Work Text:
Shi QingXuan was resting in his bed. He was wiped out after a long night at a party he hosted. He didn’t even clean off his smeared eyeliner before climbing into bed.
In his dream, he was in school. The college he went to was notorious for fashion design. While he was presenting his new clothing line, his neck ached. His blood ran cold, and his eyes were bloodshot. The room turned red, and only his best friend sat alone in the expansive empty room, Ming Yi.
Shi QingXuan cried out, “Ming Xiong! Ming Xiong!”
He started running towards him, but the room twisted and distorted. The harder and faster Shi QingXuan tried to run, the farther Ming Yi got from him, still sitting in that seat in the center. Staring at him without a care for his cries.
“Ming Xiong!”
He woke with a cold sweat, gasping. Shi QingXuan rubbed his aching neck, “Haha, just a dream.”
Climbing out of his large bed, he ran a hot bath and cleaned his face. Upon looking in the mirror, his neck had a slight bruise. He narrowed his eyes, peering closer at it.
He frowned, “What could have happened? Now I gotta cover that too.”
It was Monday, and his class was starting soon. Without wasting another second, he rushed out the door with his pale green bag and drove to school.
He found his parking space and sighed. He smiled in the mirror, “Another day just like any other.”
In his classroom, he spotted Ming Yi and rushed over to him, “Ming Xiong, good morning! Eating already?”
“En.” Ming Yi ate a sandwich before class started, even though Shi QingXuan could guess he already ate breakfast today.
Shi QingXuan sat down, “Ugh, my neck’s been hurting all day. I must have slept on it weirdly. How were you after the party? No stomach aches?” He teased.
Ming Yi gave him a side glance, “Tired and no.”
“I’ve done the homework already. If you haven’t finished yet, we can go to my place! I have snacks!” He partially leaned on him.
Ming Yi’s long black hair obscured his face, “…”
After a moment of silence, Shi QingXuan got an answer, “Fine.”
“Yay! I’ll even take you out to dinner!”
Ming Yi looked mildly irritated, but the mention of food piqued his interest. The teacher soon rolled in and began their English lesson. Shi QingXuan took notes very slowly, as each letter was beautifully written. Ming Yi didn’t take notes as his memory was sharp, thus not need to write down a thing.
Back at Shi QingXuan’s place, it was a large mansion, obviously rich and elegant people lived here. There were tall marble pillars in the front and a fountain spilling water from cranes. Shi QingXuan smiled, pulling on Ming Yi’s arm.
“I have another outfit for you to try on! It’s my latest one, and I made it with your body in mind!”
“…” Ming Yi frowned, “You wanted me to come here because of this, didn’t you?”
“Yeah, well, you love it! I know you do.” Shi QingXuan placed his bag on the side as a butler offered to bring food up to them.
Shi QingXuan nodded, “Yes, and do bring those snacks I got a while ago.”
“Yes, master.” The butler went off to the kitchen.
Ming Yi asked plainly, “Didn’t we come here to work on the project? Why am I here to try on clothes?”
“Because, Ming Xiong, that’s what besties do! Come on, come on!” Shi QingXuan rushed upstairs.
Unfortunately, Ming Yi knew the way around this house; otherwise, he would have used getting lost as an excuse for not going up there. He dragged his feet on the way up.
Shi QingXuan had pulled out several outfits and sprawled them over the bed, “Hmmm… I think this one would be good to try first.”
It was a primarily white suit with black accents. The tie had a lovely black flower pattern that Shi QingXuan spent three days making. He clapped his hands together, hoping Ming Yi would like it!
Ming Yi sluggishly walked into the room, putting his black leather bag by the door, “Okay, what is it this time?” His eyes didn’t show nearly half the excitement Shi QingXuan’s did.
“Ohhh! This is my newest one! Here!” He pushed it into Ming Yi’s arms, “I’ll wait here!” He took a seat on a swivel and stood, looking like a child in a candy store.
Ming Yi had no choice but to go and put it on.
When Ming Yi came out again, he wore a strapping suit of white with hidden patterns of fish bones. It fits him perfectly. Shi QingXuan clapped and grinned, “Yes! Oh, I knew it would be great!”
“Then why have me try it if you knew it was great?”
“Yay, you do like it! Thank you, Ming Xiong!” Shi QingXuan turned around to get another outfit.
Suddenly his head felt like it was spinning. He tripped on nothing, and if it hadn’t been for Ming Yi swiftly catching him, he would have had a severe head injury.
“Watch where you’re going.” Ming Yi sounded threatening.
“Oh, right… Sorry, I was too excited about the next outfit.” Shi QingXuan rubbed his head, looking at the rack of clothes on the side.
The butler knocked on the door, “Master, I’ve brought the refreshments. Shall I bring them in now?”
“Yes! Please do!” Shi QingXuan opened the door.
There was a table away from the clothes to avoid staining them. Shi QingXuan knew Ming Yi would be eating and thus brought a table to sit at while he worked. He liked having Ming Yi around. Something simply pulled him towards him.
The butler placed a bunch of sweets and chips on the table, along with some freshly brewed tea, “Please enjoy.” He bowed before leaving the slightly cluttered room.
Shi QingXuan opened a bag and offered it to Ming Yi, “Take off that suit in case you ruin it.”
Ming Yi didn’t bother to go into the bathroom to change. He took off his jacket and then the shirt, loosening his tie.
Shi QingXuan had always known how pale Ming Yi was, but seeing his muscular chest and long arms against his ink-black hair made it noticeable.
