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Settling into Angel’s estate was going well if you asked her new vessel. And Hana would add that she only gets lost in the sprawling home three times a day now! All the others who lived on the grounds (maids, gardeners, etc.) were vampires, making her the only human for miles. You would think it would make her nervous, and she had been a little bit when she first arrived, but now after living here for a while, it was probably the safest she’s ever felt living anywhere else. It was a little embarrassing to admit that it took her until recently to notice that all the other residents were women.
Her role of being a vessel was another matter entirely…
For one thing! The maids insisted she didn’t need to help, but what was she supposed to do then! Sit around all day!? …technically they did say could if she wanted to, but that’s beside the point! The maids gave her menial tasks after they realized she’d just start doing things around the estate on her own if no one was going to give her direction. She’s almost certain it was to keep her busy and not abruptly cut into their work flow. She couldn’t blame them for that. Hana didn’t have the stamina of a vampire so she couldn’t keep up with them regardless. Even so, they were all really nice people. It also gave her more opportunities to see Angel which was nice since the head vampire was always busy it seemed like. Although… Anytime she was doing something else like wiping down the windows, or pining up some laundry to dry with another maid, there was always a chance another maid would appear out of nowhere and insist Hana had to deliver something to Angel. Be it a verbal message, paper, or, like right now, bringing her tea.
Hana had tried to speak with the head maid, Kiku, on it. It would probably make most sense to have someone else do it rather than interrupting her, wouldn’t it? The eternally elderly looking stern woman with a single grey streak in her black hair tied up in an orderly bun had stared her straight in the eye and told her that this was important for building trust between the two. They were vessel and soul after all. Which, okay. She couldn’t argue with that either.
The oak creaked as she pushed the ajar door open with her shoulder into the study. At the grand desk past the couch and coffee table, it appeared the paperwork was scattered haphazardly, but she knew there was an organization to it now. The thought spiking a small bit of shame at the memory of her ‘helping organize’ the clutter. Angel hadn’t been mad at the time, but that felt even worse. Hana stayed up with her into the early morning helping undo her mistake. Her guilt wouldn’t let her go to sleep otherwise.
“Angel?” she called to the older woman once she was half way across the room and she hadn’t looked up once. The vampire gave a single questioning hum in acknowledgement from her where she sat at her desk examining documents ranging from research papers to sigil or ward requests, but still not raising her head. Dark wavy hair spilling over one shoulder from the loose ponytail she must have done at some point. Dress jacket thrown over the back of her chair. Hana hefted the silver platter in indication to it. “Where should I put this?”
Still the vampire didn’t look up only pointing over to the deep windowsill. There were papers piled up over there too. Not as many as the desk, but enough that Hana had to move a few over for the tray to fit comfortably. With her task complete and Angel being steeped in her work, she could take her leave. …But there was that little nagging at the back of her head. The incessant question that was getting harder to ignore as more time passed. She really wanted to ask Angel, but there was that fear at the back of her mind holding her back. She didn't want to screw this up. Maybe the feelings would eventually pass and it didn't mean anything. In any case, maybe there was someone who might be able to give her some perspective. Plus it would be nice to see him regardless.
Hana smoothed out her apron nervously as she approached the desk. The black and white maid uniform both covering up her arms and her neck, and the skirt itself ending a little below her shins. Another thing she technically didn’t need to wear but it made her feel more official. “Um, Angel?”
The vampire hummed again. The only difference being she inclined her head in her direction.
“Would it be okay if Yuuji visited sometime this month?” It took the vampire another second before those questioning dark brown, slitted eyes met hers. Hana continued before she could lose her nerve, “I know you don’t really get along with Sukuna and he’d have to come with him if he did, so I understand if you don’t want to.”
“Can’t wait until the next summit?” an edge of teasing as the older woman set down the paper she’d been studying. Judging by the runes and walls of text she could see, someone was proposing a new ward or an old one. Maybe. Her self-studying could only get her so far.
“I could!” Hana couldn’t help the slight self-conscious defensiveness. It seemed to be popping up more whenever Angel would give her her direct attention, but especially when she’d tease her. It didn’t matter the subject. She glanced downward to avoid eye contact only to catch a glimpse of sun-kissed skin from her unbuttoned dress shirt leading down her chest- Hana quickly looked off to the window. It was a clear sky today. She couldn’t escape that slight awkwardness that came with her cheeks heating up. “I just thought it would be nice to see a friend before then.” Hana was praying that Yuuji would be able to help her figure this out. He at least had to have a better perspective than she did.
