Okay so for 2013 I wanted to do something nice. And I decided that every person that reblogs this will have their URL written on a piece of paper and put in a jar. Every day I will pull a URL out of that jar and will write something nice in their ask box. I really want to do this. I really want tons of people to reblog this! I’m willing to do however many a day that I need to. So reblog to get your URL in the jar!
Hilarious but you can see the phone light on her face in the first picture. So... trying to trick your parents into thinking you're reading when you're on your phone but failing miserably.
Title: A Beautiful Exchange
Genre: Romance/ Fantasy / Fiction
Characters: Infinite [Main = Myungsoo]
Warnings; Swearing, mature content.
Cameos; Kazuya Kamanashi [Kat-tun]
Summery:
Myungsoo has a messed up past, that much is obvious. Being over a hundred years old brings a lot of baggage. His friends struggle to understand his past and help him find himself in the cursed life he lives.
Chapter 18
Beginning of the End.
The League wasn’t simply an overlord; no they were much more complicated then that. There were levels, which layered so thoroughly on top of one another that one never knew how many there really were and one would never really understand until they’d been reaped. Woohyun had been ripped from his home after three hundred and twenty-eight years of being a vampire and, with a set of talents that The League found useful, had immediately ascended many levels.
But he had never received respect for his job. Charming vampires into The Leagues hands earned him as much love as taxpayers received in the human world. Sunggyu had been different; he’d climbed the ranks relentlessly based on a lie. Desperate to stand beside Changmin and Yunho he’d wasted away 538 years only to be disappointed.
He’d been treated kindly, how could he not be, the ability to literally scammer around in someone’s mind without their knowledge was rare, most could only peek inside. Sunggyu had been used, alongside Woohyun for… negotiation, with other leading vampire clans in distant countries. He’d been responsible for the major destruction of four leading country clans in Britain, Germany, France and Romania. His reward had been nothing more than a pat on the shoulder. And when everything had come down to it he’d been cast aside like off-milk.
They used all kinds of weapons, false hope, armies and powers but the worst, and the one they used most commonly, was fear.
Fear - one of the most powerful weapons. Fear was something Jieun learnt early on. Fear could cripple you and, left to boil you, knock you over the edge into insanity. She’d always thought she was scared of heights until someone actually pushed her off a tree in her village. That’s when she’d realized she wasn’t scared of heights and she wasn’t scared of falling; she was scared of what would happen when she stopped falling.
Jieun wasn’t scared of the invasion. She wasn’t scared of the fear that lined her father’s eyes from the vision Kazuya had given her. She was terrified of loosing him – because it would mean no more small smiles when he thought the other elves weren’t looking. It would mean no more tight hugs and eyes shining with tears when they had a moment alone. It would mean that all those moments wouldn’t become potential anymore – but simply memories that no one but her knew.
And, most importantly, it would mean the loss of her only family and the one person she loved with all her heart.
Something Jieun hadn’t known was that with fear came anger. At the moment her vision was blurred in red and the desire to rip open the necks of the other vampires ran strongly through her. Even Woohyun’s calm hand on her back was little comfort.
In the background the setting sun that was being swallowed by the earth illuminated the arguing figures of Sunggyu and Kazuya. Their voices were in hushed whispers but it was obvious what they were arguing about. Sunggyu wanted to intervene – Kazuya was against it.
‘They’ll kill you, Sunggyu.’ Kazuya implored, hands rising to try and grasp his friends tense shoulders, ‘You think they would spare you again?’
The friendly hands were shrugged off, ‘They didn’t spare me, they made a mockery of me.’
‘So you have to survive off rotten blood and be made a spectacle of every year, you’re alive.’ Kazuya moved forward again, trying to grasp his friend’s shoulders again, ‘Sungg-’
‘I’m no move alive than Uee is,’ was the harsh response. Kazuya’s jaw snapped shut in silent defeat for a moment. Sunggyu was only two steps away when Kazuya’s voice rang out, carrying its message to everyone in the house, ‘then what about the legend?’
