Thailand
Baptiste was full on panicking. It was all starting to make sense, Mauga being okay with putting off the hunt, him not asking any questions about his whereabouts, even the fact that he'd been missing for almost two days. Somehow during all of this, he'd found out where Niran and his friend lived, and he was mortified! His goal was to keep them safe, not lure danger straight to them! What else could those coordinates have meant?
He must have snatched her while they were out last night, leaving the paper for him to find whenever he did. Baptiste wasn't sure what to expect when he went there, but he was one hundred and one percent sure Mauga was behind it. The hotel was empty, meaning he wasn't coming back, and that led Baptiste to believe that he'd found out that he was unfaithful. While that problem solved itself, it only created a much larger problem.
A problem he couldn't let Bua face.
Even though it only shaved about five minutes off his travel time, he took a cab back to Niran's place, on edge the entire time. He got out of the cab and walked the short trail that led to his house, what the hell was he even supposed to tell him? That his partner found her and was holding her hostage somewhere? Was she even still alive? Mauga could be a bit sadistic, so it was very possible he killed her out of sheer anger, but with the way he left the coordinates… he felt like this was more of a trap than anything.
He wondered if he was there waiting for them to show, or if he'd just dumped her body somewhere. Surely, he'd be waiting to talk this out. Surely, Satya was still alive, right? The way this was done… waiting for Niran to leave to kidnap her, leaving a note for Baptiste to find, this had to have been a ploy to bring them both to those coordinates, and he couldn't let Bua anywhere near him! He was suddenly thankful he decided to bring his gear.
"Bap!" Niran came running out of the house before he could even get to the door, crashing into him and sobbing uncontrollably. "I'm so distraught! Please help me find her!"
"Bua…" Bap rubbed his back as he cried into his shirt, not knowing where to start. Should he just come out and say he knew where she was? That would be best, right? But he'd want to go with him to find her! He'd be angry that he led danger to them! 'Fuck.' He hated himself for getting into this mess! "It'll be okay. We'll find her."
"How can you be so sure?!" Niran gripped his shirt in fists, not meaning it as roughly as it came out. "She was kidnapped! Everything, even her phone! It's still in there! She never leaves without her phone!"
"Hey, look at me," Bap lifted his chin. "I will bring her back to you if it's the last thing I do."
Niran sniffled, looking up at him. "You know something, don't you? You must tell me!"
"Listen to me," Bap wasn't sure how he was going to take this, but he had to tell him. "I know where she might be, but I have to go alone. Do you trust me?"
"You're not going alone! If you know where she is, I have to go with you!" Niran demanded. He didn't know how or why he knew where she was, but there was no way in hell he was going by himself!
"Bua, you don't understand," Bap pinched his brow, that headache of his still going strong. "It isn't safe. I don't want you to get hurt."
"I haven't survived this long for no reason, Bap," Niran stated firmly, motioning to his weaponized glove and crossing his arms. "Satya counts on me to protect her, I must rescue her!"
"Bua…"
"Why don't you want me to go, huh?" Niran put his hands on his hips angrily. "What did you do?!"
"I didn't do anything! It wasn't me!" Bap waved his hands frantically. No matter how he spun it, her kidnapping was his fault, and he couldn't have felt more ashamed. "It was…"
"Oh… Bap…" Niran knew what he was getting at. He remembered him saying he wasn't hunting alone, and his hesitation only meant his partner was the one who took Satya.
"Bua, please! You have to trust me when I say I never meant for this to happen!" Bap took his hands, trying to vouch for himself as he looked away angrily. "I'm so sorry."
Niran knew he didn't mean for this to happen, but it still did. Because of this, his home was compromised, and possibly even Satya, too! After he rescued her, where were they supposed to go? They hadn't found another backup home! He turned his nose up at his apology; he didn't want to hear it right now! "Still. I'm going with you."
Bap dragged a hand down his face in exasperation. He screwed up royally and he wasn't sure if he could fix it. "You're not going to let me go alone, are you?"
"Absolutely not!" Niran said, poking him in his chest. "Now, tell me where she is!"
Bap sighed again, digging the slip of paper out of his pocket and handing it to him.
"This is it?" Niran asked, going over the coordinates. Why did it sound familiar?
"I woke up and found that on the table and nothing else," Bap explained, not caring what kind of questions that would raise now that the cat was out of the bag.
"And you think this is where Satya is?" Niran looked at him expectantly.
"I'm almost certain we'll find something there," Bap was a little on the nervous side. He wasn't sure what lie in store for them when they got there. Going against Mauga did not sound like a fun time, but if he had to do it to protect his lotus and his friend, he would.
"Then let's go! I know exactly where it is," Niran walked off into the trees as Bap followed behind. He was beyond angry, and he didn't want to take it out on him. Even though Satya getting taken was his fault, he didn't do it on purpose, and he was sincere about finding and rescuing her.
But he wasn't getting over this anytime soon.
"Exactly how far is it…?" Bap asked quietly, wondering if he should even be speaking. He had every right to be angry, and he wouldn't be surprised if he cast him away after this. He couldn't apologize enough.
