Chapter 5: Setting Sail

"Please form a line by the gangplank!" Captain Patricia's voice boomed through the docks. "Board one at a time so the hunter can inspect each of you!"

Asbel shifted awkwardly as every single passenger awaiting to board the Pelune stared at him. He had told Patricia that he could detect vampires in a crowd, but she still insisted on making a show of the boarding process. All so that her passengers would feel safe in her ship.

Asbel already knew none of the passengers were vampires, so his mind drifted as they made their way up the gangplank. Richard was already in their cabin, huddled in blankets on one of the beds, waiting for Asbel. The cabin Patricia offered them had a small bookshelf on one of the walls, so Richard could at least entertain himself by reading, but Asbel still wished wish the boarding would be over soon.

Every passenger took their time eyeing the medallion hanging from Asbel's neck. It was unlikely any of them had ever seen a hunter's badge up close. While the Order's crest was well-known through all of the kingdom - a simple depiction of a shining sword pointing towards the sky, casting rays of light to banish the swirls of darkness surrounding it - many people, especially in the peripheries, never had the chance to meet a hunter.

Patricia stood next to Asbel, arms crossed over her chest and lips curved into a smile. She personally greeted each and every of the passengers in her usual stern but friendly manner. Asbel wondered if she could wield the sword hanging from her belt, and with a glance at her toned arms, decided that the answer must be yes.

Once the boarding was over, Asbel was dismissed by Patricia. It was strange to be ordered around by someone who wasn't a member of the Order's Council, but in a ship, everyone deferred to the captain. Smiling to himself, Asbel made his way back to his cabin.

He found Richard sitting on one of the beds, a blanket around his shoulders and a book in his hands. His eyes were taking in the words hungrily, but as soon as Asbel walked in, Richard closed the book and placed it next to him on the mattress, cover facing down. He gave Asbel a smile. "How was the boarding?"

"It was okay. No vampires on this ship. I mean, other than you." Asbel scratched the back of his head, smiling awkwardly. "What were you reading?"

"Nothing important," Richard replied, a bit too quickly. His gaze flickered to the book before returning to Asbel's face.

"Really? You seemed to be pretty into it. What was it about?"

"Just a collection of short stories." Grabbing the book, Richard stood and walked over to the bookshelf, still hiding the cover from Asbel.

"Oh, come on. Now I'm curious. Were you reading something inappropriate?" Grinning, Asbel reached for the book, expecting Richard to play along and pull it away. But to his surprise, Richard did not react.

Dumbstruck, Asbel looked down at the book now in his hands, and flipped it to look at the cover. Heroic Tales of Adventure, the title read. Asbel skimmed through some of the pages, finding many detailed illustrations of armored knights facing fire-breathing dragons, ancient wizards casting swirls of magic, and pirates braving tempestuous seas. "You were reading this?"

Richard shifted his weight from one foot to the other. "Yes."

"I didn't know you were into adventure books." Really, Asbel had expected Richard to be reading something on history, politics, or even sciences.

"I… I suppose it is inappropriate reading for someone like myself," Richard muttered, looking away.

"What? No!" Asbel closed the book so quickly it made a smacking sound. "There's nothing wrong about reading adventure books. When I asked if you were reading something inappropriate, I meant like… like…" Asbel made some vague gestures, face growing very red. "I-It was just a joke, of course! You're obviously not the kind of person who reads those books." Asbel smiled awkwardly, but it faded after a moment. "…U-Unless you are. Which is okay too! There's nothing wrong with… with reading… hahaha…"

Richard was staring at him with wide eyes, and in that moment, Asbel wanted to dig a hole and bury himself in it. But a second later, to his relief, Richard smiled. "It's fine, Asbel. Please don't get so flustered."

"I-I'm not flustered," Asbel blurted, and it made Richard laugh. "Hey!"

"Forgive me," Richard said, his words punctuated by chuckles.

Asbel's face was still warm with embarrassment, but he was glad to see Richard in a better mood. "Well, all I meant to say is that it's fine to… read whatever kind of books you like. Including adventure ones."