Sunggyu’s eyes frosted over. Jieun watched as his hands balled into fists at his sides before releasing. A large sigh fell from his lips. Briefly Jieun caught sight of Iris shrugging off Myungsoo only to be hurled back towards him. With their faces inches apart their lips moved in quick argument, the knuckles on Myungsoo’s hands were white with tension.
‘You can’t!’ his voice ripped out harshly, pulling her forward again. Her chest rose and fell heavily with harsh breaths.
‘Why not! I caused this!’ Iris’s eyes briefly met Jieun’s. ‘I should take responsibility.’
Myungsoo gripped her chin forcefully; directing her gaze back to his, ‘Know your place.’ Iris slapped his hand away.
‘Know yours,’ she spat back. Desperate feet stumbled towards Sunggyu who was watching with curiosity only to be dragged back. Myungsoo’s arms wrapped around her waist tightly lifting her right off her feet and dragging her back.
‘It’s not your decision to make!’ With a sharp kick in his shin she fell loose from his arms and managed to make one step before he pull her back again. ‘I’ll decide,’ her hands came out, pushing his arm off harshly again. ‘Not you.’
‘Iris… just,’ her elbow jabbed into his stomach painfully and fury shot through him. ‘Stop!’
As if his shout set her off a scream violently rippled from Iris’s throat, slashing the air harshly. With her hands clasped tightly over her ears she slipped to the ground, the only thing keeping her from falling like a brick were Myungsoo’s strong arms.
‘Iris…’ Myungsoo moved one hand to cup her cheek. Not a moment later, as if suddenly realizing his actions, he snapped his hand back.
‘Why,’ she whispered softly, tears threatening to fall from where they’d caught on her lashes.
‘Iris-’ she cut of his words with a rough shove at his chest which did nothing to remove his presence.
‘Why only me?’ Iris screamed, thumping at his chest angrily, ‘Why can everyone else do whatever but you keep me under locks?’ angry tears burned a trail down her face. Just as suddenly, as if her anger made her want to force everyone away from her Myungsoo was flung from her side and Jieun, who’d been a little too close was hurled back into Woohyun’s arms.
When shock had settled away and eyes had collected back on Iris a collected gasp echoed through the room. The loud smack of a chair hitting the floor echoed loudly but no eye fell away from Iris. Even Myungsoo stumbled back in surprise, falling over the footrest to lie in a bundle of the floor – eyes still locked on the girl. ‘Iris…’ he whispered shocked.
The pink eyes were glowing menacingly, narrowing into slits at Myungsoo. A scream rattled from Jieun as the large mirror on the wall rippled and smashed – sending glass fragments flying everywhere. With quick thinking Hoya paused the moment and the mirror pieces simply floated around the room, reflecting pink and worried faces. Slowly pieces of her skin peeled away, transforming into pink petals that floated around her softly. Gradually her body fell apart until they only visible evidence she was in front of them was the personification of a human body the petals made.
Apart from those petals others floated around her, some venturing out towards the others in the room like snakes ready to strike at any moment. With a shaky hand Myungsoo raised his hand to touch one and flinched back. As if danger was suddenly present the petals withdrew – fluttering harshly around her body. Shocked Myungsoo pulled his finger back, his thumb smearing the blood the petal had withdrawn.
‘Iris…’ Jieun gasped, stumbling a step forward only to freeze when she was suddenly encased with menacing petals. A small squeak of surprise escaped through the fluttering petals. Almost instantly the room shifted into motion. Hoya’s hand flew up – pausing the fluttering petals in motion.
‘Iris what are you doing?’ Myungsoo was up in a moment, reaching out a hand to remove the petals only to retract it in shock when they cut through his skin like razor blades. Furious he turned to her. ‘Iris!’
