That Vampire of The Manor
Rated: T
Pairing: KanamexZero
Genre: Romance/ Hurt/Comfort
Warnings: Shonen Ai as in mild boyxboy action people! Don't like don't read. Rating may elevate. Do tell me if you want more than mild actions.
Author's Note: Hello dear readers! I've finally updated! I actually have a bit of decision problems when I'm writing this chapter and the next one so it took some more time than the last chapter, but it's all been taken care of now (sorta) Hope you'll enjoy this chapter as well! Here's the review replies:
irmina: Thanks! I'm glad you like it!^^ Here's the second encounter!
Vampire Lover 4ever n ever: lol here's the next chapter! Thanks for reviewing!
LuanRina: Oh my, I always love your long reviews and excitement!XD Yay I'm glad you like my version of Kaname-sama and Ichiru's presence as well! I do have a thing for forbidden relationships such as twin*cough*cest*cough* Aww thank you for saying that, I really need someone to say that, now I've grown more confident because of it!^^ Here's the next chapter!
Amari-Chan: You're welcome! Thanks for reviewing as well! And for saying Ichiru's kawaii!^^ Here's the next chapter!
Love332: lol I totally agree with you!^^ Yup, they'll be friends all right. But not for long... *laughing mysteriously*
ben4kevin: He'll do *beep* aaaand *beep* to Zero when he came back! Muahahahaha! ...Nah, they'll just talk...
KazeKirran: Welll... If I'm going to tell you I must kill you first... Muahahahaha ...Um Yesss I'm thinking about it, but there's still more chapters to go... Please be patient with me But they do meet again in this chapter:)
SonamySistah96: lol Thanks! Your review really made me smile!^^ Well wait no more, here's the next chapter!
lili974WOLF: Merci! Je suis Indonesienne!^^
On with the story!
ChapterII: The Blood
"Do vampires still have sincerity in their veins?"
"That's right Ichiru... Lucky you..."
I can't believe I could be such a scatter brain sometimes, how could I left those all too important pills back inside the monster's den?
Ichiru's laughter broke my thoughts.
"Of course I am! So, Zero, what should we play now? Othello? Chess? I'm going with chess, you'll be the white again, right?"
"Um, okay... Ichiru?"
"Yes, Zero?"
I looked out the bedside window toward the bright yellow sky mixing with a bloody red color of dusk turning the far off horizon into a deep orange color. Soon it will be dark outside, I absolutely don't want to return there by nightfall.
"Uh could you... Survive without your pills for a while? Um only today, I mean."
"Oh sure! It's not like it will kill me or anything."
"Great. Sorry, Ichiru."
"That's alright. Your turn, Zero."
"Hey I thought white should move first!"
"You're taking too long. Woops your turn's taken again."
"No fair. Ichiru!"
I suppose I'll return tomorrow morning, and for today I should at least live the life I've got to the fullest since tomorrow I'm going to die.
XXX
I found myself in front of the haunted manor yet again. I know I shouldn't be here, I know it's late for me to realize that but yesterday I just couldn't help it, I guess curiousity got the best of me and now, I should atone for my sin.
I slipped past the rusty iron gates and climbed the steps to the wooden front porch, my muddy shoe print from yesterday still left there completely untouched. I noticed this time the doors are not opening for me again so I try to push it open. What luck, it open and I have difficulty trying to decide wether I should knock on the door first or not. I decided to knock.
"Excuse me?"
There's no answer, so I walk myself in cautiously. Seemingly vampires have high sense of hearing so there's no reason for me to make myself as quiet as possible, since he will hear me nonetheless and I'll only make a fool of myself. Unless, he's out hunting or asleep somewhere in the manor which means nothing'll wake him up even when the building is burned to the ground. That's why I politely made myself known before walking in.
The place is the same, still empty and as dark as I left it before, or probably even worse, the curtains are drawn even tighter than yesterday. There's no sign of any vampire though, for now at least.
I lower myself into a kneeling position and started searching those pills on the ground. I don't remember taking them out from my pocket and leaving them behind on any of the furnitures so if they fell out when I was knocked over the first thing I search at should be the floor.
The darkness is making it hard to see though, but still I try to find them as fast as I can before I lose track of time like last time and get home only after it's late at noon. I don't like to make Ichiru and mom worry. So I rubbed against the dusty wooden floor more hastily only to find nothing but one or two rubbishes.
"Oh come on, where is it?"
"You're here again."
