AN: Thanks for reading! If you're enjoying this, feel free to leave a review :)
Himiko Toga was torn.
She had spent her entire life learning that trusting people only got her in trouble.
Her parents, Saito, her Sire, the vampires of Kyoto - all of them were the same. 'Trust me,' they would say, only for her to inevitably discover why they were untrustworthy.
So why was she leading Izuku and Ochako to her safe haven?
If she could even call it that - a dusty and forgotten corner of a warehouse that kept her safe from the sun's lethal rays during the day, with access to an emergency shower that she has been using to keep clean. But it was hers.
Her eyes slid to the couple walking a few feet behind her as she led them through the narrow back alleys of Mustafu. She couldn't help but be fascinated by the woman. She had practically exsanguinated her! All of that delicious blood that currently flowed through her veins was proof of that. Blood that filled her with a new warmth she had never felt before. And yet, the woman seemed unaffected, the only change was that Himiko was now given a glimpse of her true form.
As they walked she replayed their encounter in their head over and over, searching for the signs of deception - of manipulation. And every time she found none. Other than the woman attacking her, which Himiko had to admit she would have done the same thing in her position, the pair had no interest in hurting her. What's more, they wanted to help her!
Mercy is a luxury of the strong. Her Sire's voice unhelpfully supplied.
"You would know," Himiko grumbled.
"What was that?" Izuku asked from behind her.
Himiko froze, before turning to look at Izuku. "Nothing! I'm just talking to myself."
"You can talk to us, you know," Izuku supplied helpfully.
Himiko opened and closed her mouth, before staring at the man, feeling heat rising to her cheeks (when was the last time she felt anything like that?). "You're weird!"
Izuku laughed nervously as he rubbed the back of his head. "I've gotten that a lot."
"Izuku may not be a normal human, but that is what makes him special," Ochako added, giving a fond look to her boyfriend.
Himiko narrowed her eyes - the two were going to be painfully adorable, she already knew it. Shoving aside her jealousy she turned away from them and continued walking, speeding up her pace. "What's there to say? My life's been one giant tragedy. I came to Mustafu hoping to get away from all of that - to find a place where I can finally be me."
"How bad was it?" Izuku asked softly.
Himiko spun around to glare at Izuku and was rewarded by seeing him flinch backward. Unfortunately, that upset Ochako and she already saw a tendril wrapping around the woman's free hand - while the other held tightly onto Izuku. "Why do you care?"
"W-why shouldn't I care?" Izuku asked.
Himiko felt like she was just slapped in the face. Her face twisting in anger she stepped forward menacingly. "Because people are terrible! They lie! They cheat! They take advantage of you! Nobody cares about me - they only cared about what I could do for them!"
"Izuku is different," Ochako said with absolute certainty. "I was a stranger to your planet, and he welcomed me into his life," she smiled fondly at her boyfriend, "and he has taught me so much about being human. He did not have to do any of that, but he did it anyway."
"Good for you," Himiko snapped out bitterly. "You already said this is temporary. As soon as we meet the other vampires you're just going to abandon me, just like everyone else."
"Himiko," Izuku tried to step forward, only to feel Ochako's grip on his hand tighten. Looking at his girlfriend, his gaze softened. "It's ok Ochako." Ochako tilted her head curiously, before releasing her grip on her boyfriend. Returning his gaze to Himiko, Izuku closed the distance between them. "I'm sorry you've been through that," Izuku continued. "I- we won't abandon you. We'll help you get that fresh start."
Himiko's eyes went wide as her head shot up. Izuku returned her gaze as she searched his face, seeking any sign of deception. "You're serious."
"Yes," Izuku nodded.
"Aren't you worried I'm going to take advantage of you?" Himiko asked.
"A little," Izuku admitted, "but I'd like to think you're different - that you don't want to be like… all of those people who hurt you."
Something inside of Himiko broke. She spun away from Izuku and Ochako, trying to hide the tears that had begun to spill. "We're wasting time, let's go."
