Archive of Our Own

"Listen to them, the children of the night. What music they make!"

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He's stepping into the crimson lights,a vast hall of tenebres appearing in his vision.Red and black velvets spread across the room,on the tables,as veils to obscure the windows and on the floors.In the golden glint of the candelabras the guest swarming around the place appear as if they are god like creatures,in their rich coloured gowns and suits, with diamond adorned masks to hide their faces.It's all an act of course because as you look into the mirrors placed around the hall that face them there is no reflection,as if the hall is vacant.

It's all a party,a masquerade of the bloodthirsty beings parading around in their cloaks of darkness and empty veneers, whispering amongst themselves, laughing with their bloodied lips.

Kihyun is one of them as he goes along the overflowing corridors,the crowd parting as he passes to let him walk.Their empty gazes are following him along the way with fear and wonder,some with jealousy some with admiration.He's basking in the attention but is not affected by it.Power is a thing that comes with bloodline and he took it all in stride,learnt that affluence is a rare gift that one can possess, especially in the hierarchy of the undead where cruelty seems to be the only principle one would possess.

In this world there is no need for the weak, that's a human luxury one cannot afford.

He takes a few steps towards the stairs at the end of the hall and turns to face the crowd and address them a few words

"Children of the night,we have gathered here to celebrate our endless darkness,our eternal life.As we march into a new century we recognise our power,the terror we bring upon the living.I propose a toast for our victory of winning yet another war over the impure.May we continue our reign for many centuries to come! Let us feast from the blood we spilled from our prey! Please enjoy the rest of the night"

Kihyun monologues,his eyes glinting blood red hunger behind the black lace mask wrapped like a blindfold.A grail filled with blood is handed to him and he is raising it for the toast

The crowd erupts in ovation and the orchestra starts to play a waltz.Kihyun doesn't linger in his spot but he steps down to mingle within the crowd, searching for something worthy of his attention.

Vampires of different ranks and backgrounds are trying to get his attention and he stops to converse with some of them.He's not particularly in the mood to do so but it's part of his duty.It's all very borish as the conversations shift into unwanted territory and attempts at courtship so he excuses himself politely to go and attend other matters.

Kihyun slips from the crowd and steps on the balcony that overlooks the mountains.He likes it there,the serenity,the few moments where his mask can slip off, that fickle façade he has to maintain, and he can be truthful to what he really is.Not just a multitude of shadows they have molded into something to resemble a person that death cannot touch.

He has no soul but even if he had one they would have forsaken it a long time ago,for the glory of maintaining the abundance,the luxury.You cannot fear hell when you are born from within its flames.

The sky is bare of the moon that night,dark and hollow as if mirroring Kihyun's own existence.Gloomy clouds are gathering and the air around him feels electric.

"It's a beautiful night isn't it?"someone says suddenly as thunder overlaps with their voice.

Kihyun turns, aware that his solitude was short-lived and takes a glimpse at the vampiric entity facing him.He's a tall man that seems to move his long limbs with grace as he takes off his hat and bows to Kihyun.He's wearing a red velvet costume,his waistcoat is fitted tightly with little black ribbons wrapped around his waist and the brodery is made with golden thread and it appears as if a spider's web is spreading over his chest.His mask is a crimson crescent and it obscures only half of his face,like an eclipse.

The other half is bare but his lips are painted red and on his eyelid there is a dark shadow of carnelian glitter that smears onto his lashes.His inky hair falls in waves until it reaches the middle of his spine,he had constrained it with a bow.Kihyun imagines it falling freely over his shoulders like a veil of silk.

He looks as delightful as sin itself but there is something in his gaze that Kihyun can't trust.

"With whom am I having the pleasure to speak"he asks,the coldness swepts in his tone as a warning.He must be cautious of anyone that arrives in his presence.

"I am Hyungwon,from the Chae house.I came here tonight on behalf of my father"The vampire introduces himself.

Kihyun has knowledge about the Chae family as their families have fought together in the War against the Ghouls.The family had carried a mighty military prestige along the centuries and he remembers their leader falling ill under a warlock's spell.It was unheard of such a thing to happen to a strong vampire and he had fallen into disgrace.It was thought that once he would succumb to the void his oldest son would take his place.

