Warning: Mild OOC-ness on Kurogane's part. My fault.

Chapter three

~weeks later~

Things weren't so different after that conforntation that fated night. Kurogane still went to work, had drinks with Fuuma and every once in a while seen Fai. The blonde had taken a few mouthfuls of blood and had left without any trouble every time they met. In and out; no problem.

Maybe this slight turn in life was okay; decent even. He wasn't too keen on being someone's food source though but as long as the blonde wasn't draining him dry or going back on their deal then he had no complaints. However, as each day passed; he can see that a couple of the people he knew were getting suspicious. He was sure to be as normal as possible day in and out so he had no reason to slip up.

It was one night at a restaurant and the group decided to eat and drink a bit as it had a bar. It was Fuuma's idea and while Kurogane was tired from work, he supposed he can grab a bite to eat with others.

Though during the weeks prior to it, Doumeki stared a little more often than not curious and Fuuma looked at him strangely.

However it was really strange to the man that everyone had some free time after work, especially Doumeki who he usually doesn't see after the auto shop closed for the day.

As they entered the place and sat down at a big table, Kurogane picked up the menu but glanced at the other's expressions. He raised an eyebrow at them. "What?" He never liked eyes being on him and frankly, it was creeping him out.

"How have you been Kurogane?" Fuuma asked; frowning a little.

"...I've been good." Kurogane glanced over at the menu. "Why'd you ask?"

"You've been different lately." Fuuma continued; the frown still in place.

"Hmm? Different, how?" Kurogane was thinking of getting a plate of steak with mash potatoes tonight and...maybe some ice cream to add...some sugar in his system. Not brownies though, the small fuckers will stuff him more then help.

"Well you've been jumpy lately. You're paler than normal..." Fuuma pointed out as Watanuki and Doumeki nodded in unison.

That got his attention as he looked at Fuuma. "My sleep schedule's been up and down. Nothing serious."

"You've been eating a lot more too." Fuuma added. "And everyone here thinks...well they..."

"Everyone thinks you're on drugs." Doumeki then explained bluntly before Watanuki smacked his shoulder.

"Che, drugs?" Kurogane shook his head. "Believe me, if it were drugs, I'd be robbing people for some extra cash to buy them. I've just been too tired lately but that hasn't stopped me before. And there's nothing wrong with eating a lot now and again."

"Then why wouldn't you go out the other night? You kept making up excuses and usually if you don't want to you just say so." Fuuma pressed on; both curious and worried.

"A lot has been on my mind lately and you know how crappy I am with words." Kurogane simply answered. "Now are we going to eat or are we going to starve ourselves the whole time we're here?"

"No need to get defensive, we're trying to help." Lifting his hands in mock surrender, Fuuma glanced at the duo before going back to Kurogane.

"Help with what?" Kurogane had to ask. "I'm not drugs and I find it a bit sad that you have such little faith in me. I know that my life's been bad but it isn't over. I just need to sleep some more and get my fill of food; that's all." He concluded with a firm tone; not up for the topic anymore.

"Alright then. If you're not, we'll trust you." Fuuma said before picking up a menu. Though he wasn't satisfied with the answers, he had to accept them.

"Good." With that said, the group got a waitress and have her order their food.

-An hour later-

Kurogane was eating his second sundae as he was adding some whipped cream on it. He felt a bit more energized then he was a before so it was good. However as he was lifting the spoon to take another bite, he failed to see the looks he was getting.

Watanuki was blatantly staring at him as was Fuuma. Doumeki though was too busy finishing his slice of cake which urked Watanuki a bit.

After he finished it, Kurogane sighed a bit happily. "Ah, that hit the spot." He did feel a better but he chalked it up to the sugar.

"So...you've found a new love of ice cream?" Watanuki asked cautiously. He never seen anyone eat so much before...besides Doumeki but that guy can eat anything; more so if it was his cooking.

"Hmm? Meh, more or less." Kurogane shrugged. "I don't love it but whatever fills me up nowadays."

"Are you sure you're okay?" Fuuma asked again. He wasn't sure if he liked this new thing about Kurogane.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Kurogane then checked the time. "Well, I don't know about you guys but I'm going to call it a night." Yawning, he got out his wallet and dropped a few bills to pay for his share.

