🦇Ritsu Sakuma 🦇

As Ritsu pushed himself off from Rei, the vampire fell silent, following the staggering movements of his brother with growing panic. Listening as his pulse sped up, warning about an incoming disaster. It took him no time to get up, reach for Ritsu, however he was stopped mid air. The older male blocking both his view and route towards him. 

“Ritsu!” He felt himself gasp for air as Ritsu collapsed in front of him, a painful yell leaving his lips, as he once again tried to push the other immortal out of the way. His heart was beating way too slow. They had to do something. They had to- 

A veil of red dragged across his eyes, as he felt his consciousness slip, a growl vibrating in his chest, as he fought. Anything to get to him- at least that had been the original goal. Now he was more keen on getting free. Writhe away the painful restraints he was put under. Strong hands keeping him locked in place. Forced to his knees, Rei kept his fangs flashed. At least until he heard the door fall shut. A panicked glance in the direction of the exit showing that Ritsu was gone. Again.

That finally put a damper on the frenzy, allowing him some sort of thought function again. Realizing that this someone was speaking to him. Through his mind. Words forming in his head on their own, although he was fairly certain that no sound aside from his own staggering breath originated from the room. 

Rei. That was certainly his own name. Repeated again, and again. In calming manner. Calling out to him, begging him to remember. Had he forgotten something? He wasn’t quite certain. However it was enough for his struggling to halter entirely, as he focused his mind. Remember… Remember what? 

The pain as blood burned through his throat, waking him from the serene slumber? The slow approach of darkness as he’d felt the life being literally drained out of his veins? The scared look in his brothers eyes, as he was forced to watch? The mindnumbing repeats of ritual words?

Ritsus unexpected arrival?

Or- Perhaps- There was something more, wasn’t there? 

In his unconscious state, Ritsu were brought away from the by their mother. No matter if he were awake or not, it wasn’t safe to stay in the room, not with a, thirsty, newborn vampire. At least that was what most everyone else had been thinking. That the smaller human should had been send of with the other part of family, then again. Their parents focus was at Rei, and only enough on Ritsu to make sure he didn’t get killed. But oh all Ritsu himself wanted was to get his brother back, for a moment even with the colder skin, it felt like he was there by his side, and now he was gone from his embrace. Even dreams telling him that his brother was long gone, with no way to return again. The unconscious boy had no idea where he were brought off to. Completely oblivious to the fact that his mother had brought him to an entirely different part of the building. Where a room was nicely warmed up and comfortable to be in, by human standards. Having Ritsu laid in the bed, and tucked him in properly, she made sure he would be comfortable by the time he awoke. As much as she would have wanted to watch over him for a little while longer, she had to leave. Other matters needed her attention as well. And Ritsu would be fine, waking up on his own. Considerate his pulse was still there, slow, however reaching an almost acceptable resting pace.

Rei had been worried to death, the painfully long trip to the hospital had almost killed him. He’d wanted to yell at the passengers at the plane. Urge his taxi driver to drive faster. But at the same time he knew it wouldn’t change anything.

His heart skipped at the sight of the tall building, his head feeling empty as he asked for Ritsus room. Having to show ID to ensure he was, in fact, related to the idol. Usually he’d joke at it, but this time- no.  After having waited on the elevator for what felt like hours, he chose the stairs. Jumping up a few steps at a time. Trying to contain the panic. Trying to not cry as he reached the door, not minding his painfully fast breaths. 

However the sight of Ritsus lifeless body broke him. tears spilling from his scarlet eyes, as he closed the door behind him, barely noticing the nurse by his side. Tiny whispers of “Ritsu- Ritsu.. Ritsu-” Being the only words he could muster. 

He felt like he’d somehow triggered this. Although he knew not all fell back on him. That the world didn’t revolve around him. Slowly sinking down in the empty chair besides Ritsus bed, he pushed back his hair, covering his mouth as he watched his brothers slow breaths. Failing to hold back the broken sobs, as his other hand searched for Ritsus cold. 