He turned his head away when Ming Yi took off his pants. He had neatly folded it and placed it on the bed. He put his clothes back on before joining Shi QingXuan at the table full of snacks.
He opened a bag of chips as he scrolled through his phone.
Shi QingXuan looked up at him, “Ming Xiong?”
“What?”
“If I were to ask you to be my model for the competition this year, would you do it?”
“…” Ming Yi was silent.
“W-well?”
Ming Yi’s face was still blank, “As long as you promise me a good meal after, then I’ll do it.”
“You’re the best, Ming Xiong! Thank you!” Shi QingXuan smiled warmly at him.
Ming Yi paused as he put a chip in his mouth, staring at him. He lowered his lashes as he ate the rest of the chip packet and opened some cookies.
Ignoring the other outfits, they began on that project for English.
Later that night, that stinging pain in Shi QingXuan’s neck occurred again. His head felt light, and even though he had eaten already, he still felt hungry, but nothing satisfied that hunger.
In the morning, he felt sluggish and weak. Standing in the bathroom, staring at his reflection, his face was pale, and his eyes were bloodshot. He was more concerned about his looks, so this was a catastrophe!
“What happened?! How did my face end up like this??? I didn’t eat anything weird, did I?” He touched his face.
After spending an hour doing makeup and making himself presentable, he drove off to school. In his classroom, Ming Yi was not present. Of course, he was curious as to why he was absent. Unless it was something, they ate! Had one of the snacks gone bad? But he had bought them recently, so they couldn’t have expired; that was much too quick.
In the end, Ming Yi showed up; he was just running late. Meaning that it wasn’t something Shi QingXuan ate that made him look like that in the morning. It was confusing! Why this sudden change?
Maybe he should ask his brother for an answer. He’s usually at work, but Shi WuDu will take time off for him if he asks.
Ming Yi had noticed something was off; while the teacher was still lecturing about the lesson, he whispered, “What’s up?”
“H-huh?” Shi QingXuan appeared surprised and flinched slightly at his voice, “Oh, nothing. I’m fine. Guess I didn’t eat enough breakfast this morning, haha!”
Ming Yi side-eyed him, “En. Then when class is over, the cafeteria should be open by then.”
Shi QingXuan usually would never decline an invite from Ming Yi; however, today is different, “I’m sorry. I think I’ll need to go home after class. I’m not feeling too well. Just in case it’s an illness, I wouldn’t want you to get sick too.” He lightly chuckled.
Ming Yi shrugged, “Sure.”
During the class, Shi QingXuan’s energy was low, hardly wrote any notes for today’s lesson. His eyes had focused on the person seated in front of him. The beat of their heart could almost be heard. Their breath was slow, and their skin was smooth.
Shi QingXuan snapped out of it, standing abruptly. Ming Yi only glanced from the side of his eyes. Shi QingXuan gathered his things and left the class.
“Shi QingXuan? Where are you going?” The teacher called out.
He bolted down the hall and ducked into the bathroom. He covered his mouth, breathing heavily.
“W-what was I thinking?!”
Someone came out of the bathroom stall, “Me too, bro.” He said before leaving.
Shi QingXuan felt his cheeks flush. He leaned against the wall. In the mirror, he still looked pale, no matter how much he tried to fix his color with makeup. In the end, he plopped his bag in the front seat of his car and drove home. If he was going to feel like this, then I was not worth staying at school. Ming Xiong was still there, so he could help with homework later.
At home, he ran into his brother in the main hallway.
“Ah! Brother, you’re home!” He smiled.
Shi WuDu held a fan in his hand, “QingXuan, why are you not at school?”
“I-I wasn’t feeling the best. I think it was something I ate…” He lowered his lashes, adjusting the bag on his shoulder.
“I’m going hunting. There are reports of vampire attacks nearby. Don’t go out late.” When his words fell, Shi WuDu was gone.
“Vampires again.” Shi QingXuan rolled his eyes, “That’s all you ever do.”
He climbed the stairs, putting down his bag. Sitting down at this sewing table, he continued one of his sewing projects. He needed to keep his mind off everything, but that aching hunger was never far off.
The word vampire echoed in his mind.
His hands started to shake, and he took his foot off the peddle of the sewing machine. What had really happened at that party a few days ago? Thinking about it was crazy fun, but something strange happened when he left.
W-wasn’t he with Ming Xiong? Or was it someone that looked like him? His hair was untied, but the side of his face looked so much like Ming Yi.
Shi QingXuan rushed to pick up his phone and scrolled through the photos from that night. He had pictures of him and Ming Xiong. Some had Xie Lian and his boyfriend in them too.
There must be a photo of that guy.
But his phone had no such picture. Shi QingXuan sucked in a breath, rubbing his thin brown brows.
He knew that he was with Ming Yi. He looked through his contacts again and called him.
“Hello?”
“Ming Xiong, do you remember what happened the night after the party?” Shi QingXuan’s voice was laced with panic, though he tried to conceal it.
It didn’t go unnoticed. Ming Yi muttered, “What about it?”
“Was I with you the whole time? I mean, after the party, there’s a bit I can’t remember.”
“Why do you wanna know? Did you lose something?” Ming Yi’s voice was calm and cool as ever.
That wasn’t a bad idea to help get information, “Um, yeah. My eyeliner, it was my favorite.” He lied.
“I watched you leave, but I wasn’t with you past two AM. You can always buy another.” Ming Yi hung up.