Dongwoo rushed forward, gripping Myungsoo’s tense shoulders and pulling him away from Iris, ‘you can’t do anything.’
‘Damnit! Iris!’ His shout echoed across the room and, for the briefest of seconds the petals shifted. A pained gasp escaped from the petal prison. The scent of Jieun’s blood drifted through the air.
‘Hoya, what the hell are you doing?’ Woohyun suddenly exploded, moving forward to the petals only to pause, knowing he could do nothing.
One glance at Hoya and you could tell he was struggling. His face was wet with sweat, brows drawn together in frustration, ‘she’s... kinda pissed off.’ He gasped, letting a smirk fall over his lips for a moment he muttered, ‘in case you didn’t… realize.’
‘Sunggyu,’ Woohyun growled but the elder just shook his head, ‘I can’t get into her unless Hoya lets go and it’s too risky with Jieun.’
Woohyun managed to calm himself for a moment until he caught Jieun’s eye for a moment as the petals fluttered again. Dark with pain and, worse than that, glimmering with tears of fear. Just like that he broke, already too steps forward it was only Dongwoo’s hand over Woohyun’s chest that stopped him. Their eyes met for the briefest of moments, ‘wait.’ A cool breath fluttered through the room. It drifted around, almost hugging each person it passed before. With it came the whitest of cheery blossom petals. Unlike the pink petals they were peaceful, gliding around playfully before roaming around the frozen form of Iris. Petal by petal they melted over the pink ones, turning everything white and slowly withdrew in on themselves, forming Iris’s body form again. Every now and then a glimmer of pink would shimmer through the white.
The instance the last petal floated away from Jieun she was bundled up into Woohyun’s arms and swiftly carried to the lounge. Her arms and legs were scratched with small marks – her face marred lightly along one cheek.
‘Jieun?’ Carefully Woohyun’s large hand cupped her face in concern. A small smile flickered over his face when her eyes opened gently. ‘You okay?’
‘I’m sorry,’ the voice of Iris whispered. ‘Fear can do powerful things…’
Woohyun’s hand curled into a tight fist, already half on his feet he began to advance towards Iris’s petal form, ‘How dare you-’ he began until Sunggyu’s calm voice interrupted.
‘Siri.’
The petals created a soft shifting sound as they turned. The body of Siri bowed deeply, before rising just as gracefully, ‘It’s good to see you again – Sunggyu.’ She turned briefly to smile at Jieun, ‘Forgive me, I should have come sooner.’
‘Siri.’ Turning the flower woman met Myungsoo’s dark gaze, ‘What have you done to Iris?’
‘Don’t worry, she’s safe.’ A chocked gasp escaped Siri, and the petals fluttered aggressively for a moment. Her voice grew urgent. ‘I can’t stay long.’
Hoya stepped forward, ‘Why are you here?’
A brief smile lifted the petals around Siri’s lips, ‘I have some news…’ She turned to Sunggyu, ‘lend me your eyes.’
To anyone other then Siri and Sunggyu the room stayed exactly the same, but for the two their minds separated from their bodies, flying across mountains and rivers to arrive at a new destination.
Fire. Ash. The stench of death lingered heavily in the air. The old buildings that use to be decorated with ancient carvings and golden petals were burning, pieces of broken roofs falling in on the old homes.
What is this Siri?
For a moment the scenery whirled, snaking and turning into something new. Slowly figures blurred into existence, fighting figures. Some adored in pure black, others in the bright colours of nature. Slowly, one by one, what Sunggyu came to recognize as the elves began to fall.
It’s too late, Sunggyu. Siri’s voice whispered, pain smothering the words, I’m sorry…
Chapter: 17
Title: A Beautiful Exchange
Genre: Romance/ Fantasy / Fiction
Characters: Infinite [Main = Myungsoo]
Warnings; Swearing, mature content.
Cameos; Kazuya Kamanashi [Kat-tun]
Summery:
Myungsoo has a messed up past, that much is obvious. Being over a hundred years old brings a lot of baggage. His friends struggle to understand his past and help him find himself in the cursed life he lives.
