Work Text:
The day was like any other. Work was especially slow that day, even their usual rush hour- which usually only consisted of three or four extra people anyway- was quiet. Tsukasa eventually told his coworkers, Minori and Toya, to just go home early. If there were any last minute customers, Tsukasa could handle them and he’d clean up.
About an hour before closing, he threw a loaf of cinnamon bread in the oven. It was a simple treat that sold quite well; perhaps the scent would draw some people in. However, as he left it on the counter to cool for the next little bit, not a single new customer appeared. Letting out a sigh of defeat, Tsukasa just decided he’d eat the loaf himself.. Maybe save some for tomorrow. He flipped the sign to ‘closed’ and moved to tidy up the cooking area and clean the bowls and pans to be ready for tomorrow.
Would tomorrow be just as unsuccessful?
He didn’t want to keep disappointing Toya and Minori. Especially since he knew this whole cafe was such a big dream of theirs. The happiness on their faces when they first opened.. Tsukasa never wanted to let them down. Perhaps he could tell a small white lie and say he did see some new customers! No harm in that, right? It would at least make them smile-
Tsukasa tensed. He felt a strange sensation on the back of his neck, as if the hairs were standing on end. His hands came to a halt as the soap slid off the half-washed pan and into the water below.
He felt like he was being watched.
Tsukasa’s head shot up, his eyes scanning around the cafe for anything, any sign of someone. Was a customer in the bathroom and Tsukasa just didn’t notice? Did Minori forget something again and have to return? He looked around, but saw absolutely nothing.
It must’ve just been his imagination. That’s all.
Maybe Tsukasa was more tired than he initially thought. He turned back to the sink, taking up the washcloth again and scrubbing the pan some more. When he set the pan aside to dry, he felt that strange feeling again. He couldn’t help but take another look around.
The kitchen was empty aside from him, looking over the counter at the rest of the cafe gave him no answers, it was empty as well. The window-
Tsukasa felt his heart nearly stop, he blinked and.. No, nothing there either. He could’ve sworn he saw something in the window. He lifted a hand to rub his eyes. He must just be imagining things... Why would anybody be watching him through a window-
“WHAT THE-?!!”
The cry came from him before he could even process the sight, but this time he was sure of it. There was a figure standing in the window, his eyes nearly glowing in the darkness as he stared at him. Tsukasa couldn’t even get a good look before he had tumbled to the ground.
Panting, Tsukasa’s heart was racing- faster than it ever had before. He scrambled to grab a frying pan from the nearby cupboard as he hid behind the counter.
It’s okay, Tsukasa.. It’s fine.. It’s probably not a stalker or anything, just a.. potential customer! You’ll politely ask him to leave- while brandishing a very threatening frying pan- and everyone will be happily on their way.
If only such a motivational internal monologue was helpful to him right now, the young baker was still shaking like a leaf.
Willing every last ounce of his confidence to keep him steady, he moved to peek around the corner of the counter.
He was met with those eyes again, watching him. They were a strange yellow and seemed fixed on him, widening in slight surprise.
THAT’S IT!!!!
Tsukasa got to his feet and charged. He threw the front door of the cafe open, swinging the frying pan wildly.
“I’M GOING TO HAVE TO ASK YOU TO LEAVE THE PREMISES!! WE’RE CLOSED!” He shouted, squeezing his eyes shut as he waved the pan in front of him.
Upon receiving no response, he slowly, carefully, reopened his eyes.
No one was there.
Now, Tsukasa just looked absolutely insane to any people walking by. For once, he was grateful for this time of night saving him from any further shame.
“This.. This isn’t funny!!” Tsukasa grumbled. “I know I saw you!”
He huffed as he turned back to the cafe door he had left open, storming back inside. He should really just throw in the towel for tonight. He must’ve been more tired than he originally thought.
CLATTER!
“Oh, what now..!?” Tsukasa spun in the direction of the sudden sound- the kitchen counter. He was immediately greeted with a sight that didn’t make the pit in his stomach any lighter. The bread he was letting cool.. It had been taken right out of its cute wrapper and half of it was gone. There were harsh bites taken out of it, as if the person had grabbed it and just started eating like some animal.