“…” Shi QingXuan dropped the phone on his bed. There really was a chance that it was the vampire. Which means…
He bolted into the bathroom and scrubbed off the concealer he had applied earlier to hide the bruises on his neck. Upon closer inspection, two small bite marks were dug into his neck. He froze at the sight.
“No way. No fricking way!!! WHAT?!” He got closer to the mirror, “Why me?!”
He was turning into a vampire.
Shi QingXuan darted to his phone again, wanting to ask Shi WuDu for help, but his hand stopped. His heart sank. He was what his brother hunted. He couldn’t possibly ask him for help!
He wanted to slam his head against the door, make him forget all this had happened.
Over the next few days, his body changed. His skin was now permanently milk-white, almost transparent. His hunger never went away even after eating everyday foods. At least he could still enjoy it. In the movies, vampires can’t eat regular food or see themselves in mirrors. But he’s still able to.
His school contacted him, asking where he was. He didn’t have a doctor’s note or a reason for being absent. All he told them was he had family issues pop up.
His butler was the only one to bring food for him. Even then, Shi QingXuan was scared he would do something. Ming Yi had sent him one message.
“Homework for English class. I sent it to you through email.”
Shi QingXuan sighed. And that was texted two days ago, even though he’s been absent for almost a week. It was a little depressing to see Ming Yi not care even if he doesn’t text for a while.
Not to waste time, he had sewn up a few new things that Ming Yi could try on! But then again, if he does visit, what if he bites him?! Shi QingXuan shook his head violently.
“No, no! I must not bite my best friend!”
“QingXuan?” A firm knock at the door let him know it was Shi WuDu.
“B-brother!” He scurried to the door, “Yes?”
“Are you ill? Look at your face. Pale!” His voice was cold.
“I-I am… It was something Ming Xiong and I ate when we went out! Um, he has an iron stomach and handled it well, but I clearly can’t…”
Shi WuDu’s blue eyes were judging him, “Get better soon, or your grades will start dropping. I still haven’t found that vampire.”
“Ah…”
With a deep breath, Shi WuDu left.
“…” Shi QingXuan slowly closed his door, sighing as he leaned on it.
The beginning of the following week was much harder to deal with. Shi QingXuan could no longer control his hunger. He needed blood. His mouth was salivating and wouldn’t stop. His heart was beating fast, and his breath was hot and heavy.
At an unfortunate time, someone knocked on his door. It couldn’t be his butler; it wasn’t mealtime.
“QingXuan?”
It was Ming Yi’s voice?!
He cleared his throat before answering, “Y-yes?” Shit, his voice cracked.
“I texted you. You didn’t get it?”
“Ah, no, I didn’t. Do you need something?” Shi QingXuan wiped at his mouth.
“There’s a group project, and I don’t have friends other than you.”
“Oh, more homework…”
“Can I come in?” Ming Yi toggled the door handle.
“Ahhh!!! One moment! I need to clean up a bit!” Shi QingXuan locked the door and rushed to pick up his clothes and trash and clean up his desk.
After fifteen minutes, he slowly opened the door, “I’m still ill, though. So, just warning you.”
Ming Yi’s dark eyes darted around the room, “Looks like you didn’t clean much.”
“H-hey! I so did!”
“Heh.” Ming Yi sat at the table, pulling out a few snacks he didn’t intend to share with Shi QingXuan.
Shi QingXuan clenched his jaw. Seeing Ming Yi made his hunger ache. He walked towards him, about to reach out and bite.
“Here’s your part.”
His words snapped him out of it, “Ah! Yes, of course.” Shi QingXuan picked up a pencil and sat down with him. The quiet of scratching lead on paper echoed in his ears; it was so loud but better than thinking about sucking your best friend’s blood!
Ming Yi was diligently working while stuffing his face full of snacks. Usually, this is where Shi QingXuan would tell him he’d get fat from eating all that and try to make him stop while they worked. But his mind was elsewhere, unable to think of such trivial matters.
The clock ticked. Pencils scrapped across the paper. Ming Yi crunching on chips.
Shi QingXuan suddenly stood up, knocking the chair over.
“What?” Ming Yi hardly lifted his gaze off the paper.
“I need you…” Shi QingXuan’s voice was quiet but aching.
Ming Yi paused just before putting another chip in his mouth, “What?”
His eyes met that of a fanged Shi QingXuan with yellowed eyes. Drool was seeping out of his mouth. He pounced on Ming Yi, painful sharp fangs bit into his neck.
Ming Yi didn’t move.
The warm blood entering his mouth made Shi QingXuan feel like vomiting, but it was also pleasurable. He swallowed and swallowed, but that hunger didn’t fade…
He released and found that he had straddled him, “You?”
Ming Yi had a thin smile tug at his black lips, “Drinking vampires’ blood won’t sate your cravings.”
“…”
Ming Yi sat up, bringing Shi QingXuan closer to his face, “I’ve tried it.”
Shi QingXuan’s face heated up. Ming Yi pushed Shi QingXuan off as the two sat on the wooden floor, staring at each other.
“B-but how? Y-you’re a… vampire?” Shi QingXuan was both shocked and relieved at the same time.
“Yeah. And?”
He looked as composed as ever! Shi QingXuan was envious of that.
“Then what do I do? H-how did I become a vampire?” Shi QingXuan’s voice was laced with panic.
“Ah, you eat someone… Is that not obvious?” Ming Yi tilted his head, letting his long ponytail drape on the floor.