Izuku extended a hand, feeling like he should say something, but something stopped him. Lowering his hand he simply returned to Ochako's side. "Lead the way."
It didn't take long for them to arrive at a maze of warehouses. With practiced ease, Himiko lead them to one in particular.
"Climb here," Himiko instructed Izuku and Ochako before she grabbed the ladder and hauled herself upward. Despite the damage she had taken earlier, thanks to Ochako's blood coursing through her veins she flew up the side of the building even more quickly than she remembered.
"I will go first," Ochako said.
"Will you be okay?" Izuku asked, seeing Ochako wavering slightly.
"Of course," Ochako gave him a small smile. "And if I fall, you will be there to catch me."
"I- okay," Izuku said nervously, worried for his girlfriend.
Fortunately, they made it up to the top without incident and Himiko led them over to a rooftop access. "The front entrance is locked, but the lock here is broken."
Leading them down the stairwell to the upper level of the warehouse, they follow her to a corner of the warehouse long forgotten by its owners. Unable to see due to the darkness, Izuku pulled out his cell phone and turned on the light, revealing the vampire's hideout. A small semicircle on the floor had been cleared of dust and debris, boxes and old machinery acting as an impromptu barrier around her abode. A rickety chair sat there, with a pile of rags and cloth bundled up next to it.
As he watched, Himiko pulled a loose panel from the wall and retrieved a duffle bag as well as a dirty-looking pillow. Placing the pillow on the ground, she plopped down unceremoniously on top of it.
"Welcome to my home," Himiko said somewhat proudly.
"You're ok living like this?" Izuku asked cautiously.
"Of course not," Himiko rolled her eyes. "But I'm safe from the sun during the day, as far as I can tell nobody even comes up to this floor, and there's an emergency shower in the bathrooms that I can use. That's more than I had when I was on the run across Japan."
"Why were you on the run?" Ochako asked.
"Because my Sire- the person who turned me into a vampire- was just using me," Himiko said, venom laced into her words. "Just like my parents. He found me in a park one night and offered me a chance. It sounded like a dream come true! A chance to be myself, to help the other vampires of the city, even indulge in a little fun," she let out a manic giggle. "But it turns out that his beliefs were just as warped as my parents. I was just- a pretty face to try and sway others." She gave a defeated wave to the bag next to her. "So one night while he was away I just grabbed what I could and took off."
"Aren't you worried he'll find you?"
"I doubt it," Himiko said. "Vampires live in the comfort of their own cities and don't venture out unless they have to. He may be a fanatic, but he's no different from the rest."
"So you are safe here?"
Himiko laughed bitterly. "Safe? No. Maybe someday, but right now I don't even know if I'm allowed to stay here."
"Why's that?" Izuku asked.
"Every city has its own system of maintaining the veil of secrecy so humans don't learn about us. Part of that is limiting the number of active vampires. If Mustafu's got too many vampires, I've gotta continue onward to Shizuoka and hope for the best."
"So that is why you wish to contact that man," Ochako mused.
"Or another vampire who can point me in the right direction," Himiko let out a frustrated sigh. "Unfortunately since I didn't exactly plan my trip ahead of time, I don't know how to get ahold of anyone."
"The same secrecy protecting you from humans is hampering your ability to meet others of your kind," Ochako explained.
"Yep," Himiko chirped far too loudly, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "I've even been good! Not touching humans or anything like that!"
"Then why were you after us?"
Himiko gestured wildly toward Ochako. "Her! She didn't seem normal and the smell of her blood was different from anything I've ever smelled before. Turns out I was right, she's not human!"
"I see, so much like I can sense the supernatural, it appears you can as well," Ochako mused. "Even if the mechanism is different."
"I guess," Himiko deflated. "But that's why I'm holed up here. Just spending my time trying to find a place where I can just - be me, without anyone trying to- to use me!"
"It is fortunate that we met then," Ochako said. "Once this body has recovered, our pooled resources will greatly increase the chances of finding another of your kind."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that," Himiko grumbled.
