Archive of Our Own

*2nd May 1898*

Pran was laying under the Wisteria tree, reading a book when a man suddenly appeared before him. Feet on every side, caging Pran. He put his book down and looked up at the man who was looking down on him.

"What in the world!?" They both exclaimed.

The man immediately stepped aside while Pran stood up.

"Who are you!? And where did you even come from?" Pran asks, annoyance lacing his voice.

"Shit! No one was supposed to see me." The man muttered before disappearing right before Pran's eyes.

Pran recovered from his shock and looked around, a sudden wind blows towards him together with a scent and Pran grinned before following it. He caught up to the man in no time and stood in front of him.

"Not so fast stranger." Pran said. "How did you get here so quick? Another vampire?"

"Another?" The man asks, frowning.

"But you don't smell like one." Pran scowls.

"Vampires are odourless."

"To humans, yes, but between vampires, we all have a unique scent."

"Huh." The man nodded before shaking his head. "Wait a minute. You're a vampire!? Shit! Freaking 18th century." He grumbled as he stepped away from Pran. "Look, I don't want trouble, okay? I just want to go sightseeing or something." He continued walking backwards before disappearing again and it made Pran excited.

A whiff of air before going after the stranger again.

"So, if you're not a vampire..." Pran said, putting his palm against the man's chest, causing the latter to curse. "What are you? Aside from being a human, if you are one."

"I'm a human. That's it." The stranger replied. "And I taste bad, probably."

"Just had my fill, so you're safe for now." Pran assured. "You're no ordinary human that's for sure. So, what is it? Some sort of witchcraft?"

"Okay, if I tell you, promise me you'll let me go." The stranger said.

Pran raised his hands. "I'm not holding you hostage though."

"You kept on following me." The stranger said in frustration.

"Because I'm curious." Pran said. "Answer all my questions and I'll let you be." The man sigh before nodding, making Pran smile. "Okay, so what kind of witchcraft you on?"

"Nothing. I can travel through time." Pran stared at the man, trying to see if he's lying, but he shows no indication, so it must be true.

"So you actually exist?" The man raised his brow. Pran raised the book he's been holding. "Yesterday." Pran reads. "A book about a man travelling through various times."

"Why do you have that book?" The stranger frowns. "It's published in 2005."

"Just picked it up somewhere in the forest." Pran shrugs.

"Just like that? It wasn't damaged or anything?" The man reaches out for the book and Pran handed it to him.

"It was placed inside this transparent thing that is unknown to me." Pran said, taking the book back. "Next question. What's the future like?"

The man stared at Pran for a second before he answered. "Different."

"Different how? In a good kind of way or bad?"

"Both. I'll answer one more question" The stranger says impatiently.

Pran had so many questions, but since he's only allowed to ask one more, he thought it through, but there's two questions he wanted to ask, the rest can wait. "What year are you from?"

"2022. Now, stop following me." The stranger said and walked passed Pran.

"Allow me to ask you one more question!" Pran yelled. The man stopped walking but didn't say anything. "What's your name?"

"I'll tell you next time." The man smirked before disappearing.

"Okay, next time it is." Pran then gasps. "There's no next time!"

*12th May 1898*

"I'm not waiting for him." Pran muttered. "This is my resting spot. Yes. So, I'm just going to sit here and relax."

That's what you said yesterday too, and the day before that, and before that. You've been saying that for ten days.

Pran ignored the voice in his head and proceed to lay down, only to be startled by Pat suddenly appearing next to him.

Pat stretched his arms and took a step only to fall to the ground with a loud groan. "Damn it!"

Pran's eyes widen and moved to help Pat, but the latter was already standing, patting his clothes with a frown.

"Are you alright?" Pran ask, now standing too.

Pat finally looked at him, now scowling ad he looked away. "Damn it!"

To not embarrassed the guy even more, Pran cleared his throat. "You're back." He said, instead.

"Yeah, well, I wasted so much time running away from someone the last time I was here, I got lost and decided to go back home." Pat grumbles and walked away.

Pran was beside him in no time. "So…" Pran placed his hands behind him as they continue to walk. "You said the next time we'll meet; you'll tell me your name."

"I did, didn't I?" Pat sighs and faced Pran. "My name is Pat, and you are?"

Pran smiles and purposely shake Pat's hand. "I'm Pran. Nice to meet you Pat."

"Which uhm which way is to the city?" Pat asks.

"City?" Pran frowns. "Did you not know that this is an island? We don't have cities here."

"An Island? Which one?"

"Wisteria Island. Named after the trees here, because they're all Wisteria, like all of them, in the whole Island." Pran explains.

Pat frowned. "Wisteria Island?" There's no such thing as Wisteria Island on any maps or books, well that Pat is aware of.

"You didn't know?" Pat shook his head. "Huh. So, wait, as far as I know, traveling through time requires you thinking about the place and year, right?"

"Yes, but I'd like to be surprised." Pat admitted. "So, I only think of the year, that's it, but I know all continents, countries and Islands though, I made sure to memorize all of them, and this Island is not one of them."

"Does that mean this Island will disappear?" Pran asks, though he doesn't care really, because they'll migrate to another place eventually.

"Or maybe the name just changed." Pat said, talking mostly to himself. "But if it's only Wisteria tree, an Island such as this would be a big tourist attraction, botanists would also be all over the place."

"Pat?"

"But there's also a possibility that the island is now underwater, or maybe was destroyed during World War 1." Pat continued muttering to himself, prompting Pran to tap him on the shoulder. Pat looked at him then looked away, ears reddening. "Sorry." He said and cleared his throat. "How long have you been living here?"

Pran squinted. "Is that your way of indirectly asking me how old I am?"

"No." Pat deadpan. "Just wanted to know if the trees changed at some point or it was Wisteria from the very beginning."

"Hmm. I'm probably the wrong person, or in my case, vampire to be asked this question, because the trees are already like this when we migrated here three hundred years ago."

"Man, you're old, old." Pat tease, making Pran gasps before hitting Pat's shoulder, making the latter hiss.

"That's just rude!" Pran exclaimed.

"You're right. I was raised to respect my elders." Pat smirk and Pran lost it, hitting Pat continuously. "Ow! Pran that hurts! Ow! Okay! Okay! I'm sorry."

Pran hit him one more time before he huffs. "You were so aloof the first time we met and earlier too."

"I'm sorry. No one was supposed to see me come and go, so I was a bit annoyed and then I learned that you're a vampire, so all I wanted was to get away from you." Pat admits. "And earlier..." Pat's ears reddened. "Earlier you saw me tripped."

Pran stared at Pat before bursting into laughter, making the other guy even more shy. "You're so funny."

"Anyway, I was wondering this since last time, how come you easily believed me when I told you I'm a time traveller?" Pat asks to change the subject.

Pran straightened up. "Well, because you appeared out of nowhere. You leaped through time in front of me twice. What's there not to believe?" Pran shrugs. "So, what happens if they, whoever they are, learned that someone saw you come and go?"

"I get reprimanded, but eh who cares. It's not like you're going to tell anyone, or maybe you already did?" Pat looked at Pran accusingly.

Pran smiles sadly. "I have no one like that."

"You don't have human friends? Vampire friends?"

"We're not allowed to get close to a human, to avoid being discovered. I do have vampire friends, but I don't like how they hunt, they play with their food, and their way of passing time is targeting a human from time to time and play with them. So, your secret is safe with me."

Pat's heart feels heavy so he reached out and pinch Pran's cheek.

"What are you doing?" Pran asks, but not doing anything to remove Pat's hand.

"You really are a vampire." Pat stated. "Your skin's so cold."

"Of course it is. Did you not believe that I'm a vampire?"

"I did, but there's nothing wrong with really making sure." Pat then let go. "So, Mr. Vampire, where should I go?"

"Well, there's only three places you could go to." Pran said. "The north village, the south village or the west beach."

"What about the east beach?"

Pran chuckles. "It's not a beach silly. It's a village, an abandoned village to be exact, and that's where we reside."

"Avoid east village, got it." Pat said and faced east.

"That's east." Pran spoke.

"I know that!" Pat then turned North. "Well then, I'm going."

"Okay. I'll see you when I see you." Pran smiled, Pat smiled back before leaving.

Pran sighs. "Until how long will I wait this time, I wonder."

"Were you actually waiting for me?"

Pran jumped. "Don't do that!" He exclaimed. "That's my thing, sneaking on preys, not you."

"Everyday?" Pat asks.

"Why are you here?" Pran asks instead of answering.

"I was just wondering if you want to walk me to the north village."

Pran smiled and nodded eagerly. "Let's go Mr. Time Traveller."

*24th May 1898*

"So, where to this time?" Pran asks the moment Pat appeared.

"Hello to you to Pran." Pat rolled his eyes.

Pran chuckles. "Hi, so where to?"

"South." Par replied.

"Okay, let's go!" Pran said excitedly and walk ahead of Pat.

"Pran." Pat called. "This is the first time for you as it is for me, right? Going to these villages."

Pran stopped but didn't turn around. "You caught me. You can laugh, it's okay."

Pat frowns. "Why would I laugh?"

"Because." Pran then looks at him. "I've been here for more than 300 years and never get to, you know, know the places."

"And that's okay." Pat stepped closer to Pran. "Now, ready for our next adventure?"

Pran smiled widely before grabbing Pat's hand. "Let's go."

And they both ran towards south.

-

Even though the village is small, it's still buzzing with people walking in all directions, each and one of them busy doing something.

Pran looked around in amazement, from children playing, the small houses, men trying to flirt on some women, and Pat, Pat was just observing Pran, who is more interesting than discovering the village.