“…” Shi QingXuan lowered his lashes, “I need to kill someone?”
“What? No. Only if you want to.”
“I don’t?!”
“Of course not. Otherwise, there would be panic going around all the time.” Ming Yi rolled his eyes.
“…” He was speechless and thought more, “Then, do you know who turned me?”
“…” Ming Yi gazed at him for a long while, then answered, “Nope.” He stood and sat at the table again, writing on the assignment.
“Hmmm…” Shi QingXuan joined him.
“That was a good bite, though.”
“What?” Shi QingXuan gave him a strange look.
“Your bite. It’s good. Just don’t be so messy next time. You’ll get caught.” Ming Yi’s voice was calm and almost gentle. It was odd.
“Oh, um… thanks, I guess.” He picked up the pencil and continued to work. His mind was no longer so focused on his hunger.
Ming Yi packed his things when they finished but headed to the bathroom. Shi QingXuan began to wipe up the blood stains on the floor. He hadn’t realized he had done that. He only noticed when Ming Yi stood up.
Ming Yi came out of the bathroom; blood stains no longer tainted his white skin and clothes. He took his bag and paused at the door, “I’ll… get you some blood.”
Shi QingXuan, at first, was disgusted, “Ew… Oh! Right. I’m a vampire now… Yes, please. Thank you, Ming Xiong.”
The next day arrived, and he still didn’t go to school. With this still not figured out, how could he safely go to school where a bunch of humans is?! He waited for Ming Xiong to visit with blood and hopefully some advice.
It was nearing the time Shi WuDu left for his work, so thinking he was safe, he left his room for a while. In the living room, he turned on the TV.
But his thoughts were wrong, “QingXuan? You’re out of your room.”
“AH! Brother!” He covered his face to prevent him from seeing his paled face.
“If you are feeling better, go to school.”
“Sure… But I’m still not feeling the best. Plus, I can do all the work here.”
Shi WuDu pulled his arm away from his face from behind the couch, “QingXuan!”
“…” They both paused.
Shi WuDu’s face was frightened for a moment, “Have some food soon. You look like you haven’t eaten in days.”
He left without another word.
Shi QingXuan let out the breath he was holding in. He was surprised that he didn’t kill him upon seeing his face. He was unable to hide his fangs since Ming Xiong visited. If he wasn’t careful enough, Shi WuDu would notice.
That afternoon, Ming Yi showed up, knocking at his door.
Shi QingXuan slowly opened the door, thinking it was Shi WuDu, but his face lit up upon seeing Ming Yi’s face, “Ming Xiong! You’re here!”
Ming Yi went to the table and placed his black leather bag on it, taking out a snack packet and a pack of blood. Shi QingXuan paused; his eyes began to glow again, and his senses heightened. That hunger in his body ached and craved.
“Is that pig’s blood?” Shi QingXuan hoped.
“No, you’re a vampire. Why would any animal blood work other than humans?” Ming Yi crossed his arms.
“…”
Ming Yi picked up a glass usually filled with water and poured some of the blood, “Here.”
“D-did you kill someone?” If Shi QingXuan’s face could get paler, it would.
“No.” Ming Yi rolled his eyes.
“Oh, okay. Good.” Shi QingXuan inched closer to the cup of blood. He felt both disgusted and enticed.
Ming Yi popped open a chip packet, “Drink.” As he munched on the chips.
Shi QingXuan lifted the glass to his lips. The scent was strong and horrifying, but it was pleasant and relaxing for some reason. The first drop on his tongue was blissful! The flavor was indescribable! He tilted the glass more, letting the scarlet liquid flow down his throat. It was filling that needing hunger! His complexion wasn’t as pale upon drinking the blood.
“Good?”
“Hmmm! Yes! Thank you!” Shi QingXuan set down the glass but soon realized that human blood made him feel like that, “Wait! This…”
A sudden sickliness sunk into him, “I drank blood…”
“And you will for the rest of your life. Welcome to my life.” Ming Yi said calmly as he scrolled through his phone.
“How can you be so collected?! This isn’t right!” Shi QingXuan slammed his hands on the table, knocking the bag of chips on the floor.
“Damn.” He picked up what was still in the bag and ate that, “Well, I can’t change who I am. And now, neither can you. Why mull it over when it is irreversible?”
“…” Shi QingXuan had a dark expression crossed his face, “But…”
“Honestly, QingXuan. Accept it.”
He sighed and slouched in his chair across from Ming Yi.
An hour later, Ming Yi was already on his fourth bag of snacks, still scrolling on his phone. Shi QingXuan was resting his head on his arms, giving off depressing vibes while groaning from time to time.
“What do I do about my brother?”
“You’re brother? Hmm. Just don’t eat him, I guess.” Ming Yi flatly answered.
“Don’t eat him?! Is that it?!”
“Yeah.”
Shi QingXuan scoffed. He walked over to his sewing table, “Will I still be able to go to school and, like, not bite someone?”
“Yeah, it’s easy. I’ve been doing it for years.”
“That’s right, you’re a vampire! W-why did you never tell me this?” Shi QingXuan jerked his head to his gothic friend.
“Why would I tell you about that?” He didn’t even take his eyes off his phone.
“Because I’m your best friend. I would have told you…” Now that he thought about it, would he tell him if Ming Yi wasn’t a vampire?
“Well, goodie for me.”
Shi QingXuan sighed, “Okay, fineee. But what do I do about my brother? He’ll kill me!”
“Oh no.”