Maybe it was an animal? But considering the figure outside and the fact that the wrapper had been nearly peeled away instead of devoured with the rest… That felt like wishful thinking.
The figure was outside.. He wasn’t inside now, was he?
Tsukasa gulped as he approached the loaf of bread. It was definitely not sliced nicely, it looked as if pieces were torn off until the creature got fed up and just started taking bites out of it. It looked like there were markings for sharp fangs in the bread.
That did not make Tsukasa feel any better.
“I-I know you’re here!” Tsukasa shouted, brandishing the frying pan again. “If you’re going to steal my food without paying, at least have the courtesy to show yourself!”
Silence.
Tsukasa really should just head upstairs to bed, but he can’t shake the feeling that someone else is here. Right here, in this room with him.
Tsukasa walks up to the front door, locking it for the night.
“I know you’re still here. Now, you can’t go anywhere.” Tsukasa pauses, this seems like a perfect way to get killed if this was any sort of horror movie. He hurriedly speaks again, he did not want a strange creature lurking around his cafe, no thank you. “I-I mean, I’ll let you out if you ask, just.. Show yourself and everything will be all well and good.”
Tsukasa nearly jumps out of his skin as the coat stand in the corner suddenly falls to the ground with a crash. There was no way it should’ve fallen on his own. A strange feeling of dread washes over him. Something definitely wasn’t right. Holding his frying pan tight again, Tsukasa slowly approaches the area.
“Are you.. here..?” His eyes are frantically skimming over every inch of the room with caution. His heart is hammering in his chest, but he chooses to bend down and pick up the stand regardless.
Once the stand has been steadied back in its original place, Tsukasa looks around again. He lets out a huff, his eyes narrowing as he looks at the window right behind the coat stand. He’s getting increasingly frustrated and just wants to go to bed, but he can’t shake this feeling. As if something- someone is standing right there.
“I swear you’re… right here..” Tsukasa reaches out a hand, moving towards the window and slowly closing the distance.
Before his hand can reach the familiar cool feeling of the glass, it’s stopped in midair by… Something solid. Tsukasa feels something that’s nearly identical to the fabric of a shirt. As soon as his hand makes contact, the something in front of him takes shape. Tsukasa is immediately greeted with the sight of the man who had been watching him through the window.
“ HOLY SHIT-!?!?”
For a moment, Tsukasa doesn’t even understand what he’s feeling. Confusion, disbelief, fear. They all rush through him in an instant causing him to stumble backwards, tripping over his own feet and falling right onto the floor. This person was standing right in front of him, a person who five seconds ago had been completely impossible to see. He was standing in front of him.
The intruder is tall, much taller than Tsukasa. He has unmistakably fangs and pointed ears, even his nails were sharper than the average human. His skin was so pale, it nearly appeared gray. His outfit was in muted gray and black colours, though they looked quite formal, which matched his makeup and jewelry. The only bit of colour on the other man was his hair, a strange mix of purple and cyan, and his eyes.. That yellow that seemed to burn into Tsukasa.
If Tsukasa didn’t know better, he would think the man was quite pretty, but considering he was a strange intruder, he didn’t let that thought last long.
The other blinks, his head tilting to the side and his expression completely blank. There’s a tense silence between them, only broken when the man speaks.
“Are you okay?” His voice is soft, calming.. It almost reminds Tsukasa of silk. Its gentle tone made Tsukasa want to relax, though the appearance of a strange man in his bakery kind of cancelled that out.
“I-.. I..” Tsukasa was at a genuine loss for words, once he managed to somewhat regain feeling in his tongue he managed to sputter out a few more words. “Fine..! Just fine! I’m okay, just.. you..”
Tsukasa forces a shaky laugh, he still hadn’t recovered from the shock and it was painfully obvious.
“I didn’t mean to scare you.” The other replies softly, slowly lowering himself to rest on his knees and be eye level with Tsukasa. Tsukasa scootched a little further back in response. “I.. really liked watching you bake. It looked so delicious and I was so.. hungry.”