"It's.." Pran spoke. "It's so loud here Pat, you can hear all sorts of sounds and it's nice. Never in my five hundred years of existence thought that I'd get to experience this."

"You’re five hundred years old?" Pat asks, bewildered.

Pran covered his mouth and that made Pat laugh.

"You're cute." Pat said. "But how come you never ever tried coming here? Weren't you curious enough?"

"I am, was, but I'm too scared I guess." Pran shrugs.

"I see. Well, here we are now, you can do whatever you want Pran." Pat smiles encouragingly.

Pran smiled at him before going from stall to stall when they reached the small market, with Pat blindly following him.

"Pat, Pat, look at this." Pran showed Pat a necklace with a locket. "What is this?"

Pat took the necklace and opened the locket. "It's a necklace, and this is one here, you can put a photo or whatever you want."

"That's so cool." Pran said, eyes sparkling, he then looked around. "Hmm? What's that sound? It's so beautiful."

Pat placed the necklace back on the table and looked around with Pran, before they reached a group of people standing in front of a small Wisteria tree. They pushed through the sea of people until they reach the front and saw a woman playing the harp.

"Wow. So beautiful." Pran said in awe.

"The lady?" Par teased.

"No, she's hideous. I mean the thing she's playing and the music coming off it."

Pat's eyes widen. "Pran!"

"I said what I said." Pran smirks. "What is that called Pat?"

"It's a musical instrument called a harp."

The two of them stayed until the end of the performance and Pran couldn't stop clapping.

"Thank you for inviting me Pat." Pran spoke as they walk back to the forest. "It was more interesting than the other village."

"You're very much welcome." Pat gently ruffled Pran's hair.

Pran swats his hand. "I'm so much older than you."

"So?"

"So you don't get to ruffle or even pat my head." Pran huffs.

Pat laughs and did it again. "I'll see you later Pran."

Pran's frown disappeared. "You're coming back later?"

"Huh? Oh no, that's just what we say instead of saying goodbye." Pat explains. "Goodbye sounds like you'll never see each other again, so we say see you later."

Pran hides his disappointment. "I see. Okay, I'll see you later Pat."

Pat waves at him and then vanished.

Pran sighs. "Let's not get discouraged Pran, he said see you later and not goodbye, that means he'll come back."

But when?

"I-it doesn't matter."

*8th June 1898*

"You're here!" Pran jumped up, greeting Pat with a huge grin.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Pat said.

Pran scoffs. "I wasn't waiting. Not at all."

Pat chuckled. "Okay." He then ruffled Pran's hair making the latter hiss.

"I told you not to do that!"

Pat feigned innocence. "You did? When?"

"The last time you were here!" Pran exclaimed.

"Oh? And when was that?"

"Fifteen days ago!"

Pat smirked triumphantly. "You even counted the days."

"You!" Pat laugh and ran, Pran hot on his tail. "Come back here Pat!" And when Pran caught Pat, he didn't waste time hitting Pat. "You horrible, horrible man!"

Pat was still laughing. "I'm sorry. It's so fun teasing you Pran."

Pran clicked his tongue and hit him one last time with a huff. "Let's get this over with, there's only one more place we hadn't visited yet."

"Will you be okay though?" Pat asks, still rubbing his sore shoulder.

"What do you mean?" Pran asks.

"Vampires are sensitive to sun." Pat stated.

Pran stared at Pat before laughing. "Pat, for a time traveller trying to discover the past, you sure are not that observant." Pran said and laugh some more.

"What does that mean?" Pat pouts.

"Look around Pat." And he did. "What does the forest lack? When we visited the two villages, what was missing Pat?"

Pat stared at the forest diligently, trying to look for an answer, he also tried remembering the two villages, but in the end, he can't come up with anything.

Pat groans. "What is it Pran?"

"The sun doesn't shine here Pat, it never once did. The weather here are either cloudy, windy, foggy and sometimes snowy."

Realization then hits Pat. "Now that you mentioned it."

"So, I don't know what the other beaches look like, but west beach is probably nothing like them." Pran explains.

"That's fine. We should still go."

--

"My goodness. What a murky beach." Pat spoke, looking at the foggy ocean. Pran then gave him an I-told-you-so look. "But we can still enjoy ourselves, want to swim?"

"Oh, you're on!"

The two then raised towards the water. They'd splash water at each other, challenging each other on who can breathe longer under water or who the faster swimmer was, Pran won it all.

"That's not fair! I was the fastest swimmer back in college!" Pat whined as they sat on the sand, Pran just laughing at him.

"Sure Pat. Sure."

Pat just sighs, before looking at the water again.

"So, you're done with this place now then? Where are you going next?" Pran asks, not looking at Pat.

"I... I'm not sure." Pat replied, looking at Pran. "Not sure yet." He repeats.

Pran just nodded.

They stayed there in silence for a couple of hours more before deciding to go back to their spot, the air between them somewhat intense.

"Pran..."

"You usually leave around this time." Pran said, looking at Pat with a small smile.

"Pran..."

"It was nice knowing you Pat."

Pat sighs. "Fool." Pat ruffled Pran's hair a little harder before he disappears.

Pran leaned on the tree and looked up as a lone tear runs down his cheek.

He thought that was the last time he will see Pat, and he regrets acting like that.

A fool indeed.

To Pran's surprised, Pat came back ten days later, and continued coming back. Either they would go visit the villages from time to time, swim in the west beach, or just stay in their spot and talk about what the future is like. Pat would bring different things to show Pran.

*10th July 1898*

"Wow. You arrived before me." Pran said, seeing Pat sitting under the tree fondling a string on his hands. "What's that?" Pran sat next to Pat.

"Earphones." Pat replied and place one on Pran's ear, the other on his. "We can listen to music through this, without disturbing anyone else." Pat press play on his MP3 player.

🎶 Come to me
In the night hours
I will wait for you
And I can't sleep
Cause thoughts devour
Thoughts of you consume 🎶

Pran looked at Pat, peacefully leaning on to the tree, his eyes closed.

🎶 I can't help but love you
Even though I try not to
I can't help but want you
I know that I'd die without you 🎶

Pran leaned on to his shoulders that are resting atop his folded knees and continued watching Pat, smiling and humming.

🎶 Stay with me
A little longer
I will wait for you
Shadows creep
And want grows stronger
Deeper than the truth 🎶

"Pa-."

"By the way Pran." Pat suddenly spoke.

Pran sat up straight when Pat suddenly looked at him. "W-what is it?"

"Weve pretty much known each other for a while now, but I've never seen you do some vampire things." Pat said.

Pran raised his brow. "Vampire things?"

"Yeah. Like how you hunt, can you like jump from such a high place? Oh! Oh! Pran, can you turn into a bat?"

Pran chuckles. "Slow down tiger. I can pretty much jump anywhere, doesn't matter the height. We may be similar to bats, but no, we can't shapeshift." Pran then stands up and pulled Pat up as well. "Right in time, I'm rather famish."

"So wha-"

"Shh." Pran placed a finger against Pat's mouth and closed his eyes. It only lasted for a second before he opens them again and looked right. "Five minutes, that way."

Immediately understanding what Pran meant, Pat disappeared. Pran following right after. They almost got there at the same time, Pran only two seconds later.

"What's ne-"

"Shhhh!" Pran placed his finger against Pat's lips, making the latter frown, and Pran admits, he's doing it on purpose this time. They squat down the bushes and soon enough, a boar showed up and drank water from a puddle.

"Oh, you're going for the boar." Pat said quietly.

"No." Pran shakes his head and pointed at the wolf that's creeping in closely.

"But Pran, what if that's a werewolf?" Pat asks.

"There's none here." Pran replied and shush Pat again. Pat huffs and stayed still.

The two of them watch as the wolf lowered itself as to not alert the boar, lazily drinking water. The wolf then started sprinting and when that happened, Pran disappears.

Pran appeared next to the wolf and tackled it, he snapped its neck in a swift motion before sinking his fangs into its neck. The startled boar shriek as it ran away.

While Pat, Pat feels sick. He's not that very fond of animals, but that was too much. He asked for this though, he wanted to see how Pran hunts, and Pran showed him. It's too late for regret now.

Pran didn't let go of the wolf until all its blood was drained. When he did let go, Pat saw how feral Pran looks, blood dripping from his chin. He's not sure what face he's making right now, but he knows it's not good given the fact how Pran looks so taken aback, his eyes filled with fear before vanishing again.

"Pran wait!" Pat shouted, but it was too late, and it's not like he could follow Pran. With a sigh, Pat turn around and head back to their spot.

Pran wasn't there when he got back, of course he wasn't.

Pat sat on the ground and leaned on to the tree, to wait for Pran. It doesn't matter how long he'll wait; he knows Pran will come back. He always does.

When the sky was getting darker and darker, Pat started to think that Pran will not come back, and he needs to go home soon. He then decided to wait fifteen more minutes, ten more minutes, another ten and then five minutes. Looking around with no sign of Pran, Pat stood up to stretch his limbs to delay his departure even more, but still to no avail, he finally accepted that Pran's not coming back.

Since Pat needs to be in the same spot when he arrives for him to go back, he then positioned himself just a few feet away from the tree, when Pran emerges behind another Wisteria tree not far from their spot. Afraid that Pran's going to run away of he moves, Pat stayed still, just looking at Pran, waiting for him to say something which wasn't long.

"I'm a monster Pat." Pran said in a low tone.

"Yo-"

"Always am, and I wish I could change that, but I can't." Pran shakes his head. "This is me, that back there, that's how we hunt, to live, but, but I would never hurt you." Pran finally looked at Pat, eyes glossy with tears. "So please don't be scared of me, please don't hate me."