"Want some company?" Fuuma asked then; eager to go with him and find out what's up.

"Nah, I'm good." Kurogane stood up. "Well, see ya." He got out from the table and exited the restaurant.

Fuuma gave a look to the other two and after a few minutes and paying their bills they left to follow after Kurogane.

Kurogane yawned as he casually walked down the street. He got out his cell phone and checked the texts he received. "I told that moron I was going out with...friends..." He stuck out his tongue. "Hopefully he's not raiding my kitchen for beer or something weird shit." The vampire probably wouldn't but you never know.

Fai did had a tendency of popping in unannouced lately which gave Kurogane ample time to see how a vampire really was on a regular basis.

Each time he and the vampire meet, he got to see the blonde's personality bit by bit. On the one hand, he shouldn't be caring about it since he was just a meal ticket but he just couldn't help but...be drawn to the other; more so then some spell (though he wished it was). All in all, he can't hate the blonde's company, however short. He just...didn't dislike the blonde, that's for sure.

His intial fear was still there, but was quickly overlooked with his annoyance and frustration at the vampire. Though stubborn, it made him stable for the time being.

No doubt the idea of vampires freaked him out a bit but...lately he saw less of the vampire for what he was and for the idiot blonde for...who he was...maybe. But with a sigh, he knew it was just a matter of time before the blonde would leave and find someone better to feed from. Might as well savor whatever he can get. Which really raised all sorts of red flags for him, but as of late he couldn't really care.

Yawning once more, Kurogane texted the blonde, saying that he was on his way.

From around a nearby building Fuuma looked out curious. He was worried for the guy ever since he first saw him freak out that night at the bar. It certainly didn't take some genius to see how different Kurogane has gotten lately and despite a few fallouts and drinks, he still considered Kurogane a friend. He just wanted him to make sure the other was okay.

Looking up, Kurogane saw the blonde leaning on a nearby streetpost with the cell phone in hand. He frowned as he came closer to other. "Oi, blondie."

"Ah, Kuro-san." Fai closed his phone as he looked at him. "Enjoyed your night out?" He asked; smiling.

"More or less." Kurogane shrugged. "The others were bugging me though but it's nothing new."

"Always so sour." Fai teased as he began walking with the other.

Kurogane scoffed as he matched his pace with the blonde; not up for the other to poke fun at him.

Fuuma just stared in surprise along with Watanuki. So it seemed Kurogane had a friend, if not dating the other. If hat was the case, why didn't he just say so? He didn't have to dance around the subject whenever they brought it up. They could have understood.

Feeling a bit paranoid, Kurogane turned his head over his shoulder to see what was up. For some reason he felt eyes on him again and he didn't like it.

Luckily the two were quick and ducked behind the building. They rather not be seen and having to explain to Kurogane why they were spying on him all of a sudden.

"Come on Kuro-grump." Fai called out with a sing-song tone to his voice.

"Coming, coming." Kurogane picked up the pace as he turned his attention back to the blonde.

Fuuma didn't follow them instead he looked at the other two. "Well I guess he really isn't on drugs, but I would have never guessed this." He saw Watanuki nodded though not any less confused then he was before. Doumeki though looking indifferent agreed. Just what was going on with Kurogane?

Feeling relaxed for a change, Kurogane let Fai inside of his house as he yawned. Hard day at work and being interrigated by your close friend was really draining him big time. It was a wonder he didn't pass out then and there.

"Already tired?" Fai questioned as he stepped inside.

"Just a bit." Kurogane locked his front door. "Don't worry. I'll be fine."

"Hmm...I still want to eat." The blonde mused as he sighed.

"Then go ahead." Kurogane honestly didn't see a problem. "Not like I have anything better to do now."

"Go sit. Want a drink?" Fai asked.

"Water's good." Kurogane stretched. He needed to wash a bit of sugar out of his mouth. He then sat on the couch; exhustion clearly showing on his face.

Fai nodded and within minutes returned from the kitchen handing Kurogane his glass.

"Thanks." Kurogane took the glass and down it in one go.