The intruder offered a trembling smile. “I’m sorry, I just couldn’t help it. It tasted as amazing as I’d hoped, if not even better. I’ve never tasted anything like it. Though, I must admit it could’ve used some blood-”
“You-.. What did you just say?!.” Tsukasa just can’t believe it. Someone broke into his workplace, watched him bake, ate his food, and is now talking about putting blood in food as if that’s normal????? “D-Did you say blood?”
The other tilts his head as if genuinely confused. “Do you people not drink blood here? What a strange world...”
“Of course we don’t drink blood !” Tsukasa huffs, getting to his feet and firmly placing his hands on his hips. He looked down at the intruder with newfound confidence. Mostly because the boy didn’t seem to be a threat just yet. “Now listen here! You’ve broken into my restaurant, stolen my food, you drink blood... I have a million questions swirling around my head right now and I want answers!”
When the boy just stared back and didn’t protest, Tsukasa took that as a good sign to continue. “Firstly, are you.. Human? ”
He pauses, as if actually having to think about that. After a moment, he replies. “I’m human where I’m from.”
“That.. That’s not really the answer I was hoping for.” Tsukasa mutters. A simple yes or no would’ve been much easier to process. “Is it normal to drink blood where you’re from?”
“Yes..!” The other nods, his eyes lighting up. “I haven’t had any in.. quite a while however. In my universe, the sun is extinct.. So we’ve adapted to drinking the blood of others in order to gain those nutrients.”
Tsukasa didn’t even want to begin to question how that worked. Though considering the sun was perfectly fine here, he just assumed this ‘other universe’ was much different from his own. The mere existence of another universe was enough to make Tsukasa’s head explode.
“Well that’s.. That’s something.” He can’t even begin to process that right now, so he elects to move on. “Okay. Let’s start with something simpler.. Like your name. What’s your name?”
“Rui.” The other answers, a slight smile adorning his face. “What’s your name..?”
“Tsukasa! Tsukasa Tenma!” He beams, a bit of joy sparking up inside of him as his name rolled off his tongue with ease. “Okay then, Rui..” He repeats the name a few times for good measure, just to ensure it sticks in his mind. “You said you liked watching me bake?”
Call him a little self-absorbed, but Tsukasa couldn’t help but be a bit curious over what Rui thought of his little business. Strange creature or not, he was still a customer , right?
“Mhm.” Rui replies. “I liked tasting your baking too.”
“Of course.” Tsukasa grumbles, his eyes narrowing as he glances at the counter. The bite mark tainting the bread, painfully obvious, stares right back at him. “You know you could’ve just asked. I would’ve let you have some!” Preferably with payment, but Rui didn’t seem to have any money on him..
“I thought you would be scared of me.” Rui answers earnestly, wrapping his arms around himself.
“I was scared of you! You were watching me through the window and- and turning invisible to hide in corners all creepy-like!” Tsukasa exclaims, waving his hands around and gesturing at the window and corner respectively for emphasis. When he receives nothing but a blink in response, he lets out a sigh, rubbing his forehead.
“Are you.. still hungry?” Tsukasa asks.
Rui’s gaze meets Tsukasa’s again, tensing up as if he didn’t expect such a question. “Yes.. I am.”
Maybe some would say it was a bad idea. Offering to feed some random creature from another universe who was stalking him through a window.. but Tsukasa’s heart couldn’t help but feel sorry for the other. He couldn’t imagine what it was like to be lost in a strange new world and not have anything to eat.
“Alright. Come on then.” He motions for Rui to come forwards into the kitchen. Despite Rui’s initial hesitancy, he follows, his hands tugging at his sleeves as he enters right behind him.
Once they were both in the kitchen, Tsukasa decided to close the door behind them. It wasn’t that they really needed privacy, but he didn’t need his coworkers walking in and seeing him talk to a guy that had literally appeared out of thin air. Tsukasa approaches the counter and gestures at one of the stools.
“Sit. I’ll get you something to eat.”
Rui wanders over to the stool and sits, watching Tsukasa intently. Under such an unwavering gaze, Tsukasa found himself a little flustered.. To avoid the anxious feeling, he distracts himself by digging through the nearest pantry.
“So.. Do you eat anything else besides blood?” He speaks with slight hesitancy.