“Take this seriously, Ming Xiong!”
“Okay. Just be careful around Shi Wudu. Only drink the blood I give you, and don’t bite anyone.”
“What about sunlight?” Shi QingXuan rubbed his arms up and down, staring at the window.
“It won’t hurt as long as you aren’t staving for blood. Warning, you were pushing your luck with that, by the way.”
“WHAT?! I could have died?!” Shi QingXuan gripped his head.
“Possibly. More like it’ll leave permanent burn scars where the sun hits.”
“Ughhh!!!” Shi QingXuan roughly sat down and slumped his head back into his arms.
By the start of the new week, Shi QingXuan picked up his white and green bag and headed out for class. He had been avoiding his brother, not wanting to get found out. His fangs have gotten smaller since drinking the blood Ming Yi gave him, but they haven’t vanished. Did he need more blood? If that is the case, then he didn’t want to be alone with Shi WuDu.
He eyed the other students as he walked. He could feel all of their heartbeats. It was loud, louder than their voices. He clutched his bag strap as he entered the classroom. The teacher greeted him but scolded him for his absences. Shi QingXuan didn’t have a good excuse, so he quietly took the lecturing.
He sat next to Ming Yi, who was on his phone.
“Ming Xiong?”
“What?”
Shi QingXuan whispered, “My fangs aren’t gone yet…”
“Yeah, they don’t ever go away completely. See?” Ming Yi opened his mouth to show small fangs.
“What?” Shi QingXuan thought that if his brother saw, he’ll notice that he’s never had fangs before!
“Now, class, open your textbooks to page 234.” The teacher began the lesson.
Leaving Shi QingXuan in a distressed state. There is one more thing suddenly different with him. Shi WuDu is no fool; he’ll notice.
Ming Yi looked at him from the corner of his eye, “Calm down. If you need a drink, I can get you one.” He implied blood.
“What? No, I’m fine.” Shi QingXuan stared at his textbook, still not taking notes.
Ming Yi’s eyes fell to his shaking hand, “…”
Shi QingXuan’s eyes were staring at the page, not listening to the teacher or paying any mind to Ming Yi. Thinking about his whole life now as a vampire. It was suddenly hitting him. He forced himself to stay the entire day of school. Several times the teacher noticed and asked him to go to the nurses, but he refused and stayed in class.
Once he got home, his brother found him, “QingXuan?!”
He flinched, “Y-yes?”
“There’s news of that pure breed lurking around our city now. I need you to be careful and tell me if you see anything or know anything.”
Pei Ming burst into his room, “Hey Shi QingXuan! Good to see your still alive. Apparently, that vampire is out for blood! Literally! Hahaha!”
Shi WuDu elbowed Pei Ming, “Shut it!”
“Okay!”
Shi WuDu continued, “That vampire is out for our blood. Of the Shi clan. I fear it may affect you, so I thought I should tell you to watch out. There have been signs and death threats towards me. I’m not so sure you’ll be safe. I need you to hold onto this.”
Shi QingXuan received a fan with wind characters on it, “Why would you give me one of your magic fans?”
“Use it to fight or flee if a vampire tries to attack you.”
“…” Well, it’s too late… He thought.
Pei Ming’s phone went off, “Oh, I have to leave now. I got a date!”
Shi WuDu rolled his eyes and followed him out of Shi QingXuan’s room.
“Oh, and Ling Wen told me that the vampire has dark hair and orange eyes.”
“…” It was the same as in that fragment of his memory. The long dark hair that flowed freely and just an orange glow peeking through that blackness haunted his memory.
Shi QingXuan couldn’t even get out a response. Once his brother was gone, he called up Ming Yi.
“Huh?”
“My brother told me that a vampire is out for my family! It’s the same as from that night at that party!”
“…”
Shi QingXuan paused, “Ming Xiong, do you know of this vampire? Do you really think he’ll kill me?”
The silence on the other side was a bit too long.
“Say something! You’re scaring me…” Shi QingXuan held the phone closer as if that’ll ease his mind.
“I’m not sure. I don’t know of another vampire.”
“Then, can I come over to your place tomorrow? I’d feel safer with you.” Shi QingXuan lowered his long lashes.
“I suppose.”
“Thank you, Ming Xiong.” His voice was sincere.
Ming Yi hung up.
Shi QingXuan sighed deeply. He opened the fan and stared at the wind character. There are only two of these; it helped capture and kill vampires. His brother had the one with the water characters on it. Though with what he is now, he can’t kill another vampire, and he sure cannot kill a hunter!
He folded it shut and tossed it on his bed. In his bathroom, he applied a charcoal face mask; face masks always helped him calm down. He left it on for a few minutes before washing it off, then put on moisturizer. Lastly, he jumped into bed and tried to ease his mind, knowing that Ming Xiong was there to help him along the way.
After school, Ming Yi waited by the library, where he parked his car. Today Shi QingXuan made sure to take the bus, knowing that Ming Xiong was going to drive them to his place.
“Ming Xiong! Sorry to make you wait. I know your classes already ended today, haha…”
“Let’s go.” Ming Yi said blandly.
“Sleepover! Let’s go!!!” He cheerfully called out.
Arriving at the apartment complex, Ming Yi’s place was on the fourth floor. Inside it was pretty big for a single room. But perfect for sleepovers.
Shi QingXuan dropped his bag, turned on the TV, and slouched on the couch, watching a show. Ming Yi began cooking in the kitchen.