It has seemed that Kihyun had the chance to meet him sooner than expected.

"Is your father fairing well?"Kihyun inquiries,a sense of compassion brimming at the surface of his core.

"Some days and then he is not.He's sorrowful for not being able to attend tonight"Hyungwon explains and to Kihyun it appears as if there is more hidden in the tone of his voice as if there are some secrets that need to be spilled."Your speech seemed to cause an uproar out there.It was quite inspiring if I may say so"

"I appreciate his feelings but he must take his well being before anything else.Is there anything you would want to discuss with me tonight? Besides my competence in the manners of speaking of course.That's just to keep the show going "Kihyun says and he sees Hyungwon's lips spread into a smile.

He doesn't appear as dangerous as the other vampires but Kihyun knows that looks could be deceiving.Vampires are masters at concealing themselves be it in the human world of be it amongst their own kind.Trusting someone would be one's downfall.

"I will make sure to express your words to him,Sire"There is something wicked when he addresses Kihyun as such and a thrill makes his way through the columns of Kihyun's spine."This was an opportunity for me to meet you as there would be a good chance that we will have to work together in the future.My family would always be in your aid"

Kihyun takes a moment to scrutinize Hyungwon's expression and words,to see if this politeness and confession of devotion is just an intricate maneuver devised for him to fall from grace.

He decides to take careful steps to approach him.

"I appreciate it, your family has helped mine during great battles and your aid would be valued.I have to ask though,if you foresee any trouble arising in the near future"

As on cue lighting strikes somewhere near the palace, illuminating them in all their wicked splendour.Hyungwon appears as a devil in the murky night but it's Kihyun's eyes that are glinting like a splash of blood in the moonlight behind the black lace.He sees Hyungwon taking a step closer to him as if dazzled by his perilous presence.

"The ghouls are growing hungrier and they are haunting again near our territory.I believe that another conflict is imminent"Hyungwon says and there is some disgust in his voice as if he bears a great hatred towards the creatures.

"I understand then.There is definitely a need for us to straighten our defence against them.I will keep an eye myself on their actions."

The rain is starting to pour and the orchestra's melody is muffled by the thunder.It is indeed a beautiful night.Kihyun wishes that he could leap out in the rain and go for a stroll but he still has guests to attend to.

Hyungwon doesn't move from his spot and they linger there next to each other for some moments.Kihyun appreciates that silence instead of the whispers and the polite lies,the intentions hidden behind those grotesque masks.There is an essence surrounding Hyungwon that makes him believe that he is not like the rest of those repulsive beasts that are currently crowding his castle like roaches, filthy and repugnant.

And he is akin to them,the product of all of that bloodshed and their avarice for conquering and taking till there was nothing left.

Kihyun turns his head to look at Hyungwon and as if sensing him doing so, Hyungwon turns to look back at him.Kihyun understands attraction and lust,it has been imprinted on his being since his creation and yet he never was interested in such trivialities.A vampire engulfed by his own emotions and desires was easy to manipulate and Kihyun wouldn't allow himself such a misfortune.

Yet, temptation is always more inviting to the sinner.Once you've taken a bite from the forbidden fruit you can't stop yourself from wanting to taste it once again.

"Would you like to dance,Sire?"Hyungwon suddenly asks stunning Kihyun down to the bone.It's a question delivered with such ease and without any hint of nervousness present in it.Perhaps Hyungwon is not as intimidated by Kihyun as he had thought,if at all and he is delighted by the notion.

"Is there any motive to this question?"

Hyungwon smiles and comes closer,only a breath between them and Kihyun can see all of the little details on his mask,on the bare side of his face.He's marveling at how beautiful this man in front of him is.

"I just wanted to dance with you since I have the opportunity.Dancing can be a demonstration of one's mind and soul and I am curious about how would a waltz with you unfold.If we have to learn how to trust each other this would be a good simulation for the both of us"

Kihyun stops and thinks about his words and its effect on him but he supposes that a dance won't do any harm.He's becoming intrigued by the idea of them sharing such an intimate act.

"Lead the way then"

As soon as they step onto the dancefloor all of the hollow eyes are on them.There are whispers of wonder and gossip spreads quickly among the horde.

