rabenhorst (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
rabenhorst) wrote2007-06-01 12:05 am
rabenhorst) wrote2007-06-01 12:05 am
(no subject)
Title: The thin line between fate, coincidence and stupidity; Chapter 5
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
seinen_no and fonulyn
Rating: NC17
Pairing: Die and Kaoru
Disclaimer: We own no one, only our dirty imaginations.
Comments:
seinen_no: Oh god, I completely forgot this chap. How did that happen? Thanks to mangasakira for reminding me. Haha, hunny, why didn't you? Okay, I spare you my lame excuses about a rough week this time. But it's true nevertheless. Have fun reading ne and yes, we love your comments.
fonulyn: I don’t know what to say right now. A lot happens in this chap if one asks me, and at least I like how it turned out. But you have to see for yourself^^ enjoy!
Previously happened: The thin line between fate, coincidence and stupidity , Part 2, Part 3, Part 4
The thin line between fate, coincidence and stupidity
Chapter 5
The ride indeed was long and the vampire hated being trapped as much as the other. Usually he preferred to stay at one place for longer, explored it by foot until he knew everything by heart and then travelled further to the next town. But when duty called, there was nothing he could do against it.
It was even more boring in the carriage than it had been on the ship, and soon Die settled for sleeping since there was nothing to do. There wasn't space to move, and way too little light to read even. And since the vampire had fallen silent he didn't even have anyone to talk to. So maybe when asleep time would pass by faster.
Kaoru watched his companion all the time, his thoughts circling around the fact that his life would end soon. If only he knew what it took to gain the power from Die; if he only knew if there was some kind of ritual attached to it or if it was sufficient to just drink his blood, he would demand the power for himself. Although he had to admit that he most definitely wouldn't kill Die because he would make such a pretty slave. At least that was what he made himself believe.
After some time Die couldn't sleep any longer even though he tried, so he just staid still and stared into the distance. He had found a position where he could sit properly when he leaned enough to the side. His thoughts were occupied by the vampire though, not his own life that was already getting shorter. There was something in Kaoru, and soon, the redhead wasn't able to think about anything else. Not being able to take more of his thoughts after a while he spoke up, intending on trying to distract himself. "How long will it take still? The journey I mean."
The vampire startled, being brought back from his contemplations. He looked up and shrugged. "Depends on the weather. If it's going to pour or snow, we will take longer. A couple of days, maybe a bit more than a week." Actually, he had already taken a detour in order to make the trip last longer, in order to get his own feelings straight before he could deliver the other to his fate. "So eager to die?" he asked, grinning cockily.
"Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad option, at least I wouldn't be bored." Die shrugged, although he was lying with that and he knew it. No matter how bored he was he didn't want to let go of life, there was still so much to see and to learn. He also wanted to get to know the vampire better, telling himself that it was only because he was a supernatural creature and therefore fascinating.
"I'm sorry that your last days aren't more exciting." To some level, Kaoru really meant it and next, he heard himself say. "I could tell you about things you'll never see." He stuck to his words and without waiting for some kind of agreement from the redhead, he began to talk about the world, about his adventures and what he had lived through in his more than two centuries lasting undead life; told about the glory and the bad things that went along with it. He didn't even know himself why he trusted the human so much and even told him about the legendary being a vampire was and cleared some things that were total nonsense.
It made time pass by quicker for both of them, making the journey a bit more tolerable. But hearing from all those things made the young man feel somewhat melancholy too, since he would never see them himself. He would never be able to experience everything he would've wanted to. As the days passed Kaoru begun to teach Die English too, the language of this country they were currently in.
The closer they came to their destination, the more reluctant Kaoru became. Reluctant to just let go of the human he had learned to like a lot. He’d been his first real companion in a long time, a match for him in mind although he was so different. But Die's curiosity, his will to learn about everything and his determination had grown on him so much that soon he found himself wishing it could be like this forever. It was just comforting to have somebody to talk to, and to have somebody to share the bed with.
Days ago, Die had already admitted to himself that he indeed lusted after Kaoru, and was far from reluctant to re-enact the shared passion. He tried not to think about anything else that went along with it, how he grew to like the vampire more every moment, how they seemed to enjoy each other's company and how everything just matched. It would be a ridiculous thought to even consider that there was something else than physical attraction.
And as far as he could judge it, Kaoru still was determined to fulfil his task and to deliver him to his fate. However, what he didn't know was that he tried to delay their journey secretly, just to gain one or two more days together with the redhead. One night, two wheels of the carriage would be broken, another, the horses were gone. Every once in a while, they stopped in a town and the vampire reported everything to his master, but used the opportunity to take Die out to theatres and treat him for a nice dinner.
***
Once, they couldn't travel because it had been pouring and storming and they had to seek shelter in a small farmhouse. The people there had been very suspicious, but had finally invited the weird couple to stay over and wait until the storm passed them by. However, they were very religious people, crucifixes everywhere. It made the vampire nervous and their host noticed it somehow.
The landlord and his family didn't talk much to them, but gave them a room to stay, even offering a bit food for them to eat. Die couldn't help but to notice too that the people gave them suspicious glances, especially Kaoru for some reason. The redhead tried to act naturally though, to make the people believe they were just two unlucky men travelling who had been surprised by the storm.
As the morning came, the vampire staid in the room, but Die went to search for someone to ask for a bit food. The house was empty though, not even a maid or cook there. When he stepped outside, the storm had passed and now the sun shone brightly.
Not far away, there was a small mop of men, discussing animatedly. "I say we burn the whole house." The host shook his head. "But it’s my house. What if we're wrong?" Once they spotted the redhead, they fell silent, acting as if they were discussing some farmer things, but casting covert glances at him every now and then.
Kaoru didn't sleep well. He was nervous, somehow restless and didn't trust the thin curtains before the windows to hold back the sunlight enough. It was just too bright for him and the sun seemed to drain him, steal his powers.