“Why the sudden need to stay here?” He said as he placed dinner on the coffee table by the couch.
“Like I said, I just feel safer with you. Is that weird?” Shi QingXuan picked up the fork and dug in.
“…” Ming Yi’s face softened, “No. Not weird.”
“Then that’s that!” Shi QingXuan patted the sofa for Ming Yi to sit next to him.
Ming Yi wasn’t paying attention to the show and was focused on eating. Shi QingXuan hardly ate anything watching the drama too closely. When the couple kissed, he clapped, and the credits rolled. He took a bite, soon realizing it was cold now.
“Oh…”
“You took too long. I’m going to bed. You make your own.” Ming Yi was washing his dishes.
“What? Is that how you treat a guest?”
“Yes.”
“…” Shi QingXuan sighed, “Fine! I’ll just sleep with you then.”
“What?”
“I’m too tired to make a bed, and you have a king-size bed. I can fit.”
“…”
Shi QingXuan opened his bag, took his pajamas into the bathroom, and hopped in the shower. When looking in the mirror, his little fangs poked out. He touched them, feeling the sharp edge meant to cut flesh. He got chills suddenly.
It hasn’t been long since he had that “drink,” but the thought of drinking more would be worse. He threw on his PJs and dried his long hair. In Ming Xiong’s bedroom, Ming Yi was already tucked into the black silk sheets.
“M-Ming Xiong…” He felt light-headed. Those fangs sharpened without his notice.
“Go to bed.”
Suddenly with yellow eyes, Shi QingXuan threw off the bed covers and stared down at Ming Yi. Ming Yi held up his palm, covering Shi QingXuan’s mouth, “Really?”
Shi QingXuan had tears welling up in his eyes, mumbling, “I’m sorry! I didn’t know this would happen!”
Ming Yi flipped them over, now atop Shi QingXuan, “Wait here. I’ll get you some blood.”
Shi QingXuan’s face flushed for a moment.
Ming Yi left the room. Shi QingXuan rubbed his face, “Ahhhhh!” He pulled the covers over himself and rolled around.
When Ming Yi returned with a glass of blood, he stared at the rolled-up ball of Shi QingXuan, “What are you doing?”
“I should go home, huh?”
“Why?” Ming Yi walked to his bedside.
“I almost hurt you again!”
“Well, you did hurt me the last time though…”
Shi QingXuan threw off the blanket, “See! I don’t want that to happen again!”
Ming Yi held out the glass, “Then let me know sooner when you need blood. Usually, it’s once a week or more.”
“I shouldn’t…”
“Shouldn’t what?”
Shi QingXuan covered his own mouth, “Shouldn’t drink that! It’s human blood. I should just tell my brother…”
Ming Yi filled his mouth with blood and let the glass fall. He pounced on Shi QingXuan, grabbing his face. Shi QingXuan’s eyes went wide, and the warm blood flooded his mouth and trickled down his throat. A droplet of red spilled from his lips.
When he swallowed all of it, only then did Ming Yi separate, “Drink it and don’t tell your brother.”
Their faces were no more than an inch apart. Shi QingXuan could feel his breath and smell the iron of blood. It was both arousing and disgusting! He stared into almost black eyes. He reached to Ming Yi’s face, brushing a strand of hair behind his ear.
That soft touch did something to Ming Yi as he returned for another kiss. This time it was rougher and needing. Shi QingXuan moaned lightly, not rejecting it. Since when did he want this?
Ming Yi pulled back, “Get some sleep.” He fixed his bed and lay on one side.
“…” Shi QingXuan didn’t really register what happened, but when he did, his face flushed a bright crimson! When blushing, it looked like his color returned to his skin.
He quietly rolled to the other side, his back facing Ming Yi. He was wide awake the whole night.
When morning came, they silently ate breakfast and got to school in Ming Yi’s car. Neither spoke to one other during class. Shi QingXuan tried not to look at Ming Yi whatsoever. Thankfully, they only have three lessons, and only two were today. So, he needed to survive this awkwardness till the end of the day.
The sweetness still lingered on his lips, or maybe that was the blood. Either way, why did Ming Xiong go back in for another kiss?!
He was still sitting at his desk while everyone else was leaving. Ming Yi had paused at the door and glanced back. A thin smirk crossed his lips before leaving.
Shi QingXuan heard the bell ring and flinched. He stood suddenly, picking his bag up to head to his next class.
Later in the day was his last class with Ming Yi. He entered the room and sat across from Ming Xiong. His eyes fluttered from his papers and the board, trying not to look at Ming Xiong, who he could tell was staring at him.
He glanced at him, “What is it, Ming Xiong?” He wrote down some notes.
“I was just thinking; does your brother hate me?”
“Huh? Um, I don’t think so? Why?”
“Good.” Ming Yi then ignored Shi QingXuan for the rest of the class.
“…” Shi QingXuan didn’t understand what he wanted.
At home, Shi QingXuan collapsed on his bed.
A sudden cry rang throughout the halls, “QingXuan?! QingXuan?!!”
He bolted up and burst open his bedroom door, calling out, “What?! What happened?”
Shi QingXuan ran down the stairs, only to find his brother wounded. He was covered in blood. Pei Ming and Ling Wen were helping him.
“W-what happened?!”
“That vampire!” Shi WuDu bit back the pain.
“T-the one that’s out to get us?”
“I thought he was here and already got you. He said that he already has you in his grasp.” Shi WuDu winced as Ling Wen cleaned his wounds.