“I don’t see why not.” Her fanged smile was super cute. “I might not enjoy his company, but I’m willing to make some sacrifices. It’d be good for the both of you.”
Hana was around the desk and hugging the vampire in seconds. “Thank you, Angel! You’re the best!” The woman gave a few pats to one of the arms wrapped around her. The air around the vessel felt ten times lighter as she left the study in a burst of energy. Completely missing the small smile from Angel that followed her.
It was the end of the month, which meant Hana wasn’t going to be able to do much for the next week after. She wanted to get as much done as she could before she was bed ridden again! The phantom graze of sharp teeth on her neck sending a shiver down her spine. Anticipation at the shadow in the night arriving in her bedroom, a cool hand brushing against her skin unbuttoning her shirt-
No time for that! She had to focus!
Today she was helping change out some linens across the manor. The pretty autumn colors were being swapped out for cool winter ones. More menial work, but someone had to do it! Harsh whispers drew her interest on her way to pass through the entrance hall with a pile of sky and royal blue linens in her arms. There near the foot of the grand staircase was the source. The King of Vampires and his vessel. Both were impeccably dressed and containing their hushed argument from passerby’s but still intense all the same. Both barely giving the other any room at all, conversation or physical space wise.
Ah, jeez!! That’s today!!
“Hi Yuuji! Hi Sukuna!” The flustered looks vessel and soul had been giving each other disappeared. Sukuna’s schooled into an unbothered neutral and Yuuji’s split into a wide grin. “Hey Hana!” He eyed her for a moment, “What’s with the,” the vessel gestured up and down, “outfit?”
Hana looked down at the maid uniform she was wearing. “Ah,” just now getting hit with the fact that she was not ready in any way to be receiving guests. “I was working!” She glanced around. Should she put these down somewhere? Did someone already let Angel know they’re here? Who let them in?? She turned around to go down to Angel’s study, stopped, turned back around. “I’ll go let Angel know you’re here. I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll come w-“ Yuuji was cut off by the iron grip that snatched his arm. The vampire leaning over and whispering something in Yuuji’s ear that had the vessel’s expression turning irritated again. Sukuna stood up straight and addressed her with that same impassiveness in his red colored slitted eyes, “Run along.”
Hana eyes flicked to Yuuji who was staring off at the wall, still pissed. “I’ll be right back.” Repeating herself as she hurried down the hall. Good thing she’d been to her soul’s study so often, it made finding it easy. Shuffling to balance the linens in her arms, she poked her head inside, “Angel, Sukuna and Yuuji are-“ Both Kiku and Angel turned Hana’s way. “Oh, did you already tell her?”
Kiku nodded, “I just did.”
“Awesome,” Hana stepped into the room and indicated the best she could to the linens in her arms, “what should I-“ Kiku was already taking them from her, “I’ll take care of these. Go entertain your guest.”
“Thank you Kiku!” Hana turned to the head vampire who simply waved her off. “I’ll see to Sukuna. You need to go change after all.”
Hana glanced down at her clothes. Maid uniform. Right. Need to change out of it.
“Alright!” She backed out of the study, “Thank you!” And she was off running back to the entrance hall. Back at said room, the two guests were silent. The tension breaking once Hana came running in. “Angel’s on her way!” She ran right past them, grabbing her skirts as she made for the staircase going up them two at a time. She’d made it to the top when a flash of one of Yuuji’s letters appeared in her mind’s eye. She leaned over the banister. “Yuuji,” the human and King glanced up at her, “do you want to come with?”
Yuuji’s eyes lit up then dimmed just as quickly in exasperation with the hand that clamped on the back of his collar. Sukuna kept his eyes locked on hers, “And where would you be going?” Hana pointed over her shoulder. “My room. Then we can figure out what we’re doing.” She prayed that would be enough to convince him. That package was still waiting in her closet for the other vessel. With any luck, she had read in between the lines of his letters correctly.
