friends.
“I always get lost around this area, and I’m lucky to have met one of your customers!”
At the word ‘customer’, Nakamaru jumps and apologizes for ignoring Kamenashi.
“Are you here for flowers?”
When Kamenashi shakes his head and excuses himself, Ueda takes a step forward.
“I want to buy a bouquet of fifteen red roses.”
“For an apology?”
Ueda nods.
“I’m not as stupid as you,” Ueda mumbles under his breath when Nakamaru scurries off to prepare. “Since you’re right here by my side, the flowers wouldn’t wilt when you receive them.”
“Nakamaru, can I borrow your washroom?” Kamenashi asks urgently. When Nakamaru gives his consent, Kamenashi scoots off.
Although those are tears of happiness, Kamenashi refuses to cry in public.
***
"He was on my list," Kamenashi overhears Ueda's and Koki's conversation when he is done with the restroom. Hiding behind a couple of large potted plants, Kamenashi continues to eavesdrop. "Frankly, I'm impressed at how he didn't lose his rationality at my sight, and was even lucid enough to offer help.”
“I would have killed you if you were targeting him.”
“What makes you so sure that you’ll win?”
"I will."
"Ueda Tatsuya, it's a long running rumour in the vampire world at how you neglect your charge… Somehow you have given the impression that you hate Kamenashi more than you love him…”
"What are you trying to insinuate?" Ueda barks back, fist clenched.
“Simmer down,” Koki warns before continuing. “But after meeting the two of you tonight… I think the rumours are a lie. I can tell from your eyes; you have the same look when sires desperately try and protect their younger ones. You're no different. I can tell you like him too. Why don’t you accept him properly?"
“I don’t need to give you an answer,” Ueda growls.
"Forge a proper bond with him; I don't want to be the slayer dispatched when he loses his sanity. A vampire without a proper sire… It's only a matter of time. Kamenashi is truly legendary to be holding off after such a long time. Why do you reject him so when the feeling is mutual?"
Kamenashi wonders if he should make his presence known.
"I hope you'll be responsible for both Kamenashi's and your heart," Koki eventually sighs when he casts a glance at Kamenashi’s direction. “I’m in no position to judge you. Do as you deem fit.”
“Did I miss anything?” Nakamaru comes back with a huge bouquet of flowers. “What’s with the stern expressions?”
Kamenashi seizes the opportunity to step out from his hiding corner.
“Yucchi, don’t be such a busybody,” Koki teases while Ueda thanks Nakamaru for the effort before paying for his purchase.
“I’m sorry,” Ueda mutters as he passes the flowers to Kamenashi. “Let’s head home and we’ll talk.”
Kamenashi’s eyes widen when Ueda takes the initiative to hold his hand.
Is Ueda going to tell me about his past so we can get along better?
Kamenashi appreciates the gesture and wraps his fingers around Ueda’s.
***
"Shall we begin?”
Kamenashi takes the armchair opposite of Ueda.
"Koki is right. You need a proper sire soon."
"Aren't you my sire…?" Kamenashi asks. He has a sudden bad feeling in his guts that Ueda's apology isn't what he thinks it is meant for.
"Pick a new sire," Ueda continues, much to Kamenashi's horror.
"What do you mean by that?"
"I'm sorry that I'm only letting you go after fifty years. I should have found you a new sire when you were unconscious."
Kamenashi looks at the wilted flowers sitting on the coffee table between them in silence.
"You spend much time at Taguchi's place don't you?" Ueda continues heartlessly. "I'll drop him a call. He owes me a couple of favours anyway."
"Why?"
"What?"
"Why do you treat me that way?" Kamenashi sniffles. He doesn't want to wail like a kid, but…
"I'll drop Taguchi a call and discuss about it," Ueda repeats before Kamenashi replies. Getting up, he vanishes along the corridors.
Why is Ueda building an impregnable wall around himself? If Ueda has feelings for him too, isn't everything swell? Why is Ueda cruelly denying Kamenashi's existence in his heart? What has he done wrongly?
Kamenashi slams the table in frustration. The table cracks under his blow.
All he is certain is that everything hurts.