"You should know where it is." Niran said plainly, cutting through the brush. "The coordinates lead directly to the temple."
"Bondye…" Bap groaned. If Mauga was leading them to the temple, he knew everything. The day they split up, he probably followed him the entire time. But if that was the case, why did he willingly go back to the hotel when he told him he hadn't found him? Were his feelings that hurt?
Of course, they were. Why wouldn't they be?
This was his way of exacting revenge. He deviously waited for them both to be out and about before snatching Satya, knowing Niran was going to reach out to him to search for her. He was calling them out. What was he planning to do when they got there? God, his mind kept jumping to the worst conclusions!
And it was even more diabolical that he took her to the temple. If he knew what really went on in that small structure only a few days ago, then he was purposely rubbing salt in the wound. He was taking a wonderful memory and replacing it with evil intent.
"Bua…" Bap started. Would he talk to him? "Please forgive me for getting you into this."
Niran badly wanted to, but he needed to rescue Satya first… if she was even still alive. And if she weren't, he didn't think he could have Bap around him, bound or not.
"I'm so sorry, Niran," Bap would apologize until he was blue in the face. He needed his forgiveness. "I'll do anything, please…"
"Bap, just…" Niran said, shaking his head. Until Satya was safe and sound, he had nothing to say. He was so upset with himself. He should have known getting involved with a hunter would only cause him pain. "We're almost there, so just focus."
Already? So, this is how he was getting there so quickly. They'd taken a completely different, much shorter and more direct path that he wished he'd known about a while ago! He saw the temple through the leaves and stepped in front of him, stopping him for a second. "Bua, look. I don't know what to expect here, so can you please…"
"Please what?" Niran put a hand on his hip, frowning at him. "Let me guess, you want me to stay back while you go and check things out?"
"Yes! I, I mean… yes," Bap stammered, shifting nervously. "I know you're mad at me, and you probably even hate me. I deserve it. But I still don't want you to get hurt. I wouldn't be able to bear it."
"No! I'm going to rescue her! There's nothing you would be able to do if she were hurt, so just…!" Niran huffed, pushing past him. He couldn't even look at him right now!
"Bua, wait!" Bap jogged after him as they entered the clearing that led to the temple.
Niran ran into the temple and saw her tied up on the floor with her mouth covered. Thank goodness she was alive! "Satya! Oh my God! You're okay!" He scrambled to the floor, taking the tape off her mouth and untying her. Hugging her tightly, he sobbed with relief. "What happened to you?!"
"A hunter," she said, her voice raspy. The entire night, she was terrified that she'd be killed, but he just tied her up and left her in there as bait! He was still out there, hiding somewhere in the woods! She held onto him, trying to gather the strength to stand. "He knocked on the door, and I thought it was you, so I opened it to see him standing there! Next thing I knew, I was being tied up and told to 'wait awhile'! Niran, you are not safe!"
"Oh, Satya," Niran ignored her warning. Even though he was mad at Bap, he was still willing to protect them. He wasn't afraid. "I'm so glad you're okay!"
That moment, Bap walked in after walking the perimeter and exhaled in relief. "Mèsi Bondye, she's safe," he said, walking over to them and crouching to their level.
Satya recoiled on impulse, horrified at her discovery. Could this get any worse? She didn't want to be anywhere near this man, and she was incredibly upset with Niran and his poor decision-making skills. "You are Baptiste?" She asked cautiously, looking between him and a guilty Niran.
"Uh, yeah," Bap scratched the back of his head. Why was she acting like she'd seen a ghost?
"Another hunter…" she recognized the gear and understood why Niran had this sudden confidence in his safety. She'd feel some sort of safety too if she stupidly put her trust in a hunter, but to go as far as binding him?! That was unforgivable! All it took was one glance to see the spell put on this human!
"Technically, yes," Niran knew he was in trouble! But maybe she wouldn't be so upset once she realized he was one of the good ones. "But he's on our side!"
"You've bound him," Satya said with disgust, finally standing and taking a few steps back. This was absurd! "What were you thinking?! Binding yourself to a hunter?!"
Bap just stood there, processing what he heard. He was… bound to Niran? When did he do that? He'd heard of vamps doing that from time to time when they found a human they liked, and he knew it was a lifelong thing, but the strange thing was, it didn't bother him. If anything, it gave him a feeling of certainty and comfort when it came to his future—their future. He knew he'd just met this guy, but when you know, you know, right? Niran was the one, vamp or not.
Niran looked between Bap and Satya, feeling guiltier than ever! What could he say to defend himself in a situation like this? Satya's anger was well-placed, but how did Bap even feel about it? He looked more confused than upset, but that didn't mean anything! This was not how their meeting was supposed to go at all!
"Well, well, well. What do we have here?"
Bap instantly went into protective mode, stepping in front of the two vamps with his arms out as Mauga took one burly step inside the temple. "I knew you were behind this," he spat, checking over his shoulder making sure Bua and Satya were safely behind him.