He knew he shouldn’t have left him at Yumenosaki. That he should have insisted to stay another year. Keep his dearest treasure in sight. Instead of chasing the impossible. A life in the limelight as a nocturnal… It was so absurd. So out of reach. yet he’d still chosen that over… Over Ritsu. Seeing him collapse on the stage - knowing he couldn’t get to his side in an instant… It was the worst. The absolute worst.

He should never have left Japan.

It took him hours to calm down. His restless movements eventually triggering the nurses enough to kick him out of the room. Tell him to go rest. Go shower. Go eat. So Rei did. 

Moving without seeing where he was going. Eating without registrering what he put in his mouth. And he wound up borrowing a shower after sending what was supposed to be a charming smile, but ended up being rather shattered, to a doctor. 

Finally clean, he returned to Ritsus side. Braiding their fingers together as he looked down at his unresponsive face. Trying to avoid crying yet again, as he called out to him. Desperate to apologize for just about anything. 

As blood coloured hues appeared beneath Ritsus lashes, Rei could feel his breath get stuck in his throat. Letting go of his hand, to avoid even more confusion, as he tried to hold back the sobs. Tears slowly trailing down his cheeks as Ritsu called out to him. “Don’t worry. Onii-chan is here. I’m here. I’ll stay for as long as you like. I’m so sorry. You’ll be okay, promise me, yea? You’ll be fine my angel. You’ll be fine.”

If anyone was at fault, Ritsu knew who to blame. It was non other his own fault. Have spend time out in the sunlight to go to classes, even if he had too on his own. Mao not having time because Trickstar was busy. Pressuring himself to go to practices, even if his health was screaming at him to stop.  He didn’t The news of Izumi and Leo return to Japan was the cause of it, that Knights could be a full group again for a few weeks, knowing he should rest. They went out together to have some quality time. A constantly reminder from Arashi that he should take breaks, ignoring them as he didn’t want to stay home while they other was out. Not wanting to be left out from the fun with them he wanted to be closer too, stay by their side always. The evening of the accident he had seemed... Weirdly fine, his body had no complains, like it had too much energy, that the adrenaline from the stage already was in his body before he had even stepped up. Into the third song, it was like everything passed by like a blur his body moving as his own. A loud ring tone entering his ears, and then nothing. what had happened n the mean time?  Had izumi and Leo already went back, or did he actually in the end doing everything wrong and they now hated him.

What was that annoying sound? It was like a constant buzzing in his ears. Why was his name being repeated like that? It was irritating and unnecessary. He were fine. They were just performing, everything were going great. Yes he were tired, but it was nothing he couldn’t work around.... Wait, when did he leave the stage? He didn’t remember. All he could remember were singing and dancing and then. Only darkness. 

Slowly his senses returned, his fingers twitching slightly as he tried to get the feeling back in his body, light seeming to bright to his eyes as he tried to opened them, only meet with a blur of someone sitting beside him, before he gave up and closed his eyes back again. Couldn’t someone turn off the light for his poor eyes? It was almost like being out in daylight. Horrible. Annoying. Wait where was he again?

Something around his mouth felt to hot, like it was kind of constant steam every time he breath out. Lifting his hand to remove it, something stopping it as he felt something stuck in his hand and finger. Ah.. This... Seemed to familiar... What he could pick up on, it could only be one thing

Hospital

How long had he been out? Was it hours? Days? Uwa.. Had he missed any lives? He knew he that the last concert there would only be a week to Knights next live, and he really didn’t wanted to disappointing them. But he hadn’t expected that he would faint like this again, it was years since he had been tied like this to a hospital bed.

Letting his hand fall back to rest on the bed again, this was really horrible, maybe this would be as bad as it could get, hopefully. Forcing his eyes to opened again, trying to focus as he looked around the room, his scarlet eyes landing on the older nocturnal. Why did he looked so worried? it wasn’t like this hadn’t happened before.

Rising an eyebrow, Rei simply gave him a blank look. Choosing to not reply. His look was plenty. Ritsu certainly weren’t right all the time. But debating it would probably cause more trouble than needed. 

“Hai hai~” Humming in response to Ritsus words, Rei opened his mouth, letting his fangs drag against Ritsus palm. Flashing a light grin as he wrapped a hand around his wrist.