"I'm not scared of you Pran, that back there, I was just overwhelmed." Pat spoke. "And I would never hate you. Never." Pat stepped forward, making Pran step back. "Pran, come here." Pat extended his hand. "Please?"

Pran wiped his tears away and looked at Pat, then to Pat's hand before hesitantly reaching out. When their hands touch, Pat didn't waste time and pulled Pran to him and hugged the crying vampire tightly.

"Oh baby, I'm sorry." Pat tightened his hold on Pran. "It's okay. Please don't cry." But Pran continued crying, and Pat let him.

*15th July 1898*

Pat called Pran 'baby'

BABY!

Pran paces back and forth just outside his room as he recalls what happened in the forest. Pat called him baby, now maybe Pat didn't realize and it's not that big of deal to him, but it is for Pran. He may not have a heartbeat, he for sure knows, if it's beating, it would be heard from miles and miles away. If Pat did it on purpose, why? Why would he call Pran that?

It's just not normal.

To call your friends with such endearing nicknames, or maybe it is in 2022? If that's normal in the future, then how do friends determine that the person they're in love with feels the same way? That's just confusing.

How should Pran act the next time he sees Pat? Normal? Indifferent? Shy?

Pran groans, pulling his hair in frustration.

"Pran, what's the matter?" Pran flinch and looked at his childhood friend Wai. They used to be so closed, but after Wai started hanging out with older vampires, he changed.

"Nothing." Pran replied, reaching for the doorknob.

"Me and the guys are playing tonight, want to join us?" By playing, they mean abducting a human from the village, take him to the forest and tell him to run so they can hunt them.

Pran grimace and he didn't hide his disgust from Wai. "Not my thing."

Wai frowned. "Why are you looking at me like that?" He asks. "We're predators Pran, it's natural."

"It's natural to hunt yes, but whatever you guys are doing is not. What happened to you Wai?"

"I grew up. I accepted who I am, that's what happened Pran. You should too." Wai smiled, tapping Pran's shoulder. "If you change your mind, you know where to find me." With that, he left.

"Grew up my ass." Pran scoffs and went inside his room. Once inside, he continued pacing around again.

It's been five days since then, and Pran's still worrying as to how he should approach Pat the next time they meet.

Is it even worth pondering over? When Pat himself had maybe already forgotten about it, or worse didn't even realize he said it.

"Let's just forget it." Pran muttered and laid on his bed, still thinking about it.

*25th July 1898*

The two arrived at their spot at the same time, and Pat's face immediately brightens upon seeing Pran.

"Pran!" He exclaimed.

Pran's eyes widens and stepped back a few steps. "H-hey! Hi! Hello! Sup!"

Pat frowned in confusion. "What's up with you?"

Pran shrugs. "Nothing. What's up with you?"

"Nothing." Pat then sighs. "Are you feeling awkward because of what happened last time?" Pran starts to panic. "Pran it's okay. There's nothing wrong with crying, men cry all the time."

Pat is such an idiot. Pran thought. But, thanks to that, he has an excuse now.

"Oh uhm, yes. I just feel awkward, I mean I don't normally cry." Pran said. "But thanks."

Pat nodded. "Anyway, can we go to the South Village?"

"South Village? Why? I mean sure."

"I just need to check something." Pat replied.

--

"So, what do you want to check?" Pran asks as soon as they arrived at the village.

"I just saw someone familiar last time, so I wanted to make sure." Pat replied as they walk towards the market.

"That woman is playing again." Pran said, hearing the harp from a short distance.

"You can go. I'll meet you there." Pat encourages.

Pran looked at him. "Are you sure?" Pat nodded. "Make sure to meet me there, okay?" Once again, Pat nodded. With that, Pran ran towards the centre of the market.

When Pran was no longer in sight. Pat hurriedly approached one specific stall and looked around the display.

"What are you looking for, young man?" The vendor asks.

"This." Pat replied, picking up a necklace. "How much is this?"

"Five pence."

Pat didn't have any money. "How about I exchange this with a bracelet?

The vendors smile dropped and snatch the necklace away. "No money, no necklace."

"You haven't even seen the bracelet yet!" Pat exclaimed.

"Not interested."

"Even if it's gold?"

The vendors ears perked up. "Gold?"

Pat shrugs. "It looks like it, but I don't know if it's real gold." He feigns.

"Can I see?" The vendor asks. Pat hurriedly takes out the gold bracelet he bought two days ago and showed it to the guy. The guy checked the bracelet then looked at Pat. "Where did you get this?"

"Found it in the West beach." Pat lied.

"West beach, treasures are known to washed up on the beach from time to time." The vendor muttered to himself and looked at Pat again. "You only want the necklace?" Pat nodded. The vendor studied Pat some more before handing him the necklace.

"Thank you." Pat said happily.

"If you have more gold, come to me straight away." The guy said. "You can pick anything you want on the display."

Pat thanked him one more time and safely put the necklace in his pocket before going to fetch Pran.

"Pran." Pat called, and Pran immediately looked at him. "Let's go?"

"You found them?" Pran asks, jogging towards Pat.

"Nope. I was mistaken." Pat replied.

"Happens to all of us." Pran shrugs, and Pat just laughed.

--

Once they’re back into their spot, they immediately sat under the tree, Pran with a loud huff, as if the walk tired him out.

“Pran, guess what I brought with me this time?” Pat asks, grinning at Pran.

“I don’t know. Another gadget.” Pran shrugs.

“That’s right.” Pat said, showing Pran his phone. “This should be the first thing I was supposed to show you, but I keep on forgetting it.”

Pran took the phone from Pat’s hand and examine it. “What’s this? Another MP3? It’s bigger and heavy.”

“It’s a mobile phone.” Pat replied. “We use this to communicate with someone far from us, we can call, text and everything.”

“So, like a telephone.” Pran stated. “That’s so cool.” Pran pressed the button on the right side, making the phone lit up. “It’s lock.”

Pat leaned forward and looked at the screen. “Type 2598.”

Pran did, and the phone unlocked, a picture of a full moon, now on display. Pat let Pran alone to discover how the phone works as he just observe him showing surprise and admiration as he scrolls. Pran opened the apps one by one, checking and studying everything that’s on it, before moving to another. He looked at phone book, then the messages, he didn’t read any though.

“What’s Instagram? It’s says no connection.” Pran asks.

“Ah, it’s a social media. You can only use it with internet.”

“What’s internet?”

The two of them stared at each other before Pat sighs. “I’ll tell you next time.”

Pran chuckles and went back to the phone. He exited the app and look through all of it, before pressing on gallery. Multiple albums appeared, but what grabbed Pran’s attention was the one with what looks like a heart. Feeling nervous for some reason, his thumb hovered over the album, with a gulp, he clicked on it. The photos are mostly Pat with a bunch of people as Pran scrolls through them without checking each one. As he scrolls down, he stumbled upon a photo of Pat and some girl, Pran clicked on the very first one and stared at it. They’re making funny faces and it kind of made Pran smile, he swiped through multiple photos, and all of them, the two are always standing so close, Pat’s arm on her shoulder, Pat pinching her cheek and even him tying her hair.

Domestic.

Just like lovers.

Pran swallowed the lump forming in his throat and moved on to another album.

Noticing Pran was being quiet, Pat leaned again and looked at what Pran was looking and smiled. “Those are my friends, Korn and Mo.” Pran just nodded. “Is everything okay?”

Pran nodded again. “All good.”

Pat being Pat, accepted the answer and burrowed the phone. “Can we take a photo Pran?” He asks, but before Pran could reply, Pat moved closer to him and raised the phone. “Smile Pran.”

While Pat smiled at the camera, Pran glanced at him at the same time as Pat took the photo. Pat looked at it and sigh in relief before smiling. “I thought it wouldn’t capture vampires. That’s a relief. We have a picture now Pran.” Pat said, showing it to him.

Pran looked at the photo and then at Pat, now fully realizing what this person means to him. Pran suddenly stood up, confusing Pat.

“I need to go.” Pran announced. “I’ll see you later.” Without waiting for Pat’s reply, Pran disappeared, leaving the former confused.

“What just happened?” Pat asked himself. He waited for Pran to come back, but he didn’t, so without a choice, Pat left.

He came back a week and a half later and waited, but Pran didn’t show up either. Pat looked at the necklace he wanted to give Pran and sigh. He stood up and looked at the tree. “Can you keep this for me?” He ask, and hanged the necklace on one of the small branches hovering just above him. “I just hope Pran sees this.”

*27th August 1898*

Now fully realizing what he felt for Pat, Pran stopped coming to their spot to avoid Pat. He was rude to Pat the last time they saw each other, and that added to the reason why he’s ashamed of meeting his friend again. He’s sure Pat has been waiting for him, but he still couldn’t find it in himself to meet him until today.

Pran took his time walking in the forest, until the familiar tree came in sight. He released a breath he’s been holding, feeling relieved that Pat’s still not there.

“What’s up tree? Been a while.” Pran said, tapping the tree. He looked around and everything is still the same and Pran realized that a place never changes, it’s the people that changes. Before, this spot, was just one of Pran’s nap place, but now, it became more than that, all thanks to Pat.

A gust of wind blew towards Pran, and he yelp in pain as he felt something hit his forehead. He rubbed the spot as he looks around, noticing the necklace dangling from one of the branches. He grabs the branch and takes the necklace. It’s the necklace he saw in South village, if he remembers correctly, the small locker can be opened. Pran gently opened the said locker and inside the picture of him and Pat, and on the other side, was a date.

’02-05-98’

Pran ponders over the date, that’s not the date the photo was taken. Wait, isn’t that Pat’s password? Is this like some kind of reminder? Does he think he would forget?