Fai sat next to him. "Should I take it from the neck or wrist this time?" He didn't want Kurogane overly sore afterwards.

Setting the glass down, he looked to the blonde. "The neck." He still needed his wrists to function as he can't afford a slip up at work and everyone was getting suspicious already.

Fai nodded sitting up beside him and moving closer. His breath washed over the others skin.

No matter how many times the blonde had done this, that breath on his skin would send shivers up his spine. It was creepy but whatever helps before the ineveitable comes.

It took only a moment before the blonde had bitten him, teeth pulling back for the blood to flow more freely.

The pain of being bitten had long since dulled into just discomfort. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. The man though sighed as he let the other take his blood.

Fai took a few mouthfuls before he licked over the marks to make the heal faster. He wasn't lying when he told the human that the blood he had was tastier then others. But he had to be careful and prevent himself from taking too much at a time.

"Mn..." Kurogane closed his eyes as he felt the other's tongue on his skin. "Had your fill?" He asked; a bit slow in movements already.

"It doesn't take much." Fai explained as he pulled away.

Shrugging, Kurogane moved to lay down on the couch; a bit of a daze.

Fai got up and yawned. "Did you have a lot of sugar today? Your blood tastes different."

"I just had two sundaes for dessert after some dinner." Kurogane nodded with an arm over his eyes. "I was hungry."

Fai laughed. "So you like your coffee black and lots of ice cream?" That's strange even for a human.

Frowning, Kurogane would have rolled his eyes if he wanted to. "What can I say? I'm weird."

"You are." He agreed before leaving to grab himself a drink.

Turning to his side, Kurogane soon fell into a light sleep; the blood loss and the day wearing him out already. Though he didn't realize that he was drifting off at the time.

When Fai finished off his water he covered Kurogane with a spare blanket. He got what he came here for so no point in staying any longer here.

As the blonde opened the front door to leave, he heard the human mumbled in his sleep as he muttered his name almost...happily before going deeper into sleep.

The blonde shook his head at that before closing the front door behind him.

-The next day-

The next morning proved to be one hell of a morning for Kurogane as he got an eyeful from Doumeki who normally wouldn't look twice at him. Needless to say that the last time the man got cornered was none too pleasant. The only thing that made it worse was that the people who cornered him was the very people he hang out with. Well that was the last time he decided to stay within the auto shop for lunch.

"So...how was the rest of your night?" Watanuki asked.

"...It was good. Went home and slept." Kurogane tried not to look freaked out.

"That's it?" Fuuma asked.

"Well yeah." Kurogane rubbed his neck. "I wanted to get buzzed but I decided it wasn't worth it so I got a glass of water and clocked out on the couch."

"No dates or anything?" Fuuma then asked.

"...Dates...?" That got Kurogane suspicious as he frowned. "Why the hell would I have a date?" Did he look like the type of person to just hook up with anyone these days?

"Well...I was heading down the street after dinner and saw you walking with some guy." Fuuma explained as he crossed his arms.

Oh shit. "...Uh..." Kurogane looked away. "He's just some guy I met one night. He...heard about me from another and he asked if I can come over to check out his car. I told him that I had to do it some other time as I was too tired. He still walked me home out of apology so...yeah."

"This all happened in the middle of the night?" Something told him that Fuuma doesn't believe that for a second.

"Well yeah. All kinds of shit happens in the middle of the night. What of it?" Kurogane shrugged.

"Sounds weird though, don't you think?" Watanuki added in with a sheepish look.

"Only to you guys, maybe." Kurogane then walked passed the group; wanting to go anywhere but here.

"He's just dating someone. It's not a big deal." Doumeki said sitting away from them.

It was then that Kurogane tripped over a small can as he overheard Doumeki.

At least he hadn't fallen to the ground. "Don't just say that!" Watanuki scolded.

"I'm not dating someone!" Kurogane then called out; glaring at his so-called friends. "Just keep your noses away from my business!" And with a red face, he stomped out of the auto shop to get something to eat.

Watanuki was glaring at his boyfriend for that slip-up as Fuuma shook his head at his friend's retreating back.

