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The Vampires Guard - Chapter 1 'The Portrait'

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⏩Chapter 2>>⏩

Pairing: Vampire!Yeosang X Reader (inlcuding Vampire!ATEEZ) Wordcount: 12k Fic-Genre: Fantasy, Mystery Story: You work as something of a babysitter for a whole bunch of vampires for several months now. Only this night, is a little bit different. A new discovery, which brings you closer to Yeosang, who seems to have an interest in you, neither you or him want to reckon.

Warnings: mentions of blood of course, and feeding on humans Inspo & GIFsource: GIFs by @heungversion

A/N: A vampire fanfic? Of course! Have you seen the economy!

********

In summer the nights are much shorter. They get nervous during that time, since they only got roughly about 7 hours of darkness. Only a few hours to be outside. To hunt. They can stay up during the day, but not in daylight. And even in darkness, staying up during the day takes a lot of their strength. They will eventually start bleeding from the exhaustion through nose and ears. Kind of ironic, that those beings that hunt for blood, can bleed as well. Their pale skin would let one suggest that they have not a single drop left in their body. That’s why they hunt for it, don’t they-? Because those dead creatures, doomed to live at night for eternity, lack what brings a body life: Blood.

The place you are at, is a beautiful big house outside the city, with at least 500 meters nothing else around but trees. Far off from anything, but for sure no obstacle. For them, barely anything is an obstacle anymore; Not with their extraordinary senses. Especially their sense of smell with which they can smell their victim from far away. With their hyper-speed, they can catch it within seconds. With their strength, they can break their neck, their entire body, as easily as a toothpick. They could do all that to you as well too. There’s only one thing you have for your protection. A silver necklace, with a ruby pendant, laying around your neck since you took that job of being ‘something’ of a babysitter and dietitian for a bunch of vampires.

Every ‘shift’ starts the same. You get there one, sometimes two hours before the sun sets, to prepare everything. You check the house –the first and second floor, for anything out of place. If there would be, you’d take a photo and send it immediately to your employer, who is the only contact in your work-phone apart from the 8 vampires you take care of. You don’t know your employer by name. The contact is saved simply as ‘Employer’, while the vampires are simply named with an emoji: a compass 🧭 or Hongjoong, star ⭐ for Seonghwa, a dog 🐶 for Yunho, a crown 👑for Yeosang, a mountain 🏔️ for San, a wolf 🐺 for Mingi, a black cat 🐈‍⬛for Wooyoung and a bear 🐻 for Jongho. Which is something you found quite ridiculous at first. But- even vampires arrive in the 21th century and use smartphones and emojis.

You don’t use your work-phone apart from from your job. Only to send Employer, the resent stats and occasionally sending one or two vampires a reminder that the sun is gonna rise soon. You’re sure everything you write or document gets monitored. Maybe even copied- mirrored on Employers phone. Not someone told you but- given the-- oddity of this job, you are certain.

Either way, after checking the house, you make your way to the kitchen and prepare 8 thermos cups. All of them with their individual mixture of blood. Not everyone likes just Type A, B, AB or 0... Some of them prefer it mixed 50:50, 10:40:50, some just a shot of one blood type... You have a whole excel document on your phone, with sheets for each of them, documenting everything, because sometimes they wanna try something a bit different and if they like it, it needs to be provided. Speaking of providing! The fridge needs to be stocked at all times. No blood should be wasted, therefore you need to check the inventory every time and send Employer how much there is left.

Also notable, important, and very 21th century: They all have their own personal thermos cup. No names on them, but differing in brand, color and decoration (stickers and such or the lack of it). You know them by now, but the second night you had been here you had accidentally mixed up two of the cups. Thankfully they had been of Wooyoung and Yeosang, who had taken it with humor. Otherwise, you might have lost your life then and there. Vampires are not to provoke when they wake up- especially not in the first shorter nights of the year.

After preparing everyones own cup, you bring them downstairs. The first door is in the hallway and opens the way to a flight of stairs to the lower level. It looks like a normal wooden door, but it’s heavier and also light-insulated. Downstairs comes a short corridor, looking like any normal basement with a boiler, an electric- and water meter and such. At the end of it is another door. It’s light and sound insulated. No light comes in there and no sounds comes out of it.

Funny thing about that door! It won’t open if the upper door isn’t shut. You still forget about that sometimes while juggling 8 big cups downstairs. Today you hadn’t forgotten about it, but you hadn’t pulled it completely shut. Therefore you had to walk it all up and down again, before entering their actual sleeping quarters for the day. They all have their own rooms on the second level of the house, which are less for sleeping in the bed that each of them has, but rather for everyone to have their own space.

The sleeping quarter is mostly dark. No big lights, only small warm ones on the walls- No decoration or such, except for the wall at the end of the room. A cut-out church-window, showing a symbol that looks like a compass with two additional lines drawn to connect East with South and West with North. The caskets they sleep in look rather modern and have a nightstand right next to each of them That’s where you place their thermos cups.

The caskets have no names on them either, only their arrangement shows who’s it is. The two under the window are from the eldest, Hongjoong, with Seonghwa to his right.At the right hand to the almighty.you think every time you place Seonghwas cup on the nightstand.

With some space under them, are the caskets from Yunho and Yeosang, but they don’t stand as close to another, as Hongjoong and Seonghwas. Under Yunhos and Yeosangs, follow the last four, on the same height: San, Mingi, Wooyoung and Jongho. The whole time you’ve been here, this arrangement has never changed and you don’t think it ever has.

After placing their cups on each their nightstands you leave for upstairs -the door closed shut. Since you already tidied up the literal bloody mess in the kitchen, you decide to make yourself comfortable and watch the sunset on the terrace. The big outdoor-couch is one of your favorite spots. The terrace is big and has a soft illuminated pool. You always wanted to take a swim there. You are allowed to. You can use the house, as long as you leave it as you found it. Except their own personal rooms. You are not allowed to use those.

Tonight would actually be a great night for a swim. The air is so soft and warm on your skin, but- “Ughh- I forgot my swimwear.” you realize frustrated before debating with yourself to just do it instead, naked. “But it’s only about 7 hours of night this time---” you huff, pondering “On the other hand- They will for sure make use of that little time and be back just before sunrise… Right?”

The pondering continues as you watch the sun meeting the horizon and disappearing behind it, finally. As the sun is gone and the sky turned dark, it doesn’t take long until you start hearing something from inside the house. Doors opening and shutting, moving air.

“Good evening-!” you speak a little louder while turning the page in the book you had brought. Raising your voice isn’t necessary, they can hear you perfectly fine.

Another fast movement of air and you hear a provoking slurping sound right next to you, before catching the hint of blood in your nose, with curious head peaking into your book over your shoulder. It’s Wooyoung, still in his comfortable sleeping clothes, slurping with a metal straw from his cup. “Don’t you wanna read something fun?”

“It interests me.” you answer monotone, trying to ignore him.

“I didn’t say it’s not interesting, just not fun.”

“Oh you read Goffman?”

“Goffman…” another voice joins- Both of you turning your heads to the open door leading inside. Hongjoong, strutting outside, already dressed in a fine black suit, a rose gold brooch on the knot of his tie, his hair combed into place; He empties the last bit from his cup, before licking the blood from his lips.

“You read it?” you follow him with your eyes.

“Too much in his head this man,” he places the cup on the coffee-table before the couch. “Just like our princess...”

Speak of the devil: You hear more from inside, but this time it’s a little louder. You don’t even need to guess, since you hear their telling laugh and giggles, as they wrestle each other -with vampire-speed through the house, on the first floor, the second floor, before suddenly hearing a big splash from the pool.