***
"Do you really have a surge of undying love towards me all this while without my knowledge?" Taguchi questions sceptically as he twirls his pen around his fingers.
"No."
"Then why are you changing your loyalty and requesting for me to be your sire?"
"I don't," Kamenashi answers bitterly. "Ueda doesn't want me around."
"Cruel."
Kamenashi doesn't like the look of sympathy Taguchi is giving him.
"I can always… take you in if you want."
Kamenashi shakes his head.
"Don't force yourself," Kamenashi replies dryly. "I wouldn't be able to forget about that bastard if I'm staying in this town. I would very much like to travel somewhere far away."
"Careful… You shouldn't be cursing at your sire."
"He can't even be bothered to look at me; what makes you think that he'll actually lift a finger to punish me?"
"Good point," Taguchi laughs hollowly, shaking his head. "Anyway, I've a friend in Osaka. Maybe I can send you there instead."
"Fine by me," Kamenashi replies stonily.
"You don't even know Ryo."
"It doesn't matter," Kamenashi sighs. "As long as there's a place… I'll take it."
“Are you really sure about it? Once a proper bond is forged… it can only be broken by death.”
Kamenashi closes his eyes. It is the only way he can keep his tears from flowing out.
“I don’t have a choice, do I?”
"I'll get Ryo to call you," Taguchi smiles wryly. “I don’t have the heart to charge you, so you can keep your wallet.”
Kamenashi bows gratefully to Taguchi and leaves the room. Before the door closes, he hears Taguchi's words of pity.
"Poor unloved creature…"
***
“A vile monster called you.”
Kamenashi ignores Ueda.
"Nishikido Ryo is on the line."
Kamenashi gets up from his armchair and walks towards the phone.
“You have such bad taste,” Ueda mutters. “I’m glad I won’t be keeping you around.”
Kamenashi inhales deeply.
“Is this Kazuya?” an unfamiliar voice speaks up from the other side of the line
“Yeah…” Kamenashi answers.
This Nishikido person sounds nice enough…
“When would you like to drop by?” Nishikido pipes up. “We can have a chat to know each other better before you make your decision. I do know being tolerant is your quality though. How can you stay with that sour puss for such a long time?”
“Pardon?”
Kamenashi hears a door slams and reckons that Ueda is already out of his room. Said sour puss must have been referring to Ueda.
Ueda has amazing hearing.
“When would you like to make a trip down to Osaka? I can send my private jet over.”
“I can go by myself,” Kamenashi rejects Nishikido’s kind offer. “The shinkansen is pretty convenient.”
“Great,” Nishikido sounds cheery. “You’re independent too. Which date would you be reaching on? I’ll fetch you from the train station.”
Kamenashi does a brief check on his phone.
“I’ll catch the evening train tomorrow.”
“You’re so understanding!” Nishikido exclaims. “I’ll see you at night then. Ciaos!”
Through their short conversation, Kamenashi is able to pick up the fact that Nishikido could possibly be an uncaring individual. This causes uncertainty to rise in his heart; does he really want to leave Tokyo? Does he really want to leave Ueda?
No time to regret, Kamenashi sighs. I’ve got to pack.
***
Kamenashi expects Ueda to send him off but Ueda didn’t even budge from his couch for the entire day.
He isn’t reading nor is he watching any form of entertainment. Kamenashi wonders what Ueda is doing exactly.
However, Kamenashi stops himself from asking. There isn’t a point in knowing if he is leaving, right?
“Goodbye,” Kamenashi mumbles under his breath before closing the door behind him.
***
Kamenashi chokes back his tears as he steps out of the mansion. He has lived with Ueda for the past fifty years in this place; Kamenashi is reluctant to go. However, he knows that there are other priorities besides being with Ueda.
Throughout all his life, human or vampire, Kamenashi has been actively seeking for acceptance… To achieve that goal, Kamenashi knows that he must leave this place. This mansion is deprived of the love he craves for.
In the inner depths of his heart, Kamenashi childishly holds on to the hope that Ueda will shout out tohim and make him stay. Even if the relationship will be full of problems with Ueda still struggling to walk out from the past… Kamenashi would have abandoned everything on hand and remain by Ueda’s side if Ueda just asks him to.
