Chapter Text
"Why didn’t you buy gas when you were in town? Seriously…” Tighnari groaned over the phone which made Kaveh laugh apologetically. “It just slipped my mind… and I was kind of running out of funds.”
Kaveh braced himself for the annoyed reprimands from Tighnari. “Running out? You had more than enough! What shit did you buy this time, Kaveh?”
“Mmm, some gifts…” The blonde chewed on his bottom lip. “Gifts?!” Tighnari yells and Kaveh is quick to hush him. “And the blood of course, so much of it. It’s going to be a feast for them!”
Kaveh’s eyes travel to the trunk of the car he was driving that he’d been pushing to close earlier.
“What feast? We’re rationing that.” Tighnari sighs, defeated. After all, he can’t leave Kaveh stranded in a barren forest road all alone, especially when he’s carrying a copious amount of blood at the back of his car.
“Stay where you are,” Tighnari glances at the window, the sunset would be a beautiful view if there weren't for the dark and dense clouds, looming with the threat of snowfall. “We’re coming to get you.”
Kaveh huffs when the call ends. He puts his phone in his pocket and wraps his arms around himself, rubbing the length of his arms up and down. The temperature was noticeably dropping, to Kaveh’s dismay. He always liked spring more and dreaded the biting cold of winter. But oh, well– Kaveh would say, there wouldn’t be flowers without the snow.
Kaveh patiently waited for Tighnari and presumably Cyno– Tighnari always denied playing favorites, but Kaveh knew Cyno was his favorite.
As the blonde stood by the road, the night dawning upon him, he heard a rustle in the woods. Kaveh didn’t seem concerned from the outside, not even batting an eye. But it was because he wasn’t one to trust his sense of sight in the dark, it was his ears that were sharp. Kaveh chose to focus on his auditory sense, not having the eyes of a bat.
He listened and the rustle turned to footsteps, coming closer and closer. They were confused, unsteady and had the rhythm of a person ill with vertigo– or someone who was drunk. But these steps… were too fast for someone who was sick or drunk.
Kaveh’s eyebrows furrow in thought. He’s heard this sound from somewhere, something specific. But he frustratingly couldn’t put his finger on it. Then he feels it, eyes on him– burning his pale skin.
The blonde takes a shaky step back, then he glances at the trunk of his car filled with precious, crimson and most importantly, expensive blood!
Kaveh finally turns his head towards the sound. Ruby red eyes like his stare back at him. The last thing Kaveh heard was heavy panting before he felt a bleakness envelope him in its arms.
A sharp pain jolts through his veins and suddenly, his knees are weak. Toned arms prevented him from falling to the ground, one hand on the small of his back and one on his chin– pulling his head to the side.
But it wasn’t Kaveh’s neck that was bitten. This vampire didn’t immediately pounce on his neck– instead, the vampire seemed to struggle with itself. Inkling forward and back, forward and back.
Was he trying to resist?
The movements were still too quick for Kaveh to run, but Kaveh was able to put his hand before the man could bite him.
The vampire finally bites, fangs sinking deeply into the back of his hand, nipping at his arteries.
Kaveh wanted to push this vampire off of him, but he couldn’t find the strength. This man was drinking so desperately, it was obvious that he was starving– and Kaveh tasted so sweet. Like candy to a kid, like nectar to a butterfly.
“S–Stop…” Kaveh winced, breathing in sharply. “I’m–” the blonde struggled and finally managed to grab onto the man’s clothes with his free hand. “I’m poison!”
The vampire who seemed delirious could barely register what Kaveh had said. His arms that held Kaveh so tightly started to falter, he slowly pulled himself off the blonde’s poor hand and subsequently stepped backwards in a stupor. The vampire’s eyes were unfocused, the red of them slowly faded and soon revealed a soft turquoise accented by orange in the center.
In contrast to the vampire’s sluggish movements, both him and Kaveh were breathing at a rapid pace. The vampire continues to aimlessly step backwards until his back hits a tree, he uses it as leverage– trying to keep himself upright.
However, it was to no avail. The vampire slides down the bark of the tree, his limbs weakening. As his consciousness faded in and out, the vampire felt like he was being lulled to sleep by that sickeningly sweet smell that directed him here in the first place.
It took Kaveh a while for him to catch his breath. Well, that’s back to zero on his count of how many days he can get through without getting forcibly bitten by a vampire. The blonde was currently sitting down by his car, his back leaning against the rubber of a tire. He was applying pressure to his hand with his shirt, but it wasn’t enough to stop the profuse bleeding.
Kaveh was lightheaded, he heaved a sigh and glanced at the unconscious vampire. He didn’t have the eyes of a bat, but even under the dim moonlight he could see that the man had the features of a model on a billboard or the leading man in a primetime telenovela.