Die was terribly nervous all of a sudden when he saw how the people were acting. And because he had understood some of the discussion, it made him even more suspicious. He thought about going back to the room they had been given and to warn the vampire, tell him they needed to get going no matter that it was still day outside. But before he made it back their host called for him, stopping him on his way.
When he had approached him, the tall blond man took his hand. "Better stay here son. This is not going to be nice." Before Die knew what was happening, he placed a small silver crucifix in his palm. "This will protect you. It's a miracle that you're still alive." Finally, the man nodded at the other people who were approaching the house with torches and pitchforks and quickly went inside. "They will burn the creature," the man explained calmly. "Now that it's day, he can't escape." With a weary smile, he added. "I only hope they don't have to burn the whole house. I'm sorry," he turned his head, looking directly at the other, "but your companion is an undead, a creature of the night and the devil must die."
For a moment Die stared at the crucifix in his hand, then raising his eyes to the men with torches who were approaching the house. And he panicked, turned around to look at the host who had said something to him. He hadn't known all the words, but somehow it seemed that the man pitied him and was only intending on getting rid of the vampire. "You can't just kill him!" He shook his head frantically, although he knew the man didn't understand him when he spoke his native language.
The man saw how agitated the redheaded stranger was and interpreted as fear. He patted his shoulder compassionately, took the crucifix from Die's hand and attached it around his neck. "God will protect you, son. Don't worry."
A creaking noise and the smell of fire along with approaching footsteps caused Kaoru to jump to his feet instantly. He went to the door, but noticed that the handle was somehow hot, the biting stench of smoke becoming more intense. Suddenly, the window burst and a torch landed inside the room. Just in time, the vampire managed to dodge the deadly rays of the sun that lit the room when the curtain began to burn. Instinctively, he grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around himself. This looked bad...
Somehow Die managed to slip away without the men even noticing it. His heart was racing, and he was going through different things in his mind to find a way to save the vampire. He didn't even waste a thought about why he wanted to save him, he just acted on the way he knew he needed to.
As the people there seemed to all gather in the front yard, Die went to the back of the house, searching for a way in without getting burned himself. There was a huge barrel filled with rainwater, and he soaked his cloak with it to get a bit more protection from the flames. He was going in.
There was a tiny window that pointed to the backyard and Kaoru thought this would be his only way out. But the blanket he had wouldn't grant protection from the sun for long and he had to think first where he should try to run. He remembered seeing a small barn or a storage house not too far away and with a bit of luck, he would be able to make it there.
Half of the room was already on fire and almost all of it was flooded with sunlight. Carefully, he opened the back window and nearly got burned by the death-bringing light.
With luck and determination, Die made his way into the house since the doors thankfully weren't locked, the people knowing the vampire couldn't come out anyways into the light. With the cloak wrapped around himself, he ran almost blindly to the room they had been given, hoping that he wasn't too late. Only when already kicking the door open, he noticed that he still had the crucifix around his neck, and quickly yanked it away, just in case.
Kaoru flung around, alarmed by the bang on the door. There was nothing much he could do, with only one tiny spot on the floor left which wasn't lit by the sun already. That damn farmer had given them this room on purpose, this much he was sure of. When he saw the redhead, he couldn't prevent a relieved sigh although would've wanted to slap him for bringing himself in danger like that.
Instinctively, he took a step towards him, the blanket wrapped around himself tightly. But the cloth wasn't thick enough and the rays of the sun were piercing through it, causing incredible pain for the creature. Screaming, he managed to take a few steps, but then collapsed helplessly, ready to die.
Quickly Die made his way to him, and took the cloak off to wrap it around the vampire, not caring for the flames around them. "We have to run." He didn't know if that would be enough to protect the other from the sun, had no idea, but they had to try, since there was no other option. Desperately he looked around in the room to see if there was something else to use as shelter, a cloth not burning yet or something similar.
Kaoru looked at the human who was coughing forcefully, his lungs burning with the thick smoke. Easily, he tore a part off the wet cloak and pressed it on Die's mouth and nose. "Take this as protection." Although every part of his body seemed to be burning, every muscle aching, the vampire managed to get up on his feet.
Clinging heavily to the redhead for support, Kaoru took a step out of the burning room. There was nothing left t they could used as protection. "If we run to the barn, they'll burn us there. Save yourself Die, I will manage on my own." Despite his words, he allowed the other to drag him down the stairs to the backdoor. There was a raincoat hanging on a rack and Die gave it to him, hoping it would provide more protection from the sun.
Die pretended that he didn't even hear the other's last words, and only dragged him along as best as he could. It was hard for him, since breathing was getting difficult and he had to carry the vampire partly, but desperation gave him strength. He had no idea where they should go, because the barn would be dangerous, being too close to the house and the mob, but they needed to get out of the house and find shelter from the sun.
After taking a deep breath, Die took the decision and headed outside, aiming for the forest which begun almost right behind the house. Maybe there would be a place to find shelter from somewhere. A bit of smoke rose from under the blanket that covered the vampire. He was groaning pained, but tried to aid Die as best he could.
It didn't take long and the farmers noticed that the creature had escaped with the help of his companion and they were following them. When the two hunted had already given up hope to escape alive, the forest cleared and an old cemetery came into sight. "A crypt" were Kaoru's last words before he collapsed completely, his skin slowly peeling off his hands and face.
Die panicked totally, just acting on instinct and pure desperation when he dragged the other forward. Afterwards, he had no idea how he had managed, in what had probably been the last moment, to get them into safety. Apparently the men who were after them didn't have the guts to follow them there, and they seemed to give up on the hunt, at least for the time being.
"I hate it when that happens." Although close to dying, the vampire hadn't lost his humor and even managed to form a crooked smile. His voice was hoarse and he looked ancient, skin thick like parchment, eyes and cheeks hollow.
"Gosh, you're hurt." The redhead's eyes were wide and he brought his hand up to touch the vampire's cheek carefully. His heart was still racing due to panic, only slowly calming down.