"Yet that didn't stop you from sticking your dick inside him, huh?" Mauga's voice was equally cold while he watched in disgust as Baptiste protected them.
"Mauga, come on," Bap sighed, defeated. There was nothing he could say to get out of this. "This was uncalled for!"
"Not only did you go behind my back to fuck a vamp," Mauga ignored his comment. "You went and got yourself bound to him?! Was I not enough for you?! E faavalevalea lea mea!"
Niran's guilt only intensified as the large hunter muttered something in a language he recognized as Samoan, understanding that this guy was who Bap had been spending his years with. "Let's just say it was complicated." Complicated wasn't the word! That definitely explained why he kept changing the topic! He hooked an arm around Satya's, frozen in fear as Bap was confronted.
"Mauga, I'm sorry things went this way," Bap figured the least he could do was apologize, even though he knew it would mean nothing. But all he could think about was Niran and how he viewed him now that his secrets had come to light.
"Are you?!" Mauga turned, punching a hole in the fragile temple wall before facing him again. "Were you sorry when you fucked him right here in this temple after you told me to go back? Were you sorry when you snuck out yesterday twice to become a meal for your new piece of ass?! Or are you sorry now that I've found their little hideout?"
"Mauga, koupe l!" Bap shouted. He couldn't take this! Yeah, it was a hole he'd dug himself in, but this was too much!
"You… fed?" Satya was dumbfounded! She looked at Niran, who was hanging his head in shame. The one who prided himself on not needing blood to survive, the one who promised her he'd never stoop low enough to take from a human. He'd tossed it all through the window for this hunter. Now, look where it got him!
"Oh, yeah," Mauga instigated, watching it all fall apart with evil amusement. "Just ask him, he won't deny it!"
"Bap, I'm so sorry! I never meant to—"
"It's okay, Bua," Bap knew he never meant any harm. He was the last one who should be apologizing. "I wanted it to happen."
"Wow. Right in my face?" 'Bua?' It was him? Mauga was pissed! He had half a mind to kill them all right there! "So, it was him you were dreaming about." He had to say, that hurt like a bitch! This twink thought he could just swoop in and steal Baptiste right from under him and get away with it?! Rage began to bubble within him, boiling to the surface. "You don't feel bad in the least, do you?"
"Of course, I do!" Baptiste threw his hands in the air, frustrated. He felt him getting angry and needed to quickly come up with a way to get them out of there before he blew up. "I feel like a scumbag! How the hell did you even find me?"
"Do you really not remember?" Mauga snorted at his confusion. "After your injury back at the castle, I got you that wristband that watches your vitals and tracks your location. You actually forgot about it. Wow."
Baptiste looked down at his wrist in horror, ripping the band from his wrist and throwing it to the ground. He'd completely spaced! It was super thin and nearly blended with his skin, so he'd forgotten about it the same day he put it on. No wonder he figured him out; he'd been tracking him the entire time! He whipped around, facing Niran and Satya and apologizing profusely. "I'm so sorry, I forgot the thing even existed! I didn't mean to lead him to you!"
"You apologize to some piece of shit vamps, but not to the one who stood by your side for over ten years?" Mauga stomped over to them while his back was turned, grabbing him by his shirt and tossing him to the floor while he focused on Lifeweaver, the vamp who ruined his life. "You're gonna pay for this."
Niran panicked as he was grabbed up by the large hunter; it all happened so quickly! How could someone his size be so fast?!
"Get your filthy hands off him!" Satya knew she couldn't beat this behemoth by any means, but she refused to stand there without trying something! She pulled at his large arm like a fly trying to move a boulder, pleading for him to let go.
"How about you shut the fuck up?!" Mauga threw his elbow back as hard as he could, connecting it to her face and not caring that she'd dropped to the floor with critical injuries. "My business is with this one," he said menacingly, wrapping his hands around Lifeweaver's throat and lifting him from the floor.
"S-Satya…" Niran choked out, tears streaming down his face as he kicked his legs, struggling for air. "G-God…" Was this the end? Did his foolish actions get him and Satya murdered? "Bap…!"
"Drop him right now," Bap said, cocking his gun and aiming it at the back of Mauga's head. This wasn't anywhere near how he thought things would end! Him pointing a gun at someone who was once his best friend? How shitty was that? However, he wasn't going to sit there mindlessly as Mauga wreaked havoc on two beings that were now important to him.
"What? Are you gonna shoot me?" Mauga dropped the vamp, turning around with a smirk on his face. "You gonna shoot me, Baptiste? After everything we've been through?"
"Mauga… just go." Bap glanced at Bua, who'd scrambled back over to Satya and began nursing her injuries with his glove.
"They that important to you?" Mauga saw him look at the vamps on the floor and clenched his fists. This was the worst, and he didn't even know if he had the will to fight for him anymore.
"Whatever we had… it's done now," Baptiste was cold with his words, and it hurt to have to do this. It needed to be done.