“I won!” yells Mingi (the princess) from the pool, his arms raised into air with a triumphant face.

The next movement of air and a fairly drenched San stands outside at the edge of the pool “You got lucky…” he huffs, pulling off the drenched T-Shirt before wringing it out. His toned, well defined upper body still surprising you. You’d always wondered what he had been in his previous life to look like this, since from your knowledge/guessing, vampires didn’t change when they turned. They stayed the same.

“I’ve always been the strongest.” calls Mingi confident “I don’t need luck!”

“How about we wait for Yeosang so everyone can see otherwise.” proposes Hongjoong with a confident -a bit lecturing, smile.

“Yeosang?” you sound certainly skeptical.

Although you had been working at this job for a year now, he was the one you knew the least. Yeosang is quiet. At first you thought he was reserved but actually -even as a vampire, he is still shy, and as polite as he is introverted. Very!

“Don’t underestimate him.” the next one joins the little gathering next to Hongjoong. Yunho, dressed fairly more fancy as well -an all black suit, the jacket casually over one shoulder. “Mingi and I might be the tallest but Yeosang is the strongest and fastest as well.”

“I am strong!” protest Mingi, still in the pool.

“I’m still strong!” protest San, marching towards Hongjoong und Yunho with broad shoulders.

“We are equally fast.” adds Wooyoung calmly between his slurps.

The grin on Hongjoongs face draws wider. His eyes switching between San and Mingi. “Why not test it then-?” he lays his head back “Yeosang-a!”

“He just showered, he won’t do it.” concludes Yunho casually, just before a phone sounds off the income of a message.

Hongjoong pulls out his phone and crooks his head with a sigh “I don’t wanna land in the pool and have to shower again.” he reads aloud the message, rolling his eyes. “You won’t have to if you’ll actually fight back, as you are very much capable of-!”

“Come on-!” shouts Wooyoung “Show Y/N how strong you are, she doesn’t believe it-!”

“I- I didn’t say-” you try to, but just before you can end your sentence Yeosang stands in the door-frame, only a black bathrobe wrapped around his body, his hair dripping.

The smell is slight, but you can sense his shampoo and showergel. It smells good. You had never paid much attention on it or him in that way but- He is just- You feel like ‘ethereal’ would be too much to call it, but you can’t find any other word to describe him. Even with the black bathrobe he is wearing; Even with his hair still wet- With every strand falling perfectly although it looks a little messy.

He had always been beautiful but today- It takes your breath away for a moment. Even makes your heart skip a beat.

The others notice and watch as you stutter “Ye- Yeosang I- I didn’t say I didn’t believe—”

“It’s alright.” Yeosang nods at you polite. His gaze staying longer than he had ever looked at you. Or maybe that is just your impression. You don’t look at him a lot either since he seems quite avoidant. Or maybe because he is too beautiful and or because he also often has this threatening gaze. Or maybe a bit of everything.

Finally, Mingi pushes himself out of the pool. His T-shirt and sweat-shorts sticking quite complimentary to his body. He pulls off his t-shirt off as well and throws it to the side. His torso- Damn what did they all do in their life before being a vampire to look like THAT?

“You know if you want to wrestle for real-” adds Wooyoung, slurping his cup empty, as it sounds.“You need to be naked and have olive oil all over your body.”

“Are you so thirsty today?” San raises a brow at him.

“That sounds slippery.” comments Yunho with a grin.

“Yeah! Like the Greeks!” supports Mingi.

“I’m not drenching myself in oil just for that.” Yeosang, monotone, annoyed.

“If not for this, then for what-?” Wooyoung, certainly curious.

Yeosang looks at them all, one by one as they wait for an answer to it. Instead, he rolls his eyes with a sighs “Ridiculous... I’m on my room.” and turns on his heels to walk back inside.

The moment he turned around, you guessed it would happen. And as you look at Mingi and see that smile drawing up on his face-; Your eyes rush back to Yeosang who just passed Hongjoong and Yunho- Those two stepping aside and opening the way for Mingi.

That vampire-speed is quite fast, but you catch glimpses of it: Within a blink Mingi rushed over to Yeosang and pulls at his arm. Yeosang -who definitely expected this- uses the strength of Mingis grip- pushing his weight into it and jumps on Mingis back; grabbing the other arm and fixating them both, before jumping with both feet against Mingis back- Bringing the taller vampire to the ground.

“Not your spider-monkey tricks! That ain’t wrestling for strength!” protests Mingi, face pressed against the stone floor.

“But launching at me from behind was?” Yeosangs voice sounding way too melodic -almost cheeky, as he keeps him fixated.

“Alright! Alright, guys!” waves Hongjoong, “One last match. You’ll do it right in front of us.”

As the eldest says, so they do. Hongjoong, San and Yunho now also taking place on the big couch, as you watch the other two getting into position right in front of you. Placing their hands on the other and waiting for the signal. Hongjoong raises his hand “Start in 3… 2… 1!”

They push against each other with sole strength. You can hear it in the air. The vibration of force against force. You even believe to hear something cracking. Not their bones. It is the stone floor under their feet. The five of you on the couch, locked in on the two. But none of them both budges.

Mingi crooks his head to the side. A teasing open mouth grin, with his fangs slowly growing out. “That it, Sangie?” Mingis voice drenched in ego. “I know you can’t do this for the whole night.”

“You’re right.” sighs Yeosang, agreeing. Still not budging.

“Because I am the strongest.”

“No,” Yeosangs head crocks to the side as a grin form on his lips “I just got better things to do with my time.” the stone-floor under him cracks once more, before he suddenly pushes Mingi on his back, easily, as if he could have done it the whole time. But he doesn’t stop there. He jumps on top of Mingis torso, knee pressing into his chest, while grabbing Mingis chin, forcing to look at him. “I think you lost.” he smiles, so cute and sweet, before standing up and walking inside as if nothing ever happened.

The others cheer. San praising all hyped, Yunho clapping giggly, while Mingi is still lying on the floor, quite frozen and perplex about his loss.

“You know he is older than you.” calls Seonghwa from the balcony on the second floor, casually leaning against the glass-balustrade.

“You, Joong and Yunho are also older than him and he’s still stronger! Doesn’t make sense!”

“Nothing in our existence makes sense, if you think about it.”

“This again…” sighs Mingi and disappears with a woosh inside.

“Ugh!” Wooyoung gets up as well and hooks his arm into Sans, pulling him with him as he walks inside “Y/N reading G-Offman and you, starting with this philosophy again!”

Oh, sensitive topic for them. you note.

“Hwa, my dear,” charms Hongjoong “I see you are dressed, why are you still up there?”

“Jongho’s nervous. Someone needed to calm him down.”

“Nervous?” scoffs Hongjoong “He has this immaculate voice for a hundred years and he is still nervous?”

“He respects every opera, no matter long it’s been.”

“Alright, alright…” he waves at him and Seonghwa gets back inside. Before you can even ask, Hongjoong turns to you “Jongho has an opera to attend and sing today.”

“He will be Tamino” adds Seonghwa, now standing in the door-frame. A black suit as well, but with a long copper colored blouse under it and a long black leather-coat on his shoulders. His hair in perfect waves. “Isn’t that right, Jongho?”

“Yes.” sounds a nervous Jongho behind him, slowly stepping out as well, his hands gripping the hem of his black jacket.

All in black, are they all attending? “’Die Zauberflöte’.” you recon.

