"How are you feeling?" Ash asked sitting down next to Eiji. It was late afternoon and guest were finally allowed to visit Eiji's room. He was lying in a hospital bed with an IV sticking out of his arm. The scraps and bruises that lined his body were covered in bandages that crinkled under his blue hospital gown. A lot of the color had returned to his face and he was looking healthier.

"Better." Eiji said softly. "The doctor said I could go home today." Ash's face darkened. The doctor had informed him that, due to the vampire attacks, they didn't have enough room in the hospital for all vampire victims. Eiji was placed in a temporal ward to recover enough so he could be sent home. A nurse would be visiting him daily for a checkup but other than that it was up to Ash and the others to make sure the vampire didn't break in looking for Eiji.

"Ash?" Eiji said worriedly noticing Ash's glower. "What's wrong?" Ash rearranged his face into a calmer expression.

"Nothing, just thinking." He said smoothly. Eiji frowned clearly not buying it.

"More importantly," Ash said changing the subject. "Now that you're feeling better, can you tell me about the vampire that attacked you." Eiji hesitated, frowning at his blanket.

"He was…. tall." Eiji said vaguely still looking at his blanket. "And…had short black hair…. Chinese probably…" Eiji said slowly.

"Was there someone else with you?" Ash asked thinking of the dead man in the abandoned building. It was unusual for a vampire to kill a potential victim. At Ash's words Eiji's head shot up and he stared nervously at Ash.

"What do you mean?" he demanded.

"I found a dead man in the building you were attacked in." Ash said watching Eiji's face curiously. "He looked like he had died only a few hours earlier. I was wondering if you ran into him." Eiji's face expression calmed.

"I see." Eiji mutter. "He must have died before I arrived…" Ash eyed Eiji. It was clear that he was lying about it. His reaction was way to dramatic for it to be nothing. Ash opened his mouth to question him further but paused. Eiji looked tired. Although not as pale he still had dark circles under his eyes. Exhaustion was a side effect of vampire venom. The person became drowsy but was not able to fall into a deep sleep. Eiji was probably up most of the night. Ash's face expression softened. Whatever Eiji wasn't telling him probably wasn't very important. He could ask him more questions when he had fully recovered. The thing that bugged Ash the most was that Eiji seemed to be lying to him, yet he couldn't think of why that would be.

"Hey Ash?" Eiji asked quietly. "Vampires are still humans, right?"

"It's an illness," Ash said taken aback from the question, "They aren't changing species."

"Vampires act so different then how people act." Eiji whispered. "They change." Ash paused, wondering what happened last night to have him say such things.

"It's a second personality." Ash finally said, "They keep many of their usual traits, though many are amplified. They also have memories of what they did during the day despite their day mind having no memories of the second personality."

"It so horrible…" Eiji said shuttering. He closed his eyes and drew the blanket to his chin. Ash watched him, every cell in his body wanted to hug Eiji; to reassure him that it would never happen again; to find and slaughter the damn vampire who did this. It was clear that last night's memories were still haunting Eiji. Ash never wanted Eiji to suffer. The fact that a vampire got him this nervous filled Ash with a raging fire.

"He won't hurt you again." Ash said through gridded teeth his hands clenched. Eiji opened his eyes and gazed at Ash. His eyes seemed to be searching for something, reassurance maybe? Finally, he brought the blanket down and gave a small shaky smile.

There was a knock on the door, and both young adults jumped and turned. A nurse was at the doorway, a clipboard in hand.

"Mr. Okumura?" she said, "The doctor says you're free to leave when you want." Eiji let out a long breath.

"I see," he muttered, "thanks." Ash stood up and headed to the door so Eiji change into his street clothes. In the waiting room he found his gang nervously waiting for a report.

"Eiji's fine." Ash said. "He's coming back with us tonight." Many of the gang member relaxed and Ash narrowed his eyes.

"This is only the start of the battle." The young gang leader told them. "The vampire is going to come back for him. We need to make sure no one breaks into the apartment." The gang muttered among themselves and Ash walked towards the exit. He wished Shorter was with them, but he was away visiting relatives in Boston and had, somehow, managed to forget his phone.

….