“Yes.” Rui replies. “A lot of food I see people eating here is the same as what we eat back home. It’s fascinating, really.. I’m sure it tastes the same too.”
There was a distant look in Rui’s eyes, as if lost in his memories. Tsukasa hums in thought, as he begins to gather some ingredients. “What do you eat at home, exactly?” He glances back at Rui from time to time, especially when the other takes a little longer to answer than usual, just in case he disappears again.
“Mm.. I did enjoy meat and bread.. Pastries and desserts were always a treat. However, in my last few months there I ate.. nothing good. We couldn’t afford anything more than we could scavenge.” Rui says softly, his gaze cast to the floor.
Tsukasa pauses, unable to quell his growing curiosity about this man and his world. “.. you came from a poor family?”
“My family..? Not really.” Rui smiles weakly. “It was just me. And my dear companions.”
“You don’t have any family?!” Tsukasa didn’t intend to sound so scandalized, but his heart was breaking for the other. His own childhood had been rather chaotic, but his parents and little sister were always there for him, just as he was for them. He couldn’t imagine what it would be like without them. Still, he decides not to press the matter any further. The last thing he wanted was to upset Rui. “So, what about your companions then?”
Rui immediately perks up when asked about his companions. “Ah, Haruka and Akito..! They’re my dearest friends. We were only able to survive because we had each other.”
His smile rather suddenly dissipates, leaving an empty expression in its wake. “Though, I got separated from them and ended up here..”
“Haruka and Akito, huh?” Tsukasa nods, beginning to mix together his selected ingredients into a bowl. “You got separated from them when you arrived here? From where, exactly?”
“Another universe.. Weren’t you listening, Tsukasa-kun?” Rui grins, he sounded as if he was trying to tease him!!
Tsukasa freezes, staring at Rui with a slightly irritated expression “I-I was listening, I’m just-!”
He stops himself, taking a breath to calm down.
“You’re just saying it so casually..! You’re from another universe , you lost your family, you’re separated from your friends, you drink blood , and you’re-!” He points his spoon at Rui accusingly. “You’re just sitting on that stool speaking as if this is just another Tuesday!”
Rui shrugs meekly. “I believe we’re from a parallel universe to this one. I’m just.. unsure how to get back.”
“I.. think I need to sit down myself.” They were back on the universe discussion and Tsukasa couldn’t process it any better than he could before. He sets the spoon down and ladles a portion of the batter onto a pan before moving onto a stool himself. “So, you think you’re from a parallel universe?”
“Yes.” Rui answers, completely serious. “We cast a large spell to escape that universe, but it went wrong. I ended up here.. In a very different world from the one we were planning on going to. I don’t know what happened to my friends.”
Tsukasa’s jaw was practically on the floor. Parallel universes, spells, a man from a different world.. What was happening to his life? He takes a few deep breaths, trying to stay sane in all this and focus. “You cast a.. spell .” He repeats, looking at Rui dumbfounded. “You and your friends, you-.. you did a spell that sent you here ..? Why?”
“Our world had grown.. corrupt. There was no place for us there anymore.” Rui continues. “We were planning on fleeing to another world through that spell, but there must’ve been an oversight.. I first appeared in a strange forest, completely alone. I found my way to town, but everyone was afraid of me. I had to hide away and live on my own for a few days. Now, I’m here.” The words spilled from him, grateful there was finally someone who could listen, rushing towards Tsukasa like a river.
Tsukasa instantly feels a pang of sympathy strike him. No wonder Rui was so desperate for food. He had been living out on his own, likely getting chased away from any place with civilization. He probably hadn’t been able to get a decent meal since he got here.
“So, you’ve just been on your own out there, starving? Running away from people?”
Rui nods, his gaze fixed intently on the blonde.
Tsukasa suddenly pushes himself up from his stool, moving over to the stove to check on the pan. He speaks in an off-hand manner. “Then.. You’ll just have to stay here until you figure out a way back.”
Rui doesn’t respond for a few seconds too long, but this time Tsukasa is a little too shy to look back. What a bold statement he just made.. He can’t say things like that!
“Huh..?” A gentle sound from Rui, as if the last thing he expected was this offer of kindness.