“You know it?”

“A little bit. Occasionally Mozart slithered into my playlist.”

“Incredible artist, if you ignore that his sister was far more talented than him.” comments Seonghwa “She wrote most of it, as many other works of ‘his’.”

“Tale as old as time.” sighs Hongjoong.

“Insecure men pushing talented women aside.” adds Yunho.

“Nothing you guys would ever do, hm?” you tease at them and get surprised at their earnest and genuine eyes.

“The form of flesh should never influence the recognition of its talent.”

Seonghwa is right. His words should comfort. They sound like he quoted them. Or maybe that’s just him.

…

This. The air shouldn’t change as it is doing right now. You, shouldn’t feel a shiver running down your neck. You have known these men- vampires- since almost a year and this is the first time you question the words you said. The first time you can’t read them, the situation. Can’t guess what they are all thinking. You are thinking something but telling by their faces, they have something else in mind. Nothing threatening. No hunger for your blood, one could and should worry with them. But that makes you even more nervous. You don’t let them notice of course. Or at least, you try.

“You are quite talented too, you know?” Hongjoongs voice sounding unexpectedly soft. Encouraging.You chuckle, but it sounds more like an awkward exhale. “You know you are the only one to last a year in this job.”

“So, me, having no social life -apart from this, is a talent?” it’s an honest answer and an attempt to loosen up this weird tension in the air. As long as you don’t ask why the ones before didn’t last as long as you.

“Not just that.” Yunho smiles, also soft and comforting.

“Even with what we have been blessed and cursed-” Seonghwa steps closer “Vampires need to feel comfortable around someone as well. Especially those who protect them.”

“Right.” now you honestly chuckle “Because with the strength and speed and extraordinary senses of yours, you Do need protection.”

“Do you really think we would let anyone take this job?” Hongjoong sounds a bit offended. Your gaze on him again. His elbow propped on the back of the couch, with his face in hand. “We know your profile.”

“My profile?” you ask and he fixates you with his eyes “Wasn’t much in it.” you think out loud.

“It’s interesting what Y/N left out.”

All their eyes snap onto Hongjoong. They did not expect him to drop this.

“I don’t know what could be missing.”

“You do know. While you also believe that is everything.” a smile grows on his lips. Sweet and yet, something behind it. “You are exceptional, truly, Y/N.”

“Hyung, do you think it’s-” Jongho tries but Hongjoong ignores him.

“With no nourishment, everything fades. We fade, if we don’t drink blood.” he halts, straightens up, slowly, before his hand tucks a strand behind your ear and tenderly cradles your jaw “And as f-”

“Hyung.” the voice is unmistakably.

All eyes rush to the open door. Yeosang. Now all dressed: Black pants, a white silk blouse and black sash around his waist. His face unreadable but fixed on Hongjoong, who still holds your face in place.

“Ah, time to leave it is.” after a few seconds too long, the eldest lets go of you and stands up. “We don’t want to be late, right?” he ignores Yeosang whose eyes follow every move of him; He pads Jonghos shoulder then calls the others “San! Mingi! Wooyoung!” they all appear within a second. “Let’s not forget the short night we have!” he trills and steps at Seonghwas side. The look they both share speak words no one hears, only them. Then, both their gazes drift to the others. Waiting.

Jongho leaves first. Disappearing with an almost urgent woosh of air. San and Wooyoung following right after. Mingi looks over to Yunho who just nods at him. Mingi leaves. Hongjoong and Seonghwa. Yunho and Yeosang are the ones who are left. They share a look- Yeosangs eyes drift on you for a moment -face still unreadable, before he disappears; Hongjoong and Seonghwa following immediately after.

“Yunho what the hell was that?” You take that chance.

“Sorry,” he smiles awkwardly “Mingi’s waiting.” and then disappears too, leaving you alone with no answer.

“A- Are you fucking serious!” you stand up from the couch “HEY ASSHOLE! EXPLAIN!” you shout into the night as if he could hear you. But the moment you started yelling, he was already miles away.

With a gaping open mouth and tense jaw you flop down on the couch again, arms crossed tight- Heart racing in anger. Your thoughts a compilation of a variety of slurs and “What the fuck was this?”

Eventually, you spot the bloody cups on the table in front of you and remember your job again. “I’m gonna put salt and essential oil in your fucking blood-drinks,” you huff and puff, grabbing the cups, heading to the kitchen “Bastards….”

#1#

With continuation of slurs and ‘what the fuck’s in your mind, you collect the other cups from downstairs. Then you rinse them all and let them dry. You don’t fill them immediately. You will do that about an hour before the sun rises.

For now, you head to their big living room and push the power button of the big and very expensive Hi-Fi System. You are free to use everything in the house, as long as you leave as you found it. So why not blast the biggest bass through the house, and have a little drink?

Via Bluetooth you connect your phone with the Hifi and pick your playlist, before turning up the volume. Loud. Very loud. Perfect. And then grab the bottle you had stashed behind the package of traps for cloths moths, as you walk through the house with a nicely filled glass- Examining the interior as if it was your first time here. It helped you distract and sometimes you spotted something you hadn’t noticed before.

The house was modern. Very modern. Certainly more glass than you had expected. The interior as well, apart from personal belongings- Kept close over the passing of time, hoarded or found (pr purchased). There are several library sections in this house. One in the big living room, containing of a giant discography. Ranging from records, cassettes, to CD’s. There is a little library section too, but rather with more modern books. The older books are in a room at the gallery/library at the end of the other house on the first floor.

During the colder days, the gallery is your favorite room. It’s quite big too, but in contrast to the rest of the house being very modern, this room is like traveling at least 200 years back in time. The windows are designed differently- big heavy curtains framing the given a view to the garden. Apart from less scratchy and more comfy seating furniture, just as modern electrification, everything else stored and displayed in this room is- old. Very old. Bookshelves in dark wood reaching under the ceiling, with barely any space left for more books. Dressers standing under paintings with several little nick-knacks- Porcelain figurines from different time periods. And of course, big paintings, hanging on the walls.

There are several paintings in this house. Just for the art itself -Hongjoong and Seonghwa are especially fond of them. While other paintings depict the immortal dead men. The portraits for them, to find in just that gallery.

There are days -rather nights, where you look at those portraits and imagine which stories lie behind them. Especially one holds your interest- But it also scares you, or rather he does; Maybe that is also a reason why you do not pay that much attention to Yeosang. Because of his portrait. You hold it up last to look at. Just like right now-: The music sounding from the living room, through the entire house- Your glass with your very drink in hand. Taking a sip here and there.

You start by hierarchy, with the shared portrait of Hongjoong and Seonghwa. Hongjoon, sits in a beautiful big arm chair -like throne, dressed as the king of all pirates. An armband on his right arm, a captains hat at his feet, including a black flag, with something white printed on that looks like a compass- like the one in the church window, in their sleeping quarters.

Behind him is Seonghwa, with a star shining bright and guiding over his head. He rests one hand on the back of the throne, the other on Hongjoongs right shoulder His lower body is partly hidden by it, but you catch the glimpse of something that looks like a tail with scales, disappearing in the shadows. He is dressed in a complimenting outfit to Hongjoongs- the collar of his shirt not up tight, but revealing his neck. You can see lines on his skin, looking like gills, if one wants to believe.

This is the first portrait of them. There is another one, which Seonghwa had shown you just a few weeks ago. It’s in their bedroom and it looks more intimate than this one. It’s a scenery of a ship at sea. The captain -Hongjoong, leaning over board with a wide cup, filled and dripping of what seems to be blood. A wave rises high along the boat. At it’s peak, a siren breaking through the water -Seonghwa, meeting Hongjoong at gaze and holding the cup as well- Blood dripping on his hands.