“Eh? But I’ve never seen that vampire before. I-I…” He thought about that night at the party. He was so close to that vampire that it was strange. If he’s an enemy, why would he let him live?
“Shut up!” Shi WuDu gritted his teeth, “I can’t let you go to school for a while. You will be accompanied by myself or one of these two.”
“Brother! I have a test coming up that I can’t miss.” Shi QingXuan also thought about going to Ming Yi’s place for blood.
“No, that doesn’t matter!”
Pei Ming laughed, “Hahaha, Shi QingXuan don’t worry. We’re strong hunters. I’m going to take this guy to his room.” He let Shi WuDu throw his arm around him and helped him upstairs.
Ling Wen eyed him, “Shi QingXuan, have you been eating enough these days?”
“Huh? Oh, yes, I have. W-why?”
“You are paler than the last time I saw you.” Ling Wen neared him.
“Haha… It’s just the shock of my brother being hurt. I haven’t seen that much blood in a while…” Blood. The scent had clouded his nose since he saw Shi Wudu in the front hall. His throat was dry, and his fangs began to sharpen.
“I-I have to think of an excuse to tell the teacher that I won’t be able to make it for that exam… Haha…” Shi QingXuan slowly made his way upstairs. Once he was away from Ling Wen’s eyes, he dipped his finger in a puddle of blood left behind by Shi WuDu. He opened his mouth and was about to lick it but stopped when a closing door startled him.
He ran into his room and turned the tap on, washing his hands and then his face. He just had some blood, didn’t he? Why did he need more already?!
He could smell it from here. His brother’s blood filled his nostrils and made his mouth salivate, craving that iron like sweetness. His heartbeat quickened, and he swore he could hear his brother’s heart pound in a rhythm.
Shi QingXuan shook his head and took off his clothes. He turned on the shower and climbed in, washing his long hair and combing through it. The water helped dull his senses. The scent wasn’t as strong. The rushing of water blocked out the sound of heartbeats in this house. He was able to calm himself. His fangs began to shrink once more.
Before going to bed, he stared at his texts from Ming Yi. He wanted to tell him about his reaction to seeing and smelling blood, but something stopped him. If Ming Yi was to bring blood over and somehow Shi WuDu found it, they’d both be fucked.
Shi QingXuan shook his head and charged his phone on the white side table. He tugged on the light switch to turn it off.
Days had gone by, and his brother was recovering, but Shi QingXuan’s need for blood only escalated. Being around the scent for so long and having it linger in the air made his stomach ache. He used extra makeup to cover his paleness. He forced his lips to stay closed when smiling to avoid the others from seeing his fangs.
Pei Ming and Ling Wen haven’t left; Shi WuDu contacted several other hunters. He had just gotten promoted, so he had the authority to request backup for the hunts. Shi QingXuan still refused to text Ming Yi. The fear for their lives was higher than ever. At least if Shi QingXuan gets caught, Shi WuDu won’t kill him, probably. But if Ming Yi is seen, he’s as good as dead.
Another few days passed, and he couldn’t hide that he was beginning to feel unwell. Ling Wen had asked if he was alright, but all he said was, “I haven’t been sleeping well these days. That vampire and what he did to my brother… I’m on edge.” He rubbed his arms.
Ling Wen smiled, “How about we go for a walk?”
Shi QingXuan nodded, “Sure.”
However, he had forgotten about the consequences of being a starving vampire. The weakness from the lack of blood wouldn’t help him withstand the sun’s intense rays. So, upon stepping outside, the exposed parts of his skin began to burn and sizzle!
He loudly shouted, “Ahhh!” And back into the house, where it was shaded.
Ling Wen paused and stared at his burned skin, “Shi QingXuan?”
His brother bolted over, “What happened?!”
“Nothing!” Shi QingXuan cried. It hurt so much; he was holding back tears!
Shi WuDu stared at him, “QingXuan…”
“No! No! Brother, this is a miss understanding! I-I-I…” Shi QingXuan didn’t have a way to explain anything.
Shi WuDu grabbed Shi QingXuan, forcing his mouth open. Seeing sharp fangs, his face darkened, “QingXuan, when and who turned you?”
“I’m not sure! Maybe back at that party I threw…”
“You tell Ming Yi everything. Did you tell him about this too?!” His grip on Shi QingXuan grew stronger.
“Ahhhh! I don’t know! I couldn’t tell you! You’d kill me!” Shi QingXuan cowered.
“…” Shi WuDu stared at him with an unreadable expression, “You really think I would kill my own brother?”
“I-I-I don’t know!!! Maybe! You’re a hunter! And I’m…” He lowered his long lashes, “I’m a vampire now…”
“Who did this to you?” Shi WuDu’s voice was stern.
“Like I said, I don’t know. That vampire had the description you told me about, the one hunting our family…”
“He Xuan.”
“H-He Xuan?” Shi QingXuan tilted his head, “Who?”
“He’s turned into a pure-bred vampire. He’s one of the few that can turn people. He must have shown up to your party.” Shi WuDu frowned, “Where was Ming Yi?!”
“W-what? He was at the party.”
“Why was he not with you?! He Xuan wouldn’t have attacked if Ming Yi was with you!” He grabbed Shi QingXuan again.
“I can ask! But I was drunk! I don’t remember everything!!!”
“You rarely get drunk to that point. Did someone urge you?!”
Shi QingXuan shut his eyes tight, “Yes, it was a game! Ming Yi wanted to play… No, Brother! Don’t!”