Richard's gaze fell. "But it is considered a sign of immaturity. It is not proper reading for someone… someone who is supposed to shoulder certain responsibilities." He paused, hesitating. "Many people would judge me harshly if they knew I still read those kinds of books."

"That's silly. They're just books," Asbel muttered, crossing his arms. "Well, I'm not gonna judge you for it, so don't worry, okay?"

Richard's expression softened, his lips curving into a smile. "Thank you, Asbel."

Something in Richard's tone made Asbel's heart flutter. "You know, my younger brother used to really enjoy adventure books, as well. He'd always tell me about the stories he read. I was never really one to sit down and read books, but I liked hearing them from him." Asbel smiled, scratching his cheek. "What was the story you were reading about?"

"It was… about a knight. A valiant knight who went on a journey to find a cure for the illness that befell his king."

"Really? That sounds pretty cool. Stories about knights were my favorites. They were always so full of honor, loyalty, courage…" Asbel's voice trailed off, his dreamy gaze lost on some vision only he could see. "Back when I was a kid, all I wanted was to be a knight."

Richard raised his eyebrows. "Why did you end up as a hunter?"

"I… I had the Potential. It always ran strong in my family, so my father got me tested when I was eleven. And, well…" Asbel scratched his cheek, a little embarrassed. "They said I had a lot of latent power. That I would make a really good hunter, and play a big role in protecting the kingdom from vampires." Asbel hesitated. He had never spoken about this before, not to anyone, but now the words were tumbling out of his mouth. "Even so, I insisted I wanted to join the Knight's Academy and not the Hunter's Order. But I… I didn't really have a choice."

Richard's eyes were slightly wide with surprise. "I didn't know the Order coerced people into joining it."

Asbel gave a nervous laugh. "Yeah… I didn't know either. I tried running away and enrolling into the Knight Academy, but they had gotten word from the Order, so they sent me back there. Then the Order's Council lectured me on how many humans were killed by vampires every day, on how their numbers were always increasing, on how we would eventually be consumed by them if we did not fight back… they went on and on until I couldn't say no." Asbel's voice became quiet. "I hated it at first, but now, I think they did the right thing. The work hunters do is important… even if it's not very pleasant."

"I'm sorry," Richard murmured, gaze falling.

Only then did Asbel realize the weight of what he had spoken. "Don't worry about it!" he blurted, waving his hands. "Being a hunter is fine. I get to protect even more people than I would have done as a knight. It's not that bad." He mustered a crooked smile.

Thankfully, it made Richard's expression soften. "It's a shame people don't tell stories about hunters. You are as valiant as any knight, Asbel."

"I-I guess vampires and hunters are just too grim for stories," Asbel muttered, feeling his face grow warm at Richard's praise. He tried to think of something else to say, but looking into Richard's eyes made his mind go blank. Richard had such beautiful eyes, even when they were like that, pale red. Unconsciously, Asbel's lips parted— but whatever he had to say faded as the ship gave a sudden lurch.

Taken by surprise, Asbel lost his balance, and as fate would have it, he found himself crashing over Richard and dragging them both to the floor. He heard the sound of books tumbling behind them, felt Richard's body under his own, and opened his eyes to strands of golden hair.

Asbel knew he should've been pulling himself up and blurting an apology, but he couldn't force his body to move. The rise and fall of Richard's chest beneath him bound him in place. All he managed to do was turn his head just enough to look into Richard's eyes, slightly wide, and Richard's lips, half-parted. Asbel's heart thundered in his chest. If only… if only…

"Asbel?"

Richard's anxious tone made Asbel freeze, and in less than a second he sprung up and held out his hand to Richard. "S-Sorry. The ship moved so suddenly, and…"

"It's fine," Richard cut in, taking Asbel's hand but avoiding his gaze. Richard gave Asbel's fingers a gentle squeeze, so brief Asbel wondered if it had happened at all, and then stood with his help. Finally, Richard's hesitant eyes met Asbel's once again. "Thank you."

"No problem," Asbel blurted, feeling his cheeks flush. "Do you want to go outside? It looks like the ship is setting sail."

Richard hesitated. "I'm not sure if I should. Captain Patricia said that my hood would unsettle her passengers."