After he had shown you this painting, you noticed the scaled pale along with the gills on Seonghwas neck in the other portrait.

Interesting, that Seonghwa is depicted as a siren two times. Every time you look at that portrait you wonder if it has some reality to it. Then you shake your head about it. But then you remember, that your job is to meal-prep for vampires…

The next two portraits- You skip, since one of them includes Yeosangs- Therefore you turn on your heels and walk to the other wall, with those of San and Mingi. Beginning with San, who sits on a throne carved from stone, ice and snow. The robes of his attire black and white, the heavy fur draped over his broad shoulders, white, with obvious bear claws attached to them. At first it’s seems like a rather cold portrait. Frozen hems and even snowflakes to spot; But at the bottom of his throne grow and bloom several soft pink roses and one white daisy. You always smile when you spot them. There is a deep fonding softness and tenderness about them. It matches with San.

You continue with the next portrait. Mingi, standing in a pack of wolves. Seven, to be exact. Not all of them to see, but three pairs of eyes stare at you from the shadows. The others walk and sit around him. His hand rests on one of their heads. His robes are long and dark blue with gray embroderies. On top of them he wears a leather coat, gray, with fur of a wolf on hem, shoulders and hood. His gaze is subtle, but intense, the more you look at him. Strength, care and deep loyalty.

The next wall with the next set of portraits. Wooyoung, who almost disappears in the shadow because of his dark attire - robe and heavy fur coat, if the light in the room is dark. If you don’t pay attention to it, you also miss the black rose, tucked in at his chest. Unmissable are two things in his portrait. First, the laid off crown of thorns in his hand- drops of blood dripping from it. And lastly, the black panther, sleeping at his feet. At first the darkness of this portrait confused you. Then you saw the details- the sense of freedom, self-determination and live itself- along with devotion.

At the side of Wooyung, hangs Jonghos portrait. You feel a bit of unease when you get to his painting. Not because of him, or the shown picture -although that would be valid. Rather though, that after his portrait, you’ll look at the last two.

Jonghos portrait- if you just look at him, modest. His attire is formal and traditional. Sitting in an arm chair, one ankle resting on his knee, both hands flat on the arm-rest. A gold ribbon around his neck, falling to his chest, to his heart. But behind him, a giant black bear with wide open, hollering mouth- teeth barred and shining. His claws on the backrest of the chair.

A threatening picture at first. But there is softness within as well. Jonghos gaze is soft, but determined: Portection, radiating from him. And just like with San, at the bottom of his chair grow and bloom flowers. Several white daisies and one pink rose, just like in Sans portrait. You had seen those hints before, but still didn’t dare to ask them what they mean. They must be connected, but in which way? Your gut has the hunch of a relation between them. Family? Bloodline? Were they turned at roughly the same time? Or are they generations apart?

You would like to know, but you are scared to ask. You’ve never asked one of them how they had become a vampire. It’s a rather personal question. And if you would ask them, they would ask you about yourself too.

For a moment you halt. As always you debate to just skip the last two portraits. Or at least one. But somehow you can’t. It feels unappreciative. Ignorant.

You take good sip of your glass, almost emptying it, and walk over to the last remaining portrait wall.

Yunho. The soldier. His attire resembles one who fought and won many, fights. Small ones or great ones- wars. Several emblems stick to his uniform. He holds a sword in one hand, lowered but with a strong grip- ready to strike at any moment. In his other hand he holds up -presents, a heart. A human heart. His, to be noted, with the bloody spot at his chest. But despite, his face is not filled in suffering. His gaze is warm and determined. All those symbols alone show already who Yunho is. But the hound sitting loyally at his feet- Waiting for Yunhos command; Loyal till death.

The last portrait. The only incomplete. Once it was, but- None of them remembers how long it’s been since then. Or maybe they just don’t wanna tell you. You haven’t decided on that one.

The frame is smaller than from the others, because a good amount of the portrait was burned away. What is left, is Yeosang, sitting on a definitive throne of silver, gold, black and red. His attire truly matching to a young king or prince. A black cloak around his shoulders with golden twines stitched onto. A crown on his head, only partly to see, since so much burned away. On his left armrest sits a raven, which he- … Which, he pets. Usually.

You blink perplex and look at the painting again. You’ve seen it many times. Looked at it-; You know that this raven sits on the left armrest and that his hand gentle pets it. At least, so you believed. … … No. No, you Know that! I know what this portrait looks like!! So why is the raven suddenly sitting on the right arm rest, looking up- And why, is there suddenly a red gloved hand on Yeosangs left shoulder, and why was lift hand risen, and intertwined with another red gloved hand.

… This doesn’t make sense.

… Did I drink that much? You look at your glass. Just one glass and you know how much you filled in and you also know that you do not got that hammered from it to the point to question your perception of reality.

You keep staring at the portrait. Scan it from one corner to the next. Every little spot. There is no way, that Yeosangs portrait could have been replaced. The burnings make it quite even more unique than the others…

“Okay what the fuck-” you scoff and walk to the other portraits one by one again. Scanning each of them to any changes. But nope, they are all exactly how you remember. Stepping back to the trouble-maker… Hoping it will look just like you remember again. … But- nope! Raven on the right armrest. One red gloved hand on Yeosangs shoulder and the other of apparently the same person who you cannot SEE because it’s all BURNED! Intertwined with his left hand…

One last time you check your glass again. The remaining last bit in it.

Something’s tripping here and it’s not you. You know it’s not you.

You hold your gaze on the portrait. On Yeosangs face, and empty the last bit of your glass- Scanning his face, piercing in those very accurately painted brown eyes that watch into a distance, but certainly not you.

“What is it with you? Why does Yeosang suddenly not seem alone in his portrait anymore?”

Your questions hover in the air, the room; They brush over your shoulders as you keep looking at his painted eyes- Blinking and turning his gaze at you. Directly, at you.

The glass in your hand falls and shatters on the wooden floor.

Your eyes wide open. Fixed on the painting, on Yeosangs face, which not only just blinked, which not only just turned eyes on you, but turns his face at you too.

Your heart- beats? Hammers? Stands still? You can’t tell, because all your focus is on that portrait. A very much dried and fixated paint, which should not move, or even the picture it shows! But there it is- Yeosangs face, turned to you, his eyes on you, distinctive. Warm. Soft, even.

Your chest clenches, all air escaping your lungs, shoulders sinking, eyes blinking- Gone.

The portrait is like before again…

Yeosangs gaze into a further distance, not on you.

His hand still intertwined with that red gloved hand.

And once again you wonder if you are tripping. You know you’re not! But- what is it then?

#2#

Seoul is not that far away from the house, when you’re fast. The nightlife of the city is vast- ranging from opera and theater, to clubbing and places which would never be found by those who aren’t invited.

This night, Yeosang hadn’t come to decide where to spend it. He sits at one of his usual spots when his mind is wandering. This time, the roof of the church in Myeongdong, right above the entrance- Watching and listening to everything and nothing while debating how to spend his night.