“Ueda Tatsuya is a coward!” Kamenashi shouts aloud to no one in particular. “I know that many issues will arise if we get together, but that jerk didn't even want try…”
“It’s because I love you that I don’t want you to end up hurt.”
Kamenashi looks around bewildered. He is certain that voice belongs to Ueda.
"Ueda?" Kamenashi whispers.
His own voice echos in the silence.
Maybe I'm just hearing the things I want to…
***
Till the last moment, Kamenashi clings on desperately that Ueda would turn up at the train station and deter him from leaving but nothing happens. Disappointment finally fills the void in his heart and Kamenashi decides that it is time to give up and move on. Kamenashi is sure that he doesn’t mean anything to Ueda; Tanaka Koki has made a mistake and gave him false hope.
Taking one last look at Tokyo, Kamenashi boards the train.
Will I finally be spared from all this pain?
~ End of Part Two ~
Author’s Note: I'm really sorry for the late update! It's been more than a month, isn't it? I was unsatisfied with the first draft of chapter two so I decided to rewrite till I'm happy with the outcome (I took about three versions?). I was done a couple of days ago and really wanted to put this up but school work came in my way and my hand started swelling (coincidentally) so I decided to wait till I'm done with my presentation and for the pain to subside before posting. I don't think the injury is serious; it's most probably self-inflicted when I assaulted a wall in my sleep. It was a bad dream.
On a random note, Ueda's birthday is coming so I've decided to open a request post which can be found here: Ueda Drabble Request Post :3
If you have any prompts you would like me to write, feel free to comment on that post. I'll be more than happy to write it for you ~
I'll try to update chapter three a little faster so please look forward to it ^_^
Pairing: KameDa (Kamenashi / Ueda)
Rating: PG-13
Genre: AU - Vampires; Angst
Summary: Sometimes, waiting for an eternity doesn't guarantee happiness.
Disclaimer: I don’t own anybody.
Originally posted here.
Part One | Part Two | Part Three
Replacement (2/3) - Flowers and an Unwanted Guest
Kamenashi looks hesitantly out of the window; it’s Sunday morning and Kamenashi has something important he has to do.
Wrapped tightly in a long black trench coat, Kamenashi puts on his fedora and sunglasses. Face covered by a flu mask, Kamenashi fastens the gloves on his hands. Slipping into his boots, Kamenashi wonders if he is sufficiently covered. Although it is summer and he is practically melting at the sheer heat, Kamenashi decides that he should still be able to tolerate a walk to the florist shop.
Grabbing a black umbrella, Kamenashi marches out of the mansion bravely.
***
"Your usual bunch of blue roses?"
Kamenashi nods.
"You know me so well, Nakamaru."
The florist laughs.
“You're my only customer that dresses like this every Sunday when stocks for the blue roses arrive; how can I not remember or know you?"
“You thought I was going for a funeral when I came here the fast time a few years back,” Kamenashi grins as he recalls the funny sight of Nakamaru trying very hard to explain that blue roses are not appropriate for funerals.
“Enough of making fun of me!” Nakamaru grumbles as he works on an elaborate ribbon design. "Since you’re buying blue roses again… I don’t think your love has reciprocated?”
"I'm still working on it," Kamenashi replies quietly.
"Blue roses signify unobtainable love," Nakamaru sighs. "Why don’t you try giving another colour like orange? Orange represents a desire to develop a deeper relationship with the person receiving the flowers…”
When Kamenashi forces a smile, Nakamaru nods understandingly and doesn’t utter a single word more. Taking the flowers, Kamenashi pays and thanks Nakamaru for the additional decorations.
***
The flowers have already wilted when Kamenashi reaches home.
Dejectedly tossing them into the trash pile, Kamenashi apologizes to no one in particular for wasting the flowers and the wrapping paper.
Maybe I will win his affection when he finally receives them.
***
"Why bother?"
Kamenashi is surprised when he returns to his room to see Ueda. It’s twelve noon now; Ueda should have no reason to be awake. Feigning ignorance, Kamenashi laments about the weather and how his rashes are acting up and disrupting his sleep.
"The flowers," Ueda cuts in. "Our skin burns when we walk under the sun. A trip to the shop can be fatal."