After working, Kurogane felt that a tiny change of pace was in order. Waiting for the bus at the usual bus stop he normally took, he decided there was one only other place he can cool down a bit; the cemetery.

The trip took him nearly outside of the city to the less populated area where it was quieter. The ride itself wasn't too long but it gave him enough time to think rationally for a change.

Since it was the second to last stop, Kurogane got out of the bus that only had a few people in it. As the bus left, he was standing in front of the area. It was wasn't for the vampire, he would still be a bit scared of the place. Sighing, he went through the open gates. It took a bit of a walk but he managed as he went to a couple of gravestones that was on top of a hill. He softly smiled as he knelled down in front. "Hey mother, father...I'm back."

They were placed together, a large tombstone with both their names written there and pictures above each.

"It's been a while, huh? Almost a full month." Kurogane's small smile faded as he hung his head. "Uh...I guess you can already tell that my life hasn't been great. Uh...you know my girlfriend that I told you about before? Yeah, well she dumped me and cheated on me. I was saving money to buy a ring to marry her but...that didn't happen..."

It was bright today and a soft breeze went by stirring the small flowers on their grave,

"Yeah, I know. You guys had a feeling about this and you warned me about it. Guess I just wanted to prove you wrong." Kurogane chuckled. "But...it's okay now. Work's crap as usual and...I met someone...someone...weird..."

It had hurt losing his parents, it still hurt, but this helped. It was never easy to vent but it was better then nothing.

"I'm not...supposed to tell anyone about it...not that they'll believe it but...I know you two will because you know I wouldn't lie to you." Kurogane took a deep breath. "There's this blonde in the city. He looks like an idiot but really, he's...a vampire." He raised his hands. "Yeah, I know. It sounds stupid but it's true. He took some of my blood the first time and after we...made a deal. Yes, that was dumb of me but as much as I want to meet you guys again; I don't want to die any time soon."

It was like a weight lifting off his shoulders as his stressed eased away from confessing to someone.

"I don't know if what I'm feeling for him lately is 'like' yet but...it's something. You guys already know I've only dated girls but...I guess...I never see a problem in liking a guy. Mother, you've told me that love is love no matter who it is...but it's too early to tell if I even /like/ him." He then laughed softly. "Yeah, I know; sounds weird but I'm your only kid after all."

His parents would have understood and probably even told him to go after Fai.

"Hm...yeah, maybe I can...keep him close for now. But the guy's a vampire, I can't compete with that. I'm just...a meal to him..." Sighing, he stood up. "Don't worry. I'm not giving up so easily but I won't be too forward about this either. I...I'll see where this leads me and if I really do... /like/ him then I'll say so." Bowing his head, he smiled. "Thank for listening, mother and father. I'll try not to be so late in seeing you guys the next time around."

It was good he supposed or at least it was something.

Smiling still, Kurogane waved to the gravestones and left the cemetery.

The trip back to his apartment was peaceful at least. The bus was empty so it was just him and the driver. Of course, no one in their right mind would dare take the bus as far as the cemetery unless they were passing it. It didn't matter to him though as being alone was sometimes a good thing.

Getting off the bus stop in the city, he took in a breath and started walking back to his place. Later, however, as he got to the front door, he saw the last person he wanted to see today or on any day. "...Fuuma?"

"Hey Kurogane." Fuuma waved at him a bit.

"Uh, hey." The man already had his keys out and was just about to unlock the door. "What's up?"

"Just wanted to check on you." The other shrugged.

"Why? You're not responsible for me. You have your own life." Kurogane moved over to unlock his front door.

"I don't, but we're friends." He explained.

Pausing, Kurogane had his door halfway opened when the other said that. "...Right..." He then turned to the other. "You...you want to come in or...?" He pointed to the inside of his house.

"Sure." He nodded and stepped in. "You're worrying all of us you know." He added as he turned to view the man.

Closing the door behind Fuuma, Kurogane sighed. "I'm not trying to worry you guys. Nothing bad has happened or anything." He rubbed his neck.

"Then who was that guy you were with last night?" Fuuma asked as he walked up to the other.

"Just someone I met for car repairs. Geez, how many times do I have to tell you?" It hurts to lie but he rather have his life.