“Of course I would! Does he think I’d like to borrow that phone again? No way! Not with those photos in there!” Pran exclaimed, kicking some rocks. Pran looked at the necklace again. “But what does this mean? It’s our picture in there, so it’s mine, right?” He asked the tree. “It’s mine.”

But what does it mean?

Guess Pat needs some explaining to do. With that in mind, Pran sat down and wait for Pat.

He waited.

And waited.

And waited, but Pat never showed up again.

*27th October 1898*

“Woah! You look awful!” Wai exclaimed, looking at Pran. “What the hell happened to you in these past few months?” Pran ignored him and went outside the house, but Wai still followed him. “Where are you going Pran? Have you eaten?”

“Leave me alone.” Pran grumbled, walking towards the forest.

“Sure but feed yourself at least!”

Fuck him. Acting as if he cares and all that. Pran's not in the mood, never been in a good mood for two months now.

Pat. The asshole never came back, and Pran thinks maybe Pat's already bored of the place, of him, and that Pat moved on to another year, meeting another vampire, making the vampire fall in love with him, and then leave.

"Such a prick."

"Who is?"

Pran stopped on his tracks and looked at the man standing under the tree.

"Hi." Pat waved at him. Pran just stared at him and soon enough, stones and twigs are thrown at Pat. "Woah! Woah! Pran! Wait! Let me expla-ouch! Pran!"

"You asshole! Bastard! Prick!" Pran yelled as he keeps throwing things at Pat.

"Okay, I regret teaching you those words! Bu-ouch! Pran-damn it! Stop! I'm sorry!"

"Sorry!? You're sorry!? Two months Pat! I've waited for two months!" Pran huffs. "You could've told me! Warned me!"

"How was I supposed to do that when the last I saw you, you left without any explanation." Pat replied. "I came back Pran, but you didn't. I waited. Where were you?"

Oops.

Pran's hand hangs in the air. He did not think it through.

"But I came back, and you didn't." Pran argued.

Pat sighs. "My cousin, the idiot that he is, travelled to 1914, right in the middle of World War 1, which you should be careful when the time comes by the way, and he got shot immediately." Pat rolled his eyes. "We had to do some rescue operation, since we can't travel if we're injured."

"And that took you two months?"

"We searched for him Pran. We don't have some tracking devices on us, though I think we should, I'll suggest that on the next meeting, but yes, it took us two months to locate him." Pat explained.

Pran took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay. Can't be helped."

Pat smiled teasingly. "You missed me that much? I miss you too."

Pran scowled, and threw the stone he was holding, which Pat dodge easily. "No, I don't. Not one bit."

Pat nodded, unconvinced and glance at Pran's neck. "You found my gift, I see."

Pran grabbed the necklace. "It was hanging on the tree, I had to take it. Who else would it be for?" Pran said, eyes wandering around. "The photo is nice, but what's with the date? That's your password, right? Why would you put that in here? A reminder?"

"2nd May 1898." Pat spoke. "The day we met."

Pran finally looked at Pat again. "Why would you set that as your password?"

Pat shrugs. "Beats me."

"And...and why would you give me this necklace? Jewelleries are only given to people you..." Pran stopped.

"People I what?" Pat asks.

"You like." Pran said in a whisper.

"That's correct."

Pran gulped. "D-do you like me?"

Pat's smile widens. "I do. I like you Pran." And Pat thought Pran would smile and ran towards him, but instead, Pran started throwing things at him again. "This is not the reaction I was hoping!" Pat yelled, dodging the twigs and stones.

"You cheater! You lying piece of...of whatever!" Pran yelled. "You like me!? You already have a lover!"

Pat stood straight, catching the last stone coming his way. "What? What lover? I don't have a lover, not yet anyway."

"Liar! I saw your pictures on the phone."

Pat was confused, before he realized what Pran was talking about. He chuckles, earning him another glare from Pran. "Thats my sister."

"Sister?"

"Yes, my sister. I promise you Pran. I can bring her here next time, if you want."

"She's really your sister?" Pat nodded. "You don't have a lover?"

"No lover."

"You really like me?" Pat nodded again, and that was enough for Pran to relax. The dimpled smile finally showing. "I... I like you too."

"Then, do you want to date me Pran?"

"Okay." Pran answered right away.

"Do you want to be my boyfriend Pran?"

"Yes."

Pat smiled, opening his arms. "Can I hug my boyfriend now?"

Pran didn't waste any more time and ran to Pat's open arms. "I miss you so much."

"I miss you more baby."

Pran giggles. "Baby. I like that."

--

"So, when you said you can't travel when injured, what kind of injuries are we talking about here?" Pran asks. Pat, sitting under the tree, and Pran sitting sideways on his lap, playing with Pat's hand.

"Life-threatening injuries." Pat replied.

Pran nodded. "Then, how come you can't travel here every day?"

"Too much usage of time travel affects the course of time, though only a little, but we were told not to take it lightly, same reason why I can't stay here for twenty-four hours."

"Will you ever lose your ability?" Pran looked at Pat. "I'm just curious."

Pat chuckled. "It's okay, you can ask me anything. Back to your question, yes, we could lose it."

"How so?"

"If we accidentally die while travelling. For example, if I die here, I'll lose my ability."

"Then what happens?"

"As far as I know, our body goes back to the year we belong, and then you need to count how many years is it from the year you died in to the year you currently belong to, let's say, 1898 to 2022 would be around 123 years or something. So, if I die now, my body will go back to 2022, and I will live for 123 years then I'll finally die. That's how it works." Pat explained. "You get me?"

"I get it. I think. Yes, I did." Pran replied. "So like, you're in an undead state or something."

"Yep."

"But you're not going to die right?"

Pat laugh out loud. "Don't worry. I won't."

*3rd November 1898*

🎶Hold me close and hold me fast
The magic spell you cast
This is la vie en rose🎶

Pran at Pat laying down, is head resting on Pran's lap, eyes close. He softly ran his hands through Pat's soft hair, while his other hand was resting on Pat's chest.

🎶When you kiss me, heaven sighs
And though I close my eyes
I see la vie en rose🎶

His finger softly travel to Pat's forehead, to the tip of his nose before reaching Pat's lips which the latter softly kisses. Pran only contemplated for a second before cupping Pat's face, lift it up a little and pressed their lips together.

🎶When you press me to your heart
I'm in a world apart
A world where roses bloom🎶

Pran gasps and leaned away. "I'm sorry. Oh gosh I didn't even ask."

Pat smiled up to him. "Then I'll ask for you, can you kiss me again?" Pat lifted himself up a little, and Pran doesn't need to be told twice, as he reconnected their lips.

🎶And when you speak, angels, sing from above
Everyday words seem
To turn into love songs🎶

Pat manage to sit up without breaking the kiss and pulled Pran closer to him, deepening the kiss.

🎶Give your heart and soul to me
And life will always be
La vie en rose🎶

Their lips parted just a little, that it's still hovering above each other as they both breathe.

"I love you." Pran whispered.

"I love you." Pat whispered back before kissing Pran again.

*10th November 1898*

"Pat! I hate things that crawls!" Pran exclaimed, trying to run away from Pat, holding a leaf, with a caterpillar on it.

"Pran, just look." Pat said, laughing as he chases Pran.

"Pat please, get that thing away from me!"

"Just lo-omf!"

Pran stopped running and looked behind him. He saw Pat plastered on the ground, groaning. Pran couldn't help but laugh. "See? That's what you ge-" Pran's body tingled as an intoxicating smell filled his nostrils. He continued staring at Pat who slowly got up, a small blood plastered on his left cheek.

"Pran?"

Pran gulped. "Your cheek."

Pat frowned and wiped both his cheeks, when he looked at his hand, sure enough, there was blood on it. "Pran, this-" He tried to step closer, but Pran took a step back.

"Don't move!" Pran exclaimed. "Stay right there." Pran keeps on shaking his head as to not lose himself as he keeps moving backwards, with the remaining will power he has, Pran disappeared.

"Damn it. Why do I have to be so clumsy?" Pat mumbles. "Will Pran come back?"

This time, Pran did come back. Everything happened so fast, one second, he was just looking at Pran approaching him, then the next second Pran was roughly wiping something on his cut.

"Ouch, Pran, what are you doing?"

"Stay still." Pran ordered. "This is to mask the smell of blood, I was looking for it."

"Pran, have you tried drinking a human's blood?" Pat suddenly asks.

"Why are you asking?"

Pat shrugs. "You can drink mine if you wa-"

Pran slap his boyfriend's mouth. "Shut your mouth. I will not do such thing."

Pat touched his mouth. "Why not? It's not like it could kill me, I read in a book that vampires can drink a human's blood without killing them."

"And I'm supposed to believe whatever book that is?" Pran scoffs. "We're not doing it."

"But Pran..."

"No."

"Let's at least try it." Pat insists.

"And risk killing you? No." Pran replied and was about to move when Pat pulled him to his lap, facing Pat.

"Baby, you won't. I trust you." And that's the truth. Pran could drink all Pat's blood for all he cares.

Pran looked at Pat. Of course he wants to try a human blood, other vampires says it's addicting and it taste so much better than animal blood, now who wouldn't get curious.

Pran sigh. "I'm going to apologize in advance, if you end up dead." Pat nodded and laughed. Pran gulped before he slowly lifted Pat's chin to expose his neck more. He carefully leaned in, placing tiny kisses on Pat's neck before his mouth hovered over the bulging vein. Pran's mouth salivates as his fangs extended and within seconds, they were buried in the flesh.

Pat's hold on Pran's thighs tightened as a groan left his mouth at the stabbing pain.