“Let the boy go, Sukuna.” Angel’s voice drew the King’s attention to somewhere under the banister where Hana couldn’t see. “We hardly need to be hovering over them while they entertain each other.” The girl was mentally crossing her fingers that he’d respect the the other vampire's input. The man narrowed his eyes for a fraction before pulling the boy closer to harshly whisper something else in his ear. Yuuji’s eyes narrowed in return as he yanked himself free muttering, but still loud enough for her to hear, “That’s rich coming from you.” The vessel ascending the staircase and by the time he was at the top that bright grin was back. He bowed and gestured to the side, “After you.” Hana curtsied back, “Why thank you~” Then they were off jogging to her room. Once inside, she locked the door and went straight for her closet.
Hana grabbed the package and a pair of new hiking boots that were certainly not her size. “Catch!” Hana said as she threw the package to Yuuji who’d already taken off the nice dress jacket and thrown it on the floor. He really did hate wearing those clothes, didn’t he? Well, if Sukuna was the one who made him wear it then of course they’d differ on style choices. She tossed the shoes in his direction so they landed near him. The boy caught and tore into the package with a shout of joy. “Finally! Finally, I can wear some normal clothes!” Hana had already started taking off her own dress and petticoats to put away. “They should fit, but I can grab a belt for you if you need it.”
In place of her uniform, Hana wore thick black tights that had pink half-filled hearts on the sides of her thighs, sturdy denim conforming shorts, and a frilly light pink blouse. “I was thinking we go to the forest and check it out. I’ve only explored it a little, but it should be fun! There’s a pretty spring out there I’ve been told.” It’d also give them a bit more privacy for her to ask him her questions. There was no answer as she was pulling on her own hiking boots after pulling on thick mid-calf socks.
Yuuji had opened up one of the windows. For him, he now wore dark blue straight cut pants that ended at mid-calf, and a plain loose orange tank top revealing sun kissed skin. Despite asking if he’d wear anything else, surprisingly he said he was happy to have anything that would let him move freely so she did her best to accommodate. “Yuuji?”
That broke whatever spell was on him as he turned to her. There were numerous twin dots of fang scars along his throat and even a few on his collar bone, and one that appeared as if the fangs were dragged across the skin. Nothing like the more uniform ones dotting her throat. “Huh?”
“Does that sound okay?”
“Going to the forest?” Hana nodded. “Yeah, that’s good with me.” There was a sparkle in his eyes. “We can find that spring, I’m sure of it!” It was hard to not match that enthusiasm. Hana jumped up with that surge of energy. “We’ll find it for sure!” She put her hands to her hips. “But first let’s stop by the kitchen and grab some snacks.” Yuuji nodded as if it was the most logical next step. The bedroom door opened up and closed as the pair went on their way. The door opened up once more as the human guest ran back in, closed the window, and back out the door closing it behind him.
The invited vampire refused to sit down despite her offering. Instead, he was standing in front of the expansive window in the sitting room. Angel knew he was going to be difficult, but she didn’t expect him to be so tense. Though she supposes that having his sorcery traits turned moot while on her grounds would have an effect on anyone. She wasn’t going to re-write her own wards just for him.
Angel observed him a moment longer before filling the silence. “Sukuna, we can at least pretend we can stand each other.”
“I don’t see any reason to do so.” The man not bothering to move from his position.
“For our vessels sake, for one.” She fiddled with a chess piece from the board on the table in front of her in her hand. It was at least one thing she knew he had some passing interest in. “I’m not opposed to letting them spend more time together. I’d hazard neither of them would be opposed either.” Sukuna’s eye flicked to hers in the slight reflection of the glass. It returned to overlooking the garden where both vessels in casual outfits had appeared. Ah, so that’s why Hana had wanted those larger clothes. Her vessel also had a small backpack, no doubt from the kitchen. The others had been adamant about both humans enjoying their day together and were willing to do what they could to ensure it. The humans were traversing the greenery progressing further towards the tree line.
“Ungrateful brat,” Sukuna lowly bit out.
Angel tapped the small side table on her left a small sigil lighting up on its surface. She briefly drew an addition to it before speaking. “Status?”
“Petals and Tiger are in sight. They’re planning on exploring the forest.” The voice came through clearly as if they were in the same room. The sigil lighting a different color as Angel responded. “Good. Keep your distance and make sure nothing interferes.” The vampire on the other end acknowledged her instructions and the sigil died away revealing nothing visible on the side table.