“Perfume doesn’t work, huh…” Kaveh laughed mirthlessly, “Even someone as handsome as you falls victim.” He untactfully stares at the vampire’s biceps and broad chest. “Looks so strong too— you actually gave me a start.”
It wasn’t too long when Kaveh heard the roar of a motorcycle that quickly came to a halt. Hurried footsteps came to his side. “You’re bleeding.” A cold voice says but despite its frigidity, it carries a sense of worry. “I know, Cyno.” Kaveh replies, a weak smile on his face.
“Are you dizzy? Can you breathe properly?” Tighnari kneels beside him, he takes off his cardigan and makes quick work using it as a bandage. “I’m fine, Nari. Just a little wound.”
‘Little? Are you blind?!’ Tighnari wanted to scream, but he suppressed the urge. As Tighnari continued to check on Kaveh’s well-being, both Cyno and Kaveh’s gazes landed on the unconscious vampire. Kaveh knew both Cyno and Tighnari had noticed the man since they got there. They knew what happened.
“Tighnari, he– he drank so much–” Tighnari knew exactly where Kaveh was going with that, so he cut him off. “So you lost a lot of blood?” Tighnari scowls and Kaveh sighs. “Tighnari…”
“Kaveh, what is going through your head?” Tighnari snaps. “You almost die and yet you put some vampire first? Are you stupid?” Kaveh looks at Tighnari with disbelief, Cyno grabs Tighnari’s shoulder. “Tighnari, that’s enough.”
“No, he needs to understand that his line of thinking doesn’t help anyone!” Tighnari shakes off Cyno’s hand. “Like you don’t risk your life for vampires… nursing Cyno during his outrages.” Kaveh counters, Tighnari scoffs. “He’s my friend– and if anything went wrong the others were there. Was there anyone here?”
Kaveh doesn’t answer the question, he only looks at the unconscious vampire in front of him. “He was hurt. I could feel it in the way he moved and walked– he was barely conscious.” He looks at Tighnari, “Have a little faith in me, Nari. I won’t die.” Kaveh woefully smiles. “We still have to take care of them after all."
Do vampires need the aid of humans? You could say they're weak, fragile, slow and tire easily, so why would vampires ever need the help of a lowly race?
When humans are scared, some might run away and hide— but some, some will not hesitate to fight despite themselves.
Humans are like that, they all think differently. You never know what goes through their heads unless you dissect it, get to know them, understand them individually. Then you'll see that they're emotional beings.
So, how did the mighty vampire race get forced into near-extinction by puny humans?
Well, why does the bear roar when you go near her cubs?
They have something to protect.
"He's awake." Tighnari informs Kaveh who immediately stands up from his seat, "How is he?"
"Vitals are all fine, he's doing well for a vampire who ingested a lot of your blood." Tighnari answers, he throws Kaveh a warning look. "He isn't the weak vampire you think he is."
"I'm coming with you, seniors!" Nilou suddenly bursts into the room. "I apologize for my rudeness." She bows deeply, then snaps back up. "I understand that you haven't told us yet for a reason. But, I can't let you deal with an unfamiliar vampire on your own!"
"Nilou, I think they can handle it on their own." Dehya is now in the scene, trying to pull Nilou away. "We all know about the new vampire. You know… heightened senses." Dehya looks at Tighnari and Kaveh, laughing apologetically. “Look, everyone was worried that some vampire got into the compound. Good thing Cyno told us it was nothing to worry about, so we laid back.”
“I wanted to talk to him a little before telling everyone else.” Kaveh confessed. “Sorry, I should’ve let you know.” Nilou shook her head. “Don’t apologize, senior. I shouldn’t meddle in your affairs…” She looks at Kaveh’s bandaged hand. “I'm just worried that you’ll get hurt. I’m a vampire… I know how we are.”
Kaveh frowns at Nilou’s words, hiding his bandaged hand with his other. “There’s nothing to worry about, Nilou. Kaveh isn’t going into the room.”
Kaveh furrows his eyebrows, he turns to Tighnari with disbelief on his face. “Hey, what do you mean? I’m going!” Tighnari crosses his arms, squinting at Kaveh. “I knew you’d say that,” Then he suddenly smiles at Nilou. “Cyno is there waiting, he’ll make sure nothing will happen.”
Nilou nods, sheepishly smiling back. “Where’s the new guy anyway?” Dehya asks. “Cyno’s room.” Tighnari answers and Dehya cackles. “Must’ve been hard to convince!” Tighnari shakes his head, smirking. “It took me a sentence.”