Kaoru waved aside. "It'll pass by with a few drops of blood." Suddenly, he focused his blurred gaze on his savior. "You saved my life. Why did you do that?" It had been Die's chance to escape, his chance to get rid of the one who had captured him for good. The affection in the other's eyes and gestures spoke a clear language for the reasons though.
"I didn't want to risk having the whole commune of English vampires after me." Die smiled, chuckling a bit. He became more serious though, looking his companion straight in the eye. "How badly you need blood?"
"Badly." The vampire closed his leaden eyelids for a moment, but opened them again quickly. With effort, he lifted his hand and carefully touched the redhead's peachy cheek with his fingertips. "Thank you."
He was aware how much the other had risked for him and now, in the darkness of this moldy crypt, he could admit to himself that he would have done the same for the other as well.
"Take mine." The Die's eyes were still serious, and although he had spoken without thinking first he really meant it. He saw how much the vampire was suffering, and wanted to do something to make it better for him.
Kaoru's eyes widened and he shook his head. "No! I... I can't." If his master would get wind of this, he'd be doomed. Besides, he was too afraid that he couldn't control his bloodthirst, that he would drain the other and kill him.
"You can and you will." The redhead stated firmly, as if he wouldn't give Kaoru any other option. Smiling softly he touched the vampire's cheek. "Come on. You need it more than I do."
Suddenly the moment felt somehow different, as they were looking each other in the eye, the tension palpable in the air. Die swallowed hard, not able to resist the temptation and finally leaning closer, ghosting his lips over the other's.
This time, Kaoru closed his eyes for whole different reasons, as the soft contact evoked feelings in him he hadn't known existed. Gently, he answered to the kiss, moved his lips against Die's, wrapped his arms around his neck and pulled him down.
The sensations were so new, so exciting and he too exhausted to have control, that it made him change, his long fangs breaking the soft skin of the other's bottom lip. When he tasted the first drop of blood, a deep groan originated in his throat and he broke the kiss, moving his lips to Die's neck, to take what he needed.
Die held his eyes closed when he felt the vampire sink his teeth into his neck, staying still and letting him feed of him to regain his strength. It occurred to him too that Kaoru might just lose control and drink too much, but still he didn't make a move, blindly trusting the other.
The blood's sweet scent and taste pierced through Kaoru, surrounded and engulfed him, pulled him far away from this world. He didn't know if it was different because the redhead was the one from the prophecy or if it was different because he felt more than plain affection towards him. Fact was, that the vampire had never tasted blood like this. Inwardly, he asked himself if he now gained the promised power, if he would become the ultimate vampire now.
But soon, it was all over as he withdrew his head. It was easier than he had thought, his want not to hurt the other overpowering his want for blood. His lips red, a few droplets of the life-elixir shimmering there, he looked up at Die, his features completely back to normal again. "Thank you." Gently, he kissed his lips once more, giving him a taste of his own blood.
It felt weird to taste blood in the quick kiss, but everything in the moment just made Die smile. "Feeling better?" He had feared a bit how it'd be when the other drank his blood, but to his surprise it hadn't bothered him at all. It had just felt somewhat enticing, something he couldn't quite place.
"Invincible." Kaoru mirrored the smile, gazing deep into the young man's eyes.
It was cool and muggy in the crypt, the ground wet and made of stone. No problem for the vampire, but as the tension and the adrenalin left the human, he began to shiver. Almost having his old strength back, Kaoru wrapped his arms around the other's waist and pulled him on top of himself. His body was warm due to the use of blood and warmer than the ground anyways.
Thankfully the redhead relaxed against the other's form, although he didn't offer as much warmth as a human body would have. Still, it was more than enough for the young man at the moment, and he was simply glad they had made it out of the burning house.
Exhausted, both of them fell asleep, just needing to rest before continuing the journey during the night. But fact was that the vampire had no intentions in delivering Die to his master anymore, his priorities different now. Not only had the other saved his life, he had given him his blood, had trusted him enough that he wouldn't drain him, that he would be able to control himself. How could he now still continue as before? The former only corporal attraction had grown into something else, or then, only now the vampire dared to admit it to himself.
Die sensed that something had changed between them, but he didn't see into the other's thoughts enough to know his plans had changed. He still believed he was going to die, but was somewhat glad that he had at least been able to save the vampire. It made him sad though to know that they only had days before he would never see the other again.
At nightfall, Kaoru got up wordlessly, helping the redhead up as well. He didn't say anything, only took him by the hand and left the cemetery with him. Very much to Die's surprise, he didn't go back to the farm to wait for the carriage or get his belongings, but walked straight to the main road. He had taken a decision and being an uncompromising person, Kaoru wouldn't let go of it again.
For a while the young man just followed the other, but finally couldn't take it anymore as he didn't know what was going on. "Where are we going?"
The vampire stopped and turned around to face his friend with a smile. "We are not going anywhere." Suddenly, he let go of Die's hand and fumbled for something in his pocket, digging out a small bag.
"Take this. It's more than you need. Then you walk along this street to the next town, get yourself a carriage to the train and from there you go to the harbor. Go anywhere you want, just not back to from where you came from."
For a moment Die stared at the small bag in his hand dumbly, not knowing what the other meant before it hit him. He wanted him to run. To run and to try to get away from his fate. The suggestion sounded so tempting, the will to live still coursing strong in the redhead's veins.
Finally he lifted his gaze to meet the vampire's eyes though. "No."
"Yes!" Kaoru nodded, even giving him a small push that caused him to stumble a few steps ahead. "Run Die. Save yourself and live. Find a woman, marry, have children and die an old man."
The vampire meant it. He wasn't afraid of his master's wrath, had lived more than four human lives, had enjoyed it to the fullest. If it was his fate to die so that this special human being could live, so be it.
"What about the whole commune of English vampires?" Die was beginning to be slightly annoyed even, the anger coming from frustration. He wanted to run, almost more than anything. But he knew it would mean the end of Kaoru's life, and that was a price he wasn't willing to pay. "You know they'll hunt me down no matter what." He thought that it might be the best to try reasoning.