“Never had anyone complain in the end though.” Pushing his tongue against Ritsus hand, he wrapped it around the tip of his finger, lowering his voice as he let Ritsu free once again. “However what do ya’ say we find you something to eat, eh? You were complaining about wanting something a few hours ago, and I imagine it hasn’t gotten better since.”

His eyes brows twitched by his brother movement, a deep flush covering his cheeks, goddamnit, he was playing with his feelings and hormones, their bodies being flushed so close didn’t get him on any better thoughts. Not able to figure out if he wanted him to keep going or stop. His mind forgetting what ever they was talked about as he tried to get his mind back on track.

“Hmm, you’re right about that.” Rei didn’t even doubt it. He knew they’d be quite disappointed in his choice of… ‘Mate’. There was a reason he’d chosen to never bring home any of his lovers. although some of them had been serious to the point where he’d met their parents. 

A light chuckle left Reis lips at Ritsus words, taking the chance to nuzzle his nose gently against his brothers cheek. “’Scuse me. It’s a habit.” And one that’d proven quite hard to get rid of. Not that he minded much. It was part of his image- or rather. Had been part of it. 

He’d have to rework that. At some point at least. There was no use for a defeated demon king. “I still mean it though.” Lowering his center of gravity, rei finally let himself drop off of Ritsu. At least partly. Still keeping a leg around him to keep him grounded, should he start getting any strange ideas. Instead he resumed lying besides him, scarlet eyes focused on the blush on his cheeks. 

Barely able to keep a smile to himself, Rei let a finger trail over his lips, narrowing his eyes in a quiet huff. 

“I am always right.” And if he wasn’t he was going to make sure one way or another he was right in the end, however it was lucky that Rei never did bring any of them home. Else it would had been sad if they suddenly was ‘dispose’ of, or suddenly broke up with Rei. Not that it would be Ritsu fault at all, no no.

As Ritsu clinged closer to him, a low snarl made its way through his control, quickly escalating as the female vampire backed off. She seemed- Scared. Worried. As he felt part of his sanity breach trough yet again, he realized that she was in fact speaking to him - begging him to come to his senses. 

A cool chill ran through Rei, as he realized he’d been about to jump someone who’d done nothing to either of them. However the sheer reaction from Ritsu was enough to drive him into a corner. He’d known being a newly turned vampire would be troublesome - but not to this extent. It took him a few shaky breaths to calm down enough to not want to tear through her neck as she backed off. 

The male started speaking, telling him to get it together. All while Rei had very much gotten to that conclusion himself. What followed, however, made Rei widen his eyes slightly. As he was told to back off from Ritsu. As the female called out to his brother, urging him to come to her side, as if Rei would do something to him. In the first place he didn’t get why they cared so much about Ritsu. Or Rei for the matter.

While he certainly had a clear pulse, making Reis throat ache, he’d managed to keep level headed so far. And he didn’t plan on changing that anytime soon. Forcing down the beast wasn’t all that hard with his brother clearly needing him present. 

If Ritsu had been anywhere near a clear mind, he might had been able to catch on that he were the reason that whether or not that Rei would rip someone apart, right here and now He knew Rei was a newly turned vampire, he didn’t know what they meant about their warning words, That hadn’t been done anything to him that they hadn’t exposed him too. Either way he choose for once listening to their warnings, as he felt he had no other choice but to do so. Mustering the little bit of strength he had left, he managed to push himself away from Rei. Enough to allow himself to slowly stand up on his staggering legs. Catching himself on the table, in an attempt to keep himself upright. His movements were hesitant as he shuffled towards his mother. But he barely even moved before his entire body gave in. His vision went blurry, and he felt himself stumble forward. Having no time to react before his entire world went black. 

Feeling Ritsu move closer to him, his head coming to rest on his shoulder, Rei relaxed. At least that settled that part of his questions. However it didn’t quite contain the pent up aggression, slowly seeping into his mind as the female vampire stepped into his field of vision. 

Flashing his fangs, he contained the growl, as to cause as little disturbance to Ritsu as possible. She spoke. Her voice seemed familiar as she called Reis name, leaning down towards them. Clearly trying to calm him. He couldn’t quite figure why he’d need to be though. As long as she kept her distance, not disturbing his brother, he’d be perfectly calm. 