"Oh, believe me," Mauga couldn't stand to be in the same space as the filth that occupied the room with him. "I know."
"So just go," Bap recognized his look of defeat and lowered his gun, confident he had lost his will to fight. "Leave us alone."
"Us?" Mauga roared in sarcastic laughter. "So, now you're an 'us' after only a few days? What happened to you, buddy?" He asked a genuine question and wanted a genuine answer, but when Baptiste just looked at him with nothing to say, he scoffed, looking between him and his new vampire family. "Tch. Whatever. Good riddance."
Baptiste watched him, hand still gripped tightly around the butt of his gun as Mauga left the temple and went down the path into the trees. He was aware that would be the last time he saw him, and to be honest? It was a huge weight lifted from his shoulders. Even if it turned out that he couldn't be with Niran, he was free to do what he wanted, go where he wanted, be who he wanted. He put his weapon away and rushed over to Niran and checked on Satya, who'd suffered massive head injuries. His elbow sure was vicious. "Bua! How is she?"
"I can't…! It won't…!" Niran sniffled, rapidly healing her with his glove, but it didn't seem to be working. "It's not helping! I need to take her outside!" With all his strength, he lifted her from the ground, struggling to carry her outside.
"Here, I'm a medic. Let me—"
"No!" Niran yelled, huffing as he dragged her to the clearing. "Just go away!" Niran sobbed, hoping his efforts would be enough to save her. He knew Bap was just trying to be helpful, but it was his fault they were in this situation! This entire time, he'd been tracked! "You've done enough!"
Bap stood there feeling useless as Niran said something in Thai, bringing forth a large glowing tree that seemed to radiate life. Magnificent! No wonder he was such a hot target! And it was now his duty to protect him. "Bua… please forgive me," Bap said as Niran propped Satya against the tree and continued to nurse her back to health.
"It's your fault she's like this! God, how could I be so dumb?!" Niran ripped a piece of his shirt and wiped the blood from her face as she slowly regained consciousness. It was going to take a few hours under the tree, but she'd be alright. "I should have known my heart would get me caught in something horrible!"
"I can't apologize enough," Bap inched closer to them, stopping when his lotus whipped his head, staring him down.
"No, you can't! Because of you…" tears welled in his eyes again. "Because of you, we have nowhere safe to go. Because of you, Satya almost died! How can I be certain this wasn't just some sick ploy to get us in trouble?!" Niran regret the words as soon as they came out, because he knew the truth. He knew how hard it must have been to pull a gun on someone he'd spent a good chunk of his life with, and he did it to make sure they remained safe. But he was just so angry, because at the end of the day, this was all still Bap's fault!
"How can you say that, Bua?" Bap was hurt that he'd even think this was done on purpose! After what they shared? He fell to his knees, shoulders slumped as he stared into his lap. Was he really losing it all? "I would never put you in a dangerous situation on purpose," the words came out choked up, unable to properly convey how he really felt. "Please, you have to believe me, Niran. I never meant for you or Satya to get hurt."
"Yeah, well…" Niran wiped his face furiously with his sleeve. "It happened."
"What can I do to make you trust me again?" Bap would do anything to earn his love, no matter the task. He was worth everything. "Please, Bua…"
"There is nothing," it would take Niran quite some time to get over this, and he wasn't sure the trust would be there even after the fact. He wasn't sure there was anything on this earth that could make him overlook this. Bound or not.
"Yes, there is," Bap spoke up, his voice cautious and quiet. "Bua…"
"Bap, can you just… I'm trying to focus on Satya," Niran shook his head, not wanting to look at him. He was afraid he'd crumble if he did!
"No, Bua. Look at me, please," Bap took a risky step and reached for his arm, making him face him. His heart broke at the sight of his bloodshot, watery eyes and flushed face. He was responsible for his lotus' pain, and he'd be the one to fix it.
"Bap, I can't look at you right now," Niran turned his head, only able to make eye contact for a few seconds before it became painful.
"Listen to me," Bap said, gently tugging on his arm. "Turn me."
Shocked, Niran faced him, mouth agape. Did he hear what he thought he did? It was just a silly thought he ran by Satya, but for him to actually suggest it?!
"What more to prove my loyalty than to become the very thing that separates us?" Bap took his hands, happy that he didn't snatch them away. There was hope!
"Bap, that's…" Niran didn't know what to say! Any anger or resentment he had, any lingering doubt or confusion quickly vanished. Everything that was loyal to him lie right there, in the form of Jean-Baptiste Augustin. There wasn't a human he met in his entire life who was willing to turn into a vampire, but Bap was one of a kind. "I couldn't ask you to do that."
"But I want to, I swear it!" Bap held Bua's hand to his heart. "When I said I'd stay with you, I meant it. I want to travel the world and live a long life with you, if you'll still have me."
That moment, Satya came to, groaning and rubbing her head. "What… happened?" She asked, her mind fuzzy. She was still collecting herself, but the last thing she remembered was trying to pull the hunter off Niran. "Am I dead…?"