Kamenashi denies Ueda's accusations.
"Why would I sacrifice my life for something worthless? Flowers die when we touch it. There's no point in getting hurt senselessly."
Even though Ueda remains silent, his steely gaze continues to focus on Kamenashi. Finally, Ueda removes his coat and scarf, revealing burnt scars on his neck which are already healing.
"You followed me," Kamenashi gasps in surprise. Throughout the years, Kamenashi believes that he has honed his senses sufficiently to feel Ueda's presence even without a mental bond. It looks like Kamenashi has thought too highly of his abilities.
"I do every time you leave the mansion," Ueda states flatly.
Kamenashi is oddly touched by Ueda's constant protection.
“Are you okay?” Kamenashi walks up to Ueda and starts inspecting the injuries. “You’re wearing a coat; such severe injuries shouldn’t be the case!”
"The effects of the sun aren't obvious on you, but they are to me,” Ueda explains coldly. “The stronger the vampire, the darker his nature. If that's the tactic you have thought of to get rid of me or break out from my grip, I would say it's a rather good but pointless one. I’ve already told you that you can leave me whenever you want to."
"Think whatever you want," Kamenashi replies, happiness seeping away rapidly and words devoid of emotions. As usual, Ueda sees the worst in him; there isn't a point in explaining.
***
“Kazuya,” Taguchi sighs the moment Kamenashi opens the door. “Why are you here again?”
“Ueda detests me. I ought to move away.”
“Don’t be silly…” Taguchi chortles. “Tat-chan is just being a worrywart and refusing to admit it.”
“Go on.”
When a smirk appears on Taguchi’s face, Kamenashi tosses a stack of cash onto Taguchi’s desk.
“Tanaka Koki is here.”
Kamenashi stiffens.
“The slayer?”
“I believe he is just passing by,” Taguchi continues. “There aren’t any rampant or stray vampires in this town. We act in accordance to the law book and there is no reason for us to be his target. However, his presence is still a cause for concern. Tat-chan is right to be paranoid. Kazuya, stop running around and putting extra stress on Tat-chan, okay?”
Kamenashi twitches in agitation. He hates it when Taguchi treats him like a kid (although Taguchi has all the rights to, since he is five hundred years older?).
“You know everything don’t you?”
“Like you always label me, I’m just a humble businessman,” Taguchi breaks out into a sly grin, flashing his sharp fangs. “Always glad to be of some help to you, Ka~zu~ya~”
Kamenashi snorts and leaves the room.
***
Tanaka Koki…
Kamenashi shivers even as he thinks about the name. This slayer is different from the rest he has heard of; Tanaka Koki is well-known for his skills.
Strolling along the river bank, Kamenashi wonders about his argument with Ueda earlier.
If you're concerned, why did you put it that way?
Kamenashi can never understand how Ueda thinks. He clings on to the possibility that Ueda is just not very adequate in expressing himself. However, Kamenashi is starting to feel the strain after fifty years. His relationship with Ueda has been deteriorating recently; Kamenashi no longer knows how to interact with Ueda anymore.
Sitting by the edge of the river, Kamenashi watches the sunset alone.
It would be good if I had a partner to watch the vermillion skies with me…
Kamenashi abandons his umbrella and coat when darkness envelopes his surroundings. Hesitant at the prospects of returning home, Kamenashi stares emptily at the reflection of the moon bopping in the river.
***
When Kamenashi takes a step back into the mansion, Ueda appears behind him.
“Have you been following me again?”
Ueda returns to his room without a word.
***
“Let’s have dinner in town,” Kamenashi suggests randomly on a boring night.
Ueda peers over the newspapers.
“Repeat.”
“Let’s have dinner in town.”
“No.”
“Why?”
“No.”
“You’re concerned for me, aren’t you? Since Tanaka Koki is around…”
“No.”
“What are you? A broken record?”
Ueda goes back to reading and Kamenashi kicks the pillar in frustration.
I love getting hurt, don’t I? Kazuya, you are a freaking masochist.
***
“Kamenashi Kazuya, we’re going out.”