As soon as the blood touch Pran's tongue, all his taste bud exploded, his head gone. The taste of the blood was so much better than all the bloods he tasted before; nothing can compare. Pran bites deeper and sucked more blood, leaving Pat panting.

They were both dizzy, Pat from his blood getting drained and Pran from the overwhelming feeling.

"Pran..." Pat called in a faint voice. Just from hearing Pat's voice, Pran snapped out of it, which was a feat of its own and immediately retracted his fangs making Pat hiss. They were both panting as they stared at each other. "See? You didn't kill me." Pat manages to say before losing his consciousness.

"Pat?" Pran tap his cheek. "Pat!" Pran started to panic and placed his ear against Pat's chest.

Badum. Badum.

Pran sigh in relief and leaned back. He looked at his neck and licked it clean, giving himself a tap on the shoulder for not sinking his fangs back in. He leaned on to Pat again, this time, his head resting on Pat's shoulder and closed his eyes again.

*20th November 1898*

Pran is now addicted to two things: Pat's blood, and Pat's kisses, well everything that is Pat actually.

"Hmm Pran..." Pat spoke, trailing kisses on Pran's cheek to his neck. "We have to stop."

"Why?" Pran asks, kissing Pat again.

"Because we're going to have a problem." Pat said, making Pran leaned back and looked at him with a frown.

"What problem?"

"This." Pat grab Pran's hand and placed it on top of his bulging manhood.

Pran gasps bit didn't moved his hand away. "Oh."

"Yes, oh."

"Pat?"

"Hmm?"

"Uhm, how...how do guys do it?" Pran asks shyly.

"They use this." Pat squeezed Pran's butt.

"That's scandalous!" Pran exclaimed and bit his lower lip. "Have...have you tried it?"

"Using my back? No." Pat shakes his head. "I'm usually the one putting it in, though they did say it feels good, but I think it depends on the person."

"Are we going to do it?"

Now, for some reason, Pat feels so guilty taking away a five hundred years old vampire's innocence. Pat cleared his throat. "If you want to."

"But do you want to? With me?" Pran asks so softly that Pat wants to hit something.

"You have no idea how much I want to." Pat admits.

"And if I want to try both?"

"We can do whatever you want baby." That made Pran smile and kissed Pat again, his hand that was still on Pat's covered dick, squeeze it making Pat groan. "Stand up." Pat ordered against Pran's lips.

Pran did as told and leaned on the tree as Pat placed butterfly kisses all over his neck before kneeling in front of Pran. He unbuckled Pran's belt and unbuttoned his trousers before pulling it down together with his briefs, leaving Pran exposed.

Pat looked up at Pran who covered his face in embarrassment at how turned on he was.  "Eyes on me Pran."

Pran slowly moved his hands away and look at his lover, smiling up at him. Making sure that Pran was looking at him, Pat slowly grabbed Pran's dick and licked the tip, making Pran shudder. Pat smirked before swallowing Pran whole, making the latter moaned, his eyes rolling at the back of his head. Pat bobbed his head back and forth, while his hands roam around Pran’s body, loving every flinch and shudder Pran makes, his pants and moans fuelling Pat to move faster.

“Pat… Pat.” Pran calls over and over, not knowing what to do with all the pleasure he’s feeling. His hands holding tightly on to Pat’s shoulder to anchor him as his limbs are slowly turning to mush. “So good.” Pran slowly thrust his hips, pushing his dick further and the way Pat’s throat tighten around him makes Pran go wild. It was too good and soon enough, he’s about to release. “Pat, I’m close, so close.”

Upon hearing that, Pat moves quicker and released Pran’s dick until just the tip left inside his mouth and looked at Pran, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes. Pat hallowed his mouth around Pran’s tip and sucked so hard Pran screamed before cumming, Pran’s body trembled so hard as he came that Pat had to hold him place.

Pat trailed kisses on Pran’s body as he stand up and his lips lingered a little too long on Pran’s cheek before leaning back. “You okay?” He asks, looking at Pran, eyes half lidded and his mouth agape.

“My head’s gone.” Pran replied.

Pat nuzzled in Pran’s neck before speaking again. “Now, are you ready for the next one?” Pran looked at his lover in confusion. “I’m going to eat you out.”

“Sorry, eat what?” Pran asks, and Pat just smiled before kissing the corner of his eye.

“Turn around.” Pat said and turned Pran’s body. Pat rolled Pran’s shirt up and kiss his back before kneeling again. “Just want to let you have a little taste.”

*26th November 1898*

It’s already dark out, and still no Pat. “Maybe he’s not coming this time either.” Pran sighs and stood up. “He does this after all the promises he made to me last time?” He grumbles and starts walking east.

“Pran!” Pat called the moment he appeared. “Thank goodness you’re still here. I was stuck in a meeting.” Pat explained, while approaching Pran. “Where are you going?”

“I was about to go home. I thought you’re not coming today either.” Pran replied and closed his eyes when Pat pressed a kiss on his forehead.

“I got here just in time then.” Pat smiles before looking around, as this is the first time he’s been here during night time. “Wow! Are the trees glowing? Do wisteria glows?”

“Fireflies.”

“It’s so pretty.” Pat said, admiring the surrounding, while Pran was admiring him. Pran did not hesitate to grab Pat’s face and kiss him. Pat’s arm immediately wrapped around Pran to deepen the kiss as they walk back to their tree. Pat slowly glides down to the ground, Pran following him. “Someone’s eager.” Pat tease.

“Shut up.” Pran spoke. “After making me experience all that last time, you think I could wait any longer?”

“Good thing I came prepared then.” Pat showed Pran a box of condom and a lube.

“Hurry.” Pran kissed Pat again as he straddles him, his hands cupping Pat’s face. Pat fumbled on Pran’s trouser, trying to remove it faster, but he manages to pull through. Pran sat on his lap again, grinding on him. He poured as much lube on his hands and on Pran’s crack before tossing the lube aside. He slowly rubs the ring of muscles before pushing one finger in. “It’s so different from your tongue.”

“You need to take at least three fingers for me to fit in.” Pat said, thrusting his finger in and out of Pran. Pat slowly works on loosening Pran, making sure Pran is always relax and comfortable. When he’s three fingers in, he lube up his dick more and rubbed the tip against Pran’s hole. “Are you ready?”

“Do you not want me to lie down?”

Pat shakes his head. “With this position, you’re in control. You can stop if it gets too much.”

Pran nodded and lifted himself up to align with Pat’s dick. For good measures, Pat poured more lube not wanting Pran to hurt too much thought he knows its inevitable. Pran slowly lowered himself, biting his lower lip as he felt the strain, he released a breath when the tip finally went in and glared at Pat. “Why are you stupidly big?”

“I’m average size Pran.”

“It’s still big.” Pran argues and lowers himself more until everything’s all in. Pat squeezed Pran’s thighs as he felt Pran’s warmth and how it’s gripping him so tightly.

Pat leaned on Pran’s shoulder, lazily kissing his neck. “Are you okay?” Pran just hummed and grind his hips. “Fuck.” They started slow and then picks up speed as time goes by, until Pran was bouncing on top of Pat, hands gripping on Pat’s hair.

“Pat… It’s so ah good.” Pran moaned and looked at Pat. “Kiss me.” Pat obliges, hands gripping Pran’s butt to help him move faster.

Pat removed his and Pran’s shirt, placing it on the ground before lifting Pran up and lay him on top of it. He placed his elbows on either side of Pran’s head before thrusting again. Pran wrapped his arms around Pat, his mouth immediately latching on the latter’s neck, sucking and licking the skin.

“Bite me.” Pat whispered before licking the shell on Pran’s ear. “That’s how you consummate right?”

“Are you ah reading that stupid book again?”

Pat laughed. “Yes.”

“Are you sure?” Pat nodded. Pran kissed him on the lips before moving his mouth back to Pat’s neck, willing his fangs to grow before sinking it in.

It was as if Pat was possessed as he moved his hips faster, pounding Pran so hard, the sound of skin slapping echoing the silent forest. The pleasure was nothing he’s experience before and it’s driving him crazy.

The pleasure Pran was feeling multiplied making him cum non-stop, but even as his body convulse, eyes rolled so far at the back of his head, he couldn’t let go, it was too good. Just minutes later, Pat trembled as well as he came so hard, still can’t stop thrusting as he rides out his orgasm. Pran slowly let go of Pat’s neck and took a deep breath, his body still so sensitive.

“What the fuck.” Pat said in a hoarse voice.

“I know.” Pran replied, kissing Pat’s shoulder. “I hope you’re not tired though, because it’s my turn.”

Pat lifts his head and look at Pran. “Bring it on.”

--

“Pran?” Pat softly calls. Pran groans and opened his eyes to look at Pat. “I need to go.”

Pran looked around and it’s still dark before looking at Pat again. “Already?

“I’m sorry.” Pat placed a kiss on Pran’s shoulder.

“When will I see you again?” Pran asks, sitting up.

“Soon.” Was Pat’s reply and that didn’t sit well with Pran, but he didn’t show it and just nodded. Pat peck his lips multiple times before standing up to get dress. “I’ll see you later?”

“Later.” And with that, Pat was gone. Pran laid back down and covered his eyes with his arm. “I’m getting greedy. I want him to stay longer.” Pran released a loud sigh and looked at the tree. “Would be too selfish of me to ask that of him, right? Right.”

Pran stayed there for an hour more before he too decided to go home with a heavy, unbeating heart.

Pat leaving so soon is inevitable, Pran knows that, but he can’t help but be upset the longer they do this set-up. He wants his boyfriend to be with him all the time, he wishes Pat would just stay with him, but whenever Pat asks him what’s wrong, Pran couldn’t say anything, so he kept it to himself.