"Satya!" Niran wrapped his arms around her, happy to hear her voice. "How do you feel? Are you hurt?"
"My head," she trailed off, massaging her forehead and looking up at the bright leaves above her. "You planted your tree?"
"I had to! The biolight wasn't helping," Niran checked out her face, making sure she was recovering well. "But the tree is doing its job. You're going to be okay!"
"What about you?" Satya asked, still gathering her bearings. "How did you make it out of that alive?"
"Bap saved me," Niran said softly, still coming to terms with his grand offer. How would Satya take it? She wouldn't accept him so easily, not after what just happened! "He sent the big guy away. We're safe."
Satya could only frown at Niran as he sheepishly motioned at Baptiste, who was sitting off to the side on his knees looking like a sad dog. "Says who?" She spat, her head throbbing. Thank goodness for his tree. "He is a hunter, Niran! Who's to say he will not turn on us? I mean, didn't he lead the other one right to us?"
"Yes, but—"
"Niran! We have no place to call home now! I do not want to return to that house if that man knows where it is!" Satya shook her head, immediately regretting it when the pain crashed into her again.
"I'll protect you…!" Baptiste spoke up, holding up a timid finger. Ah, he probably should have just kept his mouth shut. "U-Until you find a new home," he stammered.
"Oh, shut up!" Satya didn't usually use phrases like that, but she trusted this guy as far as she could throw him! "You're the one who got us into this mess! I don't want to hear anything from you!"
"Satya, give him a chance!" Niran actually vouched for him this time, trying his best to convince her. "He defended us the entire time! He didn't mean it!"
"I cannot believe how delusional you sound right now!" Satya fumed. "You've known this hunter for how long? And you've bound him to you like a childish schoolboy! What is the matter with you?! We'll never be rid of him!"
"Satya, please understand," Niran said sadly. "I know this is a touchy situation, but Bap is loyal!"
"And how can you be so sure?" Satya hated this! She hated the hunter who kidnapped and hurt her, she hated Baptiste, and she hated the fact that Niran was being an idiot! Couldn't he see that their lives had been uprooted yet again?!
"Satya," Niran took her hand. "He's willing to turn for me, to protect us. Isn't that amazing?"
Satya couldn't believe her ears. No way this hunter offered to change his entire life, to become something unnatural, just to be with a complete stranger! "You're joking."
"No, he's serious," Bap spoke up again. "Well, I'm serious. I owe you guys that much. I'm incredibly regretful for what I just put the two of you through. I want to make sure you stay safe."
Satya just sat there, not sure what to say. She was still very upset, but if he was willing to do such a thing, such a foolish, foolish thing… she supposed she could stand to consider the possibility of accepting him. "How idiotic."
"Think about it," Niran sat next to her against the tree. "Having a hunter protect us would be a good thing!"
"I cannot think about that right now," she said, much calmer than before. She just wanted to recover and rest without that nuisance around. "I want to be alone."
"Satya…" Niran knew that meant she wanted Bap to go away, but the three of them had so much to talk about! Unfortunately, everything came to a halt until she was fully healed, and that was the most important of all.
"I'll go," Bap stood, brushing the dirt and leaves from his pants. He wasn't stupid; she wanted to be alone with Niran, which was understandable after an event like this. He'd wait on standby until his lotus called him and told him to come back. "Is there anything I can do before I go?"
"No!" Satya snapped, rolling her eyes and shooing him away with her hand. "You've done quite enough, thank you."
"I'll call you…?" Niran said as Bap walked off. He was still upset with him, but his offer to turn and stay by his side forever was making it hard to stay mad!
"I'll be waiting," Bap said, hesitantly leaving them and trekking back down the path Bua led him through. But the more he thought about it, he really didn't want to leave the two of them alone in that house. Yeah, Mauga left, but who's to say he wouldn't try to get revenge again?
"Thank you… for saving me again," Satya leaned against Niran, closing her eyes. She was still incredibly mad at him for luring hunters to their home and binding himself to one, but… because of their nature, she knew life wouldn't be roses and rainbows. There were bound to be rough times such as this one. "I truly don't know where I would be without your kindness."
"Does that mean you're not mad at me anymore?" Niran chuckled softly in hopes of lightening the mood.
"Oh, you are still on my bad side, however," she sighed, feeling better and better the longer she sat against the tree of life. "Our lives were not meant to be easy."
"It'll get better…" how was Niran supposed to bring Bap up without her getting even more upset? "I know it will take some time, but it will get better. I promise."
"And you still vouch for that hunter," Satya was disappointed, but her disappointment wouldn't change things. All she could do was adapt… on her own time and terms.
"I know things are… difficult right now, but at least let him prove himself," Niran rested his head on her shoulder. "I know the three of us need to have a long talk and set some boundaries, but for now…"
"Where are we going to go?" She asked dejectedly, looking up at the sky through the cracks in the leaves. "I do not think I will be able to call that place my home any longer."
"I get it," Niran didn't think that guy was going to come back, but they couldn't take any chances. "Maybe we can find an extended stay hotel we can call a temporary home until we find a new place? What do you think?"