He had thought of accompanying Hongjoong and Seonghwa, while watching Jongho perform the opera. He could join Wooyoung and San on their clubbing night. Could. But would not. Way too loud and way too crowded. Easy to find prey though; Let’s be honest here: No matter the perfectly mixed ‘slurpy’ they all get prepared and handed out by you at the beginning of every night- A vampire is still a vampire. It’s nature is to hunt. By luring, like Jongho does tonight- a whole room full of potential, handpicked by Hongjoong and Seonghwa. Or by charm, as San and Wooyoung do tonight, dancing in a club all frisky and carrying the most alluring smile. Or he could find Yunho and Mingi, who probably are at a different kind of club. One that looks all fancy and exclusive to those with blood running in their veins- poor or rich, whatever… For creatures like they are, like Yeosang, it is a comforting place. Humans only get invited or accompanied for one night.

“Like I said, he would be here.” a voice suddenly pulls Yeosang from his thoughts. He looks down to the plaza under him- two distinctive shapes standing there and looking up.

“’Having better things to do’, of course; More like sulking all night again.” adds Mingi, to what Yunho just said.

Yeosang doesn’t answer. Just sighs and rolls his eyes, before a woosh of air sounds, suddenly both join him in the shadows of the roof. “I thought you would be already somewhere else, dining tonight.”

“’Night just started.” grins Mingi.

“You’re hungry too.” no question of Yunho.

“Not much.”

“Not much for everyone but our housekeeper.” Mingi couldn’t hold that one back. “I don’t think anyone of us would refuse if she would offer.” Neither did he stop as Yeosang looked at him, composure with piercing coldness underneath- his eyes.

“Mingi-a” Yunho puts his hand on his friends shoulder “We wanted to invite Yeosang to come with us. Did you forget?”

“Yah-yah…” he waves off, before nodding at Yeosang “So what is it? You in? Or did you just dress up like that for her to see?”

The composed stare still rests on Yeosangs face. But there is a tiny hint of a smile at the corner of his lips “I.Y.F. it is, I assume?”

“As always.”

“Fine.” he stands up, flattens his trousers and sleeves of his silk blouse “But I’m not in the mood to charm anyone.”

“I’m not sharing tonight.” Mingi doesn’t hesitate. He is hungry. For blood and some fun.

“I’ll share with you.” nods Yunho, calm and unbothered.

“Let’s go then.” and with another woosh of air, firstly Mingi and then Yunho and Yeosang are gone.

#3#

“This is insane. I’m not insane…” you mumble on and on, loud and in your head, brush and shovel in hand, collecting the broken glass and hopefully all shards from the floor, right under the (damn) portrait of Yeosang.

You didn’t pick it up right away. You should have, that is your job. And usually you would have, but this time, you needed a moment. A few minutes, walking outside the terrace to get your mind somewhere else. To get that portrait out of your mind- Those blinking eyes, looking directly at you- No! No you would not go there again. Mentally. Physically, you had to tidy up that mess.

You check the floor with attentive eyes and careful movements. Only as you are certain you can’t find any more shards, you do what’s part of your job. You take a photo of the spot the glass splattered, as also one of the shovel with the glass bits, before sending those to photos to Employer.

<A glass broke, floor is cleaned and unscathed.<

Then, you make your way back into the kitchen and dispose the glass in the bin, before putting both away in a cupboard under the sink. After that, you wet some paper towels and walk back to the spot, to wipe the floor a bit more thoroughly. On the way there, your work-phone buzzes. A message from Employer:

>Replace it. Left door in the pantry. Key number is the same as for the front door.>

“Pantry (?)…” you mumble, mentally entering the pantry and scanning it for a door. There was only one door in it and it was from a floor to ceiling high wardrobe. And locked! “Do they mean that door...?”

You put the phone away for now and wipe over the floor. Just to be sure, if there are shards too small for you to spot. And there is one! At least one. And that damn nasty thing -wherever it is now, cut your finger, that slightly overlaps the edge of the paper towel.

“FFFFFFFFFFFFFF- Are you fucking shitting me?!” your head snapping up towards Yeosangs portrait “This is all your fault!”

The portrait doesn’t move. Doesn’t blink or anything. Slightly disappointing, you would never admit. Instead, you continue with everything: wipe the spot clean, carefully. Then, toss those paper towels before going to the pantry, ignoring the sting in your finger. It hurt, but there isn’t even a serious drop of blood.

In the pantry, you scan the wardrobe for a key panel, until finding it at the side in a lower corner. You haven’t noticed that one before. But as you enter the code, the door soundly unlocks and gaps open a little bit, for you easily to pull open aaand- “Hmpf…” No Narnia. But another and not so small room. Disappointing. First, then- normal with a certain amount of oddity, stored in shelves and on palettes.

Different cleaning supplies and instruments, still packed up and in an amount you’d find in a supermarket storage. All organized neatly. Someone’s keeping this place tidy, whoever it is. You don’t wanna wonder why, just like with the wardrobe, you realize: You don’t ask questions on things no one (them) explains to you on their own. Maybe that’s why you’re still on this job.

Along the cleaning supplies, you also spot some chlorine, for the pool, obviously. Pipe cleaner. Again, in an unusual amount for private home- But what’s stacked even more -on a whole palette, is bleach.

You crook your head to the side as if that would change what you’re looking it.

Odd, in a private home. Like the storage of a serial killer. But-! Reminding yourself again that you are in a home of not one but 8 vampires--- Should I be concerned or is this just like me having two bottles of all-purpose-cleaner at home? Which, is also to find in the pantry. 6 bottles, as you count. Also some more: Laundry detergent! A lot! That’s Seonghwas you notice. If he doesn’t wear any perfume, his clothes smell like this one. Then, on another shelf are several boxes with luxurious bed-sheets. All wrapped in packaging. Beside the shelf, some mattresses, also still rolled and wrapped up. Before then, your eyes spot what you came for: Several boxes with glasses, including the one model you broke earlier.

You grab one glass and take a last look of this pantry in the pantry, wonderingIs this weirder than the thing with the portrait tonight? for approximately 5 seconds, before you just turn around and leave; Postponing the thinking and rather continuing with your night.

#4#

I.Y.F.. In Your Fantasy, is a club for vampires. A place for them to lounge- But mostly to dine, discretely and safe. It’s managed by another vampire, providing, or rather offering this place and service to all who need it. For a price, of course. Capitalism is all over the world, even in the world of vampires and such.

“Well, well, well… Look who is back” the beautiful blond puts her phone away as the three enter through the double-doors that looks like a usual fancy double-door in a fancy high rise “And without my beloved Siren and their feisty Captain.”

“Sorry Pam, they are at an opera.” Yunho greets her first, a kiss left and right on her cheeks. French, like she is. “Jongho is having a night in the spotlight.”

“They should have invited me, it’s been too long since I heard him chirp.”

Pam is 150 years old, so she says. It’s rather 200 years, but the vanity of aging is something she will never take off. She just refuses. Doesn’t matter she is beautiful for eternity. Part of the reason she moved to Korea is the beauty-industry. Because of the face masks, facial-massages with fancy creams and steam… A fragment of humanity she still clings on.

Don’t ever mention that to her. That would taint her image.

She looks stunning as always. Not one strand of her beautiful long blond hair out of place. Her bright blue Jacky Kennedy costume and shiny pink lip-gloss deceiving how threatening she actually can be.

Pam is not part of the captains -Hongjoongs, circle, but they know another. Partnership on serious or not so serious occasions. Like tonight: not so serious. On serious occasions, her knowledge is very helpful. She knows every vampire in Seoul and the cities around. Registering every single one of them, and every being they accompany on her property.

“Long time no see, Pam!” Mingi hugs her, despite knowing she doesn’t like it. A displeased grumble escapes her, but she lets him be.