‘Woohyun, I’m fine, really.’
Almost as soon as Woohyun had closed the door to his bedroom his mood had changed completely. Gone were the smiles and jokes, replaced by a dark expression and hands that were harder than intended.
‘Just shut up for a bit, would you?’ He muttered. Despite his harsh words he lowered her tenderly down to his bed. A loud sigh fell from his lips as he sat on the bed next to her. Long fingers drew circles on his temples, trying to drive away some form of tormenting demon. For a while Jieun watched him, guilt building up a hard ball in her stomach.
‘I’m sorry,’ she eventually whispered. Woohyun turned to find her in the same space he’d dropped her, long hair fanning around her face in soft curls. Absent-mindedly his hands reached out, running a finger gently over the messy hair.
When he replied his voice was deep, eyes still locked on her hair, ‘For what?’
Jieun shook her head but her eyes lowered in guilt. The small head turned away, eyes locking onto the wall as if it was exciting. Her words came out softer than a whisper, as if scared to say it, ‘I shouldn’t have come here.’
The bed sunk on her side, her body slowly slipping closer to where Woohyun had settled. ‘It wasn’t your fault.’
Tears sparkled in Jieun’s eyes, Uee’s face flashing into her head, ‘then it was Iris’s? Because she saved me? I can’t condemn someone who saved my life Woohyun.’ She flinched when his hand reached up to brush against her cheek. Carefully he turned his body to her, as if she’d fly away at the smallest hint of danger. His hand dropped from her cheek to her shoulder, slowly trailing down her arm to capture her hand and turn it over. With dark eyes he ran a calloused finger over the marks left by Changmin’s teeth.
With slow movement he leaned forward, bringing her hand up closer to his mouth. In reflex Jieun tried to flinch away but he held her hand fast. His breath fluttered over the bite marks while she tried to steady her breathing. Their eyes met for a brief moment over her hand before he pressed a kiss softer then a butterflies wings to the slowly healing marks.
‘Does it still hurt?’
She shook her head quickly, lifting her other hand to cover the blushing face, ‘I’m fine,’ she whispered. Jieun almost squeaked when the bed sunk as his hand pressed into the mattress by her head. With one hand still caught in his grasp she watched him carefully above the other that was curled into a ball around her mouth.
‘Does it hurt?’ His words were quiet this time; his eyes so tender Jieun thought she could lose herself in them. All the while his thumb caressed her injured wrist lightly, as if the rips would heal from his touch.
With his eyes on her Jieun found herself nodding, rather than playing coy. But all too suddenly the shock faded away, leaving only a growing fear and guilt in its wake. Changmin’s face floated in front of Woohyun’s and Jieun found herself breathing heavily, trying to block out Uee’s soft voice saying hello early that day. Abruptly Woohyun’s hand left her wrist to cup her face when the tears began to spill.
‘Don’t cry,’ he said hoarsely. With strong arms he picked her up, pulled her onto his lap so that her legs folded parallel either sides of his. With a soft sob Jieun buried her head into his neck with the encouraging nudge from his hand. Small hands gripped his firm shoulders tightly, holding tight to the security he gave. Swallowing the ball in his throat he repeated, ‘Please don’t cry.’ Despite his words tears were already glittering in his eyes, sparked by watching her pain.
‘I should have died,’ Jieun whispered, ‘no her.’
Woohyun’s heart clenched up. More forcefully than intended he gripped her shoulders, pushing her back so he could watch her. Her hands moved to her mouth, trying to stifle the sobs that threatened to overwhelm her.
‘Don’t,’ he whispered, suddenly finding that his strength was falling away, ‘please don’t.’ When she opened her mouth to respond he cut her of by cupping her face in his hands, ‘don’t,’ he said throatily.