"We found two in short order," Ochako pointed out.
Himiko glared at Ochako, but didn't respond.
"I know it sounds like a long shot, but I'm sure we can find someone!" Izuku insisted.
"Fine, so we meet them, then what?" Himiko asked.
"I would like to learn more about the supernatural creatures native to this planet," Ochako explained. "It would make my mission easier instead of sifting through myths and legends."
Himiko threw her head back and laughed. "And you think someone's just going to give that to you?"
"If they wish to save your planet, yes."
Himiko's laugh was cut off and she began choking. An impressive feat considering she didn't need to breathe. "What?!"
"That's why Ochako is here," Izuku explained. "Someone's trying to tear open a gate between our world and other dimensions. We've fought several of the things that came through and well…" Izuku trailed off nervously.
"When I first ran into one of your kind, I was searching for clues for my own mission," Ochako continued. "However the man and these 'ghouls' that he was hunting were unfamiliar to me. When you began following us, I had hoped that meant he changed his mind and was seeking us out."
Himiko let out an exasperated sigh. It was clear these two were clueless about how the vampire world worked. And they were idealistic. It was going to get them killed.
So why was she willing to go along with it?
Pushing that traitorous question aside, she looked at the pair. "Well, the sooner you recover the sooner we can resume our search, right?"
"You are right," Ochako said as turned toward a wall. "Now that I know where you are staying, it will be easy to return."
"W-what?!" Himiko asked, taken aback.
"It'll make more sense to watch," Izuku said as he joined his girlfriend.
Himiko's eyes went wide as she heard a sound that she could best describe as glass shattering. There, in the wall of the building, was a field of stars - much like the one she saw when she first drank Ochako's blood.
And on the other side was… an apartment?
"We'll be in touch," Izuku promised as Ochako entered the rift in reality, only to follow her in.
Moments later, Himiko watched the rift close. Blinking, she swore she could still see the stars long after her eyes should have adjusted.
Left alone again, and forced to wrestle with all of these conflicting emotions - emotions she had thought she had long since buried - Himiko did what she was best at. She shoved them aside. Deciding that the least she could do for the couple is help them not die, she opened the duffle bag. Digging through, she quickly found her goal - an old tome with an ornate dagger emblazoned on the front cover. She heard the crack of leather as she opened the cover of the book. Staring at the first page, she gently traced her fingers along the text as she tried to decipher the ancient handwriting.
Himiko jumped, the book collapsing to the floor as she grabbed a dagger. She had heard the sound reminiscent of glass shattering and was on high alert as a familiar portal opened up one of the walls. Ochako emerged first, with Izuku right behind her holding a large shopping bag.
"I thought you were going to rest!" Himiko hissed.
"We intended to," Izuku admitted. "But after we left we realized we don't have any way to contact you! And," Izuku nodded toward the pile of rags. "I thought you might want something a little more comfortable than that?"
"So what's in the bag?" Himiko asked suspiciously.
Setting down the bag, the first thing Izuku pulled out was a cell phone. "It's a prepaid phone, but you should have plenty of time if you want to use the internet. And-" He gestured to the contact information. "-it has our cell phone numbers in it."
Himiko snatched the phone out of his hand, looking at the device in awe. She had a cell phone before she fled her Sire, but abandoned that along with everything else that he might be able to use to track her. If she could reconnect with some of her old friends…
"And then we brought you this," Izuku pushed the bag down, revealing a brand new comforter set, with sheets and small pillows and a large fluffy blanket.
Himiko was lucky she didn't drop her new cell phone as she felt tears stinging her eyes. What was going on with her tonight? Was something in Ochako's blood affecting her that much? She hasn't felt emotions like this in a long time, not since…
"T-thank you," Himiko blurted out. "This- you are the first people who-" A sob tore out of her throat as she cried for the third time tonight.