I froze at the familiar voice, unable to move for about a second, before looking back through my shoulder at the source of the voice I already know of. My hands trembled as I meet those eyes again, only they're not blood red and menacing anymore, today they're a deep shade of warm honey brown color, calm yet agile at the same time.
"I told you not to come here again."
His voice is also different, even though it's still only a little bit above a whisper, when yesterday it seems filled with venom and dangerous intent, today it's soft, almost gentle, and light, almost relaxed.
"I- I'm sorry. I was just-..."
"What are you looking for?"
"Uh..." I averted my gaze from his eyes. They make me nervous. "I'm looking for my brother's medicine. They accidently fell out of my pocket yesterday when you... When I fell. Hope you don't mind me looking for it now, they're kinda important... So... I..."
My heart is beating like mad, all I could think of is that he's going to laugh at my stupid excuse and equally stupid foolishness for this suicide attempt then he's going to finish the job he neglected yesterday and suck my blood dry. Yeah, that's the most possible outcome.
But instead, my worry turns out for nothing as he said one most wonderful syllable I've ever heard:
"Oh."
I almost toppled to the floor in relief as I heard him. Did I hear wrong? No, it seems. Is he joking? No, he doesn't seem the type. Is this a trap? No, I certainly hope not.
I resume checking the floorboard as he leans against the wall, watching me intently, almost curiously. As minutes ticked by, I grow a bit frustrated for not finding the cursed pills yet. I'm getting a bit bold by moving the dust covered furnitures around in front of their vampire owner who doesn't even do anything for the last couple of minutes, just leaning against the wall and keep staring at me like I'm some weird and rare specimen. Is he trying to figure out my blood type or how tasty I am? Is that it? If that's it, I'm so going out of here. Sorry, Ichiru, you're going to have to sacrifice yourself for me. But hey, that's what brothers do, don't they? Yeah right.
Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, the vampire put his hand into his long black coat and pull out something that looks like a plastic bag with my twin's name written on it in big letters: ICHIRU.
"Is this what you're looking for?"
He dangles it in front of my face nonchalantly, like he isn't aware of how much effort I put into finding it in the last couple of minutes when I'm clearly trying my hardest right in front of his face. So I snatched the plastic bag containing the pills out of his hand, not completely unaware of his slightly amused expression as I half glared half glower at him. Though I do feel relieved inside.
"Yes it is. Thank you." Oh, and you could have told me sooner if you have it.
"You're welcome."
I quickly get on my feet and head towards the door, ready to leave this place and not going back again, but his voice stops me.
"Is your brother sick?"
The question is optional, I can ignore it if I want to and continue leaving this place but instead, I answer, my voice comes out like a recording.
"Yes he is. He has been sick for a long time. Ever since he was born he has always been frail."
"I see. So those pills are suppose to heal him then?"
I answer again. It's like he's putting a spell on me. My mouth moves on its own.
"Not quite. The doctor said it'll reduce the pain and slow down the process of whatever sickness he's having."
"A pity."
"Yes it is."
"Tell me, do you love your brother?"
"Yes, I love him so much. More than anyone else."
"More than anyone?"
"More than anyone."
"Then, if I say there's a cure for your brother's sickness, would you search for it?"
"Of course."
"If I give you some would you accept it?"
"Of course."
"Fine, then here it is."
My recently hypnotized mind suddenly snapped into reality as something warm and wet drip down into my cheek from above. I touched it gently with my fingers and brought it to the front of my face. Blood. Crimson blood. Crimson, fresh, red blood.
"It's my blood. Take it. It'll help your brother heal."
"What? Are you insane?"
I forgot the fact that I'm calling a vampire crazy in person as I'm too in panic as he continues to drizzle me with his blood while I'm having a bit of difficulty of retaining it with my hands.
"No, I'm not. Trust me. My blood is in a much higher level of purity than any other vampires. It's rare, it's almost nonexistent. People would kill for my blood."
"I don't care! You're hurting yourself. Stop it! I'll be able to heal my brother even without your help!"
"You can't. Those pills can't heal him. Well, at least not as efficiently as my blood-... What are you doing?"
I covered his bleeding wrist with my hands, trying to stop the blood. The blood keep flowing for a while, but a second later, it stops and all that's left is a pale flawless skin, not even a scar remain.
"What the- Oh I forgot you're a vampire."
"You don't want to heal your brother?"
"Of course I want to, but not this way. Not using your blood. It's sick. No offense."