“I mean-.. um..” Tsukasa clears his throat sheepishly. He can’t just.. let him stay in his apartment. Can he? It’s small enough as is.. Yet, Tsukasa couldn’t stop himself. “I can’t just.. let you struggle out there on your own! Who do you think I am?! Of course I’m going to help you!”
“Tsukasa-kun..” Before the blond knew it, Rui had approached him rather quickly. He wrapped his arms around Tsukasa from behind and rested his head against his shoulder. A hug. “Thank you.”
After a moment, Tsukasa relaxes into the other’s touch. He feels a little embarrassed by the closeness, before he remembers the food cooking on the stove.
“Hey, at least let me finish cooking first, okay? Don’t thank me yet..” Tsukasa mumbles trying to keep his heart rate under control as Rui returns to his seat, watching Tsukasa with immense curiosity.
He wasn’t used to random hugs like that.. He didn’t mind them, but he really needed to focus here. With a flick of his wrist, Tsukasa flips the crepe he had been cooking on the pan, letting it finish cooking for a few moments longer before finally turning off the heat with a click. He slides the crepe onto a plate before moving over to the fridge and rummaging through it, searching for strawberries.
He returns to the plate a few seconds later, fruit in hand, and begins adding them to the crepe, topping it all off with whipped cream. Tsukasa proudly sets the completed dish down in front of the other.
“Here you go!” He states. “One crepe with strawberries and whipped cream!”
Tsukasa watches as Rui’s eyes immediately light up as he doesn’t hesitate for a moment to take a bite- Nearly reaching for it with his hands before Tsukasa practically shoves the utensils into them. Tsukasa sees Rui practically wolf down the entire crepe within seconds like it’s his first meal in months..
Which Tsukasa reminds himself it probably is.
“Hey..!” He quickly protests. “Slow down! You’ll make yourself sick if you eat that fast-” His words fell on deaf ears.
“That was amazing, Tsukasa-kun!” Rui says once he finished, his eyes gleaming with joy. Such a look after eating his food, it made Tsukasa feel a little giddy.
“Well, of course it was. I made it after all!” A satisfied smile forms on his face, he’s quite glad Rui liked it. “But I am serious! Don’t eat so fast next time! God knows you’ll choke- Here have some water.”
Tsukasa quickly moves to fill a cup and deliver it to Rui, who quickly accepts before looking at him with big eyes.. Almost puppy-like..
“Can I.. have another one?”
“Hey, wh-.. Another crepe?” Tsukasa falters. Those eyes.. He tried to turn away, to not give in so quickly, but it was no use. He couldn’t refuse such a face. “... Fine. You can have another one. But at least enjoy it this time! Don’t wolf it down like that again, okay?”
“Okay.” Rui thankfully agrees, smiling as he takes little sips of his water. He must’ve been thirsty too.
While Rui was occupied with his water, Tsukasa sighs and returns to the stove. He luckily had enough batter left over for another crepe, it wouldn’t take long to cook it up. Tsukasa busies himself with the next plate, but finds himself glancing up at Rui from time to time. Initially, he would’ve brushed it off as just checking on him, but the more he looks at him.. The more he finds himself admiring the sight.
Rui was just oddly captivating to him.
Tsukasa shakes his head, trying to keep his thoughts in check and focus on not burning the crepe. The last thing he would want was to deliver his new guest a bad meal.
Once it’s finished, he piles on some more strawberries and whipped cream before returning to Rui. He withholds the plate for a second longer to give him a warning. “Here you go. Pace yourself this time.”
Rui smiles and sets down his water to take his first bite. Then, he actually does make an attempt to eat slower. Maybe it’s because his hunger had lessened since the first crepe, but he was eating it at a normal pace now. Tsukasa was glad to see he wasn’t going to make himself sick, letting out a quiet sigh as he leaned against a countertop beside Rui, watching him.
The longer he stands there, the more he notices about Rui’s appearance, taking in all the smaller details. The dark bags under his eyes hint at some amount of sleep deprivation, the messiness of Rui’s hair as if he hadn’t been able to wash up for days. Curse Tsukasa’s kind heart, but he really can’t just leave Rui like this.