Kamenashi momentarily takes his eyes off the television. It is a rare moment that Ueda is asking him out, but Kamenashi needs to keep tabs on the stock markets. After all, their entire livelihood depends on it.
“You’ve been watching stocks for the past fifty years. Aren’t you bored of it?”
Kamenashi stares at Ueda.
“You’re striking a casual conversation with me?”
Ueda looks awkward as he tries to mumble an excuse.
“I think I’m going to make a killing in the next few minutes,” Kamenashi snickers. “Where are we going anyway?”
“Taguchi’s place,” Ueda sighs. “The other vampires want to hold a meeting as to why Tanaka Koki is still lingering around this area.”
“Are you concerned about me? You have never attended such discussions.”
“Ask any further and I’ll leave without you,” Ueda threatens before exiting the room. “I’ll meet you at the foyer.”
Is Ueda warming up? Kamenashi thinks optimistically, contented at even the slightest positive change in Ueda. It may have taken a long while, but I’m glad that giant iceberg is thawing!
“I’ll be with you in a minute.”
Kamenashi rushes into the bathroom and applies a copious amount of hair gel and spray. Styling his hair according to the latest summer look, Kamenashi fixes his eyebrows and applies a little powder on his face. It is comforting to know that Ueda has an excellent night vision and his efforts wouldn’t be in vain.
***
“What would you like me to get for you?” Kamenashi breaks the silence as they walk to Taguchi’s mansion. “A car? That would make travelling much easier. You can avoid the sunlight too with darkly tinted windscreens…”
“A driving licence would be incredibly inconvenient,” Ueda points out flatly. “Taguchi is already charging a great deal for our faux identity cards. I don’t need more reasons to offer that moneygrubber extra cash.”
“I can afford it,” Kamenashi grins. “I just sold off the stocks I bought twenty years ago. I earned a huge fortune that can last us for years, even though I probably destroyed other investors and the company in the process.”
“I’m not interested to know such things… I don’t really need money.”
“But having them around doesn’t hurt either!” Kamenashi argues. “After watching the investment patterns all these years, I’m quite a skilled professional.”
Ueda says nothing in response.
Walking beside Ueda, Kamenashi eyes the older vampire.
I wonder how he’ll react if I try to hold his hand…
An unfamiliar figure steps out of the alley and stands before them when Kamenashi attempts to do so.
***
The man has an oppressive presence about him and even without him lifting a finger, Kamenashi feels nauseous. Reeking heavily with the stench of vampires' blood, Kamenashi finds it difficult to take another look at the person before him. There is something unsettling about him and it makes Kamenashi immensely sick. Stealing a glance at Ueda, Kamenashi can tell immediately that something is wrong; Ueda hardly appears shaken.
Instinctively going on the defensive, Kamenashi gasps in surprise when Ueda holds on to his hand and asks him to relax.
"Keep your cool," Ueda commands. "That man in front is Tanaka Koki."
At the mention of the slayer's name, Kamenashi feels his chest tightening.
"Something wrong?" the vampire slayer inquires as he takes a step forward. There is no threat in his voice, but Kamenashi finds it impossible to shake off his quaking fear. His fangs grow out involuntarily while he backs away and retreats behind Ueda.
"Thank you for your concern, but we're both very fine," Ueda replies coolly as Kamenashi clutches on to his sire. "Pardon me for asking Tanaka Koki but what brings you to our humble territory?"
Kamenashi is still jittery even when Ueda squeezes his hands in reassurance.
"Your younger one doesn't seem to listen to your orders," Tanaka Koki notes with a frown on his face. “He doesn’t calm down even when you instruct him to.”
"He is only a little wild," Ueda answers politely with a slight curl of his lips. "He is no stray."
"I don't sense any link between the both of you either."
"It's just weak," Ueda explains, uncertainty lacing his words. "We didn't exactly finish the process."
"He didn't bite you back?" Koki chuckles. "Then it's amazing how tame he is."
Kamenashi feels a lump in his throat, not exactly capable of following the conversation. Aren’t their links severed instead of it being incomplete?
"He loves me a lot; we don't need ancient rituals to bind us together."
"Oh?"
It is comforting to see Koki's suspicion fading to amusement, but Kamenashi’s mind is preoccupied with other matters.