"You know how to protect yourself against them. Sleep in churches at night and travel only by day. Buy a crucifix and ask a preacher to bless it." Kaoru had everything figured out in his mind and he couldn't understand why the young man refused to give it a shot.
The redhead sighed in deep, the anger fading and being replaced by desperation. "And leave you to die."
"I lived more than one life. I-" The vampire averted his gaze, falling silent. After a few moments, he looked up again, his voice quiet and soft. "I don't know the prophecy, but there must be more to it. My master is irrationally afraid that something goes wrong. I only know that I want you to live."
"I won't go." Die had decided, and stubbornly held on to it. Somehow he couldn't even bear the thought that something might happen to the other, and he would ensure that he was alright, even if it meant following him to certain death. "Who knows, maybe the ritual or whatever won't necessarily kill me."
"Die..." Kaoru shook his head. "Why won't you run? You're not supposed to care for me. You're supposed to hate me."
Suddenly, everything made sense and the vampire knew what he had to do to see the other safe. He took on his old secure facade, straightened and displayed one of his most smug smiles, purring. "Is it because you've fallen for me? Because you think you love me?"
He took a step closer, his cold breath striking the other's face while he brought one hand to the redhead's crotch. "Because you enjoyed being fucked more than you ever enjoyed anything?" Throwing his head back, the vampire let out supernatural laughter. "There is nothing. Believe me. I admit that you'd make a perfect slave, but if you ever thought there was something more between us, you must be a fool."
Die closed his eyes for a moment, as the other's laughter had caused an unpleasant shiver to run along his spine. He thought he had it all figured out though, and didn't fall for the vampire's attempt. "And because there's nothing, you're willing to risk your life to let me go."
He opened his eyes to look at the other. "You're not suicidal, so don't tell me you do it because you want to die. So if there's nothing, then tell me why?"
The grin still in its place, not giving away that Kaoru indeed had problems to explain that fact, he shrugged. "Because I don't want my master to gain the power from you. Because I want to take his place once." To him, this seemed to be believable at least. "Therefore, I need you out of the way."
"Fine." Die changed tactics, not trying to argue straight anymore. "I believe you. But if you want to get me out of your way, you have to kill me." He raised his chin defiantly. "I won't run."
"I won't kill you." Kaoru stated calmly. "You saved my life and thus, I owe you something." The strong-mindedness in the other which he had admired before, still admired so much, now became a problem as Die seemed determined not to do as he had been told. "But believe me, if you don't hit the road and come in my way, I will kill you."
"Then be it." The redhead shrugged. He wasn't sure if it would be wise to confess, but the words escaped him before he even thought them through properly. "Just because you feel nothing doesn't mean I wouldn't."
For a second, Kaoru thought about binding Die and paying somebody to bring him to the next harbor and on the first ship available, but he dismissed the thought right after it had popped into his head. In fact, he didn't want to lose the other's proximity, but didn't want him to be hurt either.
The hidden confession caused the warm feeling to flood his being again, no matter how hard he tried to suppress it. Helplessly, not knowing what else to do, he gave Die a hard shove. "Go!"
The redhead stumbled due to the force of the push, but it didn't have any effect on his determination. He had made up his mind, and he wouldn't leave no matter what. "Stop pushing me around!" He turned to look at the other as soon as he had gained balance again. "I won't go, and you can't make me."
"I can!" Stubbornly, the vampire pushed him again. "Fucking go Die. Run already!" There were so many emotions boiling up inside him, fighting with one another, that it made him tremble noticeably.
"I won't." In the sudden rush of anger the redhead raised his hand and hit the vampire, desperate since he didn't understand.
"You will." The hit hadn't hurt Kaoru in the least, but it made the desperation in him rise even more. Again, he pushed the other like a stubborn child, not even hard enough to send him to the ground. He knew he should just turn around and run himself, but for some reason, he couldn't. He had to make sure that Die wouldn't follow him, that he would be safe and live.
"Face it Kaoru," Die took a deep breath to calm himself down. "I won't run. No matter what you say, I won't."
Unable to control his doings, the purple-haired creature pulled him close in his arms. "Please." He whispered before kissing him ever so gently. "I want to see you safe. My master will probably kill me anyways for taking your blood; for delaying our journey unnecessarily."
"You had no choice." The redhead leaned closer to him, the embrace somehow giving him comfort. "He'll understand that. But if you let me go, you'll stand no chance."
"Please Die." Lovingly, Kaoru ran his fingers through the young man's red hair. "Don't sacrifice yourself for something like me. You'll regret it once. You still got all your life ahead of you."
Although he didn’t want to admit it, he knew he had lost, knew that the other would stick to him like glue. Still, it worried him for he wasn't sure if his master had sensed that he had tried to betray him, and if he found out about the bond the two unlike beings shared, he would definitely take delight in using it for his own pleasure.
"I won't regret it. Trust me." The young man was fully convinced that this was what he needed to do, and he just couldn't leave the other now, not like this. He was scared of dying, he couldn't deny that, but he was even more scared of causing harm for the other man.
"I can't protect you once we're in the castle." Although he had already accepted that Die would stay with him, Kaoru still tried to reason. "I'm only a simple vampire and not half as strong as my master or some of his entourage."
"I know. But you can keep me company until we're there." Die tilted his head a bit, smiling faintly at the vampire. "Maybe we'll find a way. You said that everyone has a way to change his fate."
"But there's a thin line between fate and stupidity." Kaoru shook his head, a faint smile finding its way to his lips as well. Sighing defeatedly, he reached for the redhead's warm hand and took it in his. "We wasted a lot of time. Let's go and find a place for the day and organize horses so that we can go on tomorrow."
"Okay," Die nodded, hugging the other tight for a moment. "And we still can try to find a way." He knew there wasn't much hope, but a part of him refused to let go of it completely.
Kaoru denied himself to ask what they would do if the unlikely happened and they really managed to defeat the head vampire. Would they stay together until Die was old and tired, finally dying a natural death? Kaoru didn't want to think about it for now, because one thing was for sure, he had no intentions in turning the other, in making him one of his kind. No matter how tempting the thought was.