"It didn't look like it." Of course Fuuma wasn't convinced. He wasn't stupid.

"Then what the hell does it look like?" Kurogane questioned. "And don't say date because I'm in no mood for that."

"Looks like it was more than what you're saying." With a sigh, Fuuma shrugged.

"Tch, I don't have to explain myself to you." Rubbing his neck, Kurogane went to the kitchen.

"You don't, but it would help." Fuuma added as he watched Kurogane. "And why do you keeping rubbing your neck?"

The man froze. Shit. "Uh...work's been a bit hard on me lately. Working to get out a few kinks in there."

"...Let me see then."

"No!" Kurogane turned away from the other. "No...it's fine. Nothing that beer and a hot soak in the tub won't fix."

Fuuma frowned. "Show me."

There was a pause before Kurogane frowned. "No. As I said before, I'm fine. Now is that all you want to ask me of because if not, I'm tired and would like some sleep."

"Kurogane, show me your damn neck." He gritted out. He didn't like whatever had happened to the other.

"I don't have to listen to you!" Kurogane was getting irritated. He backed himself into the far wall as he crossed his arms. "And if you're really my friend then you get out of my own personal business. I do what I want with my life and that's it!"

Fuuma scowled unhappy to have his words thrown back at him. "Then what are you hiding?"

"I'm not hiding anything." Kurogane's anger faded into sadness. "Just...I had a lot to deal with and I'm dealing with it."

"Yeah and it looks like you're doing a bad job of it." He crossed his arms as well; still somewhat frustrated.

Hanging his head, Kurogane sighed. "I...I can't tell you. I just...can't..."

"Then let me help!" The other was getting sick and tired of not knowing and if Kurogane would just tell him, maybe he could do something about it.

"I can't!" Kurogane snapped a bit before calming down. "I can't tell you, alright? And even if I could, it's not like you'll believe me..."

"Are you in trouble?" Fuuma asked calmly; thinking the worst.

"...Not in trouble but will be if I blab." Kurogane relented a bit. "I...made a deal with someone and I have to keep my end of it...alright?"

"And what does that mean? Do you owe someone money?" Fuuma didn't understand; in fact he hadn't had the slightest clue what the man was talking about.

"No, not money." Kurogane shook his head. "But something else..." He was just about to continue when the two stopped and hear something from outside the kitchen.

It was then the front door opened revealing Fai who went in and walked to the kitchen casually. He looked up and saw not one but two people in there. He blinked; surprised. "Kuro-san?"

Either the vampire had the worst timing known to god or fate really hates him at that exact moment. Either way, his face got red as he frowned. "God damn it! Learn to knock, you moron!"

"Always yelling." Fai frowned; placing his pinky finger in his ear; clearly not in the mood for high volume.

Fuuma stared at the blonde. "What is this Kurogane?"

Great, now his friend and the feeder were staring at him; waiting for him to speak. The man almost gulped; looking for an opening. Then the home phone rang from the living room. "I'll get it." He calmly said as he went to the living room to pick up the phone.

"Sorry, my name's Fai. A friend of Mr. Grumpy pants over there." Fai offered his hand.

As Kurogane picked up the phone, he talked to whoever was on the other line and as it turned out he was glad to as he played with his ear.

Fuuma shook his hand reluctantly. "Name's Fuuma."

Fai simply grinned. "I hope I didn't come at a bad time?"

"Not really , no." The other shook his head; trying to be polite even now.

Kurogane looked over his shoulder as talked and saw something in Fuuma's eyes. He hoped the other didn't think too much on the matter.

"Are you a friend if Kuro-grump too?" He asked curiously, though he already knew the answer.

"Yeah." Fuuma frowned but nodded all the same. He had a feeling that something was off about the blonde and he didn't like it.

As he ended the conversation, Kurogane quietly hung up. Sighing, he looked to the two. "Not sure about the two of you but I'm going to bed." He stretched. "If you two want to talk some more then I don't mind. Just don't do it here."

"I'm not done talking with you." Fuuma argued.

"Well we'll talk some other time." Kurogane gave Fuuma a look that said he won't back down and he was too mentally tired to deal with the confrontation right now.