"You knew about my feelings all this while? And is it true that you lied about severing our links fifty years ago?”
Kamenashi’s fangs slowly retract as delight replaces his strong emotions of fear. He can almost cry with joy that Ueda isn’t as brutal towards him as Ueda has described himself to be.
Maybe that’s why I can feel a fraction of Ueda’s emotions vaguely during full moon when I’m stronger…
"We'll talk about it some other time," Ueda hushes and turns to face Koki again.
"As long as he isn't attacking random humans, I guess I don't have an appointment with you," Koki finally concludes and Kamenashi can hear Ueda sighing with relief.
He cares!
"I'm just here to visit someone. You can let your old friend Taguchi know about that too."
The tension eases when Kamenashi giggles as Koki emphasizes on the word 'old'.
"Your humour is tasteless," Ueda comments while throwing Kamenashi a disapproving look.
Kamenashi mutters a word of apology but Ueda waves it away.
"Before I go, would the two of you help a very lost tourist?"
Kamenashi nods eagerly and proceeds to moves forward to look at the crumpled piece of paper Koki has extended. Although Ueda follows along (their hands are still together; Kamenashi doesn't intend to let go once their fingers are latched), it is clear that Ueda is hesitant. He is exerting far too much strength to pull Kamenashi back.
Koki seems to have understood the situation, for he walks over instead.
"Isn't that Nakamaru's shop?" Kamenashi exclaims when he sees the familiar address. "You're the florist's friend?"
"You know Yucchi?"
"A little," Kamenashi replies. “I frequent his shop often and he invites me for tea sessions when…”
Kamenashi ends his sentence abruptly and merely smiles to ease the tension.
…when Ueda throws me out in a fit of impulse, sadness or agitation.
"Great," Koki claps his hands in glee. "Could you give me some instructions?"
"I can even show you there!" Kamenashi offers, much to Ueda’s chagrin.
***
“Nakamaru!” Kamenashi greets when he enters the florist shop. The bells by the door jingle softly.
“Kamenashi?” Nakamaru rubs his eyes as he looks up sleepily from the counter. “There aren’t blue roses today and I’m about to close for the day…”
“I brought you a friend!”
Koki steps in while Ueda follows oddly close to the slayer (Ueda managed to wriggle out of Kamenashi’s grasp on their way here and insists that he needs to keep an eye on Koki from behind).
“Yucchi! Good to see you again.”
“Koki, you’re here too? What a pleasant surprise!”
Kamenashi smiles delightedly as the two pals catch up with one another.
It’s great to have friends.
“I always get lost around this area, and I’m lucky to have met one of your customers!”
At the word ‘customer’, Nakamaru jumps and apologizes for ignoring Kamenashi.
“Are you here for flowers?”
When Kamenashi shakes his head and excuses himself, Ueda takes a step forward.
“I want to buy a bouquet of fifteen red roses.”
“For an apology?”
Ueda nods.
“I’m not as stupid as you,” Ueda mumbles under his breath when Nakamaru scurries off to prepare. “Since you’re right here by my side, the flowers wouldn’t wilt when you receive them.”
“Nakamaru, can I borrow your washroom?” Kamenashi asks urgently. When Nakamaru gives his consent, Kamenashi scoots off.
Although those are tears of happiness, Kamenashi refuses to cry in public.
***
"He was on my list," Kamenashi overhears Ueda's and Koki's conversation when he is done with the restroom. Hiding behind a couple of large potted plants, Kamenashi continues to eavesdrop. "Frankly, I'm impressed at how he didn't lose his rationality at my sight, and was even lucid enough to offer help.”
“I would have killed you if you were targeting him.”
“What makes you so sure that you’ll win?”
"I will."
"Ueda Tatsuya, it's a long running rumour in the vampire world at how you neglect your charge… Somehow you have given the impression that you hate Kamenashi more than you love him…”
"What are you trying to insinuate?" Ueda barks back, fist clenched.
“Simmer down,” Koki warns before continuing. “But after meeting the two of you tonight… I think the rumours are a lie. I can tell from your eyes; you have the same look when sires desperately try and protect their younger ones. You're no different. I can tell you like him too. Why don’t you accept him properly?"