"Well… you don't need to wear it. Just keep your head bowed a little and your gaze lowered. If anyone tries to talk to you, just act like you're really shy, or something like that."

Richard paled as if the idea frightened him, yet a moment later his expression switched back to his usual composure. "I understand."

Asbel opened the door, peeking at both sides of the corridor before gesturing for Richard to follow. Richard walked uneasily, eyes locked on the floor, his pace slow. Beyond the corridor, out on the deck, Asbel heard the hubbub made by the crew as the ship departed from land.

"Richard, quick," Asbel muttered, grabbing him by the wrist and dragging him outside.

Shouted orders, lapping of waves, enthusiastic comments and a soft breeze all mingled together. The crewmembers moved with the certainty of sailors who had spent more time over the waters than over land. Patricia oversaw it all, a satisfied smile on her lips. By the rails, out of the crewmembers' way, the other passengers stood, watching as Velanik Port dwindled in size.

Asbel glanced over his shoulder and found Richard staring wide-eyed, fascinated by the scene. The Foselos river was so wide it felt as if they were heading out to sea. Was this Richard's first time on a ship?

"C'mon," Asbel said, grinning and grabbing Richard's arm, "Let's find a less crowded spot."

Richard nodded absently, his eyes lingering on the people moving about the deck as Asbel led him away. Large as the ship was, they managed to find a spot by the rail with no one else in sight. Asbel tightened his grip on the rail and leaned forward as much as he dared, feeling the cool wind on his face, closing his eyes as his hair was rustled by a gust. He didn't usually return to the Order by boat, but he always enjoyed it. It made him feel so alive.

Asbel opened his eyes after a moment, glancing back at Richard. Strangely, Richard was looking at him with an odd expression, his head slightly tilted and a gentle smile on his lips. Asbel wondered if there was something on his face - maybe his hair was looking funny after all that wind? To his further confusion, Richard's cheeks reddened slightly when he realized Asbel was looking back at him.

"Are you okay, Richard? Is the sun making you dizzy?"

"I'm fine, Asbel," Richard replied a bit too quickly, the color in his cheeks deepening. "Thank you for worrying about me."

"Uh? It's no problem at all." Asbel turned around so his back was leaning on the rail, and flashed a smile at Richard. "How are you liking the ship?"

"It's very pleasant," Richard said in a content tone, taking a step forward to stand next to Asbel. He glanced over the rail, peering down into the water. "I'm surprised by how swiftly it sails."

"It's because we're going downriver. The Foselos' current can get pretty fast. Is this your first time on a ship?"

"I've only been on the leisure vessels that sail close to the shores of Barona. But it's… it's been a long time," he murmured, gaze lost in the distance. "When I was a child, I loved those trips. I would lean by the rail and dream of sailing far beyond Windor, of encountering the people and the cultures I had only read about in books."

"And becoming a pirate, fighting sea monsters, and looking for treasure?" Asbel asked, grinning.

It made Richard chuckle. "That, too," he said, a smile on his lips.

Asbel watched Richard's smile, watched the way he gripped the rail and leaned forward, watched his golden hair being blown by the wind. For some reason, everything about Richard seemed different from other people. Not because he wasn't human, no, it was just… Richard. Asbel struggled to wrap his head around it, to understand why Richard was just so special, but he always came up with too many and yet not enough reasons.

A thump dragged Asbel out of his musings. Mind racing, he found Richard kneeling on the floor, panting. Without a second thought, Asbel dropped down next to him. "Richard! What happened? Are you okay?"

"I'm… just a little lightheaded. I should head back to our cabin."

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have dragged you here. You've gone so long without feeding, and although it's cloudy, the sun can still…"

"Asbel, it's fine," Richard cut in, a weak smile on his lips. "Could you help me up, please?"

Asbel immediately complied, slipping an arm around Richard's waist and carefully helping him stand. "You can lean on me while you walk, or if you're too tired, I'll carry you."

"That's not…" Richard murmured, barely audible. Then, a little louder, "Leaning on you should be enough. Thank you, Asbel."