Noting that the male followed behind her, Rei narrowed his eyes, killing intent slowly clouding his mind. What did they want from them? 

Of course Ritsu would be able to recognize them. His perception of reality hadn’t been altered, meaning that of course their parents were just as recognizable as always. However that didn’t mean he actually wanted them near at all. If only they could have stayed away, leaving them alone for even a moment longer. Was that too much to ask? 

He didn’t want to face their mother. Not when he knew fully well they hadn’t come to actually look for them both. It definitely felt like he had just been bumped a few steps further down the priority scale. Instead he would be selfish. Refusing to let go no matter what might be said to him. His fingers clutching tightly onto Rei’s clothes, enough for his fingers to start aching. 

Curling even closer to him, Ritsu refused to give up the little sense of comfort he felt. Knowing he from now on would be miles apart from Rei in every other aspect of life, he refused to let their parents pull them apart no as well. If his body had held any sense of fight left in it, he would have done more. 

Sadly there was no way Rei would have been allowed to stay “alive”. He was bound to be turned sooner or later, just as Ritsu was. Being of the main family, there was no way their family would let them stay mere ghouls. 

“I won’t leave you. I’ll never leave you.” If needed, he’d spend the rest of eternity clinging annoyingly to Ritsus side. “I’m here for as long as you need me. And even past that. I’ll-” The sound of footsteps caught Reis attention, body tensing slightly, as he lifted his head to focus on the sound. 

Two people got closer, Rei, putting light pressure on Ritsus shoulder, securely holding him against him. Careful to not use too much of his strength as he listened to the door open. Someone called out to them. A female. 

As much as Rei wanted to flash his fangs, he was afraid to scare his brother. Instead he remained silent, watching Ritsus face, trying to figure what he should do. Perhaps he could scare the two vampires off? But given his lack of experience with… Everything, if they decided to take up a fight, he wasn’t sure he’d last long.

Doesn’t mean he wouldn’t try to see if he could escape the family, Maybe he could use his fragile body as an excuse for he probably wouldn’t survive an embraces. Either way didn’t want to go through the Ritual with his father, neither having Rei as his Sire.  Raising his head when Rei stopped in the middle of the sentence. His head working over time as to late he noticed others presents within the room. His hands clenching the fabric in his hands, dropping his head on Rei shoulder.

Rei could feel his breath get caught in his throat at the tiny whimper. How- What- When… When had his thoughts come to this? When had he succumbed to considering Ritsu as… A blood bag? Narrowing his eyes slightly, he shamed himself, before gently rubbing the back of his neck. Trying to ignore how warm his skin felt against Reis fingers.

His scent was so nice. So sweet. Taking a deep breath, he sharpened his mind,trying to recall happy memories. Force away the bloodthirst, as he tried to calm Ritsu.  

“Ritsu… I’m here. It’ll be okay. It’ll be okay.” Perhaps he needed to hear those words just as much as Ritsu did. 

He closed his eyes to finally let them rest, tears running down from the corner of his eyes as his body finally gave in. Taking the comfort he was given as he leaned his weight against Rei instead, grabbing on to his shirt as he wouldn’t let him run. He wanted them to stay together forever, he had just wished his brother could had stayed alive, as a human. He didn’t want the life as a vampire, even if he would have his brother for eternity he wouldn’t could handle watching Knights or any of his friends die, It would be lonely, scared that he would drive himself crazy because of it.

Rei shifted closer as Ritsu didn’t push him away, his panic wrapping an arm securely around him. Knowing that hin skin was slightly colder than it’d been when he was alive. Still he hoped Ritsu would somehow feel comfort in knowing that at least he was still alive. “Ritsu…”

Lowering his voice, Rei rested his head against Ritsus shoulder, gently nuzzling it through the layers of clothes. “I’m still here. You’ll be stuck with me forever now, okay? I won’t be going anywhere.”

Caught up in the moment, it took Rei some time to realize that a heart was beating awfully close to him. His pulse echoing through Reis mind. Beat by beat. Slowly driving him mad. He was so warm. His blood would probably be sweet- Had he even ever tasted it? It seemed like such a waste. 

