Chapter Text
“What’s this?” Jigen says. It’s unclear what he is immediately referring to; Amado’s desk is quite cluttered, and Jigen’s gesture quite vague.
To clarify, he holds up a small notebook bound by wire, peeled open a couple of pages and littered with Amado’s cramped, concise writing.
Amado peers at it from over his glasses, feeling interrupted.
“Ah.” he says after a minute, turning back to his current work. “I’ve been taking notes on any vampiric behaviors or abilities that are of interest. Nothing invasive. Just observations.”
Jigen is quiet. Amado glances up at him again briefly. He seems displeased.
Amado sighs.
“I’m not planning to publish some sort of tell-all memoir with it, Jigen. It’s just for my own reference.” he gestures his pen in a small circle. “Nothing on the book, nothing on locations or ages or identities. Just behaviors and abilities.”
“Hm.” Jigen says noncommittally.
Amado gives up. What’s in front of him is more pressing anyway; graphing the readouts from all four of their test ‘bodies’. Although mostly consistent, there are drastic spikes and dips in their brain electricity. Amado wonders if the claustrophobic, airtight dungeon is interfering with the readings.
The bloodwork is flawless, at least. This is observed with some small, dry, humor.
“Strength and endurance.” Jigen says aloud. His mellow voice is hardly startling, but close to it. “Despite the lack of oxygen in circulation within the body, all muscular functions seem performed to maximum at all time. Exerts up to two tons of force (approximate).” he tilts his head. “That’s close.”
“Observed speeds of 120 kilometers per hour (approximate). Without human blood as fuel, function begins to slow. Maximum observed without adverse side effects is three weeks .” he eyes Amado. “That’s true.”
“Mm.” Amado says, not really looking up from his graphs. “I figured as much. That’s why I wrote it down.”
“How clever of you…” Jigen trails off, flipping over to the next page. “Enhanced eyesight, dimmed taste…” He audibly raises his eyebrows. “Seduction?”
Amado glances up.
“It’s an odd word choice, but it’s what I came up with.” he says. “Referring to your…allure, if you would.” he twists his pen again. “The ability to compel humans through a heightened sense of attraction to you.”
Jigen looks at him.
Amado looks back.
“Is that not…”
“That’s not something we can do.”
…
Amado puts his pencil down.
“Don’t read any more of that.”
Jigen naturally reads more.
“ Hypnotic gaze. Flawless physique. Sensual voice.”
Standing up quickly, Amado almost trips rounding the corner of the desk to reach the vampire.
“These aren’t particularly relevant to anything, you don’t need to look at them.” he reaches for the book, but, predictably, Jigen grabs his wrist like cold iron. “It’s just observations.” he adds through gritted teeth.
“I know.” Jigen says coolly. “I find this entertaining.” He looks down at the book again.
If there was ever a moment for suicide, it would be now, but unfortunately, Amado left his pen far away at the desk, so he can’t stab it into his own jugular.
“ Jigen is the most prominent example of these traits. His features are strangely handsome; the eyes especially. When one looks into them, one feels compelled. In close proximity, adrenaline is heightened, as is the attraction. Specifically…” Jigen trails off, reading the rest in his head.
He slowly smiles, revealing just a glint of fang in the corner of his mouth.
Amado feels irritated. Among other things. Of course, vampires can clear cliffs and crush stones, but some sort of seductive aura to mesmerize their prey is where to draw the ridiculous line.
Jigen makes a small exhaling sound to himself, which is obviously a laugh. Amado’s eye twitches.
“Are you finished?”
“Mm.” the vampire ignores him.
At least a full minute later, during which Amado is certain he is rereading the passage to memorize it like some sort of narcissist, Jigen snaps the notebook shut.
“I apologize for doubting your intentions with this, Amado.” he says.. “It doesn’t seem to have anything incriminating against myself. Rather…” his mouth twitches again. “Your own private thoughts.” He holds out the book obligingly. “Forgive me.”
Amado snatches it back quickly, as though the damage hasn’t been done.
“Could’ve just taken my word for it.” he grumbles.
“But then I wouldn’t have the opportunity to look into your mind.” Jigen says. “You’re so stern, Amado. It’s always business with you. I’d never have imagined you would wax so …poetic .”
“...” Amado grimaces. He’s not sure whether to defend himself or not.
“I find it hard to believe you don’t even have a simple form of hypnosis to lower a human’s guard.”
Jigen shakes his head.
“It’s not very necessary. We have more than enough strength to capture our prey. It’s not important to interact with their thoughts or feelings. You’re simply food.”
“I’ve seen you Jigen.” Amado snorts. “You play with your food.”
“On occasion. I’m more distinguished than some; I prefer some intellectual stimulation from time to time.” Jigen says.
“Distinguished or sadistic?”
The vampire narrows his eyes, quite predatory. “You tell me. After all, you watch me so carefully…”
Amado takes a couple steps back and away.
Maybe if he takes off his jacket he can use it to quickly hang himself.
“Why so distant suddenly?” Jigen says.
“Please,” Amado says through gritted teeth. “Spare my fragile ego.”
Jigen smiles. It is, factually, a cold look on a colder face, but Amado could swear there was a brevity to it. Blasé, like he was just within reach…
Amado sees the problem with this thought.
“I have work to do.” he turns around abruptly, squaring off with his desk. “Was there anything else you needed to investigate?”
“Tch,” Jigen clicks his tongue. “You’re too easy to tease. I’ll spare you for now, Amado.”
He brushes past Amado, mercifully. It almost feels as though he brushes a hand across Amado’s lower back, so lightly as to be Amado’s fearful imagination.
“....” Amado says, to an empty room.