"No problem! Just let me know if you can't walk anymore. I wouldn't mind carrying you."

Richard looked up at him with slightly wide eyes, but glanced away a moment later. "Thank you," he muttered, even quieter than before, "I will tell you if I cannot walk."

They made their way back to the cabin, and to Asbel's slight disappointment, Richard did not ask to be carried. But Richard's weight against his shoulder was reassuring, and if Richard had been tense at first, he had relaxed by the time they stepped inside. Asbel led him to the bed, and sat by his side.

"So…" Asbel began, scratching the back of his neck, "We can do it now, if you want."

"Now?" Richard's voice was laden with disbelief, but his eyes showed anticipation. "I thought you meant to wait until tonight."

"I think it should be fine to do it now," Asbel mumbled, embarrassed. The way this conversation was going made him think of being newlyweds again. "I've had a meal not too long ago, and I can sleep after we're done."

Richard's eyes locked onto Asbel's. Whenever they spoke of blood-drinking, Richard's expression turned into a mixture of hunger and fear, his predatory vampire instincts clashing with the gentleness that remained even after his Turning. Richard turned away from Asbel, and then looked at him again. He nodded.

Asbel felt his heartbeat increase, his stomach lurch. No matter how many times they did this, he was sure he would not stop feeling this way. He was barely able to think as he stripped out of his coat and shirt, as he tilted his head to one side and bared his neck for Richard. The only things in his mind were the lips brushing over his skin, the fangs digging into his flesh.

This time, he felt no pain, none at all. Just that pleasure, more than he thought was possible, more than he remembered. Richard pulled him close, wrapped his arms around his body, and despite the bite's effect, Asbel was able to return the embrace. He felt Richard's temperature change, slowly becoming warmer, warmer. So warm.

If only this could last forever.

Asbel didn't black out this time. Awake, he felt the pulsing of Richard's vampiric aura, steadily returning to its full strength. How strange, that what was meant to alarm Asbel became a reassurance. That aura was Richard's life; feeling its presence was like resting against Richard's chest and listening to his heartbeat…

With a sigh, Richard pulled away, and Asbel suddenly felt very cold. It had felt so brief - he wondered if Richard drank less blood than usual. But when Richard lifted his gaze, and shining scarlet eyes met Asbel's, he knew it was not case. Still… Asbel wouldn't object if it had gone on for longer. Even if it meant all of his blood was drained, if it was for Richard…

Asbel pushed the thought away from his mind. That was a place he wasn't supposed to go.

Richard was still looking at him, those bright eyes inquisitive. A moment later, he looked away, running his tongue over reddened lips.

"You okay?" Asbel asked without thinking.

Richard turned towards him again, his gaze lingering on Asbel's bare chest before rising to his face. "Yes. I…" he trailed off, averting his eyes once more. "Thank you."

"N-No problem." Richard was acting weird, Asbel thought. Had he done something wrong?

"…Aren't you cold, Asbel?"

Asbel jolted, his face burning with embarrassment. He rarely minded removing his top, but for some reason he now felt very exposed. "I-I'll get dressed," he mumbled, quickly pulling his shirt over his head.

Richard watched with a tiny smile and an expression Asbel couldn't quite understand.

"I… I think I will go see if I can get something to eat," Asbel stammered, smiling awkwardly and waving a quick goodbye before he scrambled out of the cabin. He was actually more sleepy than hungry, but for the moment, he really needed some fresh air.

Asbel was lost in thought as he made his way around the ship. He barely paid any mind to the way the other passengers stared and pointed at him. He was back on deck when he heard a high-pitched voice call out for him:

"Mr. Hunter!"

Asbel's blood froze. He turned towards the voice, and found a young girl, eleven at most, running in his direction. Trailing after her, a concerned-looking woman blurted, "Call him Master Hunter, dearie! It's more polite!"

Asbel, now more confused than startled, watched speechlessly as the girl stopped in front of him, looking at his hunter's badge with starry eyes. "Can I touch it?" she asked, hands already reaching up towards the medallion.