"If you hear any weird sounds call me, alright?" Ash said sitting on the edge of Eiji's bed. "Even if you think it's nothing still call. I don't care if you think you're bothering me or anyone here. Your safety comes first." Ash and Eiji usually shared a room together but tonight Eiji was sleeping in another room. The room they shared had a window close to an abandoned apartment building. It would be easy for the vampire to hop from the building to Eiji's room. The room Eiji was currently in was smaller and had no windows. It had one door that led to a short hallway that could be easily guarded. With nearly half his gang awake and on alert it would be impossible for a vampire to break in.

"I'll be fine." Eiji whispered. Ash raised an eyebrow. Eiji's fingers were fidgeting nervously with his blanket and his eyes kept darting around the room. When he noticed Ash's expression, he forces a smile. Ash's eyes softened and he gently put a hand on Eiji's. He leaned forward and planted a small kiss on the Japanese's forehead.

"You'll be fine." He said confidently, pulling back. "I promise." Eiji's eyes rose to meet his and he stared at Ash like he was trying to memorize him. A short pause and the Eiji nodded mutely. Ash gave one more reassuring smile and squeezed Eiji's hand gently. As he stood up to leave however, he couldn't help but noticing Eiji's nervous breathing.

"He'll calm down tomorrow." Ash told himself. It hurt him to see Eiji like this. He looked so broken and defeated, jittery and on the edge. The vampire attack had done a number to him and Ash wasn't sure how to comfort him. He felt so helpless. It was usually him in that situation but with the roles reversed he found himself feeling useless. The best thing he could do was to guard the apartment with everything he had and keep the vampire away. Ash headed to the roof so he could watch for any intruders who entered the vicinity.

….

Despite how tense he felt; despite how his mind was on high alert, this night was not one of his best. Ash found himself distracted more easily and even dozed off ones or twice. This was uncommon for him and it left him feeling frustrated. Ash had been able to stay up three or four nights in a row without dozing off. It was pathetic that when Eiji needed him the most his body decided to act so weak. The only plus side was that the night was uneventful. Ash watched the sun rise gracefully over the horizon and knew it was bright enough for all vampires to return to their day selves. He dragged himself to his feet and stretched. Now all that was left was to check on Eiji and get some rest before tomorrow night's battle. Giving a small yawning he went down the stairs towards Eiji's small room.

Eiji was fast asleep when Ash entered. His blanket covered most of his face and he looked like a small child wrapped up a cozy blanket burrito. Ash smiled as he clicked on a small lamp that sat on the table next to Eiji's bed. Sitting down next to the sleeping Japanese Ash felt himself start to relax. Eiji was safe and that was what mattered. All the stress that was built up all night faced away, and Ash let out a slow breath. He could do this. They would only need to hold the vampire at bay for about week before the he would starve to death. Of course, the vampire probably wouldn't wait that long and would attack in the next few days. A cold smile spread on Ash's face. When the vampire showed up, he would regret it. Ash would make him pay for both biting Eiji and dramatizing him. A new wave of exhaustion hit him, and he almost toppled over on Eiji. He put out an arm to catch himself and paused to check if he had woken up Eiji. Eiji didn't stir and Ash almost snorted out loud. Only Eiji could feel this stressed and still sleep soundly through the night. Ash reached up and smoothed Eiji's hair gently. His hand moved down to Eiji's face and it pushed the blanket out of the sleeping man's eyes. Ash froze. Eiji's eyes were wide open and as glazed over as they were yesterday. Ash snatched the blanket and jerked it off of Eiji. On his neck there was a fresh bite mark gleaming red on his pale neck.

"And no one entered the building?" Ash demanded angrily. He was sitting on an office desk in one of the side rooms glaring at his gang. They were all fidgeting under his hostile stare.

"No, we saw no one!" Alex promised cowering away from the look in Ash's eyes. Ash hissed and glanced around the room. There had to be another way they were getting in. If it wasn't through the windows or door… Ash closed his eyes and swore under his breath. How could he have been this stupid.

"Vents." Ash said opening his eyes. "Check all the vents. Make sure they are sealed tight. Bones, Kong, you two will be stationed in Eiji's room tonight. Don't let his get bitten." There was a pause and then his gang scrambled away to do his bidding. Ash sighed and jumped to his feet. He had been too carless. He had assumed that the vampire was an average person who didn't know how to break an entry. It had been an arrogant assumption. Thanks to his error he had broken his promise to Eiji. The thought of that made Ash's stomach turn and he felt sick.