Author:
seinen_no and fonulynRating: NC17
Pairing: Die and Kaoru
Disclaimer: We own no one, only our dirty imaginations.
Comments:
seinen_no: Oh god, I completely forgot this chap. How did that happen? Thanks to mangasakira for reminding me. Haha, hunny, why didn't you? Okay, I spare you my lame excuses about a rough week this time. But it's true nevertheless. Have fun reading ne and yes, we love your comments.fonulyn: I don’t know what to say right now. A lot happens in this chap if one asks me, and at least I like how it turned out. But you have to see for yourself^^ enjoy!Previously happened: The thin line between fate, coincidence and stupidity , Part 2, Part 3, Part 4
Chapter 5
The ride indeed was long and the vampire hated being trapped as much as the other. Usually he preferred to stay at one place for longer, explored it by foot until he knew everything by heart and then travelled further to the next town. But when duty called, there was nothing he could do against it.
It was even more boring in the carriage than it had been on the ship, and soon Die settled for sleeping since there was nothing to do. There wasn't space to move, and way too little light to read even. And since the vampire had fallen silent he didn't even have anyone to talk to. So maybe when asleep time would pass by faster.
Kaoru watched his companion all the time, his thoughts circling around the fact that his life would end soon. If only he knew what it took to gain the power from Die; if he only knew if there was some kind of ritual attached to it or if it was sufficient to just drink his blood, he would demand the power for himself. Although he had to admit that he most definitely wouldn't kill Die because he would make such a pretty slave. At least that was what he made himself believe.
After some time Die couldn't sleep any longer even though he tried, so he just staid still and stared into the distance. He had found a position where he could sit properly when he leaned enough to the side. His thoughts were occupied by the vampire though, not his own life that was already getting shorter. There was something in Kaoru, and soon, the redhead wasn't able to think about anything else. Not being able to take more of his thoughts after a while he spoke up, intending on trying to distract himself. "How long will it take still? The journey I mean."
The vampire startled, being brought back from his contemplations. He looked up and shrugged. "Depends on the weather. If it's going to pour or snow, we will take longer. A couple of days, maybe a bit more than a week." Actually, he had already taken a detour in order to make the trip last longer, in order to get his own feelings straight before he could deliver the other to his fate. "So eager to die?" he asked, grinning cockily.
"Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad option, at least I wouldn't be bored." Die shrugged, although he was lying with that and he knew it. No matter how bored he was he didn't want to let go of life, there was still so much to see and to learn. He also wanted to get to know the vampire better, telling himself that it was only because he was a supernatural creature and therefore fascinating.
"I'm sorry that your last days aren't more exciting." To some level, Kaoru really meant it and next, he heard himself say. "I could tell you about things you'll never see." He stuck to his words and without waiting for some kind of agreement from the redhead, he began to talk about the world, about his adventures and what he had lived through in his more than two centuries lasting undead life; told about the glory and the bad things that went along with it. He didn't even know himself why he trusted the human so much and even told him about the legendary being a vampire was and cleared some things that were total nonsense.
It made time pass by quicker for both of them, making the journey a bit more tolerable. But hearing from all those things made the young man feel somewhat melancholy too, since he would never see them himself. He would never be able to experience everything he would've wanted to. As the days passed Kaoru begun to teach Die English too, the language of this country they were currently in.
The closer they came to their destination, the more reluctant Kaoru became. Reluctant to just let go of the human he had learned to like a lot. He’d been his first real companion in a long time, a match for him in mind although he was so different. But Die's curiosity, his will to learn about everything and his determination had grown on him so much that soon he found himself wishing it could be like this forever. It was just comforting to have somebody to talk to, and to have somebody to share the bed with.
Days ago, Die had already admitted to himself that he indeed lusted after Kaoru, and was far from reluctant to re-enact the shared passion. He tried not to think about anything else that went along with it, how he grew to like the vampire more every moment, how they seemed to enjoy each other's company and how everything just matched. It would be a ridiculous thought to even consider that there was something else than physical attraction.
And as far as he could judge it, Kaoru still was determined to fulfil his task and to deliver him to his fate. However, what he didn't know was that he tried to delay their journey secretly, just to gain one or two more days together with the redhead. One night, two wheels of the carriage would be broken, another, the horses were gone. Every once in a while, they stopped in a town and the vampire reported everything to his master, but used the opportunity to take Die out to theatres and treat him for a nice dinner.
***
Once, they couldn't travel because it had been pouring and storming and they had to seek shelter in a small farmhouse. The people there had been very suspicious, but had finally invited the weird couple to stay over and wait until the storm passed them by. However, they were very religious people, crucifixes everywhere. It made the vampire nervous and their host noticed it somehow.
The landlord and his family didn't talk much to them, but gave them a room to stay, even offering a bit food for them to eat. Die couldn't help but to notice too that the people gave them suspicious glances, especially Kaoru for some reason. The redhead tried to act naturally though, to make the people believe they were just two unlucky men travelling who had been surprised by the storm.
As the morning came, the vampire staid in the room, but Die went to search for someone to ask for a bit food. The house was empty though, not even a maid or cook there. When he stepped outside, the storm had passed and now the sun shone brightly.
Not far away, there was a small mop of men, discussing animatedly. "I say we burn the whole house." The host shook his head. "But it’s my house. What if we're wrong?" Once they spotted the redhead, they fell silent, acting as if they were discussing some farmer things, but casting covert glances at him every now and then.
Kaoru didn't sleep well. He was nervous, somehow restless and didn't trust the thin curtains before the windows to hold back the sunlight enough. It was just too bright for him and the sun seemed to drain him, steal his powers.
Die was terribly nervous all of a sudden when he saw how the people were acting. And because he had understood some of the discussion, it made him even more suspicious. He thought about going back to the room they had been given and to warn the vampire, tell him they needed to get going no matter that it was still day outside. But before he made it back their host called for him, stopping him on his way.