"I'll let you lead this time"Kihyun tells him coquettishly as he puts his hand right above Hyungwon's biceps.The taller vampire puts his hand on Kihyun's waist but doesn't tighten his hold right away.

"Let's put up a show shall we"Hyungwon says as Kihyun connects his right hand with Hyungwon's left hand and molds his body so Hyungwon can glide them across the dancefloor with ease.

The waltz was a direct manifestation of sensuality,the guided partner would let themselves be moved in the arms of their partner with closed eyes as if swept away into some dreamlike state.Such a prospect was seen as something scandalous and the dance was forbidden among the puritans.

The vampires, however, were thrilled by the dance and its implications and the ballrooms were roaring with its tunes.

Kihyun kept his eyes open,his gaze fixated on Hyungwon's stare and waited for the music to start.

Once the orchestra began their song, Hyungwon didn't dawdle to omit even a note.He was graciously rotating their embraced bodies clockwise and counterclockwise, switching steps and directions rapidly as they progressed around all the areas of the dancefloor.

It's an intimate moment as if they are moving into their own private sphere,as if the world around them had disappeared completely.

Kihyun is pliant in his hold,receptive to all of the movements and changes as if he knows beforehand what Hyungwon would do.He's the one being guided but it feels as if he is probing at Hyungwon's sense of control,at how much he is willing to take from him and the taller vampire seems to appreciate it as he moves determined to prove himself worthy of this alliance.

They're being too close as merely strangers that had stumbled upon one another but they recognise the history behind their eyes,how they are made from the same mold,how their disdain for their fate and for the bringers of it binds them together in an unseemingly way.

Kihyun feels Hyungwon's presence all over him,his scent that's very different from the scent of death and blood protrudes his senses.It's flowery and dulcet as if he had spent an entire evening in the garden amongst the flowers and the thorns and he's overwhelmed by it in the most beautiful way.

There are a plethora of sensations running up and down his spine, settling in his core.He's certain that if his heart was beating it would be a thundering turmoil against his ribcage.

Every friction, every move that brings them closer to each other sets a new flame alight in Kihyun's mind.Hyungwon never takes his eyes off of him,his senses heightened by the night.He's holding Kihyun more tightly by his waist now,strengthens his hold on his hand and Kihyun just uplifts at his challenge.

The song is coming to its end and as the final notes flow, Hyungwon pendulates them for one last time and brings Kihyun closer to him, caressing his bare lips against the crown of his head.It doesn't last long, just enough for Kihyun to feel,to understand that there is a secret meant to be kept between the two of them.Kihyun buries his head in his neck and grazes his skin with his fangs as a reciprocating gesture.An ownership of sorts.

The little threads of blood that are flowing from the newly formed scrapes on his neck are just an imitation but there is a certain sweetness that Kihyun tastes on his tongue.

Kihyun has made his choice and he would have to bear the burden if one day it would come back to haunt him.

They part as the music dies down and around them there is a stunned silence before there is the reverberating sound of applause.As Kihyun steps back into the crowd, Hyungwon distances himself and Kihyun understands that it's not the place nor the time for them to sway around each other.

In spite of that,they keep their eyes on one another the whole continuation of the night, stealing glances and sharing private smiles.

When the sun is flaring through the ashen clouds and the gaggle disperses, Hyungwon vanishes with it. Kihyun knows that they will meet again as there is a promise that he had hidden into Hyungwon's skin just for him to unravel.

He's rising up with the twilight lights enveloping his bare skin.The other side of the bed is empty but still warm.He looks around the chamber and spots his lover by the window, holding a glass filled with blood and watching him demurely.

"Kihyun,go back to sleep, it's early"Hyungwon tells him as Kihyun adjusts his eyes to the onslaught of lights.

Hyungwon looks ethereal basking in the violet and blue hues of the sky.He's wearing his silk white shirt and his long hair is cascading freely over his figure.Kihyun remembers how it felt to run his fingers through the jet-black locks,the sensation of them falling over him like dark droplets, caressing his skin.

"You're awake as well.Did something arose?"Kihyun asks and moves to get up from under the covers and to fetch his clothes from the divan near the bed.

"Nothing of that sort.I just couldn't sleep and you were fretting in your slumber so I might ask you the same question"Hyungwon intones, beckoning Kihyun to come to him.And he does go to him,as if he is being pulled by some invisible thread,he always does.It's the sort of attraction he has no interest in opposing anymore.