*21st December 1898*

“Oh shoot, it’s that time already.” Pat said, standing up in a hurry. He extended his hands to help Pran get up, but the latter ignored it. “I’ll see you later?” Pran didn’t say anything, making Pat worry. “Hey, is something wrong?”

Pran sighs. “Can’t you stay a little longer? Like a few days or something?”

Pat’s eyes saddened. “I wish I could, but I can’t.”

“Then when are you coming next? Soon?” Pran couldn’t help but be irritated.

“Pran I-“

“I can’t keep on doing this any longer Pat. I can’t keep on waiting for days only for you not to show up.” Pran rubbed his face. “You can’t expect me to always be here waiting for you. I’m tired.”

“Pran…” Pat steps closer. “It's dangerous for me to stay and you know that. It's also dangerous for me to come every day. There's a possibility it could kill me.”

“Am I not worth dying for!?” Pran yelled before he could stop himself.

Pat was taken aback, and Pran looked at Pat in horror.

“I can, I would.”

“No, I'm sorry. Forget I said it. I need to go, I'm sorry.” Pran said and hurriedly left.

Pran stopped just at the edge of the forest and leaned on a tree as he sobs. He's upset with Pat, with the situation they're in and more so to himself. He can't believe he just said, what he asked of Pat, and to make matters worse, he ran away, as always.

Calming down a bit, Pran hurriedly went back to their spot, but Pat was no longer there. Pran dropped onto the ground and cried.

Why is this so difficult?

*24th December 1898*

"Hia! Where are you going?" Paa asks. Catching her brother in the basement. "It doesn't matter, you can't go anywhere, you've been going back and forth to wherever the place is for days now, it's not good."

"I don't care Paa. Someone is waiting for me." Pat smiled at his sister.

Paa gasps. "You have a lover! Hia! We're not allowed to do that!"

"As I've said, I don't care. I'll see you later."

Before Paa could say anything, Pat was already gone.

"Why is he such an idiot?" Paa grumbled as she went back upstairs.

~At the same time in 1898~

"Pran, are you going with your dad to the city?" Wai asks, suddenly popping out of nowhere.

"What is it to you?" Pran asks in annoyance.

"Oh you know, just the usual. Trying to invite you to come play with us. We found the next prey." Wai wiggles his brow, and Pran wanted nothing more but to punch his face.  Instead, Pran stepped away from Wai and glared at him.

"Stay away from me, you sick fuck."

"Sick fuck? Where did you learn such words?" Wai asks, but Pran didn't bother answering. "Well, whatever. Enjoy the city then."

--

Pat's been waiting for Pran for six hours and as time goes by, his anxiety gets worst. What if Pran no longer wants to see him? Pat would die.

"Should I go to him?" Pat asks no one in particular. He thought the question through before deciding on what to do. He stood up and faced East, getting the direction right this time. "Let's hope Pran wouldn't get angrier if he sees me there." With a deep breath, Pat starts his journey.

As he gets nearer to the vampires’ territory, Pat felt super uneasy. For a while now, he can feel eyes on him, and he admits, he's a little scared. He stopped walking and decided it would be best to go back, but before he could turn around, someone appeared in front of him.

"Who do we have here?" The stranger asks.

"No one." Pat replied. "I got lost." He turned around only to bumped into another stranger.

"You got lost? Would you like us to show you the right path?"

Pat stepped back, but more and more vampires arrived. "No need. Please ex-argh!" Pat dropped on to his knees as someone slashed his back.

'I'm so fucking screwed.' He thought. Judging by the excruciating pain he's feeling, he won't be able to travel back, he can only travel so much as to five minutes in the future. 'It's better than nothing.' so he did just that, confusing the vampires.

"Where did he go?" One of them asks.

"Doesn't matter. This will be a good hunt." Another one said, making everyone excited. Each one of them took a sniff on the Pat's blood that was on one of the vampires’ hands before they scattered.

--

"Pran, we'll be home in literally one minute." His dad comments.

"I know." Pran replied.

"If you do, then stop shaking your legs. It's annoying."

Pran can't helped it. He feels restless for some reason, and he wants to be home right away. Ever before the boat reaches the shore, Pran already scurried to the beach, as soon as he stepped on the Wisteria Island again, all the hair on his body stood up making Pran sprint towards the forest.

As Pran gets nearer and nearer to their spot, the smell of a familiar blood grows stronger. He slowly approached the tree and noticed someone lying. Pran hurriedly went to their side and screamed.

"NOOO! PAT!" Pran sobbed as he looked at the condition of Pat, he's soaked in his own blood, deep scratches all over his face and body, and even without checking, Pran knows Pat is no longer alive. Pran cradled Pat's body as he cried his eyes out. "Pat, baby, wake up, please." Pran begs, but Pat remained still.

Pran hugged Pat's body until it slowly disappears, and even after that, Pran laid on the ground in a fatal position, holding onto his necklace.

Pran cried until there's no more tears left to cry, he screamed until there's no more voice coming out from his throat and continued laying there lifelessly.

When a vampire experience so much grief and sorrow, a vein in their head snaps and they will go into rampage.

Pran stood up calmly, sniffing the air around, smelling all the mixed scent that is all familiar to him. He took his time walking back to their place, whistling from time to time. When the village was on sight, Pran's eyes immediately roam around the place even as he entered the main house.

"Oh Pran! There you are!" Wai said cheerfully. "You wouldn't believe what happened earlier. So we were on our way to hunt this guy we saw days ago yeah? And luck was on our side because he literally came to us himself. He was the best prey so far, I mean, the guy can run so fa-" Pran shoved his hand inside Wai's mouth and clawed the flesh inside out in a matter of seconds. Wai cried in pain, holding onto his neck as he looked at Pran. "Pra-" Pran grabbed his mouth and forced them apart until his head split in half. Pran hunt them all one by one, making sure they died a painful a death.

"Pran?" Pran's head snapped right, Wai's other friend looking at him. "W-what are you doing?" Before he could run away, Pran was already grabbing his neck and slammed him on the wall. He tried to claw at Pran to get away, but Pran continued squeezing his neck until it snapped, killing him.

Still raging inside, Pran decided everyone should die, and that's what happened. Pran slaughtered every vampire on the island and gathered the corpses inside the main house before setting it on fire.

"I should probably die too." He said to himself. "2022. I'll wait until 2022. If I can't find you when that year comes, then there's no point in me living."

*22nd April 2022*

Pat opened his eyes and looked at the familiar ceiling, before the ugly face of his wailing sister appeared. "You're awake! Waaah!" Paa hugged him and cried some more.

"Why are you acting as if I died?" Pat asks, tapping her in the back.

Because you did. Paa wanted to say but stopped herself. It will only confuse his brother, because once a time traveller dies while travelling, they'll forget about their abilities, the places they go to, and the people they met along the way. They'll be in a one-month coma and wakes up thinking they just went to sleep.

"I'm auditioning for a play later, I'm practicing." Paa lied, wiping her tears away. Her brother is awake, and that's all that matters.

"So you disturbed my sleep?" Pat said in annoyance and got up. "Go cry to the plant or something."

"Hmmp! You never help me hia!" Paa pouts. "Anyway, go take a shower, breakfast is ready." She added before exiting his room.

Knowing that he can't go back to sleep even if he wanted to, Pat did what his sister told him to do.

Everyone's been giving Pat hugs, especially from family and friends, making him wonder if it's world hug day or something.

"Something weird is going on here." Pat pointed out to his friends.

"Like what?" Korn asks.

"Why are you guys hugging me? Literally everyone gave me a hug." Pat said. “Are you guys pranking me or something?”

“And you think everyone would just be on board with it?” Another one asks.

“Point taken.” Pat nodded. “So then, why?”

“Are we not allowed to hug you?” Korn asks.

“You can-“

“Then enough with the questions.” Korn said, hugging him again. Pat rolled his eyes and tap Korn’s back. After all the weird sappy moments with his friends, Pat suggested they go out somewhere, but his friends insisted they should stay at home and for Pat to relax, and truthfully, having his friends fuss over him gave Pat chills, but still agreed to what they want.

As they were playing COD, Pat’s phone keeps on pinging. He was too busy being hugged from left to right that he literally forgot about his phone. The screen lights up, another notification popping, Pat swiped on the screen and typed in his passcode, but the phone vibrates, indicating he put in a wrong one. He tried a few more times, but to no avail.

“Paa!” He yelled.

“What!?” His sister yelled back.

“Did you change the password on my phone?”

“Why would I do that?” Paa asks, peeking from the kitchen.

“To spite me?”

“Ha.Ha. Funny.” Paa mocks. “But no, I didn’t touch your phone. No one did.”

“Then how come I can’t unlock my phone? There’s no way I’d forget my password.” Pat wonders.

“Signs of aging dude.” Korn comments, earning a smack from Pat.

Not really that bothered to do something about it, Pat toss his phone aside and re-joined the game. His friends stayed until dinner before deciding to go home, saying something like ‘we’ve had enough of Pat for today’ that you’d think Pat force them or something.

Friends. What would life be without them.

Now back in his room, he felt so exhausted for some reason even though he was just sitting all day. His body feels so heavy and is aching and more. The moment his body landed on the bed; sleep consumed him immediately.

--

That sleep was the weirdest sleep he’s ever had, Pat’s dream was empty but full at the same time if that make sense. Pat couldn’t see anything at all, but felt it instead. Pat is longing for something he doesn’t know.

He lifelessly went downstairs and dropped down on the sofa and closed his eyes.

“Are you okay?” His mom asks.

