Archive of Our Own ^beta

February 2022.

Seriously... can you tell me what I did wrong?

Alan's question echoed in Wen's head. He didn't know the answer to that question.

You did nothing wrong, Alan!

Then, why?

Because it's not going to work... even you can see it, right?

I waited five years, Wen! I thought you were happy with me! You promised me that you'll give me a chance.

I did... I gave you five years... but, in the end, it doesn't feel right. You deserve better, Alan... you don't deserve me dragging you in that world.

Wen... I begged you to drag me in that world! I was ready to spend eternity with you... I've always been ready... you just never really tried... you've been going with the flow... you couldn't love me.

I do love you... but not enough to do that to you... I'm sorry.

What's gonna happen now? You'll make me forget everything about you? Or just the vampire part?

That depends... what do you want?

Well... what I really want is for you to make me like you... but I guess that's not gonna happen. I don't want to completely forget you, Wen! I want to remember all those years we spent together.

Alright.

And I want us to continue living together... at least for now. I know it's not healthy... and I know it probably will be hard for you... but, please, indulge in me on this!

Ok... I don't feel like looking for a new place anyway... not right now.

Can I kiss you one last time?

Yeah...

Alan took Wen in his arms and they kissed.

Thank you for those five years Alan... I'm sorry I couldn't fall in love with you.

I had a great time, Wen! I love you so much... I hope you can find the right person for you... like Gong did... nobody deserves to spend eternity alone. And when you'll find him, don't make the same mistake that you did with me... don't let anything in, Wen! Trust your instinct and let it all out!

Wen nodded and looked at him in the eyes. There was a few seconds of complete silence and then... Alan's eyes became empty.

Alan... forget everything about the vampires... Mia, Gong and I are normal people... you and I never discussed immortality... everything else about us will remain in your memory... we dated for five years and now we're breaking up... find happiness with someone else, Alan... because I'm not the right person for you.

Another few seconds of silence... and then, Alan started to cry.

So... that's it? You're breaking up with me?

I'm sorry, Alan.

Well... it's not like I didn't see it coming... you've been acting weird lately... was it something I did?

No... you did nothing wrong.

You don't love me anymore?

No... I'm sorry... I tried Alan... but I can't pretend anymore.

I see... are you staying here for now?

Only if you don't ask that in the hopes that I'll change my mind... because I won't, Alan!

Well... you can't blame a man for trying. It's gonna be torture to sleep next to you without touching you, but I'll manage somehow.

September 2022.

Gong looked at Wen with raised eyebrows.

You want to do what?

I want to work on the Marina project.

The one you told me about? Wen! They won't let you do that! You're already lucky that they accepted a designer who can't work during the day. For this project, they'll ask you to go there and check the perimeters and stuff... you can't go in the sunlight, Wen... you can't work on that project!

With that medical certificate, I can! P'Aof likes me.

You're still calling him that even though you're way older than him!

He doesn't know that! Anyway... he recommended me... they will delegate somebody else to do the outside work.

You already asked him?

Yes... and now, I'm just waiting for the client to accept my demands. P'Aof said he'll send me a text tonight.

I still don't understand why you chose a job like this! A night job like Mia and I would have been better... at least, you wouldn't have needed an excuse to not go out during the day.

Well... I don't think being a night security guard really suits me... and don't even get me started on Mia's job!

No stripping?

Not my style! How can you let her do that?

Well... we get more blood with her clients than with mine. You wouldn't believe the number of guys and girls who pine after her... which is why I'm leaving now. She texted me... saying that she was coming home with twins!

Boys or girls?

I don't know... it doesn't matter... it's not like we'll have sex with them... they're just the blood bank.

So I guess that means you won't come and celebrate my promotion with me...

Nope... for us, it's fresh blood and sex while high on sugar...

And on alcohol... enjoy your evening, guys... and don't drink too much... you almost killed the last one!

Sorry... I got a little bit excited... it's not every day I feed on a movie star.

Gong left the gym and Wen hit the showers. When he was done, he checked his phone... Aof sent him a message, saying that the client agreed to his demands... he could start working on the Marina project the next week. Wen nodded and smiled. He got dressed and exited the gym. He decided to walk on the docks and look for a restaurant. After a few minutes, he found himself in front of an establishment called "Moonlight Chicken". Wen chuckled... what a fitting name for someone like him. He went in... sat down... ordered some chicken rice and a beer... and another one... and another one... until he passed out on his table. Yes... even a vampire can get drunk!

The owner of the restaurant, Jim, was cleaning a table... the last customers were gone and his employee, Leng, was about to go home.

See you, uncle!

Wait... take some leftovers with you!

No thank you... Praew wants Som Tum... she might get her periods soon.

You should be relieved that she still has them!

Shit... you're right, uncle! It's better if she still has them. See you later, uncle!

Leng left. Jim finished cleaning the table and looked up. He froze... there was still one customer... who was dead drunk passed out on the table. He stepped forward and tried to wake him up.

Khun! Khun!

Wen woke up in a snap... slightly disorientated... and when he lifted his head, he froze. The man was gorgeous... probably in his late 30's... and the smell coming from him was delicious.

Do you want me to call you a cab? Asked Jim.

Meanwhile, a lot of different thoughts were rushing through Wen's head.

Fuck! He's hot... how come I never came here before?... look at those eyes... and his skin... damn!... I can't wait to see him naked... nice smell... his blood must taste so good... a cab?... are you kidding?... as if I'll let you get away that easily! Fake calling Gong right now... yeah... fake calling!

Wen smiled and shook his head.

No... thank you... I'll call my friend.

He grabbed his phone and called Gong.

Hey... it's me... can you come and fetch me?... I'm at Moonlight Chicken.

After so many years, he and Gong had decided on some tactics for various life scenarios. Pretending to need a ride... when in fact he really didn't need one because he could run faster than a car... was plan number 6... and it meant : "I'm about to get lucky and the human needs a bit of normality before getting me into bed!". Knowing fully well that Gong will never show up, Wen sat in front of the restaurant, chatting with the owner. His name was Jim... everybody called him uncle... he was some kind of father figure in this community. After a while, they took a walk... and ate some sweets... and prayed... and then, Wen went for the kill. He was still slightly intoxicated with alcohol... but he was far from drunk. He pretended to be though... just to have an excuse for holding on to Jim's back and resting his head on his shoulder. Seduction for a vampire like Wen has never been a problem. They ended up in Jim's car... they went to his place... Wen pretended to feel nauseous... and while Jim was getting him some water, he went upstairs. The first door he opened was not Jim's room... a kid was inside... looking at him with wide eyes. Jim came to fetch Wen and took him to his room. They lay down on the bed and started a staring contest.

Tell your son that I'm sorry.

Do I look that old? He's my nephew. I don't have a wife yet... I think you know what I like.

Well duh! As if it wasn't obvious at first glance! After decades of hunting men, Wen knew how to spot those types from a mile away. Wen came closer and tried to kiss him... but Jim sat up.

You're drunk... just sleep here tonight.

He was trying to escape... no way Wen was gonna let him do that! He grabbed his arm and sat up. He looked at him in the eyes.

I'm already sober... but I don't want to go home.

This won't complicate things, right?

Indeed... there's no need to complicate them...

What happens tonight... ends tonight...

I wonder about that...

Wen couldn't restrain himself anymore. He slightly bit his ear... and started to stroke his torso. Then, Jim took off his shirt and Wen jumped on him... liking every part of that perfect chest. He had the time to take off his overshirt... but not the one under... because Jim snapped and pined him on the bed... kissing his neck and reaching down his pants. Then, he took off his pants and Wen's pants and started on the friction of both members... Wen had some trouble keeping up... which was weird for him because he usually was the attacker. He was lost in ecstasy... he felt some lube on his ass... he heard the ripping of the condom... and then, Jim dived into him... and the passion started. They've been going at it for what seemed to be an eternity... and then suddenly... Wen was thirsty... he was thirsty for that blood... which was even more appealing to him now... he needed to bite Jim... and he needed it now. He grabbed Jim's shoulders and switched them... he was on top on him... riding him passionately... Jim's eyes were closed, enjoying the new position and Wen's weigh on him... Wen's eyes were focused on Jim's neck... he was licking his lips. But before biting Jim... he needed to make him forget. Everytime vampires had sex with humans... especially if those humans were used as a blood supplier... vampires needed to make sure that they wouldn't remember anything in the morning... that was the number one rule in the vampire world... in order for them to live peacefully... without being hunted... their existence was to be concealed from the human world. Jim opened his eyes and Wen prepared himself for the hypnosis. But then... his mind froze. Looking deep into those eyes made him shiver... and he found some sort of calm and rational feeling inside them... and then... Alan's words from seven months ago echoed in his head.

Don't make the same mistake... let it all out... trust your instinct...

Don't make the same mistake... meaning... don't hide the truth from him and don't let him find out on his own. Let it all out... meaning... don't repress the feelings that you're desperately trying to hide. Trust your instinct... meaning... you'll know it in your gut when the right one will come along. Wen shivered and moaned loudly... he didn't know if it was because of the sex or because of those new feelings he was starting to have. He was trying to make an important decision... and Jim thrusting into him was not helping in any way. And then, Jim sat up and started to lick and kiss his neck... Wen grabbed his hair and pulled... feeling so close to climax. And apparently, Jim was almost there too. In a split second, he made the decision to go for it... Alan was right : eternity is a long time... and even longer when you're all alone.

Uncle... he panted... I'm... I'm sorry...

For what? Asked Jim, breathing heavily.

For what's to come.

Wen pushed him back on the bed and held him still. He opened his mouth... and Jim's eyes went wide. Wen's pointy canines were showing... he was licking them... and then, he dived into Jim's neck... biting him until the blood came out. Jim gasped and tried to fight him off... but Wen was strong... he had vampire strenght... Jim was no match for him. Wen was drinking Jim's blood while riding him. Jim screamed his orgasm... not too loud... and then, he passed out. Wen reached climax and threw his head back. Blood was dripping from Jim's neck... and from Wen's mouth. He licked both spots clean and got off Jim. He lay on the bed for a few minutes... sated... happy... and high on that delicious blood. Then, he got up and put on his clothes. He looked at the unconscious man in the bed and smiled.

I really hope you'll be ok with this, uncle... because something tells me, that I might become addicted to your blood.

He opened the window and jumped out. And then, he vanished into the night.

The next day, at Gong and Mia's place.

You did what? Asked Gong.

Damn! Said Mia. That's the first time you do that! I remember Alan saying that he wished you did that with him.

I know... said Wen... and before I erased his memory and broke up with him, he made me promise that I wouldn't make the same mistake. Now that I think about it, maybe it would have change things if I had done that with him the first time.

No, it wouldn't have, assured Gong. When it's not the right person, it's just not. With Alan, you had doubts... but with this guy, you hadn't. Is he really that hot?

You have no idea!

Well... said Mia. Now, you just have to wait a few days for him to come to terms with this news. I hope it works out for you, Wen!

Thanks.

Are you sure? Asked Gong.

No... I'm not... but I had this gut feeling... and I just... yeah... maybe I've been too repressed all those years... letting it all out is a great feeling. And if he can't accept it... well... I'll just erase his memory and then, I'll move on to the next one... no harm done!

Two days later, at the Moonlight Chicken restaurant. The evening service was about to start. Jim sighed. He was looking at his phone... searching the internet for some kind of answer. His nephew came up behind him.

Vampires in the modern era? Asked Li-Ming. Why are looking for something like that uncle?

Er... well... I... er... some customers were talking about this show on TV... and I realized that I haven't watched things like that in a while. I mean, the last version of Dracula I saw was Gary Oldman. I guess there's a lot of things that have been done since then.

Yeah... and all with different perceptions of vampires. Don't watch the Twilight saga, uncle! It's good, but I don't think you'll like it... it's a chick flick... too romantic for you.

Right...

Can I open the door uncle? Are you ready for customers?

Yeah... let's do this.

Li-Ming opened the front door... there was already three people waiting. Leng came out of the kitchen... ready to wait on them. Jim started to prepare the chicken-rice. Two hours later, Wen walked into the restaurant. His eyes fell immediately on Jim... who was serving customers. When Jim saw Wen... he froze. His eyes were wide opened... but Wen realized that there was no fear in them... just surprise and curiosity. He walked past Jim and whispered in his ear.

Don't make a scene, uncle Jim... there's really no reason for you to do that... just keep on working as usual and we'll talk after closing time. I'd like some chicken-rice and a beer... by the way, I never told you my name... I'm Wen... it was VERY nice to meet you, uncle Jim.

Wen sat down and Jim shook his head. The rest of the evening went on normally. When the last customer left... and after Li-Ming and Leng went home... Jim closed the restaurant and sat down at Wen's table. There was only silence for a few minutes... neither of them daring to open the conversation... and then, eventually, Wen did.

First things first, uncle... I want you to know that, in the event of you not being rational and accepting about this, I won't have a choice.

Are you going to kill me?

No... we don't kill humans... otherwise, we'll get hunted. I'll just erase your memory.

You can do that?