Ritsu didn’t want him near, his mind wanted to push him away out of his life. If hit hadn’t been for his fragile body tying him to the family. He would had run a long time ago and never looked back. But instead he was caught in this. However he couldn’t help his body being a traitor, leaning into the comfort of what it knew, what it wanted. His head knew it was wrong, that this person was a monster, killing plenty of people right in front of him. But the touch and feeling, even if it was colder - It was still his older brother.

“I’m so sorry Ritsu. I… Wanted to protect you. But-” It’d been even worse if he had. At least he tried to tell himself that. Rei clenched his fists, digging his nails into his palms. “It’ll be okay, Ritsu. It’ll… Be okay. Somehow.” Seeing how drained he reacted, Rei slowly extended his hand, running it through Ritsus short hair. 

“I promise I’ll make yours easier on you. It’s just… The embrace of an heir is never easy on anyone.” If Ritsu even wanted to be turned at this point. Rei wouldn’t force him. Never. If he needed to, he’d face eternity alone, without his brother by his side. 

“It’ll take some time, but I’ll be the same, okay?” Even though it itched in his fingers to test his strength. He could so easily kill. Ritsu was so incredibly vulnerable in front of him. 

There was no sense to Rei words, He didn’t feel protected, he was exhausted to the bone. From freezing, shock and crying. He wanted to lean into the hand, he wanted to lean into the heat he would remember. But as he was touched it was only meet with cold. Forcing himself too take deep breath to calm his body down.

Rei felt his throat tighten at Ritsus words, feeling the sting of tears, that wouldn’t come. Obviously. Crying wasn’t exactly an easy feat for a vampire - even a newly born. His tear ducts were clogged. And crying blood - he wasn’t exactly worked up enough to do that yet. Still it hurt to have Ritsu deny him. Although he couldn’t exactly saw that he didn’t understand.

“Ritsu… I’m sorry…” Rei felt his voice trail off, as he tried to apologize yet again. He wanted to get nearer to him. However he was painfully aware that Ritsu didn’t want him close. What he wanted was the past him. Like it’d been the year before. Like always. However this would truly be a hard fix. There was no way Rei would go back to be human again.

“I.. Guess I should have told you. But- I didn’t think you’d stay then.”

However how much he would apologize it didn’t make up for the sight he have seen. Blood on the floor, the lifeless bodies on the floor of sacrifices and younger vampires. He knew it would come at some point that they would had to be turned. But he hadn’t expect it to turn out like that. How painful and how many lives would had to be lost. He had honestly hope it could be like those series where it was fast over. It felt like he had nothing to say, he couldn’t get angry, he couldn’t hit at him even if he wanted too. His body was drained. Ritsu wasn’t even sure if he could move if his wanted too. It was probably karma for not staying at the dinner. But he didn’t know if he would even had been able to keep the food in him if he had.

He was afraid. Rei could feel his the fear in the air. It was heavy enough that he was certain it’d affect his breathing - if he still needed it that was. However Rei still walked closer, calling out yet again as Ritsu tensed instead of replying. He didn’t need to see him, in order to tell his placement beneath the table.

Rei placed a hand on the table, as he made his way around it, kneeling down on the side to not block Ritsu out. Resting his head against the table leg as he settled, scarlet eyes studying the tiny ball of capes. He wanted to reach out to him, yet he felt something stopping him.  Instead he fell silent, trying to catch a glimpse of his brothers face.

It hurt him to see the way his shoulders shook. How slumped his position was. How scared he’d been hours earlier- He should have denied his request to join him, shouldn’t he? He should have spared him the knowledge of an embrace. 

Hearing the steps nearing him, he could feel his breath getting stuck in his throat. A small hiccup leaving him yet again. as his body begged for oxygen, to breath other than the heavy air he had created under the cape. The table hadn’t been the best hiding place, but it was the only thing his mind could think off when his brain wasn’t working Raising his head slowly too look up at the newcomer, scarlet eyes red from crying, his face warm and wet from earlier tears. It was uncomfortable too look up. Watching what only seemed to be former shadow of his brother. It wasn’t first time he had watch him change, but this wasn’t his onii-chan this was a monster standing in front of him.

“Ah~ How internet is such a wonderful thing~”