Then, her eyes target Yeosang. They greet each other. One kiss on the cheek. “Well, if it’s not our humble Lord, honoring us with his presence.”

“Well, well, if it’s not the club manager.”

“The manager of the most exclusive club in all of Korea.”she smiles, but who knows Pam, sees that crack in her ego

“Really? All of Korea?”

Yeosang is usually so wise to not hurt her cold feelings. And Pam should be wise enough to not let her fangs draw out and bare them at him with a smile.

“He’s older than you, Pam.” reminds Yunho. Calm. Conciliating.

“And you should know I don’t believe in this stupid shit.” still, she flicks her fangs back in “If you’re a dick you’re a dick.” her eyes on Yeosang “If you’re a cunt, you’re a cunt.”

Yeosangs face doesn’t flinch. Mingi presses his lips on another, trying not to burst in laughter. And Yunho, leans closer to Pam, his voice sounding so charming like temptation itself. “Who can we be for you then, tonight?”

“Wrong dame, gamin.” she smirks at him, before drawing along his jaw with one of her long fingernails.

“Then tell us the Auslese you have here tonight.” he smoothly draws his credit card from his jacket- presenting it between two fingers for her. A smile arrives on her face, taking the card and holds it at the scanner. That was more to her liking.

“Celebrities” she hands him the card back. “More of the nepotist and snowflake artistique type. Some models accompanying their way. You heard of that Gala in Gangnam?”

All three of them hum agreeing at the same time.

“Anyway-” she waves with her hand, telling them to step through the thick curtain to finally enter. “Don’t forget to patch up and charm before you leave.”

“You say that as if we’ve never been here.” groans Mingi.

“She’s only talking to you.” reminds Yeosang before stepping through the curtain.

“Oh come on-! That was one time that I forgot!” Mingi hurries after Yeosang, while Yunho calmly steps through the curtain, giving Pam an assuring wink before.

#5#

Glass replaced and standing in the cupboard with the others. Your finger, wrapped in a small band aid. You still feel a little sting, but even after observing thoroughly, you didn’t find a shard or something. Therefore, you continue with your night.

Music turned off. Another glass with something to drink. Water? Alcohol? Which sounds better to face what you are seeking.

What are you seeking? Well… You are back at the gallery, standing before that one portrait again. Closer, this time. Calmer. Collected. From different angles. Curiosity, all over you.

Nothing. Nothing happens.

Maybe you only can do it once? An absurd thought- But isn’t your whole job absurd? Your presence here?

You start anew. Looking at all he portraits, one by one- Really, looking at them. No rush or obvious pressure. Maybe just a little hope inside you, that they will blink and turn their eyes on you too, eventually. But they don’t. At least since you are looking at them. But the night is not over yet. You still have time.

#6#

Mingi was hungry. Yeosang and Yunho watch as he leaves with one of the guest into one of the rooms, specifically for vampires to still their hunger. Soundproof, of course. Secret recordings of every room, streamed straight to Pams phone? Very likely. All to safety, for the humans. They can’t just disappear. They need to be send out back into their lives, with everything that happened -that a vampire fed on them, vanished from their mind.

The mind. So easily manipulated. What it stores. Easily taken by time, endlessly running. Or the charm of a vampire.

“What do you think of them?” Yunho nods two humans in a chatter. They seem close with another. Friends, probably. One for each of them. Yunho makes sure Yeosang gets enough to feed on.

“’seem alright.” is everything Yeosang answers. His eyes on the humans but not paying attention to them.

“Hey-” Yunho softly places a hand on Yeosangs shoulder “You are more distant tonight than usually. What’s on your mind?”

“Nothing. I’m just not in the mood to prey.”

Yunhos eyebrows rise as skeptical, as he crooks his head at him. “Have you reached that point now, after all those hundreds of years?” his eyes narrow, pushing “Or would you rather feed on someone, who is not here?”

Yeosangs shoulders straighten. His mouth gaping open for a moment- considering not what to answer, but which answer is more truthful. “I- cannot fathom what I truthfully desire right now.”

“Not even blood?” Yunhos voice sounding more surprised first. But then Yeosang just shakes his head, and worry sounds “You still need to feed.” he stands up and nods in the direction of the two humans he had picked “Come, I’ll lead for you.”

Yeosang follows without any word. He mildy, holds conversation with the two humans, which Yunho is leading. Normal. Funny even. Vampires may feed on humans, but they still appreciate conversation.

In the meantime, Mingi has returned with the human he fed on. No bite-marks, at least none to spot by the eye for now. He is very relaxed and enjoys the company of the human in a booth. A lot of flirting from the humans side, but also Mingis. Their mind is not manipulated to talk with him like that. It’s genuine.

Genuineness, which is about to lack in the conversation Yeosang and Yunho are in. He gives Yeosang a look. He knows Yunho long enough to know what it means. They know each other long enough for Yeosang just to answer with a blink of his eyes.

“It’s incredible what all you two bring into your art. It’s fascinating.”

“Ah thank you!”

“If two high-class unis and studies of art and history wouldn’t do it, then I would throw myself in front of a bus or something.” the two humans laugh. Yunho laughs as well. Yeosang chuckles, lightly. He just wants this to be over.

“What about your recent works- I’m so curious!”

“It’s top secret, I told you.”

“Yeah, of course, but-” Yunho focuses his gaze on them- the vampires charm; luring them into it, his voice, his command “I bet you two can make an exception for us, right?”

“How?” asks one of the humans. Not hearing anything, but him. Not seeing anything, but Yunho.

“By going somewhere private. You two want to come with us.”

“Yes.” nods one of the humans “I want to come with you.”

“I want to come with you too.” nods the other one.

“Wonderful.”

Yunho breaks the eye-contact and leads ahead. The charm still on them. Behind him, follow the two humans and lastly Yeosang. Two rooms are already occupied, but Yunho wouldn’t have chosen them either way. They are too extravagant, with beds and such; They don’t need that tonight. A little room with a couch, and fake-burning fireplace is enough.

“Take seat.” Yunho says and the two humans follow as he says: taking seat on the couch, backs straight, eyes attentive, but nothing behind them, only his command.

Yeosang closes and locks the door, then steps next to Yunho, who continues with the vampires charm.

“Him and me, will not kill you. We will only drink from you, and then let you leave.”

He doesn’t need to say that. He can and will take away the memories they have of him and Yeosang feeding on them. But even as a monster of the night, also Yunho cannot take off this bit of humanity- Easing the mind. A mind, that is listening to everything he says and would do everything he wants, without question, without thought-; Everything.

The humans don’t nod or anything. But they heard it. Under Yunhos command, until he releases them. Later. But for now, he walks to one of them, placing one knee next to their thigh on the couch, grabbing their arm at their wrist -lifting it, his eyes on the veins shining through the skin, as if they are presenting themselves just for him.

“Thank you.” whispers Yunho, directly at the human.

His fangs draw out. He looks over to Yeosang one last time, before he latches onto the humans arm- his fangs cutting through their skin and opening their veins for him with one bite. Blood spilling, slowly into his mouth, then faster, as he sucks on it.

The human winced under Yunhos bite, but that’s it. Now it’s rather Yunho who is to hear. His hunger sounding in every gulp, in every contempt hum of his.

The other human still just sits there, not even paying attention to their friend who gets draw, sucked out of their blood.

This by far not the first time that Yeosang will feed aside Yunho. It isn’t the first time that someone else charmed his to be prey for him. It isn’t the first time that a human is in front of him, waiting, their mind empty of anything but a vampires command. And yet- he doesn’t feel like he is actually here.