Shi WuDu bolted out of the house. Shi QingXuan almost chased after him, but Ling Wen thankfully stopped him, “Shi QingXuan! You’ll get burned, remember?”
“Ling Wen! You have to stop him! Ming Yi doesn’t know anything about this! He’s not involved!” Shi QingXuan cried, tears beginning to fall.
She sighed, “I can’t. I have to watch you. Pei Ming had a situation with Pei junior. He’s not here right now.”
“…” Shi QingXuan bolted back to his room. He grabbed his phone and called up Ming Yi.
No answer!
He called again; no answer.
“Fuck!” He called again.
“Hello?”
“Ahhh! Ming Xiong! My brother is coming for you right now! He thinks you made me get drunk and left me! You need to not be home!” Shi QingXuan’s voice was shaking.
“Do you need blood?”
“W-what?! That’s not!”
“Do. You. Need. Blood?” Ming Yi asked.
“Ah, kinda, but…”
“Then I’m coming over.” He hung up.
Shi QingXuan was speechless. He suddenly dialed again and again but no answer. Ming Yi had turned off his phone.
He ran down the stairs again and waited near the door. He feared that Shi WuDu would run into Ming Yi, and they’d fight. He anxiously stared outside.
Ling Wen eyed him, “Shi QingXuan?”
“Huh?!” Shi QingXuan jerked his head around.
“When was the last time you had blood?”
“…” He turned back around, “Maybe a week…
“How do you feel?”
“Nervous! How can I not! My brother is going to kill my best friend!” Shi QingXuan rubbed his arm.
Thirty minutes later, a black car pulled up to the front. Shi QingXuan felt relief wash over him, “Ming Xiong!”
Ming Yi walked into the house, “You…”
Another car skidded into their driveway, “Ming Yi!!!!” It was Shi WuDu, “I saw your car! Don’t think you can get out of this! Look what you did to my brother! You ruined him!”
“…” Shi QingXuan lowered his face.
Ming Yi smirked, “Ruined him? How so?”
“You left him alone at that party!”
He crossed his arms, “I didn’t leave his side.” He held his bag in front and pulled out a blood packet, “Shi QingXuan, here.”
“T-thank you.” Shi QingXuan tore it open from a corner and sipped on it.
Shi WuDu shouted, “How dare you feed him your blood!”
“Who said it was mine?” Ming Yi turned to face him.
“What?”
“Vampires can’t drink another vampire’s blood. It just doesn’t work that way.” He cocked his head.
“…”
“M-Ming Xiong?”
“What?”
“You said you didn’t leave my side… But there was a flash of a man with orange eyes and…” Shi QingXuan didn’t finish his sentence.
“Long black hair.” When Ming Yi turned around, his eyes were bright orange, with a wide smirk on his lips.
“…” Shi QingXuan dropped the blood packet.
Shi WuDu narrowed his eyes, “He Xuan. That’s what you meant.”
He Xuan showed his fangs, “Of course it was.” He suddenly leaped at Shi Wudu!
Shi WuDu pulled out his fan and began to fight!
They have shared several exchanges already! Neither side faltered. Shi QingXuan pulled out his fan and shouted, “Wind!”
It pushed the two of them away from each other! He Xuan laughed, “Try again.”
He Xuan suddenly appeared in front of Shi QingXuan. He grabbed the fan and snapped it in two. Shi QingXuan grabbed He Xuan, “Ming X-Xiong! What is all this?”
“Your brother, Shi WuDu, killed my family and left me with a vampire. He let it happen! You were supposed to be a vampire instead of me! But he sat back and set it up for me to turn in your place!” He Xuan looked back at Shi WuDu, “It’s your turn to suffer.”
Shi WuDu launched waves of water attacks at He Xuan, though they were useless. None made contact with He Xuan at all. He dodged them, and with a kick to Shi WuDu’s skull, he sent him flying!
Shi QingXuan turned to call for Ling Wen, but she was nowhere in sight when he looked. She must have gone to find Pei Ming or get back up! Shi QingXuan frowned, “Ming Xiong!”
He Xuan slammed Shi WuDu into the ground once again. He grabbed his hair, forcing him to look at his brother, “Look at QingXuan. This is what you did. He will forever live a life drinking human blood forever. This is all your fault!”
He bashed his skull back into the ground!
Shi QingXuan ran outside, his skin partially burning, slowly regaining strength from drinking blood, “Ming Xiong! Please stop! Stop this!” He ran with blurry vision.
Shi WuDu called out weakly, “Stay back!”
“…” Shi QingXuan shook his head and tackled He Xuan, “Ming Xiong! What happened?! Weren’t we so close? Where did our friendship go? What was that kiss?”
He Xuan narrowed his burning sunset-colored eyes, “To make you rely on me.” He pushed Shi QingXuan aside.
He summoned a blade and looked down at Shi QingXuan, “Your brother will die with the guilt of turning you himself. And you will live with the guilt of letting this happen.”
With a swift strike, Shi WuDu’s head was separated from his body. He Xuan held it in his hand, “Shi QingXuan, how does it feel to watch your family die like I did mine at the hand of your brother?”
Shi QingXuan screamed! Tears stained his face, and his nails dug into the dirt. He shook his head aggressively.
He Xuan tossed his brother’s head in front of him, letting the blood spill, and Shi WuDu’s blue eyes rolled back, “How does it feel?”
Shi QingXuan knelt down, burying his face in the dirt, “I want to die…”
“Dream on.”