Sure. Actually, I should have done that already... that night... right before I bit you... I was supposed to do it then.

Why didn't you?

I don't know... call it a gut feeling. Somehow, I don't picture you as someone who goes running through the crowds yelling about the existence of vampires. How was the hangover?

How do you know I had a hangover? And by the way, how come I had a hangover? You were the one who was drunk! Oh wait! Was that an act? Can vampires get drunk?

So many questions...

Sorry...

It's fine... it's always the same. So, here we go! Yes... vampires can get drunk... alcohol affects us just like it does humans... we just don't get sick.

So you feeling nauseous that day was an act!

Yeah... sorry about that... I wanted to reach your bed as soon as possible. I have a dirty mind sometimes... or so my friends say. Anyway, about the hangover... that was from the bite. Humans bitten by vampires... especially during sex... experience a massive orgasm and they pass out... and the next day, they feel hungover... not from alcohol, but from head rush.

Right... I was wondering if I had gone crazy at the time. I was hungover but I didn't remember drinking that much... just one beer never made me sick before... and then, I remembered you... and... er... well... your... er...

Fangs?

Yeah...

That scared you... I could see it. Which is normal I guess.

What happens now?

Well... it's really your choice, uncle. Remember what you said that night... about making things complicated? Well... I'm sorry, but I just made them very complicated for you. Also, the part about things ending that night... well... that's up to you too. If you want to pretend it never happened, then I'll erase your memory and I'll look for someone else. But, if you think you can give it a shot, then it's fine by me.

You're pretty trusting pretty fast!

Which... considering my past... is very surprising. I've never done that before. Not even with my last boyfriend, who I dated for five years.

Dated... vampires and humans dating... that's... er...

Weird?

Kind of... did he know ?

Yes... but I didn't tell him at first. He found out on his own six months later. Because he followed me home one day and saw me bit someone. When he swore that it didn't matter and that he thought he could love me the same, I gave him the benefit of a doubt and accepted him as my boyfriend. We moved in together six months after that. I broke up with him in February... when I realized that it wasn't going to happen.

What wasn't going to happen?

Him becoming like me... I couldn't do that to him... even if he begged me to.

So... when you broke up with him... did you... er...

Yeah... Alan doesn't remember anything about vampires. He wanted to remember me though... our story... so I let him have that... and we're still living together as of today.

You do?

He wanted to... I think he just wanted security for a while... and maybe, in his head, there's this voice telling him that, with time, I could change my mind.

Not gonna happen?

No... but I don't resent him. I really loved Alan... he made me really happy for five years... maybe happier that I've ever been in my long life... but in the end, something wasn't right.

Long life... how long exactly?

Ah! Here we go! The fated question! I'll be 100 years old in March.

Is it too soon for me to ask... er... about when you... er...

You wanna know my past? How I became like this?

Yes. Am I too curious?

No... but I don't think this is the right place for that story. Is your nephew home?

No he's not... he's spending the night at Gaipa's place.

Who's Gaipa?

The son of my chicken supplier... there have a stall in the market hall.

Ok... are there any other indiscreet ears at your house, uncle?

Just my cat's. I don't think you need to worry about him spreading the news.

They drove to Jim's house and sat down in the living room. Jim offered Wen a beer and then, Wen started to tell him the story of his life.

April 1943.

Soldier Wen Wongsakorn Thunapakarn... member of the 3rd Infantry Division... was lying in a pool of blood... so many debris were around him... he seemed to be stuck under a big rock... he couldn't feel his legs... his head hurt... his vision was blurry. The air raid and the bomb strike by the Americans came out of nowhere... the whole place was wiped out... Wen couldn't see any of his comrades... he couldn't hear anything... there was only silence. He also knew that he was dying... it was just a matter of time before he bled out. Wen remembered how proud he was when the notice came... when he was called to enroll in the Kongthap Bok Thai... the Royal Thai Army... and defend his country like any other Thai man. He had just turn 20 years old... and now... he was dying. Wen didn't know life could be so short... he was a young kid with dreams... with aspirations... with plans for the future. And now... everything was lost... he was going to die at age 20... without fulfilling anything in life. He was feeling like a failure... not even a month in the military... and he was dead. Wen didn't know how long he kept lying there... in the silence... in his own blood... but eventually, after a while, he heard someone walking through the debris... the sound of small rocks cracking under someone's feet was echoing in his head. He also realized that night had fallen... the sun was nowhere to be seen. And then, he looked up. Someone was standing next to him... staring at him with sad eyes. The man was probably about 30... he was wearing a black coat... and he had very pale skin. The man squatted and took Wen's hand.

Are... are there survivors? Asked Wen.

Some civilians managed to escape before the strike... but otherwise, no. I'm sorry.

Are you here to pray for me? You don't look like a priest.

I'm not a priest... I'm not even a normal person...

What?

Listen to me... you're dying right now... you're probably gonna bleed out soon.

I know... why are you here? How did you find me? Especially during the night?

I smelled your blood.

Huh?

What's your name, soldier?

Wen.

Do you wanna live, Wen? You're very young... you don't deserve to die that young... nobody deserves to die that young... so, I'm asking you : do you want to live?

Yes... I wish I could... I... I want to see the world... and I want to see that war end... and I want to meet someone and have a family... well... that one might not have happened even if I had lived...

Why?

It's a sin... but since I'm dying, I can confess it to you... I like men... and obviously that's a crime in our country... and the rest of the world too, I suppose.

Well... it's not like you're the only one... I'm like that too.

Really?

Yes... things will be better for people like us in the future... I'm sure they will! Now, if you really want to live, I can grant you that wish... but it will come with sacrifices.

Which ones?

Leaving your family behind... never staying at the same place more than 10 years at a time... and obviously, hiding your true nature from the humans...

Humans... you... you are...

I'm offering you a new life, Wen... an immortal one... it can be lonely sometimes... but since we're not killers and don't get hunted, we can interact with humans and actually enjoy ourselves. Well... we'll enjoy ourselves once the war is over because, right now, life is Hell... wether you're a human or a vampire.

Vampire... oh!... you smelled my blood... and you could see me in the dark... right... yeah... of course... legends are true... how weird... my legs are crushed... I don't feel them.

Right! Let me take care of that. By the way... I'm Pakorn.

Pakorn got up and Wen saw him grab the big rock that was crushing him. Then, Pakorn lifted the rock like it was nothing... like it didn't weigh a ton. Wen's eyes went wide. Pakorn took Wen on his back.

We can't stay here... people will come soon... I'll take you to a safe place where you'll be able to spent the first three days in peace.

Three days?

Once I'm done with your transformation, you'll need three days to rise again. And then, you'll be one of us. I hope you took a good look at that sun today, Wen... because you'll never see it again.

Three days later, Pakorn was seated in a small house... reading a book. Wen was lying on a bed... completely still... not breathing. His wounds had healed... and his complexion looked better but a little paler. After a few minutes, Pakorn lifted his head and stared at Wen... who opened his eyes three seconds later. There was a few seconds of perfect silence... and then, Wen sat up quickly... looking around him... panicked... he grabbed his throat and shook his head. Pakorn was next to him in a heartbeat.

Hey! Calm down! It's ok... you're safe... everything's fine ok?

My... my throat... it's dry... I... I need...

I know. Here... start with mine.

Pakorn presented his wrist to Wen... who looked at it with wide eyes. His fangs grew... surprising him a bit... and then, he grabbed Pakorn's wrist and bit into it. One minute of drinking Pakorn's blood was enough for Wen to settle his thirst and he calmed down right after.

This is weird...

My blood is weird?

No... it's... well... I don't know... that's the first time I drink blood... is there a difference between vampire and human blood?

Yes... human blood help us stay alive... our blood becomes still if we don't feed on humans regularly. They are alive... and we're dead. That's the same with our blood. Human blood is alive... vampire blood is dead. My blood will help you for now... because you need to control yourself to feed on humans without killing them.

I see... er... I... woah... my legs are healed.

Immortality comes with benefits. How do you feel?

Good... I... I feel strong. Am I going to be able to lift very heavy rocks like you did?

Yeah... and many other things. But you'll need some training for that too. Like I said before... you need to hide your true nature from humans. And to do that, right now, you need to disappear. We have to leave the country for a while... just to make sure that nobody you knew from before can recognize you. You've already been declared dead and your family is in mourning now.

I thought for sure they would declare me missing... there's no body... obviously.

Well... that's the thing with bombs : they can smash a human body into nothing. They found your bracelet there... with your blood on it... your mother recognized it... so they deducted that you were killed by the bomb... leaving nothing to identify you with.

That's kind of horrible... my mother... my dad... how...

They're hanging on... like I said, they're in mourning. I know what you want to ask me Wen... but I'm afraid I can't do that... it's too dangerous. I'm not letting you near your house to go and see your parents one last time.

Yeah... I didn't really think you would. How long do I have to stay away?

It might be a little harsh... but long enough to be sure that nobody will remember your face. That means... after your parents death. I'm sorry.

Right... well... I chose that life so I'm ready to face the consequences. Where are we going, P'Parkorn? Please tell me in a country where there's no war!

No country is safe right now... and with the situation as it is, we can't get too far. Let's go to Japan for now... we'll see how it goes. Welcome to our world, Wen! You're gonna love it!

Back to the present.

We stayed in Japan until the end of the war and then, we went to Australia until the late 50's.

Where is that guy now? Do you still see him?

We're still in touch... he's in Finland... he likes it over there... very long nights... not much sun. He found his mate there. When we came back to Thailand in the early 60's, we went our separate ways. P'Pakorn told me that, after almost 20 years, I was ready to face this world on my own. He left to go to Europe and I settled in Bangkok for a while. My dad was already dead by then... and my mum was bedridden... she had tuberculosis... and, at that time, it wasn't a curable disease. She died a couple of years later.

Have you been staying in Thailand after that?

Not for long... five years after coming back here, I met Gong. He's my friend. I was having a stroll one night and I smelled blood... Gong was attacked, robbed and left for dead in an alley. I took him back to my place and changed him. After the first three days, we had to leave Thailand... we went to America... where we stayed for 15 years. Then, in the early 80's, we came back here. We only stayed 3 years... because, as soon as we arrived, Gong met Mia and, after dating for a while, she made the deliberate choice to become one of us... you know... to be with Gong for eternity... and then, we had to leave once again. One decade in Alaska... another in Russia... and then, we came back here. And this time, we decided to stay. We lived in Bangkok for ten years... we went to Lopburi for a while... and we came to Pattaya six years ago.

So... in about four years, you'll move somewhere else again?

Yes... that's the way it is. So... there you go! How was that? Not too many informations at the same time?

No... it was fine. I... I kind of like all that historical stuff... like my nephew told me once, I'm not a modern man... my sister joked that I was born into the wrong era.

You would have loved the 80's...

I was born in the 80's...

How old are you, uncle?

38. Is there a particular reason why you didn't erase my memory straight away?

No... like I said, it was just a gut feeling. When I broke up with Alan... he mentioned the fact that I used to bottle things up... I was too repressed... not being honest with myself. So, I promised him that I'll try to be more open and that I'll trust my instinct. Well, that night, my instinct was screaming inside my head not to let you go... so, I listened to it.

I don't know if it's a good thing, but I'll take that as a compliment.

You should... it has really never happened before. I think we're done talking for now... because very soon, the addiction phase is gonna start.

Addiction phase?

The early stage of a relationship between a human and a vampire can be quite intense... we call it the addiction phase because they both feel drawn to each other all the time... without being able to control it. The human gets addicted to the mind-blowing sex... which apparently is way better than human sex... and the vampire gets addicted to the blood... which taste the best during sex. And since it's been about 48 hours since our little interaction... the craving will soon begin... unless you don't want anything to do with me and that world and, in that case, I'll erase your memory and vanish. This is the reason I gave you two days to think about it. So... what do you say, uncle?

There was a couple of minutes of silence... Jim watching Wen intensely. And then... Jim started to ramble.

I'm a guy with trust issues... never really moving forward after the huge drama that happened in my love life 4 years ago. In highschool... I never really dated anyone... we were living in the middle of nowhere and opportunities to get laid were very rare. My sister and I ran away when we were 18... otherwise, we would have become farmers like our grandparents. Jam and I started to go through men like wild fire... she became pregnant when she was twenty and decided to raise the baby by herself... Li-Ming came to live with me three years ago. When I was 28, I met this guy... Beam. We opened the restaurant together... we adopted a cat... we had a good relationship... or so I thought. After six years... I found out that he was seing a woman at the same time as me... I got pissed and refused to listen to his excuses... but then... he died... ferry accident... so I never got any explanations for his behaviour... and I became suspicious of anybody who was interested in me. I've been having casual sex with stangers for the last four years... safer that way... no love... no drama. I swore to myself never to get hooked on anyone ever again... I guess I failed miserably.

Well... the attraction to a vampire is hard to resist for humans. Don't blame yourself... blame my very perverted self. Speaking of... chatting time is over, uncle Jim.

Wen smiled and got up. And then, he took one step forward... and vanished in front of Jim's eyes. Jim looked everywhere around him... shocked.