“I don’t need to give you an answer,” Ueda growls.
"Forge a proper bond with him; I don't want to be the slayer dispatched when he loses his sanity. A vampire without a proper sire… It's only a matter of time. Kamenashi is truly legendary to be holding off after such a long time. Why do you reject him so when the feeling is mutual?"
Kamenashi wonders if he should make his presence known.
"I hope you'll be responsible for both Kamenashi's and your heart," Koki eventually sighs when he casts a glance at Kamenashi’s direction. “I’m in no position to judge you. Do as you deem fit.”
“Did I miss anything?” Nakamaru comes back with a huge bouquet of flowers. “What’s with the stern expressions?”
Kamenashi seizes the opportunity to step out from his hiding corner.
“Yucchi, don’t be such a busybody,” Koki teases while Ueda thanks Nakamaru for the effort before paying for his purchase.
“I’m sorry,” Ueda mutters as he passes the flowers to Kamenashi. “Let’s head home and we’ll talk.”
Kamenashi’s eyes widen when Ueda takes the initiative to hold his hand.
Is Ueda going to tell me about his past so we can get along better?
Kamenashi appreciates the gesture and wraps his fingers around Ueda’s.
***
"Shall we begin?”
Kamenashi takes the armchair opposite of Ueda.
"Koki is right. You need a proper sire soon."
"Aren't you my sire…?" Kamenashi asks. He has a sudden bad feeling in his guts that Ueda's apology isn't what he thinks it is meant for.
"Pick a new sire," Ueda continues, much to Kamenashi's horror.
"What do you mean by that?"
"I'm sorry that I'm only letting you go after fifty years. I should have found you a new sire when you were unconscious."
Kamenashi looks at the wilted flowers sitting on the coffee table between them in silence.
"You spend much time at Taguchi's place don't you?" Ueda continues heartlessly. "I'll drop him a call. He owes me a couple of favours anyway."
"Why?"
"What?"
"Why do you treat me that way?" Kamenashi sniffles. He doesn't want to wail like a kid, but…
"I'll drop Taguchi a call and discuss about it," Ueda repeats before Kamenashi replies. Getting up, he vanishes along the corridors.
Why is Ueda building an impregnable wall around himself? If Ueda has feelings for him too, isn't everything swell? Why is Ueda cruelly denying Kamenashi's existence in his heart? What has he done wrongly?
Kamenashi slams the table in frustration. The table cracks under his blow.
All he is certain is that everything hurts.
***
"Do you really have a surge of undying love towards me all this while without my knowledge?" Taguchi questions sceptically as he twirls his pen around his fingers.
"No."
"Then why are you changing your loyalty and requesting for me to be your sire?"
"I don't," Kamenashi answers bitterly. "Ueda doesn't want me around."
"Cruel."
Kamenashi doesn't like the look of sympathy Taguchi is giving him.
"I can always… take you in if you want."
Kamenashi shakes his head.
"Don't force yourself," Kamenashi replies dryly. "I wouldn't be able to forget about that bastard if I'm staying in this town. I would very much like to travel somewhere far away."
"Careful… You shouldn't be cursing at your sire."
"He can't even be bothered to look at me; what makes you think that he'll actually lift a finger to punish me?"
"Good point," Taguchi laughs hollowly, shaking his head. "Anyway, I've a friend in Osaka. Maybe I can send you there instead."
"Fine by me," Kamenashi replies stonily.
"You don't even know Ryo."
"It doesn't matter," Kamenashi sighs. "As long as there's a place… I'll take it."
“Are you really sure about it? Once a proper bond is forged… it can only be broken by death.”
Kamenashi closes his eyes. It is the only way he can keep his tears from flowing out.
“I don’t have a choice, do I?”
"I'll get Ryo to call you," Taguchi smiles wryly. “I don’t have the heart to charge you, so you can keep your wallet.”
Kamenashi bows gratefully to Taguchi and leaves the room. Before the door closes, he hears Taguchi's words of pity.
"Poor unloved creature…"
***
“A vile monster called you.”
Kamenashi ignores Ueda.
"Nishikido Ryo is on the line."
Kamenashi gets up from his armchair and walks towards the phone.