"It will have to do for now," Satya sighed. How tedious. They were going to have to go back to that house and pack their things, which she didn't feel like doing, but she refused to spend another night there! "But do you think it's safe for us to stay here like this?"
"I mean… it would have been if you didn't send Bap away," Niran took the risk and brought him up again, not knowing what her reaction would be.
Satya sat up and stared at him long and hard. That man was a hunter. A hunter that if she understood correctly raided their home in China, followed them to Thailand, and lured another hunter to their safe house, getting her kidnapped and hurt badly, and he still wanted to keep him around? "You've bound him, so it's not like he's going away for good. Why did you do that?"
"I don't know! I just… it felt right," Niran couldn't explain it, but he knew it was Bap. Even if he did do something outrageously dumb! He would just have to spend the rest of eternity making it up to him. "When you know, you know, Satya."
"I find that hard to believe, but what is done is done," she wasn't looking forward to welcoming Baptiste into her life, but it seemed Niran wasn't letting this one go. And if she were truthful, he seemed to be a lot better than the last guy he'd gotten wrapped up in. As much as she didn't want to admit it, she saw how protective of them he was during that altercation. She wasn't sure what happened after she was knocked out, but knowing he continued to protect them and even sent the guy away was enough for her to see the good in him, even if it was slight.
"Nobody is perfect, especially humans!" Niran reminded her. "We all make mistakes, it is how we rectify them that makes us who we are."
"And you think turning him will make everything okay?"
"I think it's one hell of a start," Niran chuffed, checking the time on his phone. "Don't you think?"
"I suppose it is better than nothing," she rolled her eyes at the soft squeal of glee he let out. "Aside from all the drama, how was your date?"
"You actually want to hear about it?" Niran perked up, happy that she was coming around.
"Of course. You're going to end up raving about it eventually. Did you drink?" She asked, hoisting her upper body from the tree. She was still sore, but well enough to get up. She was going to have to make it up to him; his healing was top-tier. She was incredibly lucky to have Niran by her side.
"Goodness, yes! We were both so drunk!" Niran hopped to his feet and helped her up. He anticipated leaving his tree up for at least an hour, but he apparently forgot how effective it was! She was looking much better already. "We started at a bar and had, I don't know, four or five drinks? Then we went across the street to the karaoke bar and continued the party."
"Well, I am glad you had a good time," she marveled at his tree before it vanished. "Was this before or after you fed?"
Niran froze like a deer in headlights. He prayed she wouldn't bring that up again!
"And don't even think about trying to change the subject!" Satya said with her arms crossed. Why did she feel like a disappointed parent? Why should she care what he did? Unfortunately, she just did.
"Satya, come on," Niran huffed, heading into the trees. "I'm a vampire, what do you expect?"
"I expect you to stay true to your word and continue being a good role model," she harped as she followed him. "Don't you feel disgusting?"
Surprisingly, he didn't! There was something about Bap's blood that was so decadent and rich, but maybe it was the fact that he was given permission to take it. "If you had it offered to you on a platter, I don't think you'd reject it either! I think if more of us had reliable sources, and didn't have to harm humans to get it, life would be a lot more amiable."
"Are you planning on making this a regular thing?" She asked wearily. She couldn't argue with that logic, but it just wasn't realistic.
"Heavens, no! Also, it won't work that way once he turns," Niran explained. While it was true he wasn't planning on feeding again, he wanted to get one last taste before he turned him… "If I turn him."
"What? Having second thoughts? How unlike you."
"Well…" he faltered. "I care about him deeply, and it's for that reason that I am hesitant. Of course, I am elated by his bold declaration, but it's a huge change."
"It is something you will need to discuss with him at length," she said, holding his arm as she stepped off a small ledge. "Are you afraid?"
"Afraid of what?"
"Resentment."
"Am I afraid that he will resent me for turning him? Not in the least," he turned and gave her a confident smile. "Bap is different. Don't you feel it?"
"Hmph. He is better than the last one," that was all she'd say, nothing more!
"Do I sense you coming around~?" Niran asked, singsong.
"No."
As much as Baptiste wanted to give them the space they needed, he even more didn't want to leave them alone in the house on the off chance a certain someone reappeared. Once he got out of the woods, he hung around the house, keeping an eye on things until he knew they were safe. Eventually, he found himself smelling the Jasmine that was planted out front, as they reminded him of Bua. He hoped he wasn't still mad at him.
"Bap?"
"What is he doing here?!" Satya asked, her annoyance returning at the sight of him.
"Bua, Satya," Bap stood and walked over to the two as they approached the house. "Sorry, I uh, I didn't want to leave you guys alone."
"See?" Niran walked over to him, linking their arms. "He's a good guy!"
Satya could only roll her eyes and walk past them and into the house. She had better things to do than stick around and watch their foolishness. "Niran. We must pack our things," she reminded him.
"Moving?" Bap stood there awkwardly, wanting to hug him and kiss him but was afraid he'd push him away.