“How long has it been since you’ve had a proper shower? Or a good night’s sleep?”
Rui stares at Tsukasa blankly, his mouth still full of crepe.
“..That’s what I thought.” Tsukasa mutters. “We’re fixing that. I’ll let you use my shower as soon as you’re finished with that crepe.” He says bluntly, leaving no room for arguments. “And then you’re getting a full night's sleep.”
“Ah, Tsukasa-kun.. You’ve already done so much for me. I’m not sure how to repay you.” Rui speaks once he can, a gentle blush on his cheeks standing out against his pale skin.
“ This is far from enough!” Tsukasa shakes his head. “No repayment necessary.. You enjoy my food. That’s good enough.”
Tsukasa smiles and waits as Rui finishes off the last few bites of his crepe before standing up. “Come on! I’ll show you to the bathroom!”
Tsukasa gestures for Rui to follow and leads him upstairs, turning off the lights on the bottom floor before climbing up. His upper level apartment is small, nothing special, but it was cozy. Rui seemed rather calm.
“Here… These are a little big on me, so hopefully they’ll fit you better.”
Tsukasa hands Rui a set of clothing to wear as pajamas. He didn’t think they would fit, as Rui was taller than him, but it would do the job for tonight at least.
With a boost of confidence and newfound determination, he swings open the bathroom door. “After you!”
“Oh, am I getting the princess treatment? A warm bath just for me?” Rui grins, looking even more like a cat with those mischievous eyes.
“Do you want my help or not?” Tsukasa huffs.
He follows Rui in before setting the towel and pajamas down on the counter. He ran a bath while Rui carefully shed his dirty clothing. He seemed to eye the pile anxiously as Tsukasa scooped it up.
“I promise I’ll wash these and return them to you safe and sound.” He assures as Rui nods in response.
Tsukasa checks the temperature before gesturing for Rui to get in, turning off the water.
Seeing Rui now, it truly looked as if he hadn’t eaten in weeks. He appeared so frail and sickly, as if he would shatter from a mere touch. His hair was matted and tangled, with cuts and dirt on his abnormally pale skin, though the pale skin could be normal for him- Rui said his universe didn’t have a sun after all.
That pang of sympathy struck a chord inside him and Tsukasa was glad he was the one to find Rui.
“How’s the water?”
Rui moves his hands in the bath, splashing the warm water against his long legs. “.. Nice. Would be even better if it was a bubble bath.”
“Don’t push it.” Tsukasa smiles. “I’m going to wash your hair now, okay? And I’ll have to brush it.. It might pull a bit, but I’ll try to not let it hurt.”
Tsukasa carefully washes Rui’s hair, brushing it out as he goes. The soap made it easier to get the tangles out, though he still felt a pang of guilt whenever it pulled and would whisper quiet apologies before continuing. He watched as Rui’s hair seemed to regain some of its life as he washed and conditioned it before helping him with the rest of his body. Rui’s hands trembled whenever he moved and it made Tsukasa just want to get him to bed that much quicker..
“There..” He sighed once Rui had finished washing up. “Let me help you up.”
He had to practically lift the other out of the bathtub, passing him a towel once he was safely set down on the bathmat. He waited for Rui to dry off and get changed into the pajamas that seemed to be an odd mix of too big and too small. Rui’s frame was much more frail compared to Tsukasa’s own, the way the pajamas draped over him made that obvious. However, Rui was taller, which meant the pants exposed his ankles.
“Alright then! I'll set these aside to be washed, you-” He moved to scoop up Rui’s old clothing, only to immediately notice a worrying distant look in the other’s eyes.
“Rui..? HEY..!” Tsukasa immediately drops the clothes and rushes to Rui’s side as he watches the other sway in place, his knees giving out the second Tsukasa made it, catching him in his arms and gently lowering him to the floor.
“Blood…” He mumbled, staring blankly at the ceiling, his words barely escaping in a whisper. “Haven’t.. had any.. in a while..”
“Blood?!” Tsukasa repeats, almost in disbelief. He puts a hand to Rui’s cheek, feeling just how cold his eerily pale face was. “You- You’re telling me now that not having blood makes you pass out?!”