“You have such bad taste,” Ueda mutters. “I’m glad I won’t be keeping you around.”
Kamenashi inhales deeply.
“Is this Kazuya?” an unfamiliar voice speaks up from the other side of the line
“Yeah…” Kamenashi answers.
This Nishikido person sounds nice enough…
“When would you like to drop by?” Nishikido pipes up. “We can have a chat to know each other better before you make your decision. I do know being tolerant is your quality though. How can you stay with that sour puss for such a long time?”
“Pardon?”
Kamenashi hears a door slams and reckons that Ueda is already out of his room. Said sour puss must have been referring to Ueda.
Ueda has amazing hearing.
“When would you like to make a trip down to Osaka? I can send my private jet over.”
“I can go by myself,” Kamenashi rejects Nishikido’s kind offer. “The shinkansen is pretty convenient.”
“Great,” Nishikido sounds cheery. “You’re independent too. Which date would you be reaching on? I’ll fetch you from the train station.”
Kamenashi does a brief check on his phone.
“I’ll catch the evening train tomorrow.”
“You’re so understanding!” Nishikido exclaims. “I’ll see you at night then. Ciaos!”
Through their short conversation, Kamenashi is able to pick up the fact that Nishikido could possibly be an uncaring individual. This causes uncertainty to rise in his heart; does he really want to leave Tokyo? Does he really want to leave Ueda?
No time to regret, Kamenashi sighs. I’ve got to pack.
***
Kamenashi expects Ueda to send him off but Ueda didn’t even budge from his couch for the entire day.
He isn’t reading nor is he watching any form of entertainment. Kamenashi wonders what Ueda is doing exactly.
However, Kamenashi stops himself from asking. There isn’t a point in knowing if he is leaving, right?
“Goodbye,” Kamenashi mumbles under his breath before closing the door behind him.
***
Kamenashi chokes back his tears as he steps out of the mansion. He has lived with Ueda for the past fifty years in this place; Kamenashi is reluctant to go. However, he knows that there are other priorities besides being with Ueda.
Throughout all his life, human or vampire, Kamenashi has been actively seeking for acceptance… To achieve that goal, Kamenashi knows that he must leave this place. This mansion is deprived of the love he craves for.
In the inner depths of his heart, Kamenashi childishly holds on to the hope that Ueda will shout out tohim and make him stay. Even if the relationship will be full of problems with Ueda still struggling to walk out from the past… Kamenashi would have abandoned everything on hand and remain by Ueda’s side if Ueda just asks him to.
“Ueda Tatsuya is a coward!” Kamenashi shouts aloud to no one in particular. “I know that many issues will arise if we get together, but that jerk didn't even want try…”
“It’s because I love you that I don’t want you to end up hurt.”
Kamenashi looks around bewildered. He is certain that voice belongs to Ueda.
"Ueda?" Kamenashi whispers.
His own voice echos in the silence.
Maybe I'm just hearing the things I want to…
***
Till the last moment, Kamenashi clings on desperately that Ueda would turn up at the train station and deter him from leaving but nothing happens. Disappointment finally fills the void in his heart and Kamenashi decides that it is time to give up and move on. Kamenashi is sure that he doesn’t mean anything to Ueda; Tanaka Koki has made a mistake and gave him false hope.
Taking one last look at Tokyo, Kamenashi boards the train.
Will I finally be spared from all this pain?
~ End of Part Two ~
Author’s Note: I'm really sorry for the late update! It's been more than a month, isn't it? I was unsatisfied with the first draft of chapter two so I decided to rewrite till I'm happy with the outcome (I took about three versions?). I was done a couple of days ago and really wanted to put this up but school work came in my way and my hand started swelling (coincidentally) so I decided to wait till I'm done with my presentation and for the pain to subside before posting. I don't think the injury is serious; it's most probably self-inflicted when I assaulted a wall in my sleep. It was a bad dream.
On a random note, Ueda's birthday is coming so I've decided to open a request post which can be found here: Ueda Drabble Request Post :3
If you have any prompts you would like me to write, feel free to comment on that post. I'll be more than happy to write it for you ~
I'll try to update chapter three a little faster so please look forward to it ^_^