“Mom, ask me what I want right now.” Pat replied.

His mom put down the newspaper she’s reading and look at her son. “What do you want right now Pat?”

Pat sighs. “I want to be in an island where the sun doesn’t shine.”

“Okay, that’s very specific.” His mom said. “Why?”

“I don't know, but I just feel like that's the place I would find all the answers I need.”

“Answers to what?”

Pat opened his eyes and looked at his mom. “That, I don’t know. I just think I've forgotten something important."

“Then go find it.” His mom encourages.

“I mean, where would I find an island that’s never been touch by the sun?”

“Well, I know someone who visited the exact same island.” She said, sipping her tea.

“Who?”

She shrugs. “Just someone I know, but the island definitely exist. Do you want to go?”

Pat nodded.

*2nd May 2022*

“Are you sure you want to go alone?” Paa asks. They’re all in the seaport, seeing Pat off. It took them a week to find someone who could take him there, as far as they know, the villagers from that island rarely comes to the city, thus why only a few knew it exist. The sea the island is located in is surrounded by a thick fog and only the occupants of that island knows how to navigate there.

Pat nodded. “I need to do this alone Paa.”

“If you do find the answers and no matter what you do next, we’ll support you.” His dad said, kissing Pat’s hair, making him shy.

“Visit us from time to time, okay?” His mom spoke next.

Pat’s eyes squinted. “Why do I feel like you know something I don’t?”

She laughs. “Intuition honey. Take care of yourself, okay?”

Pat nodded. “I love you guys.”

Waving one last time to his family, Pat stepped in the boat.

--

Two hours of just wondering the vast ocean, Pat finally notices the surrounding starting to get foggy, meaning they’re almost at the destination.

“What made you want to visit the island sir?” The person handling the average size boat, asks.

“To find answers.”

He frowned. “Answers? What kind of answers?”

“I don’t know yet.”

The man stared at Pat before focusing his attention to the sea, probably thinking Pat is somewhat crazy. Well, he’s not that far off. Even Pat thinks he’s crazy, like, who would go to such an island? And the reason is not even to explore, he’s going there for some confusing reason. He just hope he’s not wasting his time.

Soon after, a dark shadow can be seen from a distance and Pat knows they arrive. The boat gently stops on the shore and as soon as Pat stepped on the ground, Pat’s heart started thumping loudly.

Home.

That’s what he felt. He’s home, and he’s more confused than ever.

Pat looked around the deserted port and looked back at the man pulling his boat more to the shore. Making sure that the boat is secure, the man looks at Pat too. “There’s a motel in the South village, I’ll take you there.”

Pat nodded and followed the man.

“The island may be small, but there’s a lot of things you can do.” The man babbled. “Well, you can do pretty much everything, but one.”

“And that is?”

“Never step foot on the-“

“East village.” Pat added, surprising them both.

“Yeah, why do you know that?”

Pat shakes his head. “I don’t know.”

The man squints his eyes. “Are you sure you’ve never been here before?”

“Not that I’m aware of.”

“Huh. How would you not be aware if you’ve been in a place or not.” The man mumbled, but Pat could still hear him. They continued the journey to the South village in silence, and Pat is aware the man is wary of him now, but he doesn’t care.

--

The motel was decent and cheap as well, Pat only dropped his things in the room and went out again. True to what he’s been told, the entirety of the island looks murky, and depressing. How can people live with no sun? No wonder they all look so pale.

Pat walked around the village, all eyes are on him as he passes them by, that tells Pat they rarely get a tourist here. He went around the market, looking at all the different things, sometimes buying something for his family and friends to give when he goes back.

A beautiful sound of a harp caught his attention and saw a woman in the middle of the market, playing it. Pat walk up to where the lady was and watch her. The melody was both sweet and sad, pulling at Pat’s heartstrings, but the woman playing it has a smile on her face as she move her fingers on the strings to flawlessly.

“She’s good, isn’t she?” Pat looked at the old man beside him, who was smiling at the woman. “What do you think?”

Pat looked at her again. “Yes, she’s good.”

“You look like someone who’s not from this island young man.” The old man spoke again, now looking at Pat.

“I’m not. I’m from the city.”

“Thought so. What brings you here?” The old man asks.

“I’m looking for answers.”

The old man chuckled and motion for Pat to follow him to the bench nearby. Since Pat has nothing better to do, he followed the old man.

“Why do you think the answers are here?”

“I don’t know. I just woke up one day wanting to be in an island where the sun doesn’t shine.” Pat said truthfully.

The old man hummed. “What did you feel when you arrived?”

“I’m home.”

“I see.” They went quiet, before the old man speaks again. “Did you know that this island was once called Wisteria Island?” Pat shakes his head. “It was called that because the island was covered with Wisteria, like the whole island.”

Pat looked at the trees around, and at thought back on the trees he passed by on their way to this village. “But there’s no Wisteria tree here, not even one.”

“They’re all wisteria trees my boy, they just hadn’t bloom in years. We don’t know what the reason is. I mean why the whole island was covered with big, nutritious wisteria trees was a mystery too, but they also just stopped in such a mysterious way.”

“When was the last time you saw them bloom?” Pat asks.

“Never seen them bloom, but my great grandmother said it was back in 1898.” Pat’s breath hitches. 1898. He’s doesn’t know why, but his heart ached for some reason.

“Then can I ask you something sir?” The old man nodded. “Why am I not allowed to go to the East village?”

“Oh, someone already warned you huh?” Pat nodded. “Well, for starters, it’s abandoned. The council did try to scout the land, but they all said the same thing, something just doesn’t feel right in that village. They feel like they’re constantly being watch by something. There are a lot of stories going around, but there’s one story where everyone claimed they experienced.”

Pat was intrigued. “What is it?”

“People who goes to the forest to hunt or gather firewood said that as you get nearer to the heart of the forest, an instrument can be heard playing, followed by the singing voice filled with so much sorrow that kind of pulls you towards them. Every single one who claimed to experience this said the same thing, there’s a big wisteria tree in full bloom, and under it was a man, who they claimed would just disappear in a blink of an eye. They called him the wisteria ghost.”

Pat gulped. “And what do you think?”

“Curiosity is part of who we are.” The old man said. “I went to check myself.”

“And?”

“And nothing. I got lost.” The old man laughs out loud, even more so when he looked at Pat’s reaction. “What about you? What do you think?”

“I think I should go see it for myself.” Pat replied.

“Well, good luck with that. Just be careful kid.” The old man then stood up. “See you around.”

“How do I-.”

“Go back to the beach, stand at the port and looked at the forest, you should see three paths, choose the path thick bushes. Good luck.” With that, the old man left.

Pat did not waste any more time and hurriedly went back to the beach, he looked around, and sure enough, there are two more paths that he failed to notice earlier. Pat looked at the unkept path and took a deep breath before taking a first step.

It only took him twenty minutes before arriving at the said abandoned village, and it really lived up to its name. Pat studied the surrounding, trying to see if he can really feel someone watching him, but so far, nothing. He walked farther and farther and the houses looked the same, all tattered, though there’s one house that look burnt. Aside from cats making him jump from time to time, there’s nothing really. He’s not feeling anything about the place either.

The answers are not here.

“The heart of the forest. Big wisteria tree in full bloom. A man.”

Pat entered the forest again, with no specific direction in mind. He just knows he needs to keep going forward until he gets to where the heart of the forest is.

--

Hours. Pat has been wandering around the forest for hours, but still no luck. He’s now taking yet another rest against one of the trees, thankful that at least there’s a slight wind blowing. Having rested enough, Pat stood up and looked ahead, before looking at where he came from. Starting to lose hope, he decided he should just go back, since there’s no point in him going further. With his mind made up, Pat started walking back to where he came from when a sound of what sounds like a guitar resonated all around the forest.

Pat looked around him as it went quiet, before another strum. Albeit scared, Pat tried following the sound, as it get’s getting closer and closer, Pat soon noticed the biggest wisteria coming into view, the sound of guitar now playing much clearer.

What Pat thinks was a beautiful song, is now sang in a very sad way, as if all hopes were gone. It’s so haunting. Pat ever so slowly rounded the tree, trying not to make a noise, to not startle whoever it is and soon, a man came in to view holding a guitar, his eyes close as he sings.

~Wise men say

“Only fools rush in”~

A sudden gust of wind blew the dry leaves and surrounded Pat and as it clears, the scenery changed.

“What in the world!?" They both exclaimed.

The man immediately stepped aside while Pran stood up.

"Who are you!? And where did you even come from?" Pran asks, annoyance lacing his voice.

"Shit! No one was supposed to see me." The man muttered before disappearing right before Pran's eyes.

~But I can’t help

Falling in love with you~

"I'm not waiting for him." Pran muttered. "This is my resting spot. Yes. So, I'm just going to sit here and relax."

That's what you said yesterday too, and the day before that, and before that. You've been saying that for ten days.

Pran ignored the voice in his head and proceed to lay down, only to be startled by Pat suddenly appearing next to him.

Pat stretched his arms and took a step only to fall to the ground with a loud groan. "Damn it!"

Pran's eyes widen and moved to help Pat, but the latter was already standing, patting his clothes with a frown.

"Are you alright?" Pran ask, now standing too.

Pat finally looked at him, now scowling ad he looked away. "Damn it!"

~Shall I stay?

Would it be a sin~

"Pat, Pat, look at this." Pran showed Pat a necklace with a locket. "What is this?"

Pat took the necklace and opened the locket. "It's a necklace, and this is one here, you can put a photo or whatever you want."

"That's so cool." Pran said, eyes sparkling, he then looked around. "Hmm? What's that sound? It's so beautiful."