Red slits were focused on the now sigil-less table before flicking back out the window. There was no sign of either of their vessels. Contempt directed her way, “You’d let some incompetent servants look after her?”
“My workers are all very capable. They do not need undeserved criticism, your highness,” reigning in her own contempt. “She and Yuuji will be perfectly safe.”
"They should have stayed in the manor. It’s the only place a vessel belongs.” The words came across callous, but Angel had known the man too many years unfortunately to take it at face value.
Once the ceremony had been performed, Sukuna bound to his vessel, and the human whisked away, many believed Yuuji would be dead within the week if not the first day. But here they were. Proof that maybe humans and vampires could have some kind of rapport with each other outside of power struggles.
Someone of her station was not outright expected to acquire her own vessel. Angel had made the decision of her own volition if only to encourage this new relationship with humanity. Of the vessel candidates she had met, Hana had stood out to her. Something about her struck her as a kind soul. Call it intuition. Though she was called Hana’s soul, at times it truly felt like it was the other way around. Hana had brought a light to her life that she didn’t realize she’d needed until the human was already there illuminating it. It was only natural to worry over her safety. She was only human after all.
The difference between Sukuna and Angel was that she trusted her vessel. In return, she trusted Angel. So her retort came naturally with an edge of criticism, “A gilded cage is still a cage.”
“As if you have any grounds to lecture me.” Those cutting red slits fell to her. “Your brat listens to you.”
“My relationship with Hana can hardly be compared to yours and Yuuji’s.” The vampire of the estate placed the chess piece back in place on the board. Ready for a game to be played. “If you didn’t keep his leash tight enough to choke, maybe he’d be more willing to listen to you.”
Sukuna breathed out a humorless laugh. “Spend one day with him and you’d see he needs a tight leash.” Angel decided to keep her own comment on that to herself. She was trying to play nice after all. For both Hana and Yuuji’s sake. For what it was worth, it at least got the King away from the window. Pretending to enjoy each other’s company while their vessel’s had a nice day out together.
Hana hadn’t been out to the forest since she first arrived at the estate. What with her being bed ridden shortly after, and then her jumping at the chance to help around the estate itself. But if there was one thing she could rely on, it was that her sense of direction was impeccable in the outdoors. The only thing that ended up being a bigger problem was Yuuji running off ahead. He had a completely different attitude. More carefree? Maybe that’s what it was. There was more than once where she’d been calling out for him as he’d run off again only for the dense forestry behind her to burst open with Yuuji standing there wearing a big grin. It didn’t drop even as she slapped at his arm to stop scaring her.
“Yuuuuuuji,” Hana called out as she maneuvered around over some small bushes, “Where-“
“Hana!” The bush in front of her burst open making her jump. The startled feeling quickly shifting to annoyed at the other vessel. “Quit scaring-,“ her pitch increased as she was lifted into his arms and she scrambled to hold onto him, “-me?!”
“I found the spring!” Yuuji pushed through the foliage with Hana still in his arms and she quickly readjusted to loop her arms around his neck. Curling in on him as he trudged on ahead. They broke through into a small clearing containing a crystal-clear spring glittering in the afternoon light. There was a log on its side in the grass nearby that looked like it’d seen its fair share of people wandering out there to enjoy the solitude. After setting her down, they both peered over into the water admiring the clarity of that allowed them to see the bottom with ease.
After some time of wandering around a little more, they eventually settled on the log the backpack next to them as they rummaged through it.
“He doesn’t let you go outside? At all?” Hana folded the remaining sandwich crumbs into the empty cloth it had come in and tucked it away back into the bag retrieving the thermos.
“Nope,” Yuuji popped the syllable at the end. “Not unless he or Uraume are watching me. And I can’t go far when they do.”
“That sounds…” she took a drink as she considered how she felt about being stuck inside such a grand castle like the King’s, “Oppressive.” She handed the thermos over to him. “Not to mention it’s not good to stay inside for so long.”
“Right?! God forbid I want a little sunlight or fresh air.” He stopped himself from taking a drink to add on, “You’d think I told them I was going to throw myself off a cliff. Least Angel let’s you roam around.”