“Mm, it slipped my mind.” Rui let out a weak chuckle, his chest heaving. “But it’s.. Fine. I’ve gone without it for.. Longer.. This’ll pass..”
“Don’t say that. It’s not fine!” Tsukasa nearly snaps at him, but he tries to remember to keep his tone calm. He was genuinely concerned right now and Rui’s nonchalant tone was not helping. “You’re weak. If something bad happens to you if you go any longer without blood.. I’m not taking that chance!”
He huffs, swinging an arm around Rui and hoisting him up. “C’mon! You need to lay down!”
Rui wasn’t in any position to argue as he lets Tsukasa drag him along to his bedroom. Even though Rui was taller than him, Tsukasa had no issues bringing him over the bed, setting him down amongst the blankets. Rui sank into the fluffy pillows, his chest heaving, his eyes distant. Could he really last much longer like this? Tsukasa felt his heart squeeze. He sighs as his mind begins to race, his eyes looking over Rui again, lingering on his scarily pale complexion.
He really does need blood, but how..?
And suddenly, Tsukasa’s train of thought screeches to a halt. An idea. A very bold idea.
I could always just.. offer myself.
Tsukasa almost wanted to slap himself, that was too absurd to even consider. But.. Rui does need blood. Tsukasa doesn’t have any of that on hand. Rui hasn’t had any in a long time and he isn’t sure how much longer he can last without it.
He slowly, hesitantly, sits down on the edge of the bed. Tsukasa looks back at Rui, who is panting. He’s trusted Tsukasa so much thus far, and he really needs that blood.
Tsukasa’s mind decides this is a crazy plan, but he knows it’s the only one that will work. He moves to firmly take Rui’s hand, squeezing it lightly to get his attention. Rui’s gaze lazily drifts to meet his own.
“Tsukasa-kun?” He asks softly.
Steeling himself, Tsukasa squeezes him tighter. He brings himself to meet Rui’s gaze again, gathering the courage to voice his thought.
“Bite me.”
Rui is completely silent for a moment too long.
“... Huh?”
Tsukasa wants to facepalm, but manages to restrain himself.
“Bite me! Drink my blood! I just want to help you, Rui.. So, if you need blood, I’m offering mine!”
Rui smiles, his hand trembles in Tsukasa’s tight grip.
“You’ve already done more than enough for me…” He mutters weakly. “I can’t ask for more.”
“Dammit.. You’re too considerate.” Tsukasa groans. “You aren’t asking for more, I’m offering. It’s not going to kill me, right? So, just do it!”
“It won’t kill you.” Rui shakes his head lightly. “It’ll only sting for a second.”
“Tsukasa-kun…” Rui mutters softly, leaning in closer to him. “I don’t even know how to repay you.”
“You don’t have to repay me.” Tsukasa smiles softly. “The only thing I need in return is for you to have good health. And enjoy my cooking, of course. ”
Rui takes a few breaths before moving his hand to Tsukasa’s cheek. After one last look and a slight nod, he leans in further, until his breath could be felt against Tsukasa’s neck.
Then he bit.
A sharp intake of breath is all Tsukasa can do as Rui’s fangs pierce his neck. It stung, but just as quickly, it disappeared. It was a strange feeling, having Rui’s fangs dug into his neck, but at the same time he was glad he was getting the blood he needed.
He stays completely still as Rui drinks. He felt a warmth spreading from the bite to his stomach. It wasn’t an uncomfortable feeling… In fact, he would describe it as pleasant. Rui let out a sigh of contentment before pressing himself closer. Tsukasa moves a hand through Rui’s hair, mostly just needing to do something with his hands. It was a bit awkward… Albeit, it couldn’t be that bad if awkward was the worst it felt.
After a few seconds, Rui stopped drinking. Tsukasa couldn’t help but tense as he licked up the last bit of blood from the bite, then pulled away. A small breath of relief escapes Tsukasa.
He can see the difference already. There’s more life in Rui now. More colour in his cheeks, energy in his gaze, and a sparkle in his eyes making them appear much less dull. Tsukasa slowly relaxes, and his hands fall from the other’s hair.