When he had approached him, the tall blond man took his hand. "Better stay here son. This is not going to be nice." Before Die knew what was happening, he placed a small silver crucifix in his palm. "This will protect you. It's a miracle that you're still alive." Finally, the man nodded at the other people who were approaching the house with torches and pitchforks and quickly went inside. "They will burn the creature," the man explained calmly. "Now that it's day, he can't escape." With a weary smile, he added. "I only hope they don't have to burn the whole house. I'm sorry," he turned his head, looking directly at the other, "but your companion is an undead, a creature of the night and the devil must die."
For a moment Die stared at the crucifix in his hand, then raising his eyes to the men with torches who were approaching the house. And he panicked, turned around to look at the host who had said something to him. He hadn't known all the words, but somehow it seemed that the man pitied him and was only intending on getting rid of the vampire. "You can't just kill him!" He shook his head frantically, although he knew the man didn't understand him when he spoke his native language.
The man saw how agitated the redheaded stranger was and interpreted as fear. He patted his shoulder compassionately, took the crucifix from Die's hand and attached it around his neck. "God will protect you, son. Don't worry."
A creaking noise and the smell of fire along with approaching footsteps caused Kaoru to jump to his feet instantly. He went to the door, but noticed that the handle was somehow hot, the biting stench of smoke becoming more intense. Suddenly, the window burst and a torch landed inside the room. Just in time, the vampire managed to dodge the deadly rays of the sun that lit the room when the curtain began to burn. Instinctively, he grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around himself. This looked bad...
Somehow Die managed to slip away without the men even noticing it. His heart was racing, and he was going through different things in his mind to find a way to save the vampire. He didn't even waste a thought about why he wanted to save him, he just acted on the way he knew he needed to.
As the people there seemed to all gather in the front yard, Die went to the back of the house, searching for a way in without getting burned himself. There was a huge barrel filled with rainwater, and he soaked his cloak with it to get a bit more protection from the flames. He was going in.
There was a tiny window that pointed to the backyard and Kaoru thought this would be his only way out. But the blanket he had wouldn't grant protection from the sun for long and he had to think first where he should try to run. He remembered seeing a small barn or a storage house not too far away and with a bit of luck, he would be able to make it there.
Half of the room was already on fire and almost all of it was flooded with sunlight. Carefully, he opened the back window and nearly got burned by the death-bringing light.
With luck and determination, Die made his way into the house since the doors thankfully weren't locked, the people knowing the vampire couldn't come out anyways into the light. With the cloak wrapped around himself, he ran almost blindly to the room they had been given, hoping that he wasn't too late. Only when already kicking the door open, he noticed that he still had the crucifix around his neck, and quickly yanked it away, just in case.
Kaoru flung around, alarmed by the bang on the door. There was nothing much he could do, with only one tiny spot on the floor left which wasn't lit by the sun already. That damn farmer had given them this room on purpose, this much he was sure of. When he saw the redhead, he couldn't prevent a relieved sigh although would've wanted to slap him for bringing himself in danger like that.
Instinctively, he took a step towards him, the blanket wrapped around himself tightly. But the cloth wasn't thick enough and the rays of the sun were piercing through it, causing incredible pain for the creature. Screaming, he managed to take a few steps, but then collapsed helplessly, ready to die.
Quickly Die made his way to him, and took the cloak off to wrap it around the vampire, not caring for the flames around them. "We have to run." He didn't know if that would be enough to protect the other from the sun, had no idea, but they had to try, since there was no other option. Desperately he looked around in the room to see if there was something else to use as shelter, a cloth not burning yet or something similar.
Kaoru looked at the human who was coughing forcefully, his lungs burning with the thick smoke. Easily, he tore a part off the wet cloak and pressed it on Die's mouth and nose. "Take this as protection." Although every part of his body seemed to be burning, every muscle aching, the vampire managed to get up on his feet.
Clinging heavily to the redhead for support, Kaoru took a step out of the burning room. There was nothing left t they could used as protection. "If we run to the barn, they'll burn us there. Save yourself Die, I will manage on my own." Despite his words, he allowed the other to drag him down the stairs to the backdoor. There was a raincoat hanging on a rack and Die gave it to him, hoping it would provide more protection from the sun.
Die pretended that he didn't even hear the other's last words, and only dragged him along as best as he could. It was hard for him, since breathing was getting difficult and he had to carry the vampire partly, but desperation gave him strength. He had no idea where they should go, because the barn would be dangerous, being too close to the house and the mob, but they needed to get out of the house and find shelter from the sun.
After taking a deep breath, Die took the decision and headed outside, aiming for the forest which begun almost right behind the house. Maybe there would be a place to find shelter from somewhere. A bit of smoke rose from under the blanket that covered the vampire. He was groaning pained, but tried to aid Die as best he could.
It didn't take long and the farmers noticed that the creature had escaped with the help of his companion and they were following them. When the two hunted had already given up hope to escape alive, the forest cleared and an old cemetery came into sight. "A crypt" were Kaoru's last words before he collapsed completely, his skin slowly peeling off his hands and face.
Die panicked totally, just acting on instinct and pure desperation when he dragged the other forward. Afterwards, he had no idea how he had managed, in what had probably been the last moment, to get them into safety. Apparently the men who were after them didn't have the guts to follow them there, and they seemed to give up on the hunt, at least for the time being.
"I hate it when that happens." Although close to dying, the vampire hadn't lost his humor and even managed to form a crooked smile. His voice was hoarse and he looked ancient, skin thick like parchment, eyes and cheeks hollow.
"Gosh, you're hurt." The redhead's eyes were wide and he brought his hand up to touch the vampire's cheek carefully. His heart was still racing due to panic, only slowly calming down.
Kaoru waved aside. "It'll pass by with a few drops of blood." Suddenly, he focused his blurred gaze on his savior. "You saved my life. Why did you do that?" It had been Die's chance to escape, his chance to get rid of the one who had captured him for good. The affection in the other's eyes and gestures spoke a clear language for the reasons though.