It's been a few months after the masquerade when Hyungwon has waltzed once again into his castle this time without any pretence or mask in place and had made his intentions clear towards Kihyun.The vampire didn't quite understand what to make out of Hyungwon's determination to be with him.It had seemed odd at the beginning how Hyungwon had asked for his attention and he had the notion that Hyungwon was either blind to who Kihyun was or hiding something much more nefarious behind that besotted mask of his.

It was during one night that Kihyun had finally snapped and asked unstrained about his truthful motives but Hyungwon has been calm,too unmoved by Kihyun's outburst.A mere vampire would have blanked at such an intimidating display of terror and would have cowardly begged for his life.Hyungwon has done nothing of that sort but had just looked Kihyun in the eyes and told him with sincerity:

"You were kind to my family when no one else was and you understand this hatred I bear to our kind,to those regulations that are marked in blood,the cruelty that is cultivated in us since we are born.I cherished you because I saw something else in your eyes that was not death and destruction but a desire that wasn't in the shape of bloodshed."

His speech has alleviated Kihyun's concerns and made him understand that the dread he had felt wasn't that Hyungwon would betray him but has spawned from his fears that the only entity that ever understood him was just a farce wrapped and disguised as a beautiful dream.

Kihyun makes his way into Hyungwon's waiting arms and molds his body into his embrace.

"It's this threat of war looming over our heads that gives me concern.The ghouls are fretting at our borders, attacking vampires and causing a ruckus among the elites who in turn have been pestering me to take action.We might have to go to battle soon"Kihyun worries as Hyungwon plays with his fingers to soothe him away from the tension.

"There is no need to worry,we would win this war with you leading us"Hyungwon says convincingly as he kisses Kihyun's pointy ear and continues downward to his cheek.

"I am still worried.Your sisters are at the age where they would have to come to the battlefield with us.I don't want to have their blood tainting my hands as well as yours"Kihyun tells him and Hyungwon understand how heavy the burden of a leader weights over Kihyun's shoulders.They both know that he can't afford to make a mistake.

"My sisters are strong and they have been prepared for this since they had learned to walk, myself included.If it's the art of the war I can assure you that we're well versed in its knowledge."Hyungwon says before kissing Kihyun on the lips.He tastes like the blood he had just consumed but there is this subtle whiff that's peculiar to him,that Kihyun would distinguish anywhere.It reminds him of a meadow full of blooming flowers spreading in his vision.

Kihyun kisses him back,eager and ravenous as if he had thirsted for centuries for something so palatable,so tremendous in its scale.He had never heard of love between vampires but perhaps it was a notion that was buried to be concealed somewhere along the muddled threads of their history.As orders were made by the malevolent rulers that denied that there is any profit in sentimentally and core emotions,it was deemed that it was a weakness to concede to such revolting corruptions of the mind.

Kihyun wants to usurp over such sternness that has been imposed on him by force but doesn't want to bring the danger of his actions into Hyungwon's life.He has found something he wants to protect even with his life and he can only do so if he is seated on that throne of ruin and he keeps his hold on the reins of their bloodied kingdom.

If his very own existence is condemned to an everlasting night, Kihyun would only allow himself to fall into Hyungwon's embrace and turn to dust by his own devotion to being corrupted to the bone by what they deem as the most scandalous of feelings.

Pressed against the sheets of his own bed by wandering hands,by another body that he knows meticulously,with all of its contours and structures, Kihyun regards that he had weavered over a newfound need to attach this soul-searching phenomenon to some sacrilegious divinity.

He would gladly go down towards the path of hell if Hyungwon would be there to guide him into its flames,as paradoxical as it may seem.

Sometimes you need to become ashes to be born anew and Kihyun contemplates his fall from grace and the pathway it paves for him to saunter on towards a world of his own making.

Hyungwon, however,is just taking his time pulling him apart piece by piece,until he is hollow and then overflowing again, a deluge of fervour poured over the sheets and then back into his embrace.

It's a companionship,a dual falling into their own desires.It's an acceptance that their immortality is sacred, allowing them to exist for one another and walk the same path towards redemption.

-fin-