"Why?"
"Because it hurt, right? When you cut your wrist like that. I once cut my palm with a switchblade when I'm cutting an apple for my brother, it hurts so much. You got to feel that too, right? Even though you're a vampire and it heals so quickly..."
I stopped my sentences. I noticed the vampire in front of me is eyeing me in some sort of an odd way, like he's mad, but not quite mad, like he thinks I'm crazy, but not crazy enough, it's like he's curious, but I'm not sure why.
"Is that so? You're a peculiar human."
"Uh... I am?"
"Yes you are. I've never met someone who ever deny my blood."
"Really?"
"Yes. Which make the more reason for me to give it to you. Don't worry, it's only a scratch, it'll heal in no time."
"I told you, I don't need it."
"Are you sure? It'll not only heal your brother, it'll make him stronger, you said he was born frail? Well not anymore, he'll be normal now, maybe even more. His abilities will increase, his senses will be heightened, but not as high as us vampires." He looked at me questioningly. "Are you still saying you don't need my blood?"
"Uh... I..."
"There's no need for second thoughts. I won't ask anything in return. I'm sure you'll return the favor willingly yourself."
"Don't count on it."
He smiled, just like earlier, amused and satisfied. Even though he rarely smiled I couldn't bring myself to feel comfortable with it, let alone liking it.
So I watch in dismay as he cut himself again with his nail, this time it's his forearm and he lets the blood slowly drip into a tiny bottle.
"Here, I planned on giving you more than that but since you refuse, I'll give you only a small amount."
"Great. Thanks."
I eyed the glass bottle for a while and the shiny liquid inside it. How am I supposed to convince Ichiru to drink a vampire's blood? He'll be repulsed. But, If what the vampire said is true... I slip the bottle along the pills inside my left pocket.
"You're welcome. Farewell for now."
Not a moment later, I found myself already outside the haunted manor, followed by a strong blow of wind closing the large doors with a loud thump right in front of my face.
Huh. So much for dying.
XXX
I hurriedly run up the stairs that lead to the second floor of the house and slam open the door of my twin's bedroom, only to find him gasping for breath on the floor.
"Ichiru!"
"...Zero..."
"Here! Quickly, swallow them!"
I put two red pills into Ichiru's mouth and give him a glass of water to help him swallow them. A minute later, his breath starts to become even.
"...Thanks, Zero. That was close."
"No, I'm sorry. If only I didn't lose the pills yesterday..."
"That's okay... That happens, right? Even to you." He smiled at me.
"Ichiru..."
Really, that was indeed close. The spasms and struggle for breath have becoming more and more frequent now. I feel terrified for my twin's health and being. Honestly, I should take responsibilty as the stronger twin as I have taken his strength when we were still in our mother's womb. I should be the one that died, not the one that took the life out of him and reserve only a little left only to make him suffer because of it. What has Ichiru done to deserve this fate?
"Zero! How's Ichiru?"
Suddenly mom came barging in through the door, her usually calm and beautiful face contorted into something of intense fear and worry. I can see little droplets of tears on the corners of her eyes.
"He's fine, mom. I gave him the pills on time."
"Oh thank goodness. Ichiru, are you feeling fine now? Are you still in pain?"
Mom crouched down and face Ichiru who's still sitting on the floor, from her outfit I can tell that she's about to go out.
"No, mom. I'm alright. Thanks to Zero."
"That's good to hear. Do you need something else?"
"No, I said I'm fine."
"Okay, well, if you need anything you can tell Zero, alright?"
"You're going out?"
"Yes, I'm afraid I must. There's this vampire... He's been a real handful for the association."
My parents are hunters for the vampire hunter association, they hunt and capture vampires who have been causing troubles and losing control over their bloodlust, usually they're the level E vampires, the lowest in the vampire classes, but lately, higher level vampires have been going out of control in their feeding as well, which mean less time at home for my parents and more time alone for Ichiru and me. Speaking of which, that vampire in the manor seems like a higher level vampire as well, but I don't recognize which class he is, my master hasn't taught me that yet. His aura is strong though, but he's only the first vampire I've ever encounter, maybe all vampires have that kind of aura.
"So, Zero, I'll probably be home by morning. So you don't have to wait for us, okay?"
I snapped back from my train of thoughts. I didn't hear anything mom said before she addressed me.
"Alright. Be careful mom."
"Of course, thank you sweetheart."