If he could, he would just skip this night and go back into his casket, trying to fall asleep- Trying to get back to that dream he had last. At first he had mistaken it for reality- It all seemed so normal. He was standing in the gallery, looking at his portrait- But it was complete. And yet- his mind refused to show him everything that was once drawn onto canvas. A shadow, hiding what it truthfully looked like once. For a moment.

Then, it was in flames. On the wall, still hanging all neatly- But in flames.

As the night had arrived- As the others rose from their sleep, he was still in his casket. His body frozen from a dream that seemed real. A dream, that showed and yet denied him what once was, and he hated it. He hates it. It’s been so long, he can’t even remember what that portrait used to look like. A dark cloud of smoke in his memory.

“Yeosang—” Yunhos voice echoes, calls Yeosang back into reality. He looks over to him. Yunhos eyes big -warning, only a bit of blood at the corner of his lips; But as as he speaks- “Feed now.” his mouth, his teeth are entirely red- coated in blood.

Yeosangs shoulders sink, but he does as Yunho advises. “Lean back.” Yeosang commands, the other human and they do. He doesn’t take place on the couch too, but sits on the big armrest. He takes their arm as well- he can see the veins under their skin, can hear the blood calmly rushing; Can feel the eyes of the human on him. Not curious- no emotion behind it, only attentiveness to follow what he might command next.

Tonight really is more difficult than usual. Yeosang sighs and meets their gaze. Even with their blank mind- “Close your eyes.” it’s too much for him.

The human does as he commands, of course, and the tries again. His fangs draw out slowly, his eyes scanning the flow of their veins- bringing their arm closer to his mouth-;

It’s not disgusting. They actually have a really nice scent. A mix of several face-serums and expensive make-up. But it’s just not what he wants right now.

His fangs flick in. Stands up and places the humans arm on the armrest, before crouching down on the floor, before their feed. “Open your eyes, straighten up and look at me.” he commands, and the human does.

Yunho stops drinking. He is not done, yet. But his eyes -his attention, rest on Yeosang.

“You will fall asleep when I command you.” starts, charms, commands Yeosang “When you wake up again, you’ll have everything forgotten. You have never met any of us- neither me or the two men I entered with tonight. You spent the night with your friend in this club and had a wonderful time, but a bit much to drink. You will wake up feeling a bit nauseous and weak, but you will be fine shortly after.” he rises, his eyes not letting go of the human, feeling Yunhos gaze on him “Sleep now.” he commands and the human immediately falls asleep, sinking lump into the couch.

“Are you sure about this?” Yunhos voice rings with skepticism and worry.

“I’ll get something along the way.” assures Yeosang, walking over to the door “Something small.”

“Small... A Maltese or what?”

“I’ll get Mingi.” he chuckles, then unlocks the door “See you at home.”

Without waiting for another word from Yunho, he leaves, and as promised, Mingi joins Yunho on the feast.

#7#

But, no human that draws his attention along the way. Not even a Maltese! This night is depressing, and Yeosang is not in the mood to find something (bearable) to feed on tonight, just for the sake of it. Either way, it’s not like he would die, if he didn’t feed himself now. There had been worse times, than this one depressing night. Besides, they have a full stuck of blood at home. Surely, Y/N is responsible for keeping eye on this stock, but it won’t harm anyone, if she’ll mix him another cup or two.

Yeah… Yeah this sounds much more like something he’d do right now. Just- having some blood from stock and then-- Then, he will just lounge in his room… so he tells himself.

Arriving at the edge of the woods surrounding the house and garden- Even from afar, he can spot that the terrace empty. You are not there. It surprises him first, but then he remembers there are still 3 hours left of the night. You’re probably somewhere inside.

Within a small second, he stands on the terrace. Your book still on the couch, untouched for some time now. And, he catches a scent. A scent he believed earlier to have imagined. But now he knows it’s definitely there. It’s barely, therefore you’re definitely not seriously hurt, but the smell is still distinctive.

He follows the scent, slowly stepping through the house- He doesn’t want to startle or scare you by appearing out of nowhere. The scent leads him to the kitchen, the pantry and lastly, the gallery.

The door is open- He has spotted you already as he approaches, stopping at the door-frame and- observing you.

You seem a bit restless. Your eyes scanning the portrait with such earnestness. His portrait, Yeosangs. Stubborn, you stand before it. Staring it down, almost. Staring down the image of him, while the real Yeosang, is not standing far away from you.

You haven’t noticed him, even after several minutes. Several minutes of you, scanning, staring- Waiting? At first he found it amusing and interesting to watch you. But the more time passed, the more your features turned from stubbornness, into frustration. He doesn’t know you much, but seeing you like this makes him genuinely sad and he feels like he is seeing something he is not supposed to. The moment he decides to leave as if he’d never been here, is the moment you unfreeze of your stubborn (and frustrated) stare down.

“Urgh! I give up…” you groan, tired “I guess I’m just insane-!” throwing your hands in the air, as if you could throw the frustration away; before they fall slack down again and hit against your thighs. “Argh-! Fuck!” you ache and hold your hand, observing a finger with a band aid on it.

“Did you hurt yourself?” Yeosang asks, out of reflex and ends up startling you instead.

Your scream echoes through the gallery, as you flinch together, before then seeing him, standing right in the door-frame “Fuck! Yeosang!” you curse and then realize you two are not on that kind of level with each other “You- You scared me…”

“I’m sorry,” he apologizes and within a moment, he stands right in front of you, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck “I didn’t mean to. Are you okay?”

“Yeah… Just-” Hold up--“How long have you been standing there?”

The situation he had actually intended to avoid, now coming true “Uff-- A- A while.”

“How long’s a while?”

“A few minutes. …”

“A few minutes…” you repeat, letting that sink in.How long did you watch me?Did you watch me? You must have.

“I’m sorry,” he apologizes, once more, but his voice deeper, genuinely sorry “I didn’t want to bother. I was just following that-” he halts and for a moment his gaze flicks at the band-aid on your finger “Scent of blood.”

Your chest tightens. It’s not like you don’t know about their extraordinary senses. But having a situation now, where you become very much aware of it- because of your own blood; “You- were able to smell this?”

“Yes.” his answer short. Honest.

“Oh.”

A moment of silence. Uncomfortable silence.

“H-How did you hurt yourself?”

Why does it sound like he’s genuinely concerned? “Oh I-”this damn portrait… “I cut myself on some broken glass. I- I wiped over the floor, to collect the tiniest of those shards and-” you scoff “It seems one of them managed to dig itself into my finger aaand- I can’t find it because it’s so small.”

Yeosang would like to ask how that glass broke, but since you’re not elaborating- He leaves it. For now. “Do you want me to take a look?” he hesitates for a moment “My eyes are a bit more better than those of a human.”

“Uuh-- W- Would you be okay with that? There came a bit- a bit bit of blood.”

“With the necklace you’re wearing, nothing can happen to you.” he reminds, assures.

Right. You remember. None of them can hurt me, even by accident. Nor can they charm me.

“Also, I got myself under control.” he adds, shrugging his shoulders calmly.

You scan his face- weigh your options: an annoyingly stinging finger or No annoyingly stinging finger. “Okay then.” you unwrap the band-aid and offer him your hand to hold and observe better.

“Just a warning,” his hands stopping mid-air before holding your hand in place “my hands are cold.”

But as his hands gently wrap around your wrist and hold your hand- “They are not that cold actually.”

Not? His eyebrows furrow at you. That’s weird. “Good for you then.” That’s oddly weird.