"Yeah…" Niran faced him and picked a stray leaf out of his dark hair. How was he supposed to feel? Should he still be angry with him? Should he be relieved that he wanted to protect them? Should he be happy that he offered to stay by his side forever? He couldn't think about any of that right now. "Going to find somewhere temporary first while we look. Might move around for a bit."
"Let me help," Bap took his chances and pulled him in, happy when he didn't protest. "I'm also needing a place to go, you know."
"Mmm," Niran hummed at the thought, knowing Satya would fight tooth and nail to keep him from tagging along. "As beneficial as that would be…"
"I have connections," Bap said into his ear, hugging him closely. "I can find us a nice place with my savings. Anywhere you guys want to go. We can all start over."
"In addition to me turning you?" Niran giggled, letting himself indulge in his loving a little.
"I still want to do that, if you're wondering," Bap wanted to reassure him as much as he could. "I know it's crazy, but… come on. Haven't I proven myself enough?" He asked with a chuckle.
"Look, we've got a lot to talk about," Niran put his hands on his chest, pushing him away halfheartedly. "But I have to get in there. She's already mad at me, I don't want to make her madder."
"I'm worried," Bap took his hands. "I… can't have either of you get hurt again."
"We'll be okay, I promise," Niran kissed his cheek. "Go back to the hotel and rest while I do my best to convince her to let you help us."
"Where will you guys go tonight? Want me to find us a nice hotel in another city nearby?" Bap felt like it was the least he could do while they figured things out.
Niran loved that idea! It gave him something to persuade Satya with! "You would do that? It would be incredibly helpful."
"Of course," Bap tucked strands of silver hair behind his ear. "When I go back to the hotel, I'll cut all ties with Mauga and even call my carrier and change my number. Hell, I might even just get a new phone."
Niran liked the reassurance he'd given him. It made him feel better that he'd be severing whatever connections he still had with that guy, however, he didn't know he'd stolen him from someone! That wasn't his goal! He felt like a homewrecker!
"What's with the look?" Bap asked, seeing the sudden look of guilt on his face.
"I feel bad," Niran said softly. "I didn't mean to steal you from—"
"I'm going to stop you there," Bap needed to be clear. "I was already drifting away from him. I'd been looking for an excuse to change some things up, and you just gave me the opening."
"Still..." Niran mumbled. "It would have been nice if you told me."
"Would that have changed anything?" Baptiste wasn't a fool. With how Bua was, he probably wouldn't have thrown himself at him if he'd known about Mauga.
"I mean… a little?" Niran was sort of glad he didn't know about the guy. Had he known, he wouldn't have been so clingy, and he definitely wouldn't have bound him! "I probably would have still tried to talk you into staying with me, but I wouldn't have gone as far as I did."
"But aren't you glad you did?" Bap asked, nuzzling his neck. "I am. If it weren't for you, I'd be stuck in a decaying relationship, wishing for freedom."
"Why didn't you just leave on your own?" Niran asked before he saw Satya appear in the doorway.
"Niran!"
"We'll talk about everything later, okay?" Bap said, returning his kiss on the cheek and sending him inside. "I'll head back and find us a place for the time being. Call me when you're ready and I'll come and escort you guys."
"What is he talking about over there?" Satya asked as Niran said his goodbyes and went inside.
"Satya, it's so great!" Niran was back to his bubbly self, taking her hands and swinging her arms. "He's going to find us a hotel to stay in!"
"Oh, joy," she said, monotone. It was a weight off her mind to know they would have somewhere safe to lay their heads temporarily, but to be stationed with Baptiste? How foul. "I'm guessing he will be staying with us?"
"I'll make sure he doesn't invade your space, I promise!" Niran said, digging out old boxes from the hallway closet. They were probably going to have to leave the larger things for now and send for them once they relocated.
"Massive boundaries need to be set," she understood the assignment, heading into the kitchen to pack up the cabinets. Luckily, everything they owned could be shoved into a box or two per room, as they lived minimalist lives.
"I know, he's aware of your hesitation," Niran said, throwing random items into a box haphazardly. He was never the naturally neat type, and Satya hated it! "I'm willing to bet he'd obey any of your ridiculous rules as long as it meant he'd get to stay around!"
"I don't want him talking to me!"
"But Satya, you guys haven't even officially met, yet! You at least have to give him that!" Niran laughed, knowing she was probably shooting him the nastiest glare.
"I will not even entertain that foolishness." So now, in addition to being uprooted from their longtime home, they would be shacking up with this hunter who miraculously decided he wanted to become a vampire and protect them. "And after the fact?"
"After when?"
"After we go to whichever hotel your new boyfriend has picked out for us," Satya said, frowning at the way he was packing the boxes. No order or organization whatsoever, just tossing stuff in whichever way! It was very hard to watch.
"Well," Niran brushed his hands together as he stood up, headed to the living room to pack the small things. "That's the thing…"
"What now? It can't possibly be any worse than what I have to put up with now," Satya sighed.