She kissed both of our forehead and leave the room. The sound of her footsteps echoing down the hallway and down the stairs before it's followed by the sound of the front door closing. An immediate silence filled the house.
"So, where have you gone to today?"
I whirled around to face Ichiru. "Oh the same, you know, the park." I lied again like yesterday.
"Really? You spend lots of your time there lately, is there something exciting there?"
You will never know. "Uh yeah, there're lots of kids so I never get bored."
"I see. It must have been fun..."
"Ichiru..."
The look on Ichiru's face is just devastating, he looks like has already given up hope. It just crushed me in the inside. I wish I could just take his place, that way he could be happy and be able to play outside like he always wanted to. But I can't, It's just impossible, the only option is to find something that'll be able to accurately heal him once and for all. If only I have that something... Wait, I do have it, right?
I touch my left pocket and find the tiny bottle that the vampire gave me is still there. I pick it out and check the content. It really is blood no matter how you look at it. Will Ichiru want to drink this?
"What's that?"
"Uh..." I hide the bottle between my palms. "Nothing. It's just something I pick at the park."
"Oh."
"Hey, Ichiru?"
"What?"
"Do you want to be healthy?"
"Huh? What kind of question is that? Of course I want to be healthy."
"You'll do anything to be healthy, right?"
"Yes, of course. As long as it's nothing embarrasing."
I laughed weakly. "No, it's not. Then... Would you drink this then?"
I show Ichiru the small bottle filled with red substance in front of his face. He seems to be inspecting it curiously. I wonder if he knows what this really is?
"Oh, sure. Why not? It's like fanta, right? Or a strawberry juice or that pinkish cold medicine."
"Well..."
I clamped my mouth shut before I tell Ichiru what it really is. He doesn't need to know what it is, right? At least not now. I bet if he knows it he'll refuse it right away. Come on, a family of honored vampire hunters relying on the blood of their prey? It's insulting. But I don't know if it'll work like that vampire said, I just want to try everything I can for my twin brother, no matter what the consequences are.
"Yes. It's like those cold medicines. It should heal you more efficiently than other medicines." Or so he says...
"Oh. Cool."
Ichiru gulped down the content of the bottle in one swell gulp. It's really a small amount after all.
"Do you feel anything?" I asked curiously.
"No. I feel normal."
Damn vampire...
"Oh. Oh well." There goes my last hope. "Ichiru-..."
"Wait. Zero?"
"Hm?"
"I feel funny. Something is wrong. Oh God, Zero?"
Ichiru started trembling and holding his stomach in the process. Is this the after effect?
"Wh- What? Ichiru!"
"Boom!"
What the- The little prick!
"That's so not funny, Ichiru." I crossed my arms in front of my chest.
He laughed mercilessly at my pouting face. "No, that's hilarious. I can't believe you actually buy it! You're so easy, Zero."
"Thanks."
"Oh well, let's just sleep. It's already nightfall. I feel sleepy."
I look toward the window and find the sky is already a deep dark blue color decorated with a brilliant view of stars twinkling in the far off distance. Hm, time sure flies swiftly this days.
"Do you want me to accompany you?" I asked Ichiru who's already snuggling against the plush pillows.
"Yeah, of course! I couldn't sleep well if you weren't by my side, Zero. I always have nightmares. Come here." He patted the empty space on the bed beside him.
I obliged and got under the warm blankets with him. His face is like a split image of my own face, I feel like I'm looking at a mirror when I'm looking at him face to face like this, like with that mirror in the manor, only today he's a bit paler than me and soft red hues are covering his cheeks. I touch his forehead gently, it's warm, a bit too warm. I kissed his eyelids softly.
"Good night, Ichiru."
"Good night, Zero. I love you."
"I love you too, Ichiru."
Only a couple of minutes later, we both drifted off into a peaceful slumber. Tomorrow is another day and I silently hope I won't have to see that manor and that vampire again even when that warm honey brown eyes of his still keep haunting me even in my deepest of dreams.
To be continued
Yay I've finally posted it! Now I'm going to sleep, since it's already past midnight in my country *yawn* Oh, a small announcement, since I'm going back to school in Thursday, I may not be able to update as quickly as I'm now. So if I update too slow, please be patient with me... I'll try to do my best!X3 Well, nighty night... Oh and do you know an anime called Shiki? Totally recommend it. I lost lots of time writing because of it... It's too good...
Read and review! Faster update if you do just that!^^