“You’re looking better already.”
“Do I?” Rui smiles softly. “Well, it’s all thanks to you. You’ve helped me so much, Tsukasa-kun. I’m willing to help you as well, if you need it.”
“Hm…” Tsukasa’s hand idly moves to the bite mark on his neck, feeling no excess blood. The wound barely even hurt. He wouldn’t even realize he was bitten if he didn’t feel the indent of the teeth. “Well, if you’re so insistent… maybe I could use some help around the bakery. Let’s discuss it tomorrow though, for now you need some sleep. Sleep is the number one remedy for a speedy recovery!”
Tsukasa quickly moves to his feet, pulling back the sheets on his own bed and gesturing to Rui. “Go on! You can sleep here tonight!”
Rui doesn’t move. He eyes the bed, then Tsukasa, his gaze drifting around the room as if completely analysing his surroundings. “What about you? Where will you sleep?”
“Ah…” Tsukasa shrugs. “I’ll stay on the couch in the main room. It’s not a prob-”
He notices Rui’s expression shift, his eyes filled with anxiety, only heightened by his hands suddenly grabbing onto Tsukasa’s.
“You’re leaving…?” Rui’s voice shook ever so slightly, as if he was trying to keep himself steady. Tsukasa could see right through him. He spent too many nights comforting his sister after she had nightmares that she swore ‘weren’t that scary’.
“Do you want me to stay with you?” He moves his hands gently over Rui’s, holding them close.
“Is that alright?” He requests softly.
“Of course.” Tsukasa beams before moving to sit in the bed himself. Rui is soon to follow, settling in beside him. The bed isn’t large, but can still fit the two comfortably. Tsukasa moves to switch his bedside lamp off, turning to speak softly to the other.
“Comfy?” He asks as Rui settles under the blanket.
“Mhm…” Rui smiles as the blanket hugs him. “It smells like you.”
“Pardon-... It smells like me?” Tsukasa is immediately taken aback by the sudden statement. Though, of course his own bed would smell like him, it was still a bit embarrassing.
“Yes… Like warm bread… And a sort of perfume.” Rui describes softly, he takes another soft inhale. “I like it.”
“Ah..” Tsukasa mutters, the embarrassing heat on his face flaring up even more.
Warm bread… He could never escape that constant smell of the bakery. And perfume? He only ever used body spray.. Though he supposed that was the same thing.
At least Rui found comfort in it.
“Well… I’m glad you like it.” Tsukasa sighs, closing his eyes. Though he didn’t think there was any way he was falling asleep anytime soon. Rui was in his bed, he just let him drink his blood.. This entire situation had left him feeling-
“Eh..?!”
Tsukasa reopens his eyes as he feels a sudden weight against him. Rui had moved to press against him and seemed completely unaware… Had he fallen asleep already?! This is all only making Tsukasa even more flustered as he forces himself to remain still.
“Y-You’re really… close…” He mutters at the off chance Rui was still awake.
“Is that okay?” The other immediately reopens his eyes.
Tsukasa almost jumps as Rui suddenly speaks, his breath gently hitting his neck. “I-I mean- yes- no.. yes , yeah it’s- it’s fine. Don’t worry.”
Rui smiles and closes his eyes again, settling against the pillows and Tsukasa’s chest. Tsukasa feels his heart just pound as he silently looks down at Rui’s face… So close to his own and so relaxed. He gently moves to stroke Rui’s hair, running his hand gently through the still damp strands. Trying to keep the situation feeling as casual as he possibly could, he mutters.
“Are you… comfortable like this?”
“Yes. Tsukasa-kun’s warm.” He replies, as if that explains everything perfectly.
He speaks so casually- Hearing Rui say that so nonchalantly makes Tsukasa’s brain short-circuit. He can’t even respond for a second, so he just mutters quietly.
“Warm… Good…”
Rui lets out a content sigh and snuggles a little closer. It was rather comfortable, wasn’t it?
“‘Night, Rui…” Tsukasa says softly, closing his eyes.
“Goodnight, Tsukasa-kun.” He hears from the other.
Soaking in the warmth and comfort in that moment, Tsukasa lets himself fall asleep.