His eyes and touch are careful. “Oh, there-” he moves your finger in a slight different angle “I see it.”

“You do??”

“Hmhm. I’ll get something to get it out. Stay here.”

You were about to ask what he wants to bring, but- A woosh of air and gone he is for 1… 2… seconds back he is, right where he was before. “Let’s take a seat.” he gestures to the nearest couch in the gallery.

You take place, while he turns on the lamp that stands next to it on a small and very old looking table. Then, he sits down right next to you, your legs and shoulders almost touching. He smells good, you notice, now that he is this close.

Carefully, Yeosang holds your finger into the light, while trying to get a pull on this small shard, stuck in your skin. You watch him do it. But then he asks you “May I ask how that glass broke on which you cut yourself?” and your eyes switch on his focused features.

“I- got startled.”

“What startled you?”

“You.” now it is his eyes that look you, meeting yours “Your portrait blinked at me.”

“Did it?” his voice soft, a hint of a smile on his lips, continuing with his doing.

“So I believe at least.” you let go of your stare “I don’t know. I- I might have imagined it.”

“It wouldn’t surprise me if one of our portraits did that.”

“Sounds more like something from a fantasy book or movie.”

“Just because it sounds surreal for some, doesn’t make it less real. There are many of those things in this world. We just have to look with an honest and believing heart.”

“Like having a vampire in front of you, trying to remove some glass from your finger.” you joke.

He smiles, sweet and delighted “Yes, just like that.” and then manages to pull the tiny shard out of your skin.

You ache. Small and quietly, but you feel it. What a mean thing.

“Did I hurt you?” his eyes immediately watchful on you.

“No no- I just- I feel the difference now.”

“Ah-” he nods and holds the tweezers in the light “Here, that’s the gruesome fella.”

You lean closer, see the tiny tiny sparkling piece of glass “So small and yet so violent.”

He smiles again at your words, putting the shard on the band aid you’d worn before. “That it was.” then, he puts the tweezers aside, not letting go of your hand “Let’s check if he didn’t leave any friends.”

You agree nodding, and his eyes scan your finger from every angle carefully. Then, places his fingers at your finger like some big tweezers, checking- “You feel anything stinging?”

“Nope.” you note, and his fingers wander to the spot the shard had been at.

“Anything?” pressing, tweezing your skin.

“No, just your pr-” you halt as you see it. A drop of blood forming on your skin. So small. But definite.

Your heart sinks and your eyes rush on him- scanning his face. Beautiful. Frozen? Fascinated?

His lips slowly part. His nostrils widening and you hear him inhaling, sharp and deep, while his eyes do not let go.

You could pull away. His grip is not tight. But you don’t. Why don’t you? Is it because he is so beautiful? Because you find looking at him in this very moment even so fascinating? And even more, as you see his fangs, slowly growing out- Peaking sharp behind his lips.

The danger right there, and you don’t move- He, doesn’t move. Just stares at it. He doesn’t squeeze at your skin for more blood to form. Just- Looking at it. Smelling that scent in the air.

A long moment passes, until he wets his lips and in that moment realizes that his fangs had come out.

He blinks, perplex and lets go of your hand- Hiding his mouth behind his own hand. “I apologize. I didn’t mean to.”

Something inside your guts tightens and drops again. Disappointment? “It’s okay.” you assure. “You want it?” and offer.

“What-?”

“Do you want it?” Do you want to taste me?

His eyes. Grant orbits of brown. His voice, supposed to sound distraught but ending up- “That would be forceful, to ask of you.” hollow.

“Are you the one asking, or am I offering you so?” gentle, softly you are, you sound- “It’s okay. I don’t mind.” while your eyes- something faintly shining within them.

Yeosangs gaze holds yours. Scanning your face while trying to hold himself back to look at that drop of blood on your finger again. He holds your gaze. Holds it- until his eyes eventually fall on your finger again and his shoulders tensely sink. The debate with himself in his mind is obvious. You wait, give him the time. Until eventually, a small breath of air leaves his lips and a contempt smile arrives. The debate is over.

“If you grant me such a gift of yours, I want to do the same for you too.”

“H-ow that?”

“In a fair trade. One drop of yours, for one of mine.”

You slightly crook your head to the side. “Your blood?” he nods. “You guys can bleed?”

“Of course. It is necessary for-” he pauses for a second “our survival.”

“Can you nurture yourself on another vampires?”

“There is not much you know about us, do you?” he smiles, surprised about your very fast question. Then realizes, you feel the truth of that. “I apologize. I didn’t want to make you feel insulted.”

“You didn’t.” your answer immediate. Making up your mind “Okay then. A trade it will be.” and hold your finger in front of his face. Offering. And this time, he accepts it.

His hand wraps around your wrist and holds it in place. His face nears, and just as you think he’s about to taste it, his eyes look up to yours again “I value you for that.”

“It’s- just a small drop.” your voice hollow.

“And you give it to me.” his, gentle, but earnest.

Then, his eyes fall down again, and he does collect the drop of blood. His tongue catching it, then his lips wrapping around it, gently. And once more, something inside you drops. It tightly flutters. It’s warm and brings your thighs to press together.

Does Yeosang notice? If so, he doesn’t show it.

“Thank you, Y/N.” he says as leaning back and letting go of your wrist again. While you, are only able to nod. “Now it’s your turn.” he reminds and presses the downside of his thumb against one his fangs, until it draws blood. The sight surprises you still. Fascinating. Curious. Subconsciously licking your lips as you lean in closer, but “Not for you to taste.”

What? Why??

Why are you so disappointed?

Instead, takes your wounded finger and smears the blood on his thumb over your cut and- What? How? It vanishes. His blood, disappears in your cut. Making it disappear. Gone. Your cut is gone!

Yeosang watches you. He can’t read your mind, but your face, your eyes--; Confusion over confusion, curiosity, wonder- observing the spot that had been cut my a tiny shard- Nowhere to be found anymore.

“Am I supposed to know your blood can do that?” you whisper eventually. Your eyes looking up to him.

“Do I have to worry about you exploiting us now?” his head crooks to the side. Charming. Playful, almost.

“Uh- N- No…” you stutter and he smiles.

“Then take it as simple new found information about us.”

‘Simple’...

“Surreal and yet real.”

You nod, mouth gaping open but nothing escaping.

“I’ll leave you unbothered for the rest of the night, before the others arrive again.”

You nod, again, and he leaves you to it. Walking out of the gallery, not just disappearing with a movement of air.

You looked after him, until he was gone. Listened to his steps walking upstairs- hearing the shutting of the door to his room. Then, you get up too. You need some air, and get back on the terrace- take place on your favorite spot, book in hand, but not able to read one word.

In the meantime, Yeosang comes back to the gallery. You didn’t notice it.

He stands before his incomplete portait- scanning it. Noticing the difference. The raven on the wrong side of the armrest- The gloved hand on his shoulder. And the damage on the burned edges, fading and the canvas growing. For the human eye, impossible to catch right there. But for him.

Something inside his chest clenches, itches- heaves… His jaw tenses and he feels a wetness filling his eyes, running down his cheek.

Am I-? he catches the liquid with the back of his hand. Red. Blood.

He gasps, astound and looks up to his portrait once more. “Will we finally make use of a bigger frame?” Will I see you complete?

**** ⏩Chapter 2>>⏩

****

A/N: Thank your for reading I hope you liked this fic. 🩷 And yeeeeah I might have shoved some True Blood vibes down this fics throat. I couldn't resist. I miss Pam.

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