“Well who can say no to ya, doc?” Dehya chuckles, “Cyno certainly can’t.” Tighnari dismissively huffs. “I’m a nurse, not a doctor.” Dehya shrugs, “Same difference. You’re better than them anyway.”
“A nurse whose patients are vampires.” Kaveh grins and Tighnari rolls his eyes. “Come, before I change my mind.” Kaveh talks to Nilou and Dehya for a moment, then follows Tighnari to Cyno’s room, which was where the vampire was currently isolated.
When they reached it, Cyno was standing in front of the door like a guard dog. He did not look happy in the slightest, his face contorted into a glower. It was something Kaveh could understand, he knew Cyno used to be very particular about his territory– not letting anyone into his place. Well, at least in the past. Now he was much more lenient, even allowing another vampire into his abode.
“Anything happen?” Tighnari asks Cyno who answers with an immediate: “No.”
Tighnari nods, “No speaking?” Cyno shakes his head. “He’s been sitting the whole time, I don’t even know if he’s alive.” He gravely looks at the two. “What time is it?”
Tighnari looks at his watch, cocking a brow. “6 am.” Cyno nods. ”Good, we can test it.” Now both Kaveh and Tighnari are confused. “Test what?” Tighnari asks.
Cyno side-eyes the door to his room. “Let’s drag him into the sun and see if he’s alive.” Kaveh was staggered. “Cyno!” He rebuked which made Cyno snicker. “A joke.”
“Better be…” Kaveh murmurs. Tighnari scoffs, “Alright, let’s go now.”
The three of them enter the room and the atmosphere immediately tenses. The vampire doesn’t move, his only acknowledgement of their presence is the movement of his eyes.
Kaveh takes the lead. “What’s your name?” A smile dawns his lips. Cyno and Tighnari are quiet, observing from behind. Kaveh was always better in situations like this, a confronter.
Kaveh waited for an answer, but he got nothing. “Are you alright?” He asks again, insisting on an answer.
“I’m in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by unfamiliar faces.” The vampire finally answers. “And it seems I’ve ingested something toxic.” He lifts his head and looks Kaveh right in his eyes. “What do you think the answer to your question is?”
Kaveh is surprised at the snarkiness despite the situation, he crosses his arms. “Since you seem to know that you’re at our mercy, how about you answer my first question?”
The vampire and Kaveh have their gazes locked, playing a staring contest. Kaveh cocks his head and raises both his eyebrows, the vampire’s gaze is unchanging.
Silence ensued in the room, until finally the vampire relented. “Alhaitham.” He mutters. Kaveh grins, pleased at the outcome. “Alhaitham, I’m Kaveh. The man you bit and drank the blood of.”
Alhaitham looks at him, unamused. “Don’t blame me that you feel ill right now, you’re the one that forced yourself onto me.” Kaveh thoughtfully hums. “Well, I understand that you probably weren’t yourself at the time.”
Alhaitham doesn’t react, but he’s not used to the openness of this… Kaveh. Speaking as though getting bitten wasn't a traumatizing experience you’d bring to your grave, talking to a vampire as though he’d lived with them all his life.
“You’re in the Buer Compound.” Tighnari informs Alhaitham. “It’s no place for violence and we’d like to keep it that way.”
“If you try anything…” Cyno starts to threaten but Kaveh quickly interrupts. “It’s a safeplace, Alhaitham, for vampires. I know it’s not a particularly nice place out there for you– though I have no idea where you’ve been… but just know we won’t shun you for your instincts.”
Alhaitham stays quiet. It seemed like a honey trap, too good to be true. Though right now, the best course of action seemed to be abiding to these people here in this compound. Alhaitham didn’t even know where this place was and what goal these people had.
“And what are you going to do about my… instincts?”
Alhaitham was doubtful that they were being honest, but they didn’t seem to be lying either. Especially this Kaveh… He almost scoffs, a honey trap indeed.
Now that Alhaitham had more reign over his instincts, he could resist that saccharine smell, baiting him. How could blood smell so sweet? Why did this Kaveh smell so irresistible?
“We have what’s called blood-mocks, an animal blood concoction that mimics human blood– well, not in the medical sense. More in its viscosity, color and taste.” Kaveh seemed very proud as he talked, which made Tighnari rub the bridge of his nose. “It was created by Miss Buer and Tighnari here, they’re nothing short of a geniuses.” Kaveh glances at Cyno. “Cyno here can attest to its efficacy.”
The vampire glances at Cyno who stares daggers at him, a quiet warning. Alhaitham knew this man was a vampire like him, he knew that Cyno could smell it too.
But maybe he was so satiated to care. “Blood-mocks.” Alhaitham repeats. “Yes,” Kaveh nods. “I could get you a serving tonight.”