"He wants to help us find somewhere permanent! But before you say no," he skipped over to her. "He's got connections! Plus he's got some money saved up that we can use to find a nice home. He says we can pick wherever we want to go, and he'll help us."
"I should assume so since he is the one who uprooted us to begin with." At this point, it didn't even surprise her. She didn't have to like it, though!
"That's the spirit!" Niran reached up to help her pull glasses out of the cabinet when she swatted his hands away.
"No! You're horrible with packing. Go pack up your room. It shouldn't take long."
"Have you given any thought to where you want to go?" He asked, collecting a box and taking it to his room.
"Well it just happened, so no."
"Do you want to stay in Thailand? We can move to Bangkok!" Niran thought of Bap and how much he'd enjoy the nightlife since they were both night owls.
"That sounds like a nuisance." Satya didn't enjoy the time she spent in China, and only tolerated it because of how secluded the castle was. There were way too many people in the city for her liking!
"Well, we have time to figure things out," Niran threw his outfits in a suitcase and the rest of his smaller belongings in a box, putting his hands on his hips as he looked around his room. They hadn't even been there a full week before having to leave again, but truth be told, he was excited to get a fresh start. Should he leave the bed and the couch and stuff, or should he send for movers once they were settled? Maybe that was something Bap could help them figure out. "Want to keep your bed?" He asked from his room.
"I do not care either way. I can always get a new bed," Satya was very frugal. She had a few jobs here and there in China and saved nearly every dime she made. She was never sure when she'd get another job, so she treated her money like it was scarce. "Do you plan on eventually working again, or will you be mooching off Baptiste?"
"Ha! I'll probably go offer my services at a nearby clinic wherever we end up. You know I've always wanted to." Niran giggled at the thought of Bap taking care of him. He wouldn't be opposed to it!
"Good."
Baptiste wished he could say he was happy, but when he got back to the hotel, he was reminded of the horrible event that just took place. Because of his stupidity, he'd gotten Bua's best friend hurt, and their home was compromised. He couldn't believe he'd forgotten about that stupid wristband! While it was a good idea at the time, he didn't know he was planning on being such a dick. He treated Mauga like dirt for the last bit of… whatever they had, and it was completely out of character of him!
His lotus' words rang in his head. "Why didn't you just leave on your own?" It was a good question. He could have stopped it all before it escalated to this point, so why didn't he? It wasn't like he was afraid, he wasn't in an abusive relationship, he wasn't being forced to stay, so why did he do it this way? Why didn't he just approach him like a man and tell him how he felt? Instead, he acted immaturely, hurting everyone he cared about. Mauga included.
What was done was done, and he had to sit with his actions. Though, even with all that mentioned, he still felt lighter than he had in years. This pain would be temporary, but his affection for Bua would be forever, he knew it.
He opened his laptop and severed any remaining ties he had with Mauga, changing his usernames and passwords and transferring all his money to a separate account he had. He didn't think he had access, but he wanted to be on the safe side. He wished he could extend Mauga his thanks for letting him live with him all those years, allowing him to save his money. He was in his near-late thirties, and even if he stopped hunting now, he was well off enough to buy a small house and live comfortably for several years.
He factored in his two new companions and the fact that he would no longer be human in the near future, deducing he would still be able to honor his word and take care of them both for a few years. Eventually, he would have to pick up work again… would he hunt? No, he couldn't. He couldn't be a vampire hunting other vampires, it wouldn't be right.
"Bondye…" He said it to him on the spot, but he did put some thought into it, though very brief. He never thought he'd become the very thing he hunted, but he was open to it. And with the knowledge that he'd learn how to gain energy from the earth like Bua, he saw nothing but positive outcomes! He didn't have any friends or family that would age and leave him, he'd live to see how far civilization advanced, he'd get to expand his knowledge and create a bucket list like he always wanted to. Yeah, he knew that was silly, but he thought he'd always be trapped in that monotonous cycle he'd been living for a decade. He wanted to travel to every country in the world, learn a few extra languages, try all types of food, and do all of it with Niran by his side.
It required no more thought. It was a no-brainer.
After he changed everything up, he looked for a hotel a few towns over, making sure to find a multi-room suite to give Satya her space. He booked it for two months, hoping that was enough time to find somewhere permanent. Would they want to stay in Thailand? He wouldn't be opposed to it, but if he was allowed to give any input, he'd recommend moving to another province. He'd also be open to moving to another country, though truthfully, he was open to living almost anywhere, as long as they were happy.
He packed his things and left the depressing room, checking out a few days early. He wouldn't be refunded for the difference, but he'd take the loss; he couldn't bear being there much longer. Plus, he was ready to go and collect Bua and his friend and get a cab to their hotel.
While he was out, he figured he could get a new phone and number, deciding it was time for an upgrade anyway. With all the new technology that'd come out since he last upgraded, the process was quick, and he made sure to send Niran a quick text so he had his new number. He was surprised; only minutes later, his phone buzzed and a grin grew wide on his face.
'We're packed and ready to go if you are!'
What would his new life bring?