Pat placed the necklace back on the table and looked around with Pran, before they reached a group of people standing in front of a small Wisteria tree. They pushed through the sea of people until they reach the front and saw a woman playing the harp.

"Wow. So beautiful." Pran said in awe.

"The lady?" Par teased.

"No, she's hideous. I mean the thing she's playing and the music coming off it."

~If I can’t help

Falling in love with you?~

"So, you're done with this place now then? Where are you going next?" Pran asks, not looking at Pat.

"I... I'm not sure." Pat replied, looking at Pran. "Not sure yet." He repeats.

Pran just nodded.

They stayed there in silence for a couple of hours more before deciding to go back to their spot, the air between them somewhat intense.

"Pran..."

"You usually leave around this time." Pran said, looking at Pat with a small smile.

"Pran..."

"It was nice knowing you Pat."

~Like a river flows

Surely to the sea~

"I'm a monster Pat." Pran said in a low tone.

"Yo-"

"Always am, and I wish I could change that, but I can't." Pran shakes his head. "This is me, that back there, that's how we hunt, to live, but, but I would never hurt you." Pran finally looked at Pat, eyes glossy with tears. "So please don't be scared of me, please don't hate me."

"I'm not scared of you Pran, that back there, I was just overwhelmed." Pat spoke. "And I would never hate you. Never." Pat stepped forward, making Pran step back. "Pran, come here." Pat extended his hand. "Please?"

Pran wiped his tears away and looked at Pat, then to Pat's hand before hesitantly reaching out. When their hands touch, Pat didn't waste time and pulled Pran to him and hugged the crying vampire tightly.

"Oh baby, I'm sorry." Pat tightened his hold on Pran. "It's okay. Please don't cry." But Pran continued crying, and Pat let him.

~Darling, so it goes

Some things are meant to be~

Pat being Pat, accepted the answer and burrowed the phone. “Can we take a photo Pran?” He asks, but before Pran could reply, Pat moved closer to him and raised the phone. “Smile Pran.”

While Pat smiled at the camera, Pran glanced at him at the same time as Pat took the photo. Pat looked at it and sigh in relief before smiling. “I thought it wouldn’t capture vampires. That’s a relief. We have a picture now Pran.” Pat said, showing it to him.

Pran looked at the photo and then at Pat, now fully realizing what this person means to him. Pran suddenly stood up, confusing Pat.

“I need to go.” Pran announced. “I’ll see you later.” Without waiting for Pat’s reply, Pran disappeared, leaving the former confused.

“What just happened?” Pat asked himself. He waited for Pran to come back, but he didn’t, so without a choice, Pat left.

He came back a week and a half later and waited, but Pran didn’t show up either. Pat looked at the necklace he wanted to give Pran and sigh. He stood up and looked at the tree. “Can you keep this for me?” He ask, and hanged the necklace on one of the small branches hovering just above him. “I just hope Pran sees this.”

~Take my hand~

A gust of wind blew towards Pran, and he yelp in pain as he felt something hit his forehead. He rubbed the spot as he looks around, noticing the necklace dangling from one of the branches. He grabs the branch and takes the necklace. It’s the necklace he saw in South village, if he remembers correctly, the small locker can be opened. Pran gently opened the said locker and inside the picture of him and Pat, and on the other side, was a date.

~Take my whole life too~

"Hi." Pat waved at him. Pran just stared at him and soon enough, stones and twigs are thrown at Pat. "Woah! Woah! Pran! Wait! Let me expla-ouch! Pran!"

"You asshole! Bastard! Prick!" Pran yelled as he keeps throwing things at Pat.

"Okay, I regret teaching you those words! Bu-ouch! Pran-damn it! Stop! I'm sorry!"

"Sorry!? You're sorry!? Two months Pat! I've waited for two months!" Pran huffs. "You could've told me! Warned me!"

~For I can’t help~

"And...and why would you give me this necklace? Jewelleries are only given to people you..." Pran stopped.

"People I what?" Pat asks.

"You like." Pran said in a whisper.

"That's correct."

Pran gulped. "D-do you like me?"

Pat's smile widens. "I do. I like you Pran." And Pat thought Pran would smile and ran towards him, but instead, Pran started throwing things at him again. "This is not the reaction I was hoping!" Pat yelled, dodging the twigs and stones.

"You cheater! You lying piece of...of whatever!" Pran yelled. "You like me!? You already have a lover!"

Pat stood straight, catching the last stone coming his way. "What? What lover? I don't have a lover, not yet anyway."

~Falling in love with you~

"You really like me?" Pat nodded again, and that was enough for Pran to relax. The dimpled smile finally showing. "I... I like you too."

"Then, do you want to date me Pran?"

"Okay." Pran answered right away.

"Do you want to be my boyfriend Pran?"

"Yes."

Pat smiled, opening his arms. "Can I hug my boyfriend now?"

Pran didn't waste any more time and ran to Pat's open arms. "I miss you so much."

"I miss you more baby."

Pran giggles. "Baby. I like that."

~Take my hand~

Pran at Pat laying down, is head resting on Pran's lap, eyes close. He softly ran his hands through Pat's soft hair, while his other hand was resting on Pat's chest.

His finger softly travel to Pat's forehead, to the tip of his nose before reaching Pat's lips which the latter softly kisses. Pran only contemplated for a second before cupping Pat's face, lift it up a little and pressed their lips together.

"I love you." Pran whispered.

"I love you." Pat whispered back before kissing Pran again.

~Take my whole life too~

Pran sigh. "I'm going to apologize in advance, if you end up dead." Pat nodded and laughed. Pran gulped before he slowly lifted Pat's chin to expose his neck more. He carefully leaned in, placing tiny kisses on Pat's neck before his mouth hovered over the bulging vein. Pran's mouth salivates as his fangs extended and within seconds, they were buried in the flesh.

Pat's hold on Pran's thighs tightened as a groan left his mouth at the stabbing pain.

As soon as the blood touch Pran's tongue, all his taste bud exploded, his head gone. The taste of the blood was so much better than all the bloods he tasted before; nothing can compare. Pran bites deeper and sucked more blood, leaving Pat panting.

~For I can’t help~

“Pran?” Pat softly calls. Pran groans and opened his eyes to look at Pat. “I need to go.”

Pran looked around and it’s still dark before looking at Pat again. “Already?

“I’m sorry.” Pat placed a kiss on Pran’s shoulder.

“When will I see you again?” Pran asks, sitting up.

“Soon.” Was Pat’s reply and that didn’t sit well with Pran, but he didn’t show it and just nodded. Pat peck his lips multiple times before standing up to get dress. “I’ll see you later?”

“Later.” And with that, Pat was gone. Pran laid back down and covered his eyes with his arm. “I’m getting greedy. I want him to stay longer.” Pran released a loud sigh and looked at the tree. “Would be too selfish of me to ask that of him, right? Right.”

~Falling in love with you~

“I can’t keep on doing this any longer Pat. I can’t keep on waiting for days only for you not to show up.” Pran rubbed his face. “You can’t expect me to always be here waiting for you. I’m tired.”

“Pran…” Pat steps closer. “It's dangerous for me to stay and you know that. It's also dangerous for me to come every day. There's a possibility it could kill me.”

“Am I not worth dying for!?” Pran yelled before he could stop himself.

~For I can’t help~

"NOOO! PAT!" Pran sobbed as he looked at the condition of Pat, he's soaked in his own blood, deep scratches all over his face and body, and even without checking, Pran knows Pat is no longer alive. Pran cradled Pat's body as he cried his eyes out. "Pat, baby, wake up, please." Pran begs, but Pat remained still.

Pran hugged Pat's body until it slowly disappears, and even after that, Pran laid on the ground in a fatal position, holding onto his necklace.

Pran cried until there's no more tears left to cry, he screamed until there's no more voice coming out from his throat and continued laying there lifelessly.

~Falling in love with you~

Pat was back to the present as the wind died down. Everything's back to him now, every memory of Pran, his love, and right now, he's in front of Pat, still unaware.

Pat wiped his tears away and moved closer.

"Pran." He called.

Pran's eyes snapped open and looked at Pat, they were just staring at each other before Pran slowly rise to his feet.

They didn't say anything else as they walk towards each other, eyes not faltering even for a second as they used it to communicate, everything happened so fast and so slow at the same time, and when they're finally close, their lips closed in as they fully take in each other, savouring the moment.

--

"I went to the east village. It looks abandoned." Pat spoke after some time.

Pran sighs and looked away from Pat. "Things happened."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Pran shakes his head. "You'll hate me."

"Why would I hate you?" Pat frowned.

"Because."

"You can try me Pran." He challenges.

"I killed them all." Pran said, looking Pat straight in the eyes.

Pat nodded. "Was it because of what happened to me?" Stupid question, he's aware, but still.

"Then I'm not going to say anything, I won't, because I know I'd do the same if I were you, I'd probably kill myself too." Pat said, moving Pran's hair away from his forehead.

"I wanted to kill myself." Pran admits. "But I thought I'd wait until 2022 and if the year ends and I still can't find you, then I'll do for sure. For me, there's no point in living longer if I don't have you by my side." Pran held Pat's face and kiss him as tears run down his cheeks. "One hundred and twenty-four years." Pran sobbed against Pat's lips. "I've been waiting for you to come back to me."

"I'm sorry it took so long baby, but I'm here now." Pat said, kissing Pran's eyes. "We'll be together again from now on."

Pran nodded and kissed Pat again. "I love you. I love you. I love you."

"I love you too Pran."

Pat and Pran continued living in the East village, happy and contented, though they do visit Pat's family from time to time.

The legend of the wisteria ghost continued to live on and they prefer it that way.

*The End*