“How would I know I’m not drinking poison?” Alhaitham challenges. Tighnari looks at him with an unreadable expression. "Take our word for it." He simply replies. "Or starve, we have plenty of others to feed anyway."
Vampires and Humans both had at least one thing in common, they didn't want to starve nor thirst. Alhaitham wasn’t any different, he didn’t want his hunger to fester and infect his logical thinking– taking hold of his limbs, making him into the monster he didn’t want to be.
No matter how sweet Kaveh seemed to be, his blood left nothing but a bitter taste in his mouth. Alhaitham was a master at controlling his famine, living off pigs’ blood and whatnot. And though he yearned for the taste of human blood, he suppressed and turned away everytime alabaster throats tempted his being.
It was their fault, those bunch of pathetic hunters. Alhaitham couldn’t help but seeth at their hypocrisy. They hunt him to muzzle his mouth and prevent him from biting but Alhaitham wasn’t a biter to begin with. Only did he go on a craze after their doing, only then did he seek the warmth of human blood.
After the initial conversation, the three left Alhaitham on his own inside the room. Tighnari came back once in a while, checking up on him. He never came into the room without Cyno accompanying him and the visits were quicker than he could blink. Though even after Tighnari was gone, Cyno never left his post– positioned on the front of the room’s door.
“Cyno, here.” Alhaitham hears a familiar voice from the other side of the door, though it was whispers he could hear them clearly. “It’s thicker than the normal formula, just how you like it. Don’t tell Tighnari.”
A moment passes and the door is open and Cyno is sucking on a blood bag.
It’s Kaveh once again, this time he’s brought different company. A woman with red hair and pale skin. She had a beautiful smile, though a little unsettling– it was too wide, she’s nervous.
“Alhaitham, this is Nilou.” Kaveh introduces the woman, then he turns to grab something from the basket he was carrying that smelled strongly of iron. “It’s a pleasure to meet you! Senior has told me about you, all really good things.” She takes a quick glance at Kaveh before slowly returning her gaze to Alhaitham, whose eyes were squinted into judgmental slits.
Kaveh finally stands up again, in his arms are two different kinds of containers filled with presumably blood-mock. “I know you didn’t ask, but I’ll be asking you to listen for a moment.” He raises one of the containers, it was a plastic pouch with a spout. “This one, you drink like juice– the ones you suck.” Then he raises the other. “This one is pressurized, they’re more expensive to make so there’s only two for each of you. You can sink your fangs into it.”
Alhaitham listens as Kaveh explains, almost out of breath. He doesn’t stop, like he’s afraid Alhaitham would speak of rejection and his efforts are wasted once again.
“Nilou, would you mind demonstrating for us?” Kaveh hands the pressurized blood-mock bag to Nilou, who smiles as she accepts. “Gladly.” She sinks her teeth into the bag, a satisfying pop reverberates in the room when she gets access to the blood.
Then she sucks like the vampire she is, but it was graceful. Like the moves of an elegant dancer– or of a hummingbird gently nestling its beak into the nectar of padisarahs.
Nilou quickly empties the bag, she pulls back then breathes. “Sorry, did I get carried away?” Kaveh smiles, this girl just made drinking blood-mock look so delicious that even he wanted a taste. “Of course not.”
If this doesn’t convince Alhaitham, then Kaveh doesn’t know what will. All he knows is that he doesn’t want to see the vampire in a state of starvation. Alhaitham’s eyes were far better the color as a hue of blue-green than the red that it becomes when he’s hungry.
After the demonstration, Nilou excuses herself with the utmost respect and rushes out the door.
Alhaitham felt like he was watching theater. The entrance and the exit, all orchestrated in a little play just to convince him? He’d never admit it, but it amused him.
“Leaving this here.” Kaveh places the blood-mock bags nearer to Alhaitham. “Was that supposed to convince me?” The vampire cocks his head slightly to the side. “Yes.” Kaveh exhales. “I really hope to the heavens it did. Please tell me it convinced you.”
Alhaitham doesn’t give any confirmation. “I didn’t want to bite, Kaveh.” He says. “I don’t like biting humans.”
Kaveh gives him a vague smile. Did he know he’s actually persuaded Alhaitham? The vampire doubted it. “Then drink, Alhaitham.”
Kaveh leaves the room. Alhaitham could hear him have a brief conversation with Cyno from the other side of the room, then it’s quiet again.
The vampire stares at the tightly-woven basket that contained the blood-mock bags. A second passes and he reaches for a pressurized bag, he observes it in his hand.
Kaveh’s sweet scent still lingers in the quiet room. Then, a sudden pop reverberates through it.
Alhaitham sighs in satisfaction as he drinks. A thought runs through his head, hazy with the metallic taste on his tongue: ‘You’ve convinced me.’