"I see," Ochako said. "You are also unfamiliar with happy tears." Closing the distance between them, she wrapped her arms around the vampire, pulling her into a hug. "Consider this an apology for us being unable to help tomorrow."
"You- this-" Himiko shuddered.
Where were people like this when she was still human? Where were they when she lived under her Sire?
"Will you be okay?" Izuku asked softly.
Himiko rubbed away tears and looked at them before she nodded. "Y-yeah. I'll…" She looked at the phone in her hand. "Text you with my plans when I wake up tomorrow."
"Okay," Izuku said softly. "I wrote down that phone's number. We'll let you know when we can help you search."
"I'll be waiting," Himiko said.
Saying their goodbyes, Ochako opened another rift and the couple departed, leaving Himiko alone again.
Deciding she didn't want to go out anymore tonight, Himiko rummaged through her duffle bag to pull out a pair of comfy shorts and a tee shirt. Quietly padding down to the main area, she entered the restroom containing an emergency shower. It wasn't anything fancy - a simple shower head that served to wash off hazardous chemicals. If Himiko had to guess, all of the warehouses in the district had them. It wasn't a proper shower, but it was more than enough for her needs.
Setting her clothes down on a sink, she gasped when she saw her reflection in the mirror. There, resting on her cheeks, were two blush marks. They weren't as pronounced as Ochakos, but the bright crimson stood out in stark contrast to her deathly pale skin.
"Are these… because of Ochako's blood?" Himiko asked as she traced the marks with her fingers. "They're cute! I wonder if they'll become permanent if I drink enough of Ochako's blood? I'd love that!"
Quickly stripping off the rest of her clothes, Himiko stood under the emergency shower and pulled the handle. Even though her dead body didn't sweat, she still collected dirt and grime just like everyone else. As she felt the water running over her skin, carrying the dust and dirt from tonight's adventure toward the drain, she felt herself genuinely smiling.
She can't remember the last time that happened.
As soon as the rift closed behind them, Ochako collapsed against Izuku.
"Ochako!" Izuku asked in alarm as he felt her sudden weight. "Are you okay?!"
"Do not worry," Ochako tried to reassure him. "I wore myself out suppressing the effects of exsanguination on my body. This is the most damage I have taken so far."
"I'm surprised you managed to hold off for this long," Izuku admitted. "And that you can function without any blood."
"If I was human this body would have expired, it is true," Ochako said. "But I am not human. Do not worry, it will take more than loss of blood to stop me, and my body will recover soon enough."
"I can't help but worry, Ochako," Izuku said softly. "You're important to me."
Pushing herself upright, Ochako placed a cold hand on Izuku's face. "I know my words will not dissuade you, because it is who you are. But I wish to remind you anyway."
Izuku covered Ochako's hand with his own. "Thank you. Umm, is there anything I can do to help? I feel like you've done everything important tonight."
"That is not true, your words are the ones that got through to Himiko, not mine," Ochako finally gave up a second time and let herself sag against her boyfriend. "Although right now, I could use your help to the bathroom."
Izuku felt his face heating up as he looked at the woman leaning next to him. Wrapping his arms around her shoulders, he helped her to the bathroom, where she sat down on the toilet. "Anything else?"
"Yes, could you retrieve my night clothes?" Ochako asked as she leaned against the sink.
"O-okay," Izuku said.
Quickly retreating, he walked to the spare dresser that they had purchased for Ochako. Going through the drawers, he pulled out the requested shirt and shorts, as well as a pair of warm socks. He didn't know if they would help, given the reason why Ochako's body is so cold, but it couldn't hurt, right?
Returning to the bathroom, he handed Ochako the requested garments and closed the door, giving her the privacy to change. He didn't have to wait long until he heard the door opening, only for Ochako to peek out at him. "I am ready."
"Okay," Izuku said as he stepped back. "Do you want me to get your futon ready or do you want to lay on the couch?"
"Actually, I wanted to ask if it was okay if I sleep with you instead."
"What?!" Izuku squeaked out, his cheeks lighting up.