"Um… sure?" He bent down a little, keeping one finger discreetly holding the chain. While he doubted the girl would try to yank it off, it was better to play safe. While nowhere near as important as his sword, his badge was still very valuable.

The girl's small fingers gripped the medallion, and her tiny lips curved into a big grin. "Wow! It tingles!"

"You can feel it?" Asbel asked, surprised. Did this girl have the Potential?

"Can't you?"

"O-Of course I can." Every hunter was able to feel the aura given off by adamantine if they touched it. The stronger their latent Potential, the more intensely they felt it. In Asbel's case, it was almost a little painful, but he had grown used to it.

"Dearie, please let the hunter go." It was the older woman, patting the girl's shoulder. "You are getting in his way." She looked up at Asbel, smiling apologetically. "I'm very sorry for my niece's behavior. She is very… enthusiastic about hunters."

Asbel shook his head. "It's fine. Are you taking her to the Order for testing?"

"Why, yes, Master Hunter." The woman's eyes were wide. "How do you know? Can you feel… um… it?"

"Oh, no, I'm not a tester." Asbel scratched the back of his head. "But I think she might make it. Just… just a hunch."

"Really? That's fantastic! Oh, she always was a strong kid, so strong we saved the money to travel to the Order…" She turned to her niece. "Did you hear that, dearie? You might be taken up for training!"

The little girl's mouth opened wide, her surprise so great that she let go of Asbel's medallion. He took the opportunity to straighten himself and put the badge inside his shirt.

"I'm gonna be a hunter!" She began jumping up and down, running around the deck. "I'm gonna be a hunter!"

"Thank you so much, Master Hunter," the woman said, bowing low. "If she does make it, our family… If we can leave the periphery and move to the Inner Cities, where we won't have to live in fear of vampires… It's like a dream!" She bowed again, and then ran off to make sure her niece did not fall overboard.

Asbel felt a bit awkward. Hopefully the girl would be accepted for training; he would hate to have given them false hope. Sighing, he resumed walking towards the eating area, his thoughts turning to Richard once again.

Before long, he ran into Patricia. Her eyes widened slightly when their gazes met. "Oh, hello, Asbel Lhant. Is there anything I may help you with?"

"Ah, yes… I was wondering where and when lunch will be served."

"I see. It was served not long ago, in fact. I had your meal sent to your cabin, but the sailor in charge of delivering it told me you did not answer the door. It seems like you and your companion were… occupied."

Asbel's cheeks reddened. "W-We were not—"

"Fear not, Asbel Lhant, my crew does not spread rumors. But you might want to let me know when you would prefer for your meals to be served, so my sailors will not risk interrupting your intimate matters."

Speechless and feeling as if his face was on fire, Asbel could only nod. "I will… I will send word."

"Good. Would you like your meal delivered soon?"

Asbel nodded again.

Solemnly, Patricia returned the gesture, leaving Asbel alone with his embarrassment.

That night, Asbel had trouble sleeping. He was tired, very tired, but every time he glanced at the figure on the other bed, his heart began to race. What was it about Richard that made Asbel unable to think straight? His looks? But no, Asbel had met plenty of good-looking people in his life, and none had made him feel anything quite like that.

It just made no sense. He had only met Richard a couple weeks ago. And there was so much Asbel still did not know about him. Richard's past, for one - who he had been, and how he had ended up like this. Would he ever find out, or would Richard keep on hiding it from him?

And in a way… did it really matter? He felt like he knew Richard so well. And Richard, too, understood him better than anyone. It really… it really was a shame he would have to leave Richard at the Order. If only they could travel together forever.

If only.

A/N: Hey everyone! I'm writing this note to let you know that I might stop updating this fic on this website. However, I will continue it on AO3. Chapter 6 is already up on there. If you're not familiar with AO3, just google "archive of our own" - should be the first result. ("archive of our own scarlet eyes" should take you straight to this fic)

I probably won't be posting my fanfiction on this website anymore, since I'm a bit dissatisfied with it and greatly prefer AO3 over it. If I do keep posting here, it will be very irregularly and I'll always update first on AO3. So if you want to read my stories I highly recommend you check AO3 out!

Regardless, thanks for reading this fic thus far!