Speaking of… “Hey, Yuuji?”
“Hmm?” He stopped himself from taking a drink once again.
“Can I ask you something?” Hana wasn’t looking at him. She wasn’t sure if she could.
“Yeah, go for it.” Yuuji gave a noncommittal reply.
Hana rubbed at the inside of her wrist where twin scars from the ceremony forever marked her. There was only one way she was going to be able to ask it. She just had to say it. No lead up or else she’d lose her nerve.
“Have you had sex with Sukuna?”
Violent coughing came from Yuuji as he held the thermos away from him. Hana immediately was thumping her palm against his back as he tried to clear his airway. “Why would you take a drink if you knew I was going to ask you something!?”
“I didn’t know you were going to ask that,” said in between coughs.
Yuuji very purposefully not meeting her expectant look once he’d recovered. “Well, what are we counting as sex?”
Hana hummed for a moment and shrugged, “I think anything sexual counts.”
Yuuji scratched his check. “I mean I’ve sucked his dick a few times, but that’s about it.”
“Were,” Now also looking anywhere else herself, she asked, “you the one who initiated it or…?”
Yuuji laughed, “Yeah, it was all me.” His words carried an edge. “One day he’s treating me like a toy and the next like I’m glass. I can’t trust him to do anything besides suck my blood out.” Curiosity peaked as he turned to his companion, “Why?”
Hana fiddled with her hands. “I’ve been having some thoughts on someone and,” she leaned to one side then the other, “I don’t know if it’s because of the blood drinking or if I’m really getting feelings for her. And you’ve been with Sukuna for awhile so I wanted to know if you have any opinions on it.” She waved her hands as she realized the implication, “Not that you two are together or anything!”
“Shouldn’t you ask someone else for love advice? I’m not a good first pick.”
“I thought about it, but…” she lingered.
“They wouldn’t get it?” Yuuji offered.
“They wouldn’t get it.” She repeated in agreement.
Yuuji nodded and starred off as he continued, “I don’t think Sukuna and me are a good frame of reference.” He shrugged. “Angel seems pretty cool. I think you should go for it.”
“But if we’re going to be together for a long time I don’t want to make her uncomfortable,” Hana trailed off at the end. The last thing she wanted to do was mess up what they had. She wanted to see eye to eye with her at some point in the future. She didn’t want to cause some wedge in their relationship to get in the way of that. No matter what shape it took.
“Do you think she won’t want to talk it through?”
“No, but-“
“But nothing! You guys can work it out if it goes south then.”
The idea floated in her mind. Angel has been nothing but considerate to her. Even… Even if she did reject her, would she treat her any differently? The same Angel that was endlessly patient with her? Asking for her input on things that were way over her head. She could easily feel the remnants of last week’s headache induced focus from when Angel had her look over some diagrams- beginners sigils. She’d wanted to impress her. Would the vampire still make the effort even if she knew how she felt? Hana hadn’t been with her for a long time. Not even close to half of her thousand-year life span. Maybe…maybe she was rushing this. The ghost of fangs pressing on her neck. A shadow looming over her in the dark. A steady hand on her lower back. Another curling around her nape tangling in some of her hair. Keeping her in place even as her strength was slowly ebbing out of her… The heat on her cheeks were very much in the present.
Hana wasn’t thinking much as she asked dreamily, “The blood drinking is erotic though, right?”
“Hmm, I think it’s more sexy in concept than practice.” An audible distaste at the idea. “Do you think it is?”
“A little,” Hana raised an eyebrow, “Is it not with Sukuna?”
“Hell no. He drains me within an inch of my life every time.”
“Oh, jeez. I mean I get woozy when she does it, but I go to sleep right after she’s done.”
“What?!” Resentment contorted Yuuji’s face as he looked off to the underbrush, “Lucky. The bastard makes me pass out.”
Hana’s eyes widened, “He takes that much?!”
"Yes," he hissed out. “Cause he’s a greedy bastard with no self-control.”
“But have you ever, you know. Thought about him like that?”
“Uh,” there was a light blush creeping up his neck, “I may have…maybe…thought about him-,“ the last part incomprehensibly mumbled.
“What?” Hana leaned a little closer her eyebrows drawn together.