Ash headed up to Eiji's room to check on him. The blond opened the door a crack and peeked in to see if the Japanese was asleep. He was awake and sitting up in bed. Alex had given him water and Eiji was once again hooked up to the IV's. Even so he was clearly that the second night of getting attacked had taken its toll. Eiji was not recovering as fast as yesterday. He was paler and had deeper circles under his eyes. The nurse who had come earlier to check on him informed Ash that the vampire venom was slightly toxic to humans so its effect would last much longer. She said he would still be weak even after they replenished his blood.

As Ash entered the room Eiji slowly turned to look at him. When he saw who it was, he paused and then smiling a little nervously.

"Hey," he said softly. Ash felt a wave of shame hit him as he sat on the edge of the bed. He closed his eyes and rested his face in his hands.

"I'm sorry." He finally said. "This shouldn't have happened. I was carless." His words felt empty. He had broken a promise to Eiji to keep him safe. Ash felt a hand on the side of his face. Looking up he saw Eiji's dark eyes starting at him, any trace of uncertainty gone.

"Hey," he said calmly, "You shouldn't blame yourself." Ash looked back unconverted.

"You're apologizing to much." Eiji said lightly. "If you keep worrying, your hair will turn gray." It was a clear attempt to lighten the mood and Ash decided to play along, if only to try to remove the brick that had settled in his chess.

"Oh?" Ash said coolly. "if that happens, I'm sure an old man like yourself could help me find some good hair products. I need my hair to keep its youthful lust." Eiji's eyes gleamed, clearly happy that Ash was playing along.

"Sure." He said passively. "I'll find you a pretty orange one." An evil smirk crossed his face. "That way your head will look like a pumpkin." Ash gaped at him.

"Is that a threat old man?"

"You should respect you're elders youngling." Eiji said wagging a slender finger at him. Both boys laughed. Eiji had once again proven his power to lighten the mood even in this dark situation. When that thought passed through Ash's mind the laughter died on his lips. Eiji, sensing the change in mood, paused uncertainly. Ash cast around to try to find something else to talk about; to keep the lighthearted mood.

"You seem to be feeling better." He finally said. "By tomorrow you'll be fully recovered. It will be nice to eat something good for a change."

"Is the food that bad?" Eiji asked mockingly. "Are you that desperate for my cooking?"

"Sadly, burnt toast does not live up to a nicely cooked meal." Ash sighed dramatically.

"Then I'll make you breakfast tomorrow." Eiji said smiling. He paused for a second then added quietly. "Even if I'm not feeling better." Ash's blood went cold. Eiji still thought that he would be attacked again.

"Don't say that." Ash said comfort putting his hand gently on Eiji's. "You won't be bitten tonight. I promise." As he finished speaking, he knew how empty his words sounded. He had promised Eiji safety yesterday and had failed. He couldn't blame Eiji for his worriedly expression.

"Maybe…" he muttered to himself then took Ash's hand. "I think…. I think…" he took a deep breath again and let it out. "Never mind."

"Get some rest." Ash said gently kissing his palm and letting go of his hand. Eiji smiled at him as he left the room.

"Hey boss?" Alex said tentatively. Ash glanced over at him from his position on the roof. He was stationed there again but was making hourly patrols through the building to be on the safe side.

"Are you going feeling alright?"

"I'm fine." Ash said shortly. He knew why Alex was asking. Ash must look like a real mess. He didn't eat must food all day and got next to no sleep. The stress he had been feeling for the last two days was really starting to take a toll on him. On his last patrol his got a dizzy spell and collapsed on the ground for a few minutes. When he woke up did an extra run of the building to make sure no one got in.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Alex bite his lip uncertainty. Ash turned his attention back to the horizon. In the distance he saw a faint line of light creeping up over the horizon. In about 30 minutes there would be enough light to insure Eiji's safety. Ash let out his breath slowly. There had been no call from Kong or Bones indicating that Eiji had been attacked. He should be safe….

"That's what you said yesterday." A voice in his head chided at him. "Are you sure he's safe?" Ash growled to himself and Alex looked around alert.

"I'm going to check on Eiji." Ash said to him and Alex relaxed. Ash couldn't get that nagging voice out of his head and until he saw Eiji with his own eyes the voice wouldn't be quiet.

Ash crept into the hall and knocked quietly on Eiji's door as to not wake him. He heard movement on the other side and a gruff voice demanded.

"Who's there?"