Wen?

Movement on the first floor. Jim got on his feet and went to his room... where he found a very naked Wen... lying on his bed. Jim approached the bed like a zombie... his eyes focused on Wen's gorgeous immortal body.

Ready to devour me?

You're the vampire... and I'm the one who has to devour you?

That comes with topping.

Can I just ask? When you said "the early stage of the relationship"... how long does it last exactly?

It varies from one couple to the other... P'Pakorn and Niels lasted 3 weeks and Gong and Mia almost didn't leave the bedroom for a month. As for Alan and I... well... we actually NEVER left the bed for two weeks straight... and then, the addiction period slowed down a bit... but continued for another month.

This is going to kill me... should I call Leng and tell him that the restaurant will be closed until further notice?

Indeed you should.

Jim took out his phone and dialed a number.

Leng... sorry to bother you at night... no... it's not an emergency... just to inform you that I'm going to close the restaurant for a few weeks, so you're on holiday for now. Tell Li-Ming to stay with Gaipa... I'll explain everything later. Don't try to reach me... because I've got the feeling that I'm going to be very busy for a while.

He hang up and turned off the phone. Then, he undressed and jumped on Wen like a mad animal.

Three weeks later. Wen walked into the appartement he shared with Alan.

Where the hell have you been?

Alan...

I was worried sick, Wen! I tried to call you... then, I called Gong, but he said he didn't know where you were... and then, I got a call from your boss who was worried too because you didn't show up at work like you were supposed to... didn't you say that this project was the opportunity of a life time?

Yeah... well... sometimes you have to sort out your priorities. I'm sorry... I should have called you...

So... where were you?

With someone.

You met someone?

Yes...

And it's serious?

Do you think I would have stayed with him for three weeks straight and risked losing my job if it wasn't?

Well... yeah... that sounds serious alright. Are you gonna move in with him?

Not for now... but I'm moving out of here, Alan! I can't stay here now that I'm in another relationship... you get that, right?

Yeah... I get it. I guess I'll start packing then.

I'm the one moving out. Why would you pack?

Do you really think I could stay here? After all those years we shared this appartement? Too many memories Wen! It's not healthy to hang on to the past. Sorry for being selfish, Wen... I guess I just wanted some familiarity...

Yes... I know... it's a new start for us Alan. You should go and find someone too... you deserve it.

December 2022.

Christmas was approaching. Jim had managed to find an excuse to give to Li-Ming and Leng after the three-weeks-sex-marathon. Actually... the excuse he gave wasn't too far off... he told them that he met someone and that, in order not to get hurt again, he wanted to spent as much time as possible with him and talk about their lives and stuff. Leng chuckled.

That's the lamest excuse ever, uncle Jim! How about being honest and just admit that you guys have been going at it like rabbits for weeks?

Leng was so vulgar sometimes. Jim told them not to say anything to anybody else... especially not to Gaipa. The rumours in the neighborhood was that Jim had a burnout and was forced to rest by his doctor. Li-Ming said he was happy for his uncle... he had been waiting for him to find someone. Jim told them that Wen will start helping at the restaurant for the evening shifts. When Leng asked why he wasn't helping on the noon shifts as well, Jim said it was because he had an office job during the day... which, once again, wasn't very far off. The first evening Wen worked at the restaurant and met them, Leng joked about Wen being so hot that he was considering turning gay just to try it. His girlfriend, Praew, being next to him at that moment... she hit him with a chicken carcass.

On Christmas Eve... Li-Ming was at the house of Heart... a young deaf boy... and Leng and Praew went to her family to announce they were expecting a baby. Having Wen to help him, Jim decided to keep the restaurant opened for that night. They were in the middle of decorating the place when lust happened. Wen jumped on Jim and attacked his mouth... Jim lifted him and put him on the counter... he attacked his neck... Wen's hands were gropping Jim's ass... and then... a loud thump echoed in the restaurant and they turned their heads. Gaipa was here... looking at them with wide eyes. The thump happened when he dropped a big bag on the floor. Gaipa's eyes got watery... but he got over himself quickly and wiped the tears away.

Sorry, uncle! Said Gaipa, with an apologetic smile. I... well... I thought you'll be alone for Christmas... so... yeah... I... should have called.

It's ok... said Jim.

I brought some more chicken for you. Mum said the restaurant will be up and running tonight... I was going to ask if you needed help... but I guess you don't. Hi!

Hello! Said Wen.

Gaipa... this is Wen. Wen... this is the person I told you about... the chicken supplier, Gaipa.

Nice to meet you, said Wen.

Yeah... likewise... right... I guess I'll spend the evening with mum after all. I'll see you around, uncle.

Gaipa left... almost running... and Jim sighed.

Uncle Jim...

What?

That kid is madly in love with you!

No, he's not... it's just a crush... he'll get over it.

Right... keep telling yourself that uncle! Have you known from the beginning and never talked to him about it?

There's nothing to talk about... it's not like I think of Gaipa that way... he knows it.

Still... I feel ashamed... seing us like that must have been quite a shock. Shit! We need to be more careful. I'll ask Gong to check on him.

Check on Gaipa? Why?

Uncle Jim! Remember the number one rule of the vampire world... hide from humans. If a human enters our life... we have to check everyone around him to see if they could represent a danger... and I'm sorry to tell you, uncle, but people in love are capable of a lot of things to get what they want... so that kid could be bad news. For example... imagine that scenario : he breaks into your house in the hopes of seing you sleep or something... we're having sex and I'm biting you... BAM!... the secret is out!

You've seen that before?

Oh yeah!

I don't think Gaipa will go to such extrems. He's a good kid.

Well... I'm sorry, but good kid or not, I'll have Gong check him out. We can't risk it, uncle Jim!

Alright. Now... before customers arrive... can I have a quicky in the kitchen?

That's not very sanitary, uncle!

Like I care!

Yes... apparently, Jim was as big a pervert as Wen. Like they say... birds of a feather flock together.

A week later, on New Year's Eve... Li-Ming was celebrating with his mother and her future husband and Leng, Praew and Gaipa decided to go out and party in Bangkok. Jim was invited by Wen to have dinner with Gong and Mia at their place. It was a bit daunting for Jim to meet new vampires, but he liked them immediately... so the atmosphere didn't get too weird. After dinner, Gong emptied his beer bottle and sighed.

Right... so... I waited until we were done with dinner because I didn't want to ruin the party mood... but we need to talk.

About what? Asked Wen.

That kid you asked me to check!

Gaipa? Asked Jim.

Yeah...

So... said Wen... just like I thought... trouble?

Not yet... but it could be. He's been following you, Wen! Well... actually, it's more like he's been trying to follow you... but seing as you walk pretty fast... faster than normal people... he couldn't do it.

That's good! Said Jim.

No... said Mia... that's bad.

Why?

Uncle... said Wen... imagine you try to follow someone regularly but are unable to do so because he walks so fast that it's impossible to see him... what would you think?

Shit... said Jim... he... he could...

Yes, said Gong... he could figure it out. Now... it's too soon to panic... but I think we should observe the situation carefully. I'll call him and ask him to investigate during the day.

Call who? Asked Jim.

We have humans helping us from time to time, uncle Jim, said Wen. People who know about the vampires but are not representing any kind of danger for us. And since we can't go out during the day, having those people really help sometimes.

What are the requirements for something like that? Asked Jim.

For allowing humans to know about us? Asked Mia.

Yes... I mean... unless it's... well... like me... you know... dating one.

Well... said Wen... it's really very simple. Every now and then, a person will discover about our world... usually by chance... and then... two things can happen : he can either run and scream that vampires are real... or... he doesn't say anything to anyone.

Some don't even try to investigate it! Assured Gong. Like it's something they see everyday!

Or like it doesn't interest them at all! Said Mia.

With those people, said Wen, there's a background check... obviously... and we talk with them through and through. At the end of the discussion, if we are assured that they're not going to start a war against vampires and that they're not interested whatsoever in becoming immortal... then, we leave them in peace... with their memories of us.

You don't want them to become immortal? Asked Jim.

Not like that! Assured Mia. Immortality is not something you take lightly... you can't have it just because you want it.

There are only two reasons for which vampires are allowed to transform humans, said Wen. First... when they're at death's door... it's what happened for Gong and I... and second... when vampires find their mates with whom they want to spend eternity with... which is what happened for Mia. Any other motivation for eternal life is banned!

I see... said Jim... and I guess that you saw a lot of those people in your life.

You don't say! Assured Gong.

Remember that guy? Said Mia. The one who tricked us for two months? I was so sure he wasn't after it... he was a good actor.

Dumbass! Said Wen. "I'm scared of getting old so I want to live forever!"... as if it would have worked! Right... back to Gaipa... we need to be careful, uncle Jim... like I told you... people do anything for love!

Two weeks later, when Wen arrived at the restaurant for the evening shift, he froze. Gaipa was here... talking with Jim. When Gaipa saw Wen, he frawned and got up.

Hello P'Wen... I was just keeping uncle Jim compagny. I'll see you later, uncle.

He walked out of the restaurant and Wen couldn't help but notice that he was very fidgetty. Wen sighed and sat down next to Jim.

I'm afraid to ask... said Wen.

I... I think he knows... he came here... he said he wanted to talk... and then... he... well... he said that he had a bad feeling about you... that something wasn't right... he said it was weird that you would come here at night and not during the day... he said that I should be careful... because I could be deceived like I was with my last boyfriend... he... yeah... I think he figured it out.

Well... at least he's not attacking me directly with a stake and a cross... so that's something.

Those things work?

No... but with popular culture nowadays, that's what most humans believe.

He took out his phone and made a call.

Gong... it's me... do you have the report on Gaipa?... yeah... I think we need it fast... we might need to have an intervention soon... yeah... ok... tonight?... after the restaurant closes?... ok... no... we can't risk him following us... can you come here with him?... ok... see you later.

He hang up.

Gong and the human who's been investigating Gaipa will come here after closing time... we'll talk things through with him. Also, I want you to be prepared, uncle. Because if Gaipa doesn't stop with this behaviour, we'll have no other choice but to erase his memory... not only the memories of vampires... but the ones of you.

Excuse-me? The... the ones of me... what... what do you mean?

I don't mean erasing you from his memory, uncle. That wouldn't work because you have too many people in common in your life... and that could be desastrous... Leng could wonder why Gaipa doesn't remember you suddenly... his mother might call a doctor... Li-Ming will try to call an exorcist or something... so many possible scenarios. What we will need to erase are his feelings for you. Without those, he won't act like a jealous brat anymore... which means security for all of us.

That's kind of... er...

Horrible... I know! Believe me! We really don't like to do that if we can avoid it! It's one thing to play with the memories of humans... but it's another to play with their feelings. Everybody have the right to their own feelings... it's not right to take that away from them... but... in some cases... when the feelings are too strong and too dangerous... it's necessary.

Four hours later... when Jim was about to close the restaurant, Gong arrived with a man. When Jim saw him, his eyes went wide.

P'Tong!

I'm sorry, Jim... I couldn't tell you... obviously.

You guys know each other? Asked Gong.

He's my future brother-in-law! Assured Jim.

What? Asked Wen.

P'Tong is my sister's fiance... they've been seing each other for a few years now... which is the reason Li-Ming lives with me... he didn't want to be the third weel.

Small world! Said Gong. Is this going to be an issue?

Absolutely not! Said Tong. I know my job's description... and there's no exception... just because my future brother-in-law is the target... it doesn't change a thing.

I'm not really the target... Wen is!

Right! Said Tong.

Can I just ask?

What?

Does Jam know?

No, she doesn't! Assured Tong. I don't want to drag her into that... you know how she is... she'll panic.

How did you...

When my first wife died... 4 years ago... during the funeral at the temple... at one point, I was feeling distraught and I needed some fresh air... I left the temple and went for a walk... night had fallen... and then... well yeah... this one biting a blonde girl on the docks... bit of a shock!

Gong needs to learn how to be discreet, said Wen. It's always been a problem!

It's not my fault! Said Gong, pouting. I get hungry pretty easily. Anyway, enough about my eating habits... let's talk business.

Right! Said Wen. So... the kid knows. He came here earlier to talk to uncle Jim... warning him about me deceiving him.

P'Tong... do you know what he knows? Asked Jim.

Yes... obviously, he knows that you're a vampire, Wen. I sneaked into his house and searched his computer and, for the last three weeks, almost every search on the internet was about vampires... how to recognize them... how to force them to reveal themselves... how to kill them... you know... that kind of things. Also, he's been seen quite often lately at the Red Dragon club in Bangkok... because he heard that it was a hot spot for vampires. He got this information from a police officer who, apparently, has known about the existence of vampires for years... Mia already dealt with that one...

Single desperate men are so easy for Mia! Assured Gong.

His mother is clueless, continued Tong. The excuse he gave her for being so absent lately is that he found someone in Bangkok. I talked to her the other day and she's thrilled... she said that her baby boy has been obssessing over someone unattainable for years and that now, he was finally moving on!

When, in fact, he isn't! Said Wen. He's becoming more and more obssessed. Anything else?