"Is there a problem with the request?" Ochako asked, a hint of worry lacing the exhaustion in her words. "You have not had a problem with me sleeping on you before when I am like this."
"I-no," Izuku rubbed the back of his head. "I um… thought you were asking something else."
"You will have to explain some other time," Ochako said as she struggled to prop herself upright with the sink. She must have pushed herself even harder than she wanted to admit. "When I am like this, your warmth and our emotional connection help me rejuvenate my body."
"I understand," Izuku said as he desperately tried to get his face to cool.
Without another word as he stepped into the bathroom and hooked his arm around Ochako. "Let's get you to bed."
Opening the door to the bedroom, Izuku guided Ochako to his bed and pulled the comforter aside. Gratefully, she collapsed into the bed and began to make herself comfortable. Not wanting to think too hard about sharing a bed with Ochako - this was purely for her sake! - he quickly grabbed his night clothes and exited the bedroom.
He returned minutes later, Ochako's pillows in hand, and he felt bad as he saw her struggling to stay awake as she waited for him.
"You did not need to retrieve those," Ochako said. "I am too fatigued to worry about them right now."
"You'll sleep better with them," Izuku insisted as he walked over to the bed. Gently lifting Ochako's head, he slipped the pillows underneath it, watching the smile ghost across her lips as she sank into her pillows.
"Thank you Izuku. For everything."
"It's the least I can do," Izuku said as he crawled into bed alongside her.
Ochako wasted no time in wrapping her arms around Izuku, pulling him closer until their bodies were pressed together. "I hope you sleep well, Izuku."
"I'll be fine, you're the one I'm worried about," Izuku said as he shifted to face his girlfriend.
"I will be much better in the morning," Ochako explained before she leaned forward, giving Izuku a quick kiss. "Good night, Izuku."
"Good night, Ochako."
Ochako closed her eyes, and it didn't take any time at all before he heard her softly snoring. Looking at her pale gray skin, Izuku felt his expression softening. Carefully freeing one of his hands, he traced his knuckles down her face, feeling her cold skin. Even like this, she was beautiful.
Letting out a quiet sigh, he adjusted himself to hold Ochako tightly before he closed his eyes. But unlike her, sleep wasn't coming easily.
Left alone with his thoughts, Izuku's mind wandered back to Himiko. The image of her lying in the alley, limbs broken as Ochako was ready to end her existence - the tears he saw when she turned away. They were in such sharp contrast to the dangerous predator who cornered him initially.
And then there was her 'home.' A dark corner in a warehouse, with a single chair and a pile of rags for a bed - it was why he insisted they go buy her a comforter right away. He wanted to do more - to give her a better place to stay - but he could only do so much.
That's when it hit him.
Shoto!
Shoto had offered to house Ochako if he knew about her!
Izuku knew that the apartment down the hall was currently empty - the young man who lived there moved out to live with his girlfriend and it hadn't been filled yet. It was a central unit, unlike his own, and so there were fewer windows allowing light in. If he told Shoto that he had another friend staying with him for a few months, he was sure he'd cover the cost of rent!
Shoto would even outfit the apartment for her.
Nodding his head, Izuku looked over at his nightstand to see his phone, before he felt Ochako instinctively tighten her grip on him. With her cuddling with him, it may as well be across the apartment.
Izuku decided that it could wait until morning. They told Himiko it would be a few days before Ochako recovered, and that would be plenty of time for him to talk to Shoto and figure things out.
Feeling better, Izuku leaned forward to place a kiss on Ochako's forehead before finally settling in properly under the comforters. Looking at Ochako's sleeping face, Izuku closed his eyes, ready for sleep to take him.
AN: I hope you all have been enjoying the story so far!
As a head's up, I probably won't be updating this story for a week or two. Normally I've been pre-writing mini arcs ahead of time to allow myself easy weekly updates. I was on good pace to put out a few more chapters, but then Shoto happened, and now I'm still dealing with his whole everything. So once the next arc is done I'll be back to weekly updates!