She was surprised for a moment before gently kissing back.
He drew back, a soft smile on his face. "Probably shouldn't have done that."
"Why?"
"I'm supposed to be a neutral protector." He gave her an amused look.
"Well it doesn't hurt to not be neutral."
He laughed softly. "You keep surprising me."
"Is that bad?" She chuckled slightly.
"Absolutely not." He answered firmly before taking a deep breath. "Your father and my bosses would disagree though."
"So?"
He didn't answer, one hand absently rubbing his chest.
She sighed before changing the subject, "So what all can vampires do?"
"Natural or turned?" He raised an eyebrow, dropping his hand as he realized.
"Both, I guess."
"Natural borns can fly. Both can influence people to do things. Turned are weaker than natural. We can't withstand as much injury. Ryon and his brother are natural borns."
"Fly?" She raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
"Yup. Comes in handy when suspects flee." He grinned for a moment.
"I want to fly.." she chuckled.
He laughed again, then grew serious. "I'm starting to think you should join your father."
"Why?"
"Because the only person who should have known where we were was the Chief himself. If he's been compromised, we are going to have more trouble keeping you alive."
She sighed and looked down, "I guess whatever you think is best. I do miss him, but it's going to be hard to not ask him too many questions."
Isao looked thoughtful. "I have an idea. Let me make some calls." He winced and moved to the couch before looking at her. "Trust me. I won't let anything happen to you. You should probably get some more sleep though."
She sighed then nodded and headed to her room. She stared at the wall for a long time, her mind trying to figure out her nightmares and their connection to her having the virus. She wondered what she was able to do and wondered why she wouldn't have ever needed blood. Her mind kept racing for hours until she finally passed out.
Loud laughter rang through the house.
She frowned as she woke, pushing herself up. She changed her clothes before heading out toward the living room.
A tall stranger was lounging on the couch, deep in conversation on a cellphone. No one else was visible.
She raised an eyebrow before heading into the kitchen. She poured herself a drink then went out and watched him.
He gave her a sunny smile as he ended the conversation. His twinkling eyes surveyed her. "So you're the one Izzy has his fangs curled for. He's right."
She raised an eyebrow again, "Who are you?"
"A friend."
"Okay.. Do you have a name?"
"Shouma." He watched her carefully, then his face turned into hers.
She stared for a moment, "So you're a shifter."
He resumed his own face with a small smile.
"Figured we should fight fire with fire." Isao entered the house from outside. "Shifters can't be tracked by vampires. But to other shifters, they leave clear trails."
She nodded slowly.
"I'll catch this sonofabitch. Then you can resume your life and Izzy can get the stick out of his ass." Shouma grinned at Isao's glare.
Mia chuckled before giving Isao a small smile.
He moved to her side, whispering "Ignore what he looks like. He's older than both of us and I almost feel sorry for this guy."
She laughed in response.
"Telling my secrets, Iz? Not very nice." Shouma's eyes glittered.
She smiled as she watched them.
"Just making sure she doesn't think you're twelve. Why you insist on wearing clothes that make you look like a teenager is beyond my understanding." Isao retorted with a smile.
Shouma blew a raspberry at him, then laughed. "False sense of security. Makes me look like I'm not a threat."
"You do seem nonthreatening.."
Isao shook his head. "Do not underestimate him." He pulled up his shirt to reveal deep claw scars.
Shouma winced, averting his eyes to the carpet. One hand twitched restlessly.
Mia winced but stayed silent.
Isao dropped the shirt. "Sorry, Sho. Shouldn't have said anything."
The shifter looked up, forcing a smile. "Don't worry. It's better she learns this way than have it happen to her. I'm going to see if anyone needs help." He quickly left the house.
Isao sighed, sinking to the spot the shifter had vacated. "Shit."
Mia watched him, "Sensitive topic?"
"Yeah." The vampire ruffled his hair in frustration. "We weren't always friends."
She nodded and sat down quietly.
"Sorry. I seem to be the killjoy around here lately." Isao closed his eyes. "Did I make a mistake?"
She sighed, "I don't know what happened between you guys, but he seems to be upset about it still." She gave him a small smile, "But you aren't a killjoy."
"The night I was turned, he tried to kill me." The words were quiet and matter of fact.
"Because you were turned? Or something else?"
"He was trying to spare me. But it didn't work." Isao opened haunted eyes.
She nodded slowly.
"I used to be with the JSDF. One night, my fiancee and I were attacked by a group of vampires.. I knew about shifters, but not vampires. Sho tried to end it before the virus took hold, but it was too late. He blames himself."
"I can't imagine how hard that must have been." She said quietly.
"It was a long time ago." He answered firmly. "Not sure why he keeps blaming himself. I don't."
"People all see things differently, so even if you don't see something one way, he might. Just keep reassuring him and maybe one day he'll see your side."
Isao snorted. "He hasn't in forty years. Don't hold your breath."
"So how old are you guys?" She looked thoughtful.
"He won't tell me. I was thirty when I was turned. The twins are over one hundred. Ryu refuses to answer questions."
She nodded, "And a random, probably stupid question.. How do you get your fangs to show? I should have them, right?" She chuckled slightly.
"I just will them out normally. If I'm fighting, they extend automatically. Same if I'm extremely hungry." He shrugged.
She nodded, "Sorry, I just feel like there's so much I don't know."