He writes a diary... and I managed to get my hands on it... the entries for the last weeks are quite enlightening... if you want to read it...

No I don't! Said Jim, sighed. Fuck! This is my fault, isn't it? If I had been clear from the beginning, this wouldn't have happened!

You can't be sure of that, uncle Jim! Said Wen. Maybe it would have... maybe not. People's feelings can be strong... stronger than we think sometimes.

Good work, Tong! Said Gong. Now... I think this is as far as we can let things go. We need to erase his memories fast!

Agreed! Assured Wen.

And his feelings for me? Asked Jim.

Well... said Wen... that's what we need to figure out... and the only way to do that... is to talk to him... with you too. He might have a shock when he'll realize that you knew from the start... maybe that will calm him down... or maybe that will make him even more pissed. So, now... we need to have an intervention... before he manages to lead a revolt in Pattaya.

Two days later, while Li-Ming was spending the night at Heart's, Jim called Gaipa... asking him to come to his place. Wen said that the kid wouldn't be able to refuse such an invitation because he's been waiting for something like that for years. Jim waited for Gaipa in front of the house and led him inside. Gaipa sat on the couch and Jim on a chair.

Thank you for coming, said Jim.

Anytime, uncle! What did you want to talk about?

Something that is long overdue... and that got out of hands.

What? What are you...

He stopped talking and froze... because at that moment... three people appeared out of nowhere around him... Mia and Gong were sitting on each side of him and Wen was sitting in a chair next to Jim... facing Gaipa... looking at him with sympathy but seriousness. Gaipa's eyes went wide... he looked at the two persons he didn't know next to him... and back at Wen... and then, he looked at Jim... who was also watching him sadly. A whole minute passed in total silence and then, Gaipa started the conversation.

You knew... you knew from the beginning, uncle...

Of course I did.

And you didn't tell anyone...

Why should I have? It doesn't concern anybody but me and Wen.

Gaipa... said Wen... this behaviour you've been having these last weeks needs to stop. I know why you did it and I know it must have been difficult for you to come to terms with that news... but we can't risk you blabbering about it everywhere.

I... I didn't want uncle Jim to be deceived again... I... didn't know he knew... why?

Why what? Asked Jim.

Why him? He's... a... he's... just why?

I don't know... said Jim... things happen sometimes.

Are you gonna kill me because I know your secret?

Kid... said Gong... I know it's difficult for you to understand... especially with the trash popular culture invents on vampires lately... but we are not killers.

Nobody's gonna hurt you, boy! Assured Mia. We just want to continue to live in peace without humans hunting us.

And... how...

We're going to erase your memories of vampires, assured Wen. Everything you learned about us will vanish... it's safer for everybody. This is our number one rule, Gaipa! Hiding who we really are from humans.

But... uncle Jim...

It's different for me, assured Jim. With Wen and I dating... of course I can keep my memories. Wen trusted me with his secret and I'm going to honor that. I'm sorry Gaipa... I know you did all that because you were worried about me... and because you were hoping for an opportunity... I should have been clear with you.

It was doomed from the start, wasn't it? I knew it... but then again... miracles happen sometimes.

There's something else we need to talk about, said Wen. We'll erase your memories of vampires... but, if the conversation right now takes a turn for the worse, we'll also need to erase something else.

What? Asked Gaipa.

Your feelings for me! Assured Jim.

Gaipa was so shocked that he jumped... his eyes became watery and his hands started to shake.

I... I'm not allowed to love you? Asked Gaipa. Is it because you find it disgusting?

Absolutely not! Said Jim. That has nothing to do with that.

Of course you're allowed to love whoever you want, said Wen. Everybody has the right to feel whatever the hell they want to feel.

Then why...

Think about it... said Wen... it was those feelings that started this whole mess... if we erase just your memories of vampires... and since uncle Jim and I will continue seing each other... you could keep getting suspicious of me... and the mess would start again. It could be an endless situation and it could also lead to you trying to hurt me.

We really don't want to erase your memories every other week, kid! Said Gong. We have other things to do than cleaning up after you.

We don't like to erase people's feelings if we can avoid it, assured Mia. It's not nice to deny people's feelings... but, in extreme cases, it's necessary. So... now... you're a smart boy... you were smart enough to find out our secret... so we'll need an honest answer from you.

If we erase just the vampire world from your memory, said Wen, do you think you could move on from those feelings on your own and stop being so jealous of me... so that we can all live peacefully?

Gaipa kept quiet for a while... thinking about what Wen said. He's been in love with Jim for so long... he didn't know if he was going to be able to move on... he didn't know if he could stop bothering Wen... he didn't know if there was someone else out there who he could love more than Jim.

Did... did you do that before?

Erasing people's feelings? Asked Wen.

Yes...

Of course... it's not pleasant... but like Mia said, sometimes, it's necessary. Do you want me to relate one of those times to you?

I... yes... sorry... you think I'm too nosy, don't you?

I think it's understandable... seing the situation. In 1975, Gong and I were living in America... in Chicago. We had an appartement downtown... in a very old and decrepit building... and the only other person living in that building was a woman... about 25 years old... Leslie. We were good friends... she never knew who Gong and I really were. That girl was in a relationship with a real bastard... drugs, street fights, robberies... you know... a mobster... and a very rude and violent one. Leslie couldn't help feeling what she was feeling for him... we tried to talk to her... to make her understand that this guy was bad news... that he would hurt her... that he was going to drag her down the wrong path... she understood our concern, of course... but she couldn't stop loving him. Until one day... she found herself in the middle of a gang fight... and was raped by members of both gangs... because that's the "peace offering" that the dirty bastard made with the leader of the other gang. When we found her... we had time to take her to the hospital... it wasn't too late to save her... and when she regained consciousness, we erased the feelings she STILL had for him... even after being raped. Freed from those feelings, she moved away and never saw the bastard again.

That was one of those times when we regretted that vampires AREN'T allowed to kill people! Assured Gong. That asshole deserved it so bad!

Well... said Wen... he died in a shoot out with the police six months later... so... justice!

Couldn't you have found a less traumatic example? Asked Jim. Gaipa is a mess!

He needed to understand the seriousness of the situation, assured Mia. That story is the perfect example that, sometimes, feelings are stronger than common sense.

I... I don't think I could do that... love someone who hurts me... it's too horrible for words.

So? asked Wen. What do you think?

I... I don't know... I... I... think that maybe... if... if uncle Jim is honest and talk to me after... and assures me that it will never have happened even if P'Wen never got in the picture... then... maybe... yeah... rationality... common sense... I think... yeah... possible...

He's rambling... said Gong... good sign.

It is? Asked Jim.

Yes... said Mia... because it means that he's really thinking about it seriously... and that he's gonna try to fight it... we've seen it before... that's the reaction we were hoping for.

Right... said Wen... so, we'll let uncle Jim do his Mea Culpa and we'll see how it goes. Hopefully, everything will go back to normal. Now... Gaipa... even if it's not really my fault, I'm also going to apologize... sorry... like uncle Jim said... sometimes, things happen.

It's ok... said Gaipa. I think I was more scared about the vampire bit than jealous of you, P'Wen... but since you don't kill people, I am relieved. Can I... before you do that... can I ask you something, uncle Jim?

What?

Are you... er... will you... after... er... shit... I don't know how to ask this!

If you're wondering wether or not uncle Jim will become a vampire one day, said Wen, don't! We have not discussed it yet... it way too soon for that... and nothing is guaranteed in life... I dated someone for five years before... thinking that it could be a possibility... and it wasn't. No one knows what the future holds. Now... let's get this over with. Are you ready?

Yes... sorry, P'Wen... I really didn't mean any harm... I was just scared for uncle' safety.

Thank you Gaipa, said Jim.

Gaipa! Said Wen.

Yes?

Gaipa looked into Wen's eyes and froze. Then, his eyes became empty.

You will forget everything about vampires... they aren't real... and I'm certainly not one... you will move on with your life knowing that I will take good care of uncle Jim... you're here tonight to talk about chicken and nothing else... you won't remember Gong and Mia and they'll be gone by the time you awaken...

As soon as Wen said those words, Mia and Gong got up and moved away fast. There was a few seconds of silence... and then Gaipa's face relaxed and a smile appeared on his face.

So, uncle? Do we have a deal? I think it will be easier for you if I deliver the chicken every day... you don't have to waste your valuable time on errands.

Sure... said Jim, perplexe. We can do that.

Excellent! I think it's time for me to go... I don't want to intrude on your private time. Sorry for the late visit, P'Wen.

It's fine... good night Gaipa.

See you later guys!

And he left... smiling and confident. Jim shook his head.

That was surreal!

Impressive, isn't it?

That's an understatement! Did you see his face? The eyes and smile that used to be seductive are now completely innocent and natural.

Which is a good sign... he might still love you for now, but it seems like he is no longer jealous of me... so that's progress. We'll monitor his behaviour for a few days... just to be sure... and then we can all move on with our lives.

Wen...

What?

You know... that little hypnosis you did... it had the effect we wanted on Gaipa... but it had another effect we didn't expect.

Which one?

It turned me on! Can we go to bed now? Because I'm very horny.

Uncle Jim... you're a big perv!

February 2023.

Wen and Jim were in the middle of sex when the call came. At first, they didn't bother with it... but then, there was another call... and another one... so that meant something serious was happening. Jim grunted and picked up his phone.

What?

Uncle Jim! Said Leng. You have to come to the hospital right now! Khun Hong collapsed! Gaipa is a mess... Li-Ming tried to call but couldn't reach you!!! Hurry up uncle!

I'll be right there!

He hang up and pulled out of Wen.

What happened? Asked Wen.

Gaipa's mother fainted... they're at the hospital... I need to go there. Are you coming?

It's the middle of the afternoon, uncle! I can't go out now!

Right... make yourself at home and feed Jimbo if I'm not back before dinner. I'll call you.

Jim kissed him quickly and ran to his car. When he arrived at the hospital, he found Leng, Li-Ming and Heart... who were pacing around... looking worried.

Where's Gaipa? Asked Jim.

In there with the doctors, said Li-Ming.

What happened?

We don't know! Assured Leng. Gaipa and I were talking... walking through the market hall... he was telling me about that conversation you had with him weeks ago... you know... finally telling him that you were never interested in him like that... that kind of gave him closure but... yeah... it wasn't easy... I told him he needed to find someone else... and then... we heard people yelling... asking for an ambulance... saying Khun Hong collapsed... Gaipa rushed forward... and we saw her unconscious on the floor.

Do you think she had a heart attack? Asked Li-Ming.

I hope not... said Jim.

They waited a few minutes and then, Gaipa came out of the examining room... looking pale... looking tired... looking distraught.

How is she? Asked Jim, coming next to him.

She... she's gone...

And then, he bursted into tears and fell on his knees. Jim took him in his arms and tried to console him. A few days later, for the funeral, Gaipa was feeling empty... his eyes were focused on his mother's portrait and he was lost in though. Khun Hong had high-blood pressure for years and she never told a soul... she had been enduring by herself... until she finally dropped. Jim, Leng and Li-Ming were helping for the funeral... and Heart and his parents came too. When Li-Ming asked why Wen wasn't here, Jim said that he had a work emergency and will come later. Wen arrived when the sun was down... and offered Gaipa his assistance for the ceremony. At one point, someone told Gaipa that he had a visitor. That's when he met Alan. Alan introduced himself as Khun Hong's banker and the person who was taking care of various insurance policies for her. He told Gaipa that, after the funeral, they would need to meet in order to discuss it. Gaipa thanked him and asked him to stay for a while. Alan accepted and went to sit on a banch... praying for Khun Hong.

Alan?

Wen!

What are you doing here?

Khun Hong was my client. How come you're here? You knew her?

She... well... I know her son... Gaipa. He's a close friend of Jim.

Jim? Oh! Is he the guy you're dating now?

Yes...

Where is he?

Over there... helping with the offerings.

He's hot... good catch, Wen!

Alan!

Sorry...

What about you? Anyone?

Not yet... but...

But what?

That guy is cute...

Gaipa?

Yeah... it's... well... it's his mother's funeral so obviously... yeah... very inappropriate... but... yeah...

You're unbelievable!

Wen learned later that something clicked between those two and that things were actually working out for them. When he told Jim, they bursted into laughter... thinking the universe was really unpredictable. Who would have thought that Wen's ex-boyfriend would end up falling in love with Jim's ex-admirer? There was some mysteries in life!

After losing his big project, Wen decided to quit the designing compagny. Later, he realized that it was lucky he did that, because Jim's restaurant was included in the project and that meant it could be destroyed. The owner of the restaurant... Jim was only renting the place... wanted to sell quickly... wether to the contractors or to Jim. But Jim didn't have money... and no property to use as warranty either. After thinking about it for a while, he decided to close the restaurant... he sold his car and bought a food truck. He told Wen that, as long as he could make chicken-rice... he was a happy guy. A month after buying the truck, Jim had a shock when Li-Ming and Heart announced their relationship and decided to go to America to study. Leng took on a job at the pool... he had a baby to think of... and Alan moved in Gaipa's house.