“I may have thought about,” his voice was barely any louder, “him- um-“ Yuuji took a drink from the thermos staring straight ahead, “I’ve thought about him forcing me up against a wall and fucking me senseless. Maybe drinking my blood at the same time too.”
All Hana could give him was a blank expression as she processed it. Yuuji flipped the script over to her. “What about you?”
“Me? You’ll think its gross… Um,” there was a blush creeping up on her too, “I may have…thought…just a little bit…of her-,” the last part completely mumbled behind one of her hands.
“What?” Yuuji leaned a little closer his eyebrows drawn together.
Hana gestured for him to lean closer. She cupped a hand whispering in his ear. “I’ve thought about her eating me out while I’m on my period.” She leaned back to be greeted with a blank expression from Yuuji. Hana turned away with an air of embarrassment. “See! I knew you’d think its gross!”
Yuuji grabbed one of her hands, “No, no, hold on. I’m seeing the vision.” He said that, but it didn’t make Hana feel any less self-conscious at her own admission. He grabbed her other hand and sincerely stated, “I want that for you.” The down right sincerity was enough to wash away her lingering embarrassment. She clasped his hands back. “And I want yours for you too.” Yuuji’s expression shifted to uncomfortable, but Hana insisted. “I’m sure there’s a way to make it work for you two.”
“Nu-uh,” his hands slipped out of hers, “He doesn’t need to know I’ve had fantasies about him. He’d never let it go.”
“Well, objectively, Sukuna is very handsome so no one can blame you for it.”
“Do not say that around him. He doesn’t need the ego boost.”
“Oh, I’m sure he wouldn’t put that much stock in my opinion.”
“No, but he’d probably bring it up later just to piss me off.”
Hana opened her mouth to retort but no sound left. Resigned realization, “He would.”
Yuuji sagely nodded, “He would.” He peeked one eye over at her, “So…” She titled her head in anticipation, “are you going to try anything with her?”
Hana found the log underneath them fascinating in that moment. Picking at the flecks of bark. “Maybe. I don’t know.”
“Well you don’t to have to make a decision now. Or soon.” Yuuji flashed a grin. “You’ve got plenty of time to think it through.” Hana groaned at the lack of an answer. Yuuji shook her shoulders playfully. “You’ll be finnnnnne.”
The occasional twig snapped underfoot as Yuuji took his time trekking back through the forest. The other vessel carrying the mostly empty bag on her back as Hana herself was carried on Yuuji’s. His insistence that he carry something back ended in this outcome. The walk back had mostly been filled with nonsensical topics as they went. Only etching back into vampiric topics as Hana noted they were getting closer to home.
“You think he’ll make you change?” She asked as she leaned her cheek on his shoulder.
“Maybe. It’s a fifty-fifty chance.” Yuuji shrugged jostling the other, “I’ll probably just change so he doesn’t get the chance to burn these.”
Hana lifted her head, nodding, “Good idea. I’ll get them washed and have them ready for whenever you come over again.”
They broke through the tree line to the estate not too far off. Yuuji looked from side to side with a questioning look about him. “Huh. I’m surprised he’s not here.”
Hana glanced over to the side where there was very clearly no one there. “Oh, hi Sukuna.”
Yuuji’s head whipped in that direction only to earn Hana giggling at his reaction. “Hey!” He turned in place in annoyance but since he was holding her he went in a circle, “Don’t scare me like that!”
“Sorry, sorry,” she blatantly lied.
“Alright, you asked for it,” gently setting her down before crossing his arms and turning away, “You’re walking back!”
“Noooo,” Hana fell to her knees the grass tickling her palms. “I’ll never recover from this.” Dejection coloring her words.
Yuuji upturned his chin, “Serves you right!”
She clutched at one of his pant legs giving her best pleading impression. “How can I earn back your trust?”
The esteemed guest made a show of thinking her question over. Then with an air of regality made his demands. “Show me around the inside of the manor and,” he finally met her eyes, “get me an invitation back here again.”
That’s it?? Easy. Hana sprung up from her kneeling position. “Consider it done!” When she offered her arm, his easy smile fell back into place and he linked his arm with hers. They may have gotten a little lost when they were back inside the manor. Yuuji pointed out that she lived here, which didn’t help at all. She knew that already. That wasn’t helping her figure out where the sunroom is!!