It scared me. What I hate about this job as a Hunter most, is knowing how thin the line was for some people. "Hey, Kiku." I called, grabbing his shoulder. He blinked, seeming a bit startled and turned to me. Even so, I hadn't forgotten that look yet. That crazed look. I wasn't sure if I was thankful that I was assigned to this area, or wished that I was elsewhere.
"Is... something the matter America-San?" I relaxed more than I should have. It went from a reflection of red tinted chaotic look in the window, to the normal brown; a much calmer gaze. Did he even realize? Did he realize how his own behavior changed at night? Or am I wrong, and he is always that way? I couldn't tell you for sure honestly. I only know what I see.
"Eh, no. Nothing." Didn't really have another reply for him. I sat down and pushed a bottle into his hand. "Time to head out." As quickly as I had sat down I was up on two feet again, heading towards the window. I stared off into the dark night, the starry sky. My eyes focused on the moon. Standing there for a moment, I wished I had never taken this role. So much could have been avoided had I just not stuck my nose in England's business.
But, that is a story for another time. I yawned and turned away from the window. "You gonna be alright?" I asked, eyes moving towards the bottle. The plastic that once contained water was tinted red, already the thick red liquid was gone. He'd freak if he realized I'd drank from the bottle before. One of those weird parts of Asian culture I'll never understand.
"Ahh, of course. Don't worry so much."He replied. I hated when he gave that look. He looked so guilty, even when he never did anything wrong. Though, I guess he'll worry that he did something wrong anyway.
"Hey, relax." I adjusted my glasses and offered a smile. "Don't look so sad." From the look on his face, I could tell Japan knew just how fake that smile was. "It's part of my job to make sure you're alright, ok? If you need me let me know." And with that I slide open the door and walked out into the night.
For whatever reason, I really don't remember much of that night. I got home a few hours later, two or three in the morning I think. It had been a quiet night, my patrol had shown everything as normal. No attacks, no deaths. Nothing. I was tired from walking around for almost three hours so I crashed on the couch.
I think I feel asleep for a few minutes, so although I didn't want to I stood up and walked towards the Kotatsu. The bottle from before was still there, sitting on the top of the table. I knelled next to the heated table and paused again. I really, really didn't want to move anymore. I sighed, about to say something when foot steps sounded behind me.
There was a slight hissing sound. No time to think or move. Something behind me had a strong grip on my shoulders. As strong as I am, moving below the other's grip was near impossible. I knew how to deal with this situation, it would have been so easy if I wasn't so tired. Unable to react all I could do was brace myself as thorn sharps fangs dug deep into my neck.