Wen was having the time of his long life... being with Jim was a total blast. They had been dating for six months now... and everything was fine. Not a cloud in sight... paradise on Earth. Some time later, when Wen arrived at the food truck for the evening shift, he froze. There were no customers yet but Jim was talking to someone... someone Wen knew all too well. He cursed out loud and rushed forward.

Oh Wen! Said Jim. This gentleman said he wanted to talk to me about developing a chain of food trucks specialized in chicken-rice... don't you think it's a great idea?

Yes, it is... but unfortunately, that's not why he's here. I told you not to do that, P'! That's not nice... coming here to check him out behind my back!

Sorry Wen! I couldn't resist!

You're so childish! Said Wen.

You can't blame me! I never got to meet the guy you were with before... I kind of knew from the way you were talking about him, that it wouldn't last... so he didn't interest me. But this one sure does!

Please don't embarrass me in front of him! Otherwise, I'm asking Niels to run away so you'll spend eternity looking for him.

Fat chance!

Damn! Said Jim. You're Wen's mentor.

Mentor? Is that how we say it now?

Well... said Wen... for lack of a better term.

What happened to "Sire"?

That was in the late 90's, P'! It's updated now!

Too bad... I liked it... Buffy the vampire slayer rocks!

Uncle Jim... this is P'Pakorn.

Nice to meet you, Jim! I must say, Wen... good catch!

What did I say about not embarrassing me, P'?

Do I look like I care?

Did you come all the way from Finland just to piss me off?

Kind of... and also to see that man of yours... I'm sure there's a lot of stories I could tell him about you!

You better not! I can't believe you're still that juvenile! Try to act your age once in a while!

It's gonna be hard... I don't know how a 150 years old is supposed to act.

You can always play dead!

Er... said Jim... I don't want to be rude but... you realize that the two of you are acting like an old married couple, right? A VERY OLD married couple... it's funny. Have a seat, P'Pakorn... I'll make some chicken-rice for you.

Pakorn was stunned that Jim just casually dropped that remark... with a smile... with a sarcasm... like vampires bickering was something he saw everyday. The three of them talked a bit until the first customers arrived and then, Jim and Wen started working like crazy. Pakorn enjoyed watching them... he was happy to see Wen act like that. When it was time to close the venue, Pakorn got up.

Actually, I also came for another reason. Something Wen doesn't want to do... but I talked to Gong and Mia and they agreed with me... so... who cares what Wen thinks.

I knew it! Said Wen, shaking his head. I thought it was weird that they didn't mention anything... they were preparing it behind my back... evil gits!

What are we talking about exactly? Asked Jim.

Wen's birthday, said Pakorn. His 100th birthday to be exact! If that's not cause for celebration, I don't know what is.

There's no reason to celebrate anything! Assured Wen.

Of course there is! Said Pakorn. 100 years, Wen! That's not something we can ignore! You ditched your 50th birthday... so for this one... I'm not letting you escape. And since you have now a man in your life... who you look at with puppy's eyes... I'm pretty sure you won't be able to ditch that party if he blackmails you into coming.

Blackmail? Asked Jim. I can do that? Really? Sweet!

The only thing he can blackmail me with is cockblocking... and, as you said earlier, fat chance! He's even more perverted than me and wouldn't have the self restrain for it!

You wanna bet? Asked Jim, smirking.

Uncle Jim!

If it's to get you to celebrate your 100th birthday with everyone, I can perfectly hold off from sex for a while. My right hand works just fine, Wen!

You're playing his game, uncle! Said Wen, pouting. That's mean!

Sorry... when exactly is your birthday anyway?

26th of March... assured Pakorn... which is next week... Gong and Mia have been planning it for months now, so don't let their good work go to waste, Wen. Niels is here too, by the way. He wanted to visit the neighborhood, so he'll be here soon.

How many? Asked Wen, sighing.

About thirty I think... said Pakorn.

Great! Thirty vampires and one human! Sounds like a movie title.

You've got other vampires coming here? Asked Jim.

Of course! Said Pakorn. Well... not here exactly... the celebration will be in Bangkok. In 100 years, Wen has met a lot of people... and vampires too. It's kind of a ritual for us... celebrating every 50 years... it's always been like that... but I don't know why. Anyway, since Wen wasn't interested in celebrating his 50th birthday and left us all hanging at the last minute, we decided to get our revenge this year and to go all out!

How nice, said Wen, not happy.

Am I really going to be the only human there? Asked Jim.

No... said Pakorn... I think there's a few vampires who are coming with humans who know about us. There are some from here apparently... humans who help you out and that you might know.

P'Tong will be there then, said Jim. I wonder what excuse he will give Jam.

Who's that? Asked Pakorn.

My sister... she's engaged to a man who knows about vampires.

Did you talk to him to see what he wants to do once he's married?

Not yet! Assured Wen. He said there was time because they don't plan to get married right now. He has another year or so to decide.

Decide what? Asked Jim.

If, after his wedding, he wants us to erase his memories of vampires.

Why would he do that? Asked Jim.

Because... it's one thing to lie to your girlfriend every now and then when you go on a mission for vampires... but it's another to lie to your wife, who you made vows to. Usually, when things like that happen, the humans either decide to forget everything about us... or they trust their spouses so much, that they share the news with them... after our approval, of course.

You better get ready to erase P'Tong's memories, then! Said Jim. Because there's no way my sister will be rational and accepting about something like that. She'll have a panic attack and then, she'll enroll everyone she knows on a raid!

How fun! Said Pakorn, clapping. A vampire hunt! I haven't seen one of those in twenty years!

P'Pakorn, please! Said Wen. This is not a laughing matter. Anyway... we'll see about it when the time comes. Now... apparently, I don't have a say in this... but I'm warning you, P'! Not only will I be in a foul mood all night, but I won't move a muscle to help for anything!

This is so weird! Said Jim. I kind of get why some humans hate their birthdays... usually because they don't like to get old and stuff... but you're immortal, Wen... you don't age! Why would you feel like that?

The war! Assured Pakorn. Wen was called to serve in the army on the day he turned 20... and even if he didn't die on his birthday... it was close enough for him to not like it at all! That war has done a lot of damages... physical and psychological... and sometimes, it's not easy to get over a trauma... even if we're immortal.

I guess I can understand that... said Jim.

Did they book the Red Dragon? Asked Wen.

Yes... said Pakorn.

Ok... said Wen, sighing. Damn! Such a drag! I'm sorry, uncle Jim... I really didn't want you to witness those type of events just yet... it might be overwelming for you.

I'll manage, assured Jim.

And if you want to know some stories from the past, said Pakorn, I'll be more than happy to tell you. I'm gonna have so much fun!

P'Pakorn please!

Actually... said Jim... I do have a question. Something I've been wondering for a while but never got the chance to ask Wen. Not that I care though... it's just curiosity.

What? Asked Wen.

Did you two ever hook up?

Pakorn bursted into laughter while Wen's eyes went wide. If he hadn't been a vampire, his face might have become red from the embarrassment.

I like that one so much, Wen! Said Pakorn. He doesn't beat around the bush!

Uncle Jim...

What? I'm just wondering because you never said anything on that matter.

Because... er... well...

Think about it this way, Jim... said Pakorn... that word you used for me earlier... mentor... well, let's just say that "how to be a good vampire" wasn't the only thing I had to teach Wen.

P'Pakorn!!!

I knew it! Assured Jim.

I wouldn't ask for too many details if I were you though... because when I asked, it got me traumatized!

The new voice made Jim jump and he lifted his head up. A man was standing there... smirking... watching them.

Niels... said Wen... long time no see.

Yeah... you look good Wen.

You're done with your little exploration? Asked Pakorn.

Yeah... nice place... very exotic... quite a change from Finland. I found something to eat too.

Jim... this is Niels... my partner.

Hey! Sid Niels. Nice to meet you.

Likewise, said Jim. You speak Thai... a very decent Thai... I was not expecting that.

That's the thing about being immortal, said Niels. You have a lot of time to learn a lot of things.

I think Niels and I will excuse ourselves now, said Pakorn. We'll see you next week at the Red Dragon. I'm counting on you, Jim! Don't let him escape!

Roger that! Said Jim.

Pakorn and Niels vanished into thin air and Wen sighed. Jim grabbed his chin and kissed him.

Don't make that face... it could have been worse... at least they warned you a week before.

Right... that gives me the time to book a plane ticket to Canada.

Wen!

Alright! Alright! Damn! That's why I didn't want you to meet P'Pakorn so soon... your personalities match... you're on the same page... it's freaky... now... I'm not feeling well right now... anything you can do to make me feel better?

Does that mean I don't have to ban sex? You'll come willingly even if I don't stop ravaging you?

Yeah... yeah... I'll come.

The next week, at the Red Dragon club in Bangkok. The birthday party was up and running... and even though Jim was trying to act cool, he was kind of nervous. He hadn't spoken to that many people except the ones he already knew. Most of the guests didn't speak Thai and Jim's English was very average... even if he could understand it well. Jim was at the buffet table, enjoying the very good food and drinks that Gong and Mia ordered... they really didn't hesitate to go all out... it must have cost a fortune. Jim was still lost in thought when a very beautiful woman stood next to him and looked at him with seductive eyes.

Hi... I'm Katrina.

Hello... I'm Jim.

You're gorgeous!

Thank you.

Are you here as a guest or as food supply?

Excuse-me?

He's here as my boyfriend, Katrina! Hands off!

Wen stood between Jim and Katrina.

Here comes the birthday boy!

Don't call me that... I'm older than you. What were you trying to do with my boyfriend?

Nothing... I was just wondering who he was since he was all by himself. Boyfriend? Really Wen? What happened to "I'll never get too close to the humans because it's too much drama?"

Yeah... well... things happen.

Right... too bad... he smells nice... I would have loved a bite.

Not gonna happen! Bye Katrina!

Wen took Jim by the arm... away from the buffet table.

Damnit! She hasn't changed a bit since the last time I saw her! Don't get close to her, uncle Jim. She's a maneater... literally!

Are you jealous?

Yeah right!

Wen! Said Pakorn, coming their way. I think everybody's ready for the main act. Is it ok with you?

Yes... but I'm not touching the food, P'!

You have to!

No!

You're touching the food now, Wen! Said Jim, pointing at the dumpling in Wen's hand.

Not that kind of food, uncle Jim.

It took Jim a whole minute to understand the meaning of that statement.

Holy shit! You mean... er... fuck!

That's why I told you it might be overwelming for you, said Wen. These kind of parties always have live food.

How... how can you...

Remember what P'Pakorn said? Gong and Mia spent months preparing that party. Booking a club and calling a caterer don't take months, uncle. Finding humans to serve as food does.

Do they know what kind of party they're coming to?

No they dont! Assured Pakorn. As far as they're concerned, they are coming to a VIP party with possibilities of future employment. And before we eat, we'll erase their memories and that will be it.

Just go to the bathroom if that makes you unconfortable, uncle! Said Wen. Dozens of vampires eating at the same time can be quite traumatic for bystanders.

Right... so you won't eat?

I'm perfectly happy with your blood, uncle Jim! I don't need someone else's.

Well... said Pakorn... you gonna make an exception tonight! Just one bite, Wen! It's tradition! You don't need to eat that much! And everybody will be pissed if the birthday boy doesn't enjoy the buffet... at least a little.

I don't want to!

Wen!

If you're reluctant because of me, said Jim...

Of course I am! We're boyfriends, uncle! It's gonna be very awkward.

I don't mind... as long as it's just one bite. It might even be fun for me to watch that from an outsider's point of view.

See? Said Pakorn. Jim is a rational guy! Just one bite... and then, you can pass the food to someone else... deal?

Alright. Uncle Jim... pick one for me... and make it a woman! That way, there will be no chance of getting addicted to the blood.

Really? You don't like women's blood?

I like men, uncle. Women's blood... just like their bodies... never did it for me!

Ten minutes later, a large group of humans came in. They were all dressed up for the occasion and were looking around them in awe. Then, they started to mingle and talk with the rest of the guests. Jim saw Gong talking to a small brunette and Mia already had a man holding her hand... telling her she was the most stunning woman he had ever seen. While Wen was pouting in a corner, Jim looked around... searching for a woman who could be Wen's meal... well... not really his meal... but his appetizer. He found a tall and thin girl... about 25 years old... looking around her... she looked nervous. Jim thought she would do. He came near Wen and pointed to her. Wen sighed and nodded. Then, he grabbed a vampire with dark skin.

José! I'm just having one bite tonight... take her off my hands afterwards, ok?

You're giving me your leftovers? What I am? Second-rate vampire?

Please José! P'Pakorn is forcing me to do this! You'll have another meal later... there's more humans than vampires so we can share, alright?

You don't share that one, Wen!

No... that one is private property!

Alright... I think Pakorn will do the hypnosis soon... the human helpers already have their plugs in... your human should do the same.

Right! Here, uncle Jim!

Why are you giving me earplugs?