"It's me," said Ash. He heard the locks click and the door opened a fraction so that Bone's eye was visible.

"Boss?" he said uncertainty.

"Let me in." Ash said calmly. "I want to check on Eiji." Bones paused a moment then reluctantly opened the door. Ash pushed his way in and padded quietly across the room. Kong was sitting next to Eiji, a water bottle in hand. He watched Ash approach, looking down right terrified. Ash ignored them and sat down next to Eiji.

His eyes were closed, and his breathing seemed to be normal. Ash was starting to relax when he noticed that Eiji seemed paler then yesterday. Frowning he pulled back the covers. The bite mark on his neck was still there looking as fresh as it did the morning before. Ash's mind started reeling. It made no sense. Eiji was clearly in a deep asleep which meant that there was no new venom in him, but the bite mark looked fresh.

"Did anyone except me enter this room?" Ash asked Bones and Kong quietly. Both shot each other looks then shook their heads. Ash gave a small hum and dropped the covers back over Eiji. He stepped away from him and headed back towards the door. As he left Kong and Bones seemed to relax.

"Don't let your guard down." He told them. "We still have twenty more minutes before it's light enough for him to be safe."

"Yes boss." Both said sounding miserable. Ash closed the door and went back to the roof. The sun was now appearing over the horizon and Ash could start to see the city clearer. Probably only ten or so minutes. He sat down and began counting down the minutes tensely in his head. The vampire wouldn't want to miss a meal. He was probably getting desperate. With only five minutes left the vampire might abandon all caution and rush the building in a faint attempt to get a bite. Ash glanced down at his watch. Two minutes...one minute….

"Tel the other's we're good." Ash said calmly standing up. Alex nodded and got up as well. Ash headed down stairs and went straight to his room. He felt exhausted but relieved. This time nothing bad had happened to Eiji. He was safe.

"What do you mean the venom has increased?" Ash snapped at the nurse who winced. He was in one of the small meeting rooms with the nurse to discuss about Eiji's current condition.

"Th-there is more venom in his blood then yesterday." She stammered. "And he has lost blood again. He must have been bitten."

"That's impossible." Ash growled running a hand through his hair. "No one came into his room last night."

"I don't know." The nurse said nervously. "I need to get back to the hospital…" Ash shot her a glare and she quickly turned and left. The second the door closed he slammed his hands on the table. He was losing it. Somehow, someway the vampire had got in. It was impossible though. There was no way. Eiji didn't seem to be under the vampire's venom when he checked on him.

Ash stood up. He needed to talk to Eiji again. There must be something he was missing. He made his way quickly upstairs to where Eiji was lying.

"Hey." Eiji said calmly as he entered the room. He seemed more relaxed then yesterday and not at all nervous. "Are you alright?"

"Eiji." Ash said sitting down. "Where you attacked last night?" Eiji paused his mouth forming a straight line.

"No." he finally said. "I don't think so…I mean when would I have been attacked?" Ash pressed his knuckles to his face.

"That's what I thought…" he muttered, "But the nurse thinks you've been attacked again." Ash looked up. Eiji's eyes were downcast and guilty.

"I'm sorry." He whispered, then jumped and quickly elaborated, "Y-your putting in so much effort to protect me…I hate seeing you so stressed." Ash sighed. This was getting him nowhere. Protecting Eiji didn't seem to be working. It was time to go on the offense.

"Eiji," Ahs said curtly, "I need more information about the vampire." He hated having to ask him since Eiji had suffered so much, but the more information he had the easier it would be to find and kill the monster that did this.

"Huh?" Eiji said looking panicked, "uhhh, He…. he was wearing a…uh baseball cap…um and uh.." Eiji stammered off. Ash felt bad. It was clear how much pain it caused him to recall the detail, however he needed the information.

"What colors were his eyes?" Ash pressed on.

"I-I didn't see." Eiji said. "His long hair covered them." Ash paused looking confused.

"I thought you said he had short hair." He finally said. Eiji looked terrified.

"I-I…" he closed his eyes and grasped his blanket. "I'm sorry." Eiji looked like he was going to be sick. Ash relented.

"Hey it's ok." He said grabbing his shoulder. "I won't ask anymore." Eiji shoulders sagged.

"I'm sorry." He said sounding close to tears. Ash reached over and hugged him. As he held Eiji's shaking form he swore that he would find that vampire and teaching him what real pain felt like.