"I didn't want to risk having the whole commune of English vampires after me." Die smiled, chuckling a bit. He became more serious though, looking his companion straight in the eye. "How badly you need blood?"
"Badly." The vampire closed his leaden eyelids for a moment, but opened them again quickly. With effort, he lifted his hand and carefully touched the redhead's peachy cheek with his fingertips. "Thank you."
He was aware how much the other had risked for him and now, in the darkness of this moldy crypt, he could admit to himself that he would have done the same for the other as well.
"Take mine." The Die's eyes were still serious, and although he had spoken without thinking first he really meant it. He saw how much the vampire was suffering, and wanted to do something to make it better for him.
Kaoru's eyes widened and he shook his head. "No! I... I can't." If his master would get wind of this, he'd be doomed. Besides, he was too afraid that he couldn't control his bloodthirst, that he would drain the other and kill him.
"You can and you will." The redhead stated firmly, as if he wouldn't give Kaoru any other option. Smiling softly he touched the vampire's cheek. "Come on. You need it more than I do."
Suddenly the moment felt somehow different, as they were looking each other in the eye, the tension palpable in the air. Die swallowed hard, not able to resist the temptation and finally leaning closer, ghosting his lips over the other's.
This time, Kaoru closed his eyes for whole different reasons, as the soft contact evoked feelings in him he hadn't known existed. Gently, he answered to the kiss, moved his lips against Die's, wrapped his arms around his neck and pulled him down.
The sensations were so new, so exciting and he too exhausted to have control, that it made him change, his long fangs breaking the soft skin of the other's bottom lip. When he tasted the first drop of blood, a deep groan originated in his throat and he broke the kiss, moving his lips to Die's neck, to take what he needed.
Die held his eyes closed when he felt the vampire sink his teeth into his neck, staying still and letting him feed of him to regain his strength. It occurred to him too that Kaoru might just lose control and drink too much, but still he didn't make a move, blindly trusting the other.
The blood's sweet scent and taste pierced through Kaoru, surrounded and engulfed him, pulled him far away from this world. He didn't know if it was different because the redhead was the one from the prophecy or if it was different because he felt more than plain affection towards him. Fact was, that the vampire had never tasted blood like this. Inwardly, he asked himself if he now gained the promised power, if he would become the ultimate vampire now.
But soon, it was all over as he withdrew his head. It was easier than he had thought, his want not to hurt the other overpowering his want for blood. His lips red, a few droplets of the life-elixir shimmering there, he looked up at Die, his features completely back to normal again. "Thank you." Gently, he kissed his lips once more, giving him a taste of his own blood.
It felt weird to taste blood in the quick kiss, but everything in the moment just made Die smile. "Feeling better?" He had feared a bit how it'd be when the other drank his blood, but to his surprise it hadn't bothered him at all. It had just felt somewhat enticing, something he couldn't quite place.
"Invincible." Kaoru mirrored the smile, gazing deep into the young man's eyes.
It was cool and muggy in the crypt, the ground wet and made of stone. No problem for the vampire, but as the tension and the adrenalin left the human, he began to shiver. Almost having his old strength back, Kaoru wrapped his arms around the other's waist and pulled him on top of himself. His body was warm due to the use of blood and warmer than the ground anyways.
Thankfully the redhead relaxed against the other's form, although he didn't offer as much warmth as a human body would have. Still, it was more than enough for the young man at the moment, and he was simply glad they had made it out of the burning house.
Exhausted, both of them fell asleep, just needing to rest before continuing the journey during the night. But fact was that the vampire had no intentions in delivering Die to his master anymore, his priorities different now. Not only had the other saved his life, he had given him his blood, had trusted him enough that he wouldn't drain him, that he would be able to control himself. How could he now still continue as before? The former only corporal attraction had grown into something else, or then, only now the vampire dared to admit it to himself.
Die sensed that something had changed between them, but he didn't see into the other's thoughts enough to know his plans had changed. He still believed he was going to die, but was somewhat glad that he had at least been able to save the vampire. It made him sad though to know that they only had days before he would never see the other again.
At nightfall, Kaoru got up wordlessly, helping the redhead up as well. He didn't say anything, only took him by the hand and left the cemetery with him. Very much to Die's surprise, he didn't go back to the farm to wait for the carriage or get his belongings, but walked straight to the main road. He had taken a decision and being an uncompromising person, Kaoru wouldn't let go of it again.
For a while the young man just followed the other, but finally couldn't take it anymore as he didn't know what was going on. "Where are we going?"
The vampire stopped and turned around to face his friend with a smile. "We are not going anywhere." Suddenly, he let go of Die's hand and fumbled for something in his pocket, digging out a small bag.
"Take this. It's more than you need. Then you walk along this street to the next town, get yourself a carriage to the train and from there you go to the harbor. Go anywhere you want, just not back to from where you came from."
For a moment Die stared at the small bag in his hand dumbly, not knowing what the other meant before it hit him. He wanted him to run. To run and to try to get away from his fate. The suggestion sounded so tempting, the will to live still coursing strong in the redhead's veins.
Finally he lifted his gaze to meet the vampire's eyes though. "No."
"Yes!" Kaoru nodded, even giving him a small push that caused him to stumble a few steps ahead. "Run Die. Save yourself and live. Find a woman, marry, have children and die an old man."
The vampire meant it. He wasn't afraid of his master's wrath, had lived more than four human lives, had enjoyed it to the fullest. If it was his fate to die so that this special human being could live, so be it.
"What about the whole commune of English vampires?" Die was beginning to be slightly annoyed even, the anger coming from frustration. He wanted to run, almost more than anything. But he knew it would mean the end of Kaoru's life, and that was a price he wasn't willing to pay. "You know they'll hunt me down no matter what." He thought that it might be the best to try reasoning.
"You know how to protect yourself against them. Sleep in churches at night and travel only by day. Buy a crucifix and ask a preacher to bless it." Kaoru had everything figured out in his mind and he couldn't understand why the young man refused to give it a shot.