Because... like I said... there's more humans than vampires... so we can't do one-on-one hypnoses... instead, we'll do a general one for all humans... and if you don't want to be included in that little hypnosis, you better plug your ears... P'Pakorn's voice is very loud.

I see... shouldn't you be the one doing that? Since it's your birthday party?

I should... but I already warned them that I will not move a muscle to help. So I won't!

You're a butthead! Alright, plugs in then!

Jim put the plugs in his ears and waited. He saw Pakorn take a microphone and adress the guests. The plugs did their job... because he couldn't hear a word Pakorn was saying. And then, he realized that the humans were starting to behave strangely... they became completely still and they seemed to stare at something that only they could see. Their faces were expressionless... yeah... they looked hypnotized alright. Pakorn raised his thump and Wen tapped on Jim's shoulder... asking him to remove his plugs.

One bite... and then, I'm coming for your blood, uncle! Assured Wen. Something tells me I will need it to overcome the horrible taste of that woman.

Don't be so mean! Why is nobody starting yet?

They're waiting for me to move... it's my birthday... so, I have first bite... such a drag!

Wen marched directly to the woman... José was right behind him. The woman was completely unaware that two men were next to her... she was still looking into nothingness. Wen sighed and grabbed her arm... he tilted her head to the side and plunged his fangs into her neck. It lasted ten seconds... and then, he lifted his head and scowled.

Gross!

He passed the woman to José, ran to Jim and attacked his neck with greed. The other vampires started to eat right after that. Jim was trying to focus on them eating... but Wen eating him at the same time made things difficult. Wen rarely fed on Jim when they were not having sex... it was a completely different feeling... but it was still a blast. Wen stopped eating pretty quickly though... because drinking too much blood would mean that Jim would pass out... and Wen didn't want Jim unconscious just yet... not before they could go back to the hotel and have mind-blowing sex... which... later that evening... they did.

December 2023.

Something was wrong with Jim... that's what Wen though. It started a few days before and it was starting to piss him off. Jim had been very quiet... lost in thoughts... not interested in talking... or going out... or having sex... Wen was starting to experience blood withdrawal because Jim hadn't let him feed for over a week. Christmas was spent with everyone at the food truck... but Jim didn't say one word to anyone all evening and went to bed early. After two weeks of enduring, Wen couldn't take it anymore and he sat Jim down on the couch.

That's enough! Said Wen. I really don't want to be a nagging boyfriend... but this is as much as I can endure. If you don't want me to go and feed on someone else, you'll answer me now! What the hell is wrong with you lately?

I... sorry... I made you unconfortable, didn't I?

Not unconfortable... more like very worried. And right now, I'm kind of scared that you'll ask me to break up and erase your memories. Please tell me that's not it!

That's not it!

Thank God for that. So, what's up?

I... er... that time of the year is hard for me... because... well... that's when Beam died... five years ago. I didn't think much about it last year... because we just started dating and that was new and exciting... and then the drama with Gaipa happened... so I was focused on that... but this year... I'm feeling very awkward again... sorry... I should have told you beforehand.

I see... now that I think about it, we've never talked about him at all... you mentioned him at the very begining... saying that he cheated on you and that he died... but since then nothing. I though it was a done deal now and that you didn't think about it anymore.

I usually don't... but... yeah... around that time of year, I can't help it.

So... what happened exactly? Talking about it might be good, uncle. I of all people know how painful it can be to bottle things up.

Well... I found out about the cheating the day before he died. He took a ferry to Kohlarn... supposedly to visit his family. Now that I think about it... he was visiting quite a lot... every other week or something... I never suspected a thing... I'm such a moron. Anyway... the day before, there was a delivery at the restaurant and we helped the delivery man with the supplies... Beam was in the pantry when his phone rang... and I saw that it was someone named Khwan. I didn't know who it was... I got suspicious... so I did something I never did before... I looked at his pictures on his phone... and there it was... a lot of pictures of him with a woman... embracing and smiling... I kind of freaked out but I didn't say anything at that moment. The day after, I was still pissed... and just before he boarded the ferry I confronted him... he didn't deny it... and he tried to explain things... but I wouldn't listen... I told him to get lost... he boarded the ferry, telling me that he'll call... and then, the ferry capsized... I learned about it two hours later on the news... when I tried to call him, there was no answer. So I went to the hospital and asked about him. They took me to the morgue to identify the body. After that... I... yeah... that was hard... especially since I never had any kind of explanations... I couldn't move on... I... I think I need closure, Wen... but... I don't know how to do that.

Woah... I think this is the longest I've heard you talk, uncle! Alright... first thing first... did you go and see that woman after Beam's passing?

No... I... I didn't know if she knew about me and... I didn't want that news to... er... crush her beliefs like it did mine.

Did she come to the funeral?

No.

That's weird... normally, if they had been seing each other behind your back for a while, she should have at least made an appareance at the temple. Do you know her last name?

No. All I know is that she lived in Kohlarn and that her name is Khwan.

You don't have a photo of her?

I didn't have time to transfer it to my phone... and I erased all Beam's pictures afterwards because I was mad. I have nothing Wen!

Well... let's see if we can find her. I'll ask Tong to go there.

Really? You'll do that?

Like you said, uncle... you need closure! And that woman is the only person who can give it to you.

After the new year, Tong went to Kohlarn to investigate. After two days, he came back with some news.

I met a lady who used to be the neighbour of that Khwan woman... she didn't know her last name. She remembers her boyfriend coming every other week to spend time with her... she had a photo of him... she took it without their knowledge... because they were all dressed up for dinner and looked beautiful... her words not mine. Anyway... is this Beam?

He gave the photo to Jim and Wen... and Jim sighed. Yep... there he was... his lying piece of shit ex-boyfriend holding hands with that beautiful woman.

Yes... it's him

Ok...The neighbour said that Khwan moved away five years ago... so that would be around the time of Beam's passing. She doesn't know where she went but I talked to the landlord... and he said that she was thinking of going to China because she had some roots there. So, now, I'll send her picture to a guy I know in Shanghai and he can start the search there. It might take a while, though... China is not a small country. I'll let you know.

It took two weeks for Tong's friend to find the woman. Tong said they were lucky because she wasn't living very far from Shanghai... she was in Hangzou... where she owned and managed a Thai restaurant with someone. He gave the address to Jim and hung up. Two days later, Wen and Jim decided to go there. The trip was a bit complicated... because, being a vampire, Wen couldn't travel during the day. They managed to find a night flight to Hong-Kong... and then, they rented a car to go to Hangzou... they could only drive during the night, but it didn't matter... they were not in a hurry and they even enjoy this little outing... it almost felt like a romantic get-away. When they found themselves in front of the restaurant, Jim felt nervous... all these years of being lied to... and now, he might be able to have some kind of explanation. They entered the place... which was packed with customers. And then... Jim froze. Wen noticed that he was like a statue and that his face was shocked.

Uncle? Are you alright?

Wen... am I dreaming right now?

What?

Over there! Look!

Wen turned his head... and he froze too. Behind the counter... welcoming new customers... there was Beam... Beam who was supposed to be dead... Beam smiling and showing people to their tables. In a split second, Wen understood the whole situation : he took Jim's hand and they left the venue.

Walk, uncle! Keep on walking! You need to calm down so let's just walk for now, ok?

They walked for 10 minutes... not talking... not looking at each other... not even holding hands. And then, Jim found a banch and sat down on it... holding his head in his hands. Wen sat next to him and kept quiet.

I didn't dream that, did I?

No... you didn't.

Fuck!

There was another minute of silence and then, Jim started to ramble.

Wen... was I tricked?... was I in a relationship with a vampire and I never knew it?... no wait... that's not possible... we went out... in the sun... during the day... at the restaurant with me during lunch time... no... he wasn't... not at that time... shit... did he fake his own death because I found out he was cheating on me?... because he didn't want to explain the truth?... shit... I... I don't understand... the woman... that's her restaurant... she must be there... is she a vampire too?... did Beam knew she was like that?... or did she hide it... I... I don't know what to think anymore... Wen... please help me... what...

Breathe, uncle Jim... you're panicking now... and that's not helping in any way.

I... I saw him... at the morgue... dead... cold... not breathing... I... and now... he's... shit!

Another minute passed and then, Jim sat up straight. His face was scary... the betrayal he had felt five years ago was nothing compared to this one. He was about to get up when Wen held him back.

What use will it be to march into that place and make a scene in front of humans? I really don't feel like erasing dozens of memories tonight, uncle Jim. Just calm down... and then, we'll go get our answers.

I'm furious Wen... he was alive... he was... yeah... I guess he couldn't tell me... obviously... the secret... yeah... of course. What do you think?

Well... we have to talk to them to know for sure... but right now, I'm thinking self-questionning double-dating.

Huh?

Remember when we met? I told you that the attraction to a vampire is hard to resist for humans... well... it might be hard, but it can happen sometimes. When the human is attracted both to a vampire and a human at the same time, he's going through a self-questionning phase... trying to decide who he loves the most... because... you know... eternal life is not something you consider unless you're really sure about your feelings for the vampire... and if you're in love with a human at the same time, that means you don't know for sure if it's something you really want.

Oh! You mean... he... was... both at the same time... trying to decide... right... that makes sense... sort of.

I really don't like those type of relationships... I think it's really unfair to the human who's left in the dark. But, feelings can be very strong sometimes and they make us do crazy things. Are you feeling better?

A bit... I'm... I... I want to hit him.

Don't hurt your hands, uncle! You need them to cook... and to make me happy.

Will it hurt that much to punch him in the face? Is his skin hard or something?

No... but since you're a peaceful guy and never hit anyone, that might hurt a bit. Let's go back now. We'll talk quietly without making a fuss. Agreed?

Yes.

They walked back to the restaurant. Jim took a deep breath and entered... Wen followed him. Jim stood at the counter... Beam had his back turned and didn't notice him right away. When he realized that people were standing at the counter, he turned around and smiled.

Welcome! He said in Chinese. How can I...

He froze. Beam's eyes went wide when he saw Jim... and the words died in his throat. There was a few seconds of complete silence and then...

J... J... Jim...

Look who's back from the dead! Asked Jim, sarcastically. Enjoying the afterlife, Beam?

How... why are you...

Khwan arrived right at that moment.

Beam... are there any reservations for tonight? Because I think we're gonna have a problem with the supplies... what are you... oh shit!

She saw Jim and froze too... meaning that she knew who he was. Wen intervened at that moment.

Good evening! My name is Wen. We were looking for you, Khun Khwan... and obviously, we found you... but now, the situation is even more complicated than we anticipated... so I think Jim and I are going to sit in the back, enjoy a quiet dinner and then, after your customers are gone, we're gonna have a little talk. No need to make a fuss... because the last thing I want is to spend my evening erasing memories. Let's have a seat, uncle Jim. I feel like chicken-rice... they have it on the menu... how weird is that?

Wen and Jim sat at the table in the corner. Jim was still looking at Beam with killer eyes. Three hours later, when the last customers were gone, Khwan closed the restaurant and she and Beam sat down at Wen and Jim's table. There was a full minute of complete silence... a staring contest between Beam and Jim... and then, Jim slapped Beam with all his might. Beam didn't react at all.

Uncle Jim... said Wen.

What? You said I couldn't punch him... you didn't say I couldn't slap him.

Childish!

I'm sorry, Jim... said Beam.

I bet!

Anyway... as I told you earlier, I'm Wen. This is a very touching reunion... we were not expecting that!

What were you expecting, then? Asked Khwan. And how did you know I was here?

Jim needed some closure and never got it... so we looked for you. We knew your name and, thanks to your very sweet old neighbour, we also knew your face... and your old landlord said you were thinking about going to China. So we went on a hunt. Talk about a surprise! Is this what I think it is? Was it a self-questionning kind of scenario?

Yes it was... said Beam. I'm so sorry Jim.

Stop it with the excuses and start from the beginning! Said Jim.

Khwan and I met two years after I graduated College... I went with some friends to this club... er... well... the guys heard rumors you see... I thought it was nonsense but...

The Red Dragon... said Wen. It's really starting to attract too much attention.

Anyway... she didn't erase my memories after... so... er... yeah... that was the start for us.

So that's like... said Jim... three years before we met?

Yes... and obviously, I didn't plan to meet anybody else. I mean... I was dating a vampire and I really wanted to be like her... so I never looked at another woman... and I waited... because Khwan said we needed to date for a long time to really be sure.

Yeah... said Wen... immortality should not be taken lightly... that's the rule.

And then... I met you... and I liked you immediately... it was quite a shock for me because I never liked men before... I was totally freaked out, so I told Kwhan... and she said that any kind of doubt... either from her or from me... meant that we needed to wait some more. And then, she proposed self-questionning double-dating.

Don't look at me like that, Wen! Said Khwan. I don't like those type of scenarios either... I know it's really cruel for the human who doesn't know a thing... but... yeah... when it's happening to you personally, you tend to make stupid decisions.

Six years, Beam... said Jim... it took you six years... that's a long time.

Like he said... immortality is not to be taken lightly... the more time I spent with you... the less sure I was about that eternity thing... Khwan never put pressure on me... she never asked me to hurry up or anything like that...