"Fine. I'll leave you two to your business." Taking one last look at Fai, Fuuma sighed as he turned to Kurogane.

"Yeah, see ya." Kurogane led Fuuma out of his place and as he saw the other leave, he closed the front door with a small sigh.

"So he's suspicious. I wonder whose fault that is." Fai mused as the human had yet to move from the closed front door.

"I don't want to hear it." Kurogane glared at the other. "Just take my blood and leave. I'm too emotionally fucked up to deal with this right now." He rubbed his eyes.

"Hmm. I didn't come for blood it hasn't been that long." The blonde walked up to him.

"Then what?" Kurogane asked.

"You're my prey, I can't have you getting into a fight now." Fai smiled at him. "You need to explain to your friend that nothing's wrong and do a better job."

"..." It was then that Kurogane felt everything shattering inside of him; his red eyes narrowing in the process. Then something else clicked inside of him. He started to chuckle all of a sudden; it was low and almost unheard but it was there.

"You told him you were in some kind of trouble. Which now will make him hound you more than ever."

The chuckling then got a bit louder as Kurogane then held his sides. There wasn't anything funny about any of this at all but for some reason, he was laughing. Was he going crazy? Maybe he finally was.

"I didn't think you knew how to laugh." Fai had to point out as he noticed the other acting weird.

With the chuckling now into rustic laughter as Kurogane looked at the blonde with a slight smile. It wasn't happy or sad...it was almost...demented.

Seeing that the other was either not listening or not caring, Fai rolled his eyes; letting him get it out of his system.

Calming down a bit, Kurogane covered his eyes with one hand. "Say that nothing's wrong, huh? Say that I need to cover my tracks better, huh?" He felt his lips twitch upwards. "And what do you care anyway? Like you said, I'm just a prey. An object for your own meal to take whenever you please. I'm being used by you just like people before you. Granted, I asked for it considering how fucked my life was after..." he laughed a bit. "But still, I thought you'd get bored of me and move on...even eating the same meal gets boring after a while, right?"

"You're prey it's different. I keep you around because I enjoy you. Others I drink from aren't prey, just food." He explained. "And you should try and come up with something believable for your friend."

"Like he'll fucking believe me now!" Kurogane snapped with that demented smile. "I can just tell him any other lie and he'll see right through it. I bet he was spying on me more then I can count. I told him to stay out of my business but hey you know how humans can be stubborn..." He panted as he ran a hand through his hair. "Fuck everything...I'm going to bed." He then walked past Fai to get to his bedroom.

"Ooh, Kuro-grump's all fired up tonight." Fai teased. Apparently that was the wrong thing to say as the man's eyes went wide with anger.

Suddenly there was a crater in the nearby wall. Kurogane just had enough and punched at whatever was close. It was so deep that there was almost a hole in that wall. With tears running down his eyes, he checked his hand. Without a word, he went to his bedroom and slammed the door closed.

Well Fai hadn't expected that sort of reaction and wondered just what had the man so upset as he seemed fine more or less when arguing with his friend.

Still sulking, Kurogane started changing into his nightwear which was a t-shirt and pants. Stupid vampire, stupid Fuuma, stupid life. Why can't they just leave him the hell alone? He already had enough to deal with his parents' death and so on. Sitting on the edge of his bed, shirtless, Kurogane rubbed his eyes; not caring how painful his hand felt at the moment.

Fai sat there hearing Kurogane and wonder if he should intervene or if it would just make things worse. It didn't help that he could feel some of the man's confusion and hurt through the blood bond they had now.

Eventually the man slowly stopped crying but had no energy to actually do anything else. He knew that he made the choice and had to go through with it like the honest and true person he was, but was it worth having to lie and hide? He wasn't sure. But he wasn't going back on his word.

Fai hummed before he got up and left deciding Kurogane could do as he pleased.

Just then the bedroom door opened, revealing the tried but more calmer human.

Kurogane listened as the front door closed, letting him know he was alone.

Sighing, Kurogane glanced at the crater on the wall and the fainting presence of the vampire. He really screwed up this time. With his eyes closed, he went back to the bedroom to make a few phone calls. He had no other choice now. He had to do something before everything falls apart once again.

TBC

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