The redhead sighed in deep, the anger fading and being replaced by desperation. "And leave you to die."
"I lived more than one life. I-" The vampire averted his gaze, falling silent. After a few moments, he looked up again, his voice quiet and soft. "I don't know the prophecy, but there must be more to it. My master is irrationally afraid that something goes wrong. I only know that I want you to live."
"I won't go." Die had decided, and stubbornly held on to it. Somehow he couldn't even bear the thought that something might happen to the other, and he would ensure that he was alright, even if it meant following him to certain death. "Who knows, maybe the ritual or whatever won't necessarily kill me."
"Die..." Kaoru shook his head. "Why won't you run? You're not supposed to care for me. You're supposed to hate me."
Suddenly, everything made sense and the vampire knew what he had to do to see the other safe. He took on his old secure facade, straightened and displayed one of his most smug smiles, purring. "Is it because you've fallen for me? Because you think you love me?"
He took a step closer, his cold breath striking the other's face while he brought one hand to the redhead's crotch. "Because you enjoyed being fucked more than you ever enjoyed anything?" Throwing his head back, the vampire let out supernatural laughter. "There is nothing. Believe me. I admit that you'd make a perfect slave, but if you ever thought there was something more between us, you must be a fool."
Die closed his eyes for a moment, as the other's laughter had caused an unpleasant shiver to run along his spine. He thought he had it all figured out though, and didn't fall for the vampire's attempt. "And because there's nothing, you're willing to risk your life to let me go."
He opened his eyes to look at the other. "You're not suicidal, so don't tell me you do it because you want to die. So if there's nothing, then tell me why?"
The grin still in its place, not giving away that Kaoru indeed had problems to explain that fact, he shrugged. "Because I don't want my master to gain the power from you. Because I want to take his place once." To him, this seemed to be believable at least. "Therefore, I need you out of the way."
"Fine." Die changed tactics, not trying to argue straight anymore. "I believe you. But if you want to get me out of your way, you have to kill me." He raised his chin defiantly. "I won't run."
"I won't kill you." Kaoru stated calmly. "You saved my life and thus, I owe you something." The strong-mindedness in the other which he had admired before, still admired so much, now became a problem as Die seemed determined not to do as he had been told. "But believe me, if you don't hit the road and come in my way, I will kill you."
"Then be it." The redhead shrugged. He wasn't sure if it would be wise to confess, but the words escaped him before he even thought them through properly. "Just because you feel nothing doesn't mean I wouldn't."
For a second, Kaoru thought about binding Die and paying somebody to bring him to the next harbor and on the first ship available, but he dismissed the thought right after it had popped into his head. In fact, he didn't want to lose the other's proximity, but didn't want him to be hurt either.
The hidden confession caused the warm feeling to flood his being again, no matter how hard he tried to suppress it. Helplessly, not knowing what else to do, he gave Die a hard shove. "Go!"
The redhead stumbled due to the force of the push, but it didn't have any effect on his determination. He had made up his mind, and he wouldn't leave no matter what. "Stop pushing me around!" He turned to look at the other as soon as he had gained balance again. "I won't go, and you can't make me."
"I can!" Stubbornly, the vampire pushed him again. "Fucking go Die. Run already!" There were so many emotions boiling up inside him, fighting with one another, that it made him tremble noticeably.
"I won't." In the sudden rush of anger the redhead raised his hand and hit the vampire, desperate since he didn't understand.
"You will." The hit hadn't hurt Kaoru in the least, but it made the desperation in him rise even more. Again, he pushed the other like a stubborn child, not even hard enough to send him to the ground. He knew he should just turn around and run himself, but for some reason, he couldn't. He had to make sure that Die wouldn't follow him, that he would be safe and live.
"Face it Kaoru," Die took a deep breath to calm himself down. "I won't run. No matter what you say, I won't."
Unable to control his doings, the purple-haired creature pulled him close in his arms. "Please." He whispered before kissing him ever so gently. "I want to see you safe. My master will probably kill me anyways for taking your blood; for delaying our journey unnecessarily."
"You had no choice." The redhead leaned closer to him, the embrace somehow giving him comfort. "He'll understand that. But if you let me go, you'll stand no chance."
"Please Die." Lovingly, Kaoru ran his fingers through the young man's red hair. "Don't sacrifice yourself for something like me. You'll regret it once. You still got all your life ahead of you."
Although he didn’t want to admit it, he knew he had lost, knew that the other would stick to him like glue. Still, it worried him for he wasn't sure if his master had sensed that he had tried to betray him, and if he found out about the bond the two unlike beings shared, he would definitely take delight in using it for his own pleasure.
"I won't regret it. Trust me." The young man was fully convinced that this was what he needed to do, and he just couldn't leave the other now, not like this. He was scared of dying, he couldn't deny that, but he was even more scared of causing harm for the other man.
"I can't protect you once we're in the castle." Although he had already accepted that Die would stay with him, Kaoru still tried to reason. "I'm only a simple vampire and not half as strong as my master or some of his entourage."
"I know. But you can keep me company until we're there." Die tilted his head a bit, smiling faintly at the vampire. "Maybe we'll find a way. You said that everyone has a way to change his fate."
"But there's a thin line between fate and stupidity." Kaoru shook his head, a faint smile finding its way to his lips as well. Sighing defeatedly, he reached for the redhead's warm hand and took it in his. "We wasted a lot of time. Let's go and find a place for the day and organize horses so that we can go on tomorrow."
"Okay," Die nodded, hugging the other tight for a moment. "And we still can try to find a way." He knew there wasn't much hope, but a part of him refused to let go of it completely.
Kaoru denied himself to ask what they would do if the unlikely happened and they really managed to defeat the head vampire. Would they stay together until Die was old and tired, finally dying a natural death? Kaoru didn't want to think about it for now, because one thing was for sure, he had no intentions in turning the other, in making him one of his kind. No matter how tempting the thought was.