I'm never getting any older, said Khwan... so I didn't care if I had to wait for a while.

But, eventually... she started to realize that she might have to erase my memories... and that's when I realized that I didn't want that to happen. I'm sorry, Jim... but I want you to know that I had already taken the decision to stay with her... even before the ferry accident. We talked about it a week before... I assured her that my self-questionning was over and that I chose her. But then, you found her pictures on my phone... I always made sure that you couldn't see them... protecting the secret of vampires was the most important... but that day, I was careless... Khwan scolded me for that one.

The ferry accident moved things along quicker, assured Kwhan. Beam called me while he was on the ferry... just to inform me of the drama with the pictures on his phone... and then, I heard an explosion... and Beam yelled that the ferry was sinking. I jumped in that water as fast as I could.

It was the middle of the day... said Jim.

Like I cared... I covered myself from head to toe and jumped into the sea.

In the water... said Wen... the sunlight is very dim. The bottom of the sea is kind of dark... so quite safe for us. We don't need to breathe and we swim as fast as we walk... so, it must have been pretty easy for her to do that. Did you make the change in the water? If so, you're amazing! That's not an easy thing to do.

When you're desperate, you do anything! Assured Khwan. I needed to make sure that his body would be found. He couldn't just vanish... not with Jim in the picture.

Understandable! Said Wen.

You had to identify my body, Jim... said Beam. I'm sorry for that... it must have been awful for you... but it was necessary.

I still... said Jim, shaking his head... the funeral... and then... cremation... you...

Khwan probably hypnotized the mortuary people, said Wen. We do that sometimes... to steal a body from under their nose... hypnosis is quite useful. They burnt an empty coffin, didn't they?

Yes... said Khwan. And then, I took Beam to a safe house... until he woke up. Timing was kind of tight... because he woke up two hours after I settled him on the bed.

And then, we came here, assured Beam.

How's immortality treating you so far? Asked Wen.

So great! Assured Beam.

Jim grunted and got up. And then, he left the restaurant. The three vampires didn't move... but Beam sighed.

Is he gonna be ok? Asked Khwan.

He'll be fine, assured Wen. He just needs to vent. Humans' emotions are all over the place sometimes. Sex is gonna be rough tonight. How old are you, Khwan?

75. And you?

100... going on 101. Isn't it kind of spooky? Jim got involved with vampires twice in his very short life... well... he wasn't really involved in it the first time, but still... spooky!

Yeah... said Beam. So... er... you and Jim... how...

The usual way... and just like Khwan did with you, I also left him his memories.

How long have you been dating? Asked Khwan.

A little over a year. It hasn't been easy... the guy has trust issues because of you two.

Right... said Khwan.

Are you staying here for another five years? Asked Wen.

No... said Beam... China was convenient for us for a while... but it's too close to Thailand. My parents are still very much alive... and, even if I'm happy that I could see Jim again, I can't risk somebody else recognizing me if they decide to take a little trip to China.

We're leaving for Europe next month, assured Khwan. Your timing really doesn't suck, Wen. Another month... and we'd have vanished.

It's not my timing... it's Jim's... somehow, around New Year, he's feeling nostalgic... and this year, he decided to do something about it. Avoid Russia, guys... the country is a mess right now.

I don't think Ukraine is a good choice either, said Khwan. We were thinking Danmark.

I know I have no right to ask that, said Beam, but... er... about... you and Jim... will you...

Don't! Warned Wen. 16 months is absolutely not enough time to think about that. We haven't talked about it at all. I think you of all people know that those things can't be taken lightly. That's the rule!

Right...

I think I'll go and fetch him now. He's not gonna want to come back here tonight... so let's call it a night.

How long are you staying here? Asked Khwan.

Well... originally, we didn't plan to stay at all. The plan was to find you and to see if you knew about the double-dating thing... and then, to go back home. But now... I think we'll stay for a few days... just to make sure that this news doesn't finish him off. If I have to erase his memories because he can't take it, I'll blame the two of you and I'll hunt you down!

Wen left the restaurant and went to look for Jim. It didn't take long... Jim was sitting by the lake... watching the moon... drinking something that looked like a beer.

Chicken-rice, beer and moonlight... said Wen. That looks like our first meeting, uncle. Except that we're in China right now.

Yeah... I'm sorry I left... I just needed...

I know... and they know it too.

Do we have to go back?

Not tonight! I told them we'll stay for a few days so, we'll talk some more tomorrow. Let's get rid of your frustration first!

You already know me too well. Is this ok?

Well... I'm a vampire. I might be a romantic at heart... but my body doesn't mind rough sex every now and then. Watch out for the bite though! When the sex is hard... the bite is too, uncle!

The first round... against the hotel room's door... was exactly that... fierce and violent... Wen had to use all of his restrain in order not to break the door down. For the second round, Jim threw him on the bed, put his legs on his shoulders and started pounding again. It was less rough... but it was intense nethertheless. And then... after the third round... Wen riding him like there was no tomorrow... something clicked inside Jim's head and he asked for the thing he never did until then.

Wen...

Huh? Uncle... you...

Please... do me!

Wen raised his eyebrows and looked into his beautiful human's eyes... determination and trust... that's what he saw in those eyes.

You've done that before, right? Asked Jim.

I'm a century old, uncle! Of course, I did... I like bottoming better but that doesn't mean I don't top every now and then. Have you done that before?

Sure... but a long time ago... when... when... er... with...

With Beam?

Yeah... I... usually prefer to top... but tonight... I... I think I need it... so please!

That's when Wen's self-restrain shattered.... and he attacked his human like a hungry animal. He didn't forget to prepare Jim properly... because after so many years, it might sting a bit... and then, he started to thrust. Jim was usually not that vocal during sex... but at that moment... while Wen was moving inside him... Jim couldn't help but moan loudly. And then, the feeling of pure bliss became even more intense... because Wen started to get very busy. The three-way stimulation was overwelming for Jim... Wen was thrusting inside him... and stroking him... and feeding on him. After what seemed to be an eternity, Jim reached his orgasm and fainted. Wen spent another minute tending to Jim's body and he climaxed too. Needless to say that, the day after, neither Jim or Wen emerged before the middle of the afternoon. The following evening, they went back to the restaurant... which was completely deserted because Khwan and Beam exceptionally closed it. Wen settled at the bar with Khwan and Jim and Beam went out for a walk... talking about various things.

How's Jimbo? Asked Beam.

Fine... living his old cat's life.

And Jam?

Same as usual... she's getting married in June... to a man who knows about vampires.

Is he going to have his memories erased? Because, somehow, I don't think Jam could be ok with that knowledge.

You don't say! I already told Wen to be ready for that. P'Tong is not stupid either... he knows it. Jam won't be able to handle this.

So nobody else around you knows? Although... I don't even need to ask... keeping it a secret is a must... I know that.

It's not easy... especially when you have people barging into your life all the time. Li-Ming came to live with me shortly after you passed... he said it was because he didn't want to be in the middle of Jam and P'Tong's romance... but I suspect it was so I won't be alone.

Is he still living with you?

No... he went to America with his boyfriend... for the study-away program.

What about that kid who was madly in love with you? Gaipa?

We had some troubles with him at first... he got really suspicious of Wen and found out the truth... but now, it's all good... you know... erased memories and new love. His mother died last year.

Khun Hong is dead?

Yeah... that was tough for Gaipa... but he pulled through. Do you know that your father was very rude to me at your funeral?

I bet... dad really didn't like the fact that I was seing a man. Obviously, I never told my parents about Khwan because... you know... secret... and, even if I told them about you, I never dreamed of introducing you to them because I knew what kind of reaction they might have. Damn bigots!

Wen said you were leaving China.

Yeah... next month... I just needed a few years to adapt.

Is the transition that hard?

Kind of... there's a lot to learn and it's difficult to get the grip on things quickly... it takes time... but then again, time is not an issue anymore... so it doesn't matter. Is the restaurant still a hit?

No... I gave it up. Some contractors wanted to do a big modern complex and Khun Boo was desperate to sell. He asked me if I wanted it... but... well... no money... so I couldn't. I sold my car and bough a food truck.

So you're still making chicken-rice... that's something.

You do too...

Well... like I said... I needed time to adapt... and doing familiar things helps. I'm sorry for everything, Jim... if it weren't for my very slow self, I might have ended things earlier... to protect you from too much pain... but... yeah... the decision was hard.

Well... knowing the rules of the vampire world helps... of course you couldn't make that decision in a snap. I get that... I'm pissed, but I get it.

There was a few minutes of total silence and then, they embraced... not as a couple anymore... but as friends... they were putting the past to rest. Jim chuckled.

What's so funny? Asked Beam.

Nothing... it's just... the last time I hugged you was at the morgue... a very cold and still body... that's spooky.

Yeah... I can imagine.

You don't remember that, do you? I mean... were you aware during those three days?

No... those days are a complete blur... at least for now. Khwan said that, with time, the memories of those three days could come back. I mean... I was dead... but my conscious was there... so it might come back to me. I hope this can give you closure, Jim... I'd hate to spend eternity knowing that you were cursing me until the end of your life.

The end of my life might not be an issue.

Ah ah! I knew it! You're already thinking about it! Wen said you guys haven't discussed it yet, but I knew you might consider it.

It's too soon now... obviously... but... yeah... I've been thinking about it.

Well... it's normal I guess. When I met Khwan, I was ready like a month after the addiction phase... five weeks of pure lust... that was a blast... how long was it for you guys?

Three months... the first 3 weeks cooked up inside the whole time.

Holy shit!

Wen has been investigating in order to know if that's the world's record. Apparently, that's a thing amongst vampires who found their mates... like some sort of contest.

It's funny! Anyway... I think it's normal that humans are the first ones to consider it... the emotions are more difficult to control and they tend to get ahead of themselves. But that doesn't mean that they should rush into things... I mean... look at me, I was ready for it pretty quickly... dated her exclusively for three years... and then fell in love with you and ended up doubting the whole thing!

But in the end... you're now immortal.

Yeah... like it was written somewhere that I would be.

Wen and Jim left China the day after... and Beam and Khwan promised them to keep in touch. It was a long way between Thailand and Europe, but the new technologies made things easier. In March, Wen's birthday was completely ignored... as per his demands. He said he already did the grand feast the year before... and that he won't do it ever again. Gong reminded him that he would have to for his 150th birthday and Wen threw his knife at him. The month before his wedding, Tong asked to meet them and told them... as predicted... that they will have to erase his memories. Jam wasn't to know anything about vampires if they wanted to live quietly and so, Tong exchanged his knowledge of that world for a happy married human life. Before Wen erased his memories, Jim thanked him for everything he's done for them. Freed from his memories of vampires, Tong found an office job and started to take care of his wife and daughter... who he had with his previous wife.

In September, for their two years anniversary, Jim and Wen decided to go to Australia. The trip was heaven and Jim really enjoyed the Australian night life. They met vampires there and realized that they were already known worldwide in the vampire community. Two months before, Wen's research about the addiction period record came to a result... and they were indeed declared the longest addiction phase known to vampire kind. Wen took great pride in that and didn't miss a chance to tell everyone he knew in the vampire world. He particularly enjoyed calling Pakorn every week to remind him of that little detail. When they came back from Australia, they went on with their lifes as usual... until one day, all Hell broke lose. It was a quiet day, two weeks before Halloween. Jim was at the food truck... working... and Wen was at the house... Jim's house where he moved in a few months before... enjoying a book. When the noon service was over, Jim called Wen.

Hey... said Wen... are you done?

Yes... I'm leaving now. Are you at home?

It's the middle of the day, uncle Jim! Of course I am! And I'm waiting for you!

Are you already naked? Because that would save time.

Not yet... but as you know, I'm very fast... so it won't be long now! Just hurry up!

Alright!

They hang up and Wen rushed to the bedroom where he got undressed in less time it takes to say it. And then, he took a selfie of him naked and sent it to Jim. The notification arrived when Jim was crossing the street... he looked at it and chuckled... and then... he heard someone screaming.

WATCH OUT!

Jim turned around... and the last thing he saw... was the truck crashing into him.

Wen was getting worried... it had been more than thirty minutes since he sent the selfie to Jim... no answer... no call... and no sign of Jim yet. The food truck wasn't that far away from the house... Jim should have been here by then. Maybe he met somebody he knew and was talking with them... humans were such chatterboxes sometimes. His phone rang ten minutes later... unknown number. Wen raised his eyebrows and picked up.

Hello?

This is the Bangkok Pattaya's hospital emergency department. I'm looking for a relative of Khun Jim Jaruek Nueangna-uam.

He's my partner! What happened?

Traffic accident, Khun. You better come right away because he needs surgery and we need someone to sign off on the authorization form.

Is it really serious?

I'm afraid so, Khun. His vital prognosis is engaged.

I'll be right there!

He hang up and ran to the closet. He started putting on clothes... a lot of clothes to cover him completely... he grabbed some very thick gloves and huge sunglasses. He dialed a number.

What's up? Asked Gong.

Gong! Jim had an accident... he's at the hospital now... Bangkok Pattaya... I'm rushing over there.

It's the middle of the day, Wen!

I know that... don't worry... I'm all covered up... just get there as soon as you can Gong.

Alright.

Wen exited the house and started running like crazy... at this speed, even in the middle of the day, he was a blur to humans. He reached the hospital in two minutes and entered the building. Inside, people were wondering if Wen's clothing was an early Halloween's costume. He rushed to the desk.

Can I help you? Asked the nurse, raising her eyebrows.

We just talked on the phone... about my partner, Jim. Traffic accident.

That was fast!

I was close by.

What's with the attire?

I have a skin condition... sunlight allergy.

Oh! You should move out of Thailand then... that's not a good country to be in when you have that condition.

Yes... I know... my partner, please!

Right... here's the form! Sign it fast so I can bring it to the doctors.

Wen did as he was asked and the nurse ran away with the form. When she came back, Wen had removed most of his clothing : inside the hospital, he was safe.

They're rolling him to surgery now, she said. You can go to the surgical waiting area... third floor. Somebody will come to talk to you after the procedure.

Do you know what happened?

Just that he was hit by a truck. But there were witnesses apparently, so the police will tell you more about it.

Thank you.

He ran to the third floor and sat down in the waiting area. He dialed another number.

Jam... you have to come to the hospital... Bangkok Pattaya... Jim was in a traffic accident... he's in surgery... they... they think it's really serious, Jam... you better hurry up.

And then... he waited... holding his head... pacing around every now and then... feeling distraught. When Gong and Mia arrived, they hugged him so hard, that he would have stopped breathing if he wasn't already dead.

How come you're not covered up?

We took the sewers, said Mia. We didn't think the hospital staff would believe that three people in Jim's life are allergic to sunlight.

Right...

What happened?

I don't know... they said he was hit by a truck... and now he's in surgery.

Is it...

They said his vital prognosis is engaged.

Dude! I'm sorry!

Leng and Praew arrived shortly after... with their little baby, Leane... and Gaipa and Alan arrived minutes after. Jam and Tong arrived last... saying that they dropped Tong's daughter at the neighbours'. And then, a police officer came in.

Are you family of Khun Jim Jaruek Nueangna-uam?

Yes! Said Jam. I'm his sister... this is his partner. What happened, officer?

Some bystanders told us that he was crossing the street while looking at his phone... he didn't see the truck... and the driver didn't see him either.

What about the truck driver? Asked Gaipa.

He's all banged-up but he will be ok. He's in a very weak mental state though... guilt, you know.

It's my fault... said Wen... I sent him that text... he was looking at it... it's my fault.

Don't say that, Wen! Said Alan. It's not your fault! It was just bad luck.

Nobody is to blame, assured the police officer. The driver wasn't drunk... he wasn't high and he wasn't talking on the phone... he just didn't see him. Although... it might be a little harsh of me to say this... but Khun Jim was outside of the pedestrian crossing, so that was reckless behaviour on his part. I'm here to ask you if you want to press charges against the driver.

But it wasn't the driver's fault! Said Leng.

If anything, that was Jim's fault. You always look the road... reckless behaviour indeed!

Alan! Said Gaipa, reproachfully.

Sorry.

Sometimes, families go all out for their loved ones, said the officer.

No charges, officer! Assured Jam. And tell him that nobody blames him!

Very well... good luck to you all. I hope everything will be fine.

And they kept on waiting. At one moment, Gong sat down next to Wen... and they talked quietly.

Are you thinking about it?

Of course I am... but... I can't do anything now... not while he's in there... right now, I'm scared to death that he won't make it through surgery... and that it will be too late... if... if he could at least get through this... but there's no warranty... I'm... I can't do anything now...

Stop rambling... and don't worry... he's a tough guy... he'll make it... I'm sure he will.

Family of Jim Nueangna-uam? Asked a doctor, coming their way.

Yes! Said Jam. I'm his sister. How is he?

Holding on for now... but we don't know for how long. I'm very sorry... the procedure failed and we had to put him in the coma. I must tell you, that there's almost no chance of him waking up. His lungs were crushed and they won't last long. I'm very sorry... but there's nothing more we can do.

How... said Wen... how long until...

Like I said... we don't know. It might be a few hours... or a few days... or weeks... but eventually, his lungs will shut down. I'm sorry.

Thank you, doctor, said Jam, crying. Can we...

Of course... we put him in a private room... family and friends have the right to be with him in his last moments. This is one of those times when being a doctor sucks... when you can't help your patients at all. I'm very sorry!

Gaipa bursted into tears and grabbed Alan's arm in order not to fall down. Leng and Praew held each other and their daughter started to cry too. Jam fell on her knees and Tong held her tight. Wen walked like a zombie to Jim's room. He was pale... a tube was in his throat... his eyes were closed... his body looked dead already. Everybody hugged and kissed him... telling him they loved him... and then, everybody left... everybody except Wen. Gong stole two syringes from a nurse's tray... one with a needle and one without it... and gave them to Wen. Mia hypnotized the nurse who was at the desk because she was the person who had eyes on the patient's monitors. When somebody was close to code, she was the first one to know about it and called everybody... but Mia's hypnosis convinced her to let it happen without notifying anybody. Like Wen said before... hypnosis was very useful sometimes. They left Wen and told him they will get everything ready. Wen waited for the nurse to make her round... about an hour after everyone left... and then... he lay down next to Jim.

Uncle... I don't know if you can hear me... but I want you to know that I'm not doing this with a song in my heart... I wish we'd talked about it before... but now... I don't have a choice... I can't let you go, uncle Jim... two years was enough time for me to be sure about it... I just hope it was for you too and that you won't be mad at me afterwards. I'm sad because Li-Ming didn't get the chance to say goodbye to you like the others did... but he's a tough kid, uncle... he'll get through it. It's funny you know... we never talked about it... and we never even talked about the procedure. It's usually one of the first things humans ask vampires... they're usually curious about it... but you weren't... I don't know if it's because it didn't interest you or if you thought we had time and that the information would come later... but now... we don't have time anymore... and I'm gonna do it because I really believe that I found my mate. So... this procedure... it's pretty simple... and, for once, popular culture is mainly right... exchange of blood, uncle Jim. When the human is close to die... the vampire will suck his blood dry and then, he will make the human drink his own blood... it doesn't have to be a lot... but just enough for the human to reproduce the blood and make it his own. And then, they die... and then, it takes three days for their bodies to become immortal... and then, they wake up. I'm sorry, uncle... if I had known that it was the last time you'd see the sun, I would have made sure that you'd enjoy yourself... go to the beach... eat in the park... take a sunbath... but now, you won't be able to do that anymore. I'm welcoming you into my night life, uncle... and we'll spend eternity together. By the way... since there's a tube in your mouth, I won't be able to make you "drink" my blood... so... I'll give it to you medically... with a syringe. It's quite modern, don't you think?

Wen kissed Jim on the cheek... and then, he waited. Jim needed to be at death's door... so... he waited. Three hours later, when the beeping of the machine started, Wen sank his teeth in Jim's neck and sucked him dry... and then... he took the needle-seringe, plunged it into his skin and drew his own blood. It took him a few seconds to tranfer the blood from one syringe to the other... and then, he stabbed Jim in the stomach with the syringe... since there was no needle he had to put a little strengh into it... and he emptied the syringe into Jim's body. He hid both syringes in his clothes... and he waited. It took one minute for the wounds from Wen's bite and from the syringe to heal... and then... the flat line on the monitor informed Wen that Jim was dead. A team of nurses and doctors rushed in one minute later... but they realized there was nothing to do.

I'm sorry Khun... there was a defect in the monitor signal and we didn't realize that he coded.

It's fine... you couldn't have saved him anyway. He left peacefully... that's the most important thing for his family and I... to know that he didn't suffer.

Do you have his power of attorney? In order to make decisions for the after care?

Yes...

If you don't want to talk about it with the funeral home yourself, I can act as a mediator. Is there anything in particular that they should know?

No autopsy... 24h wake in private chambers with an open casket... cremation... and the traditional ceremony at the temple.

Very well Khun!

The doctors and nurses left. Wen took out his phone and dialed a number.

I'm warning you, Wen! Said Pakorn. If you're calling to brag about that record again, I'm kidnapping Jim for a month so you'll go into blood withdrawal.

I'm not calling about that... although, now... I'm gonna be able to try and break the record for the post-transition phase.

There was a pause... and then...

Fuck! Already?

Traffic accident.

Is it done yet?

Just now...

After only two years... are you sure, Wen?

Yes, I am... I think I was sure about it the very first night... I knew it in my gut, P'.

What will he think?

He might be mad at me... especially since we never talked about it... but I think he was already thinking about it... just a hunch. Do you think it would be possible for us to settle with you guys for a while? I mean... not with you at your place... but in the same city. Find something for us, because uncle Jim will need familiarity... and it might be easier with people he already knows.

I'll get right to it. I'll call you back after the post-transition period. Damn! That one is gonna be crazy for you guys... Niels and I are going to make a bet now... see you!

Jim's body went to the morgue an hour later and to the funeral home two hours after that. They put him in a casket and placed him in a chamber... where his friends and family could sit and watch over him for 24h... Gaipa bursted into tears when he saw the corpse. And after that time, when the casket arrived in the crematory... Gong and Mia were already there... hypnotizing the workers and stealing Jim's body. And then, they took it back to their place. The funeral at the temple was painful for the whole community... their father figure was gone... it was like a huge earthquake for everyone. Wen and Jam received the condoleances of everyone... Wen put on a fake sad smile on his face and waited patiently for the ceremony to be over. There was only a few hours left until Jim would wake up... and, as soon as it was done, he pretexted to need to rest and rushed away. He reached Gong and Mia's place a few minutes later and settled down next to Jim's body. And they waited... until Jim finally opened his eyes. A minute passed in total silence... and then, he sat up straight and reached for his throat.

Jim... said Wen, stroking his back... it's ok... calm down...

I'm... hot... thirsty... I need...

I know... here... start with mine.

He presented his wrist to Jim... who looked at it in awe. Jim jumped when he felt his fangs growing... and he took a few seconds to touch it. And then, he sank them in Wen's wrist and drank his blood. After a minute, he stopped. He looked sated... and not freaked out anymore.

Feeling better? Asked Wen.

Yeah... I... tastes good... so weird... er... so... shit... I'm dead... damn truck!

That will teach you to cross the street without looking, uncle Jim!

Yeah... I guess it was my bad...

Are you mad at me?

No... I get it... I mean... it's weird... because we never talked about it at all.

I know... but sometimes, shit happens. Can you stand up?

I think so.

Jim stood up so fast that he slipped and fell on his ass. He was shocked... his eyes were wide opened and his mouth was too. Mia and Gong giggled.

Take it easy, Jim! Said Gong.

So eager! Said Mia.

Don't mock him or I'm telling him what you both did when you woke up! Assured Wen.

Right... said Gong. We'll shut up now... and I think we'll give you two some privacy. Mia and I are going away for a few days. Don't destroy our appartement because it costs a lot! Jim! Welcome to our world! You're gonna love it!

They left and Jim stood up. Wen sighed.

Don't destroy our appartement? Asked Jim, confused. What did he mean by that?

Well... uncle... I've got bad news and I've got good news... which do you want first?

The bad... I'm dead so I really don't think anything could be as bad as that!

We have to leave, uncle... you'll never see your sister or your nephew ever again and we'll only be able to come back to Thailand when everybody will be dead.

Oh! Right... I knew that... how was the funeral?

Painful for the whole community... they lost their father figure... they're all in mourning. They loved you a lot, uncle Jim!

Yeah... that's nice to hear. What about the good news?

Well... the post-transition phase will start soon... and I've been SO looking forward to it!

Post-transition?

When a human becomes a vampire... and when he already has a partner... there's a little mating phase that can be quite intense... and that's why Gong asked us not to destroy his appartement. We both have vampire strengh and you can't control it yet... so it could be a little bit rough.

Interesting... do they have a contest about that too? Just to see if we can break the record on that one as well.

I think they do... but we'll look into that later. Right now...

Wen moved fast and caught Jim by the neck, crushing his lips on his mouth... Jim grabbed him by the waist and lifted him as if he weighed nothing. And then, they flopped on the bed... breaking it in half.

Oops... right... vampire strengh... I'm gonna have to work on that.

In the meantime, work on me, uncle! And then, we'll go and get something to eat. The days of me drinking your blood are over!

Can I do that already? I thought I needed to learn to control myself in order not to kill anyone.

If I'm by your side the whole time, it will be fine. And you can't do hypnosis yet so, I'll have to tag along for a while. We'll try to find someone who doesn't know you, but in this town, that's gonna be hard. Anyway... like Gong said... welcome to our world, Jim! Eternity with you will be so much fun!

For me too Wen!

Passion lasted a week... Jim's first meal happened two days later... and then, on Halloween... after saying goodbye to Gong and Mia, who decided to stay in Pattaya, Wen and Jim disappeared into the night. They had eternal life ahead of them!

The end.