Slowly, to the point that Jieun didn’t realize he was moving closer, he began to draw nearer to her. When his breath fluttered over her lips Jieun let her eyes fall shut, her own breathing shaky. For a moment he watched her, innocent and venerable. The strongest instinct to protect her overwhelmed him. Within an inch of locking lips a knock on the door froze them. The door was already open before they had a chance to pull away.
‘Ooh la la,’ a deep voice drawled. Jieun, half hiding in Woohyun’s chest from embarrassment was able to make out the sharp features of a vampire from the party.
Woohyun sighed, letting his head fall down for a moment, ‘Timing, Kazuya.’
The vampire just grinned and allowed himself into the room. ‘L won’t see me,’ He paused for a moment, ‘Or rather Myungsoo won’t let him see me.’ He grinned cheekily, more than pleased that he interrupted a treasurable moment, ‘who else am I suppose to go to?’
Woohyun slowly disentangled Jieun from his grasp, gently nudging her behind his back. The small hands clasp onto the back of his shoulders, watching the new vampire with wary eyes that peeked over Woohyun’s back. Almost to taunt her Kazuya clicked his tounge at her playfully and chuckled in amusement when the eyebrows of both her and Woohyun pulled together, one in anger and the other in caution.
‘What do you want exactly?’
Kazuya didn’t bother about being polite, instead he strolled in casually and jumped onto the dresser. ‘You’re memory fading with old age?’ He asked with a smirk.
Keeping his eyes trained on the Japanese vampire Woohyun covered Jieun with a sheet, ‘You’ve got info?’
Kazuya styled his hand into a gun and shot Woohyun with a playful, ‘Bingo.’ With a lucid grace he slipped off the dresser and strolled to his friend, ‘It’s handy being able to turn into a cat sometimes, don’t you think?’
Woohyun chuckled blithely, ‘Isn’t that why you’re a spy?’
The man just grinned and directed his gaze to Jieun. ‘Never knew you as one to settle down, thought you were like me.’
Woohyun aimed a level gaze at his old friend, ‘We’re a lot more diverse then you seem to think, Kazu.’ The later just chuckled, ‘Take your info to Sunggyu, I have no interest in those bastards.’
As he spoke his voice had grown darker, hands tightening into fists. It was only Jieun’s soft touch on his arm that brought him back. He gave her a soft smile before directed Kazuya away but the other man didn’t budge.
‘Oh, I disagree.’ he said calmly. His eyes darkened, ‘There’s something you’ll be very interested in knowing.’
A sound that starkly resembled a growl fell from Woohyun’ throat, ‘Leave.’
‘Sorry to disappoint you, Woobear,’ Woohyun hissed at the old nickname, ‘but I wasn’t talking to you.’
Jieun eyes widened when the Japanese shot her a glance, capturing her in his eyes, ‘Interested, pretty?’ He drawled. Woohyun’s hand landed on her shoulder, trying to pull her away from Kazuya’s temptation.
‘It’s not important Jieun.’ Despite Woohyun’s words Jieun found her eyes stuck to the tall man’s mischievous grin. He raised an eyebrow mockingly and she snapped.
‘What?’ She shook of Woohyun’s hand, ‘What is it?’
With an arrogant grin Kazuya tucked a piece of hair behind his ear, ‘I could tell you…’ he paused, thoroughly pleased with her anxious face and Woohyun’s trembling anger, contained by limited patience, ‘or I could show yo-’
Kazuya’s sentence was cut off by a furious Woohyun who’d leapt from the bed to pin Kazuya to the wall. Woohyun’s forearm pressed harshly into Kazuya’s throat. ‘Leave.’ He hissed angrily.
‘Woohyun!’ Jieun rushed over, hair flying around her in a mess, ‘What the hell are you doing?’ she shouted, hands angrily pushing at his unrelenting body. ‘Let him go!’
Kazuya’s grin simply grew despite the situation, ‘You heard her,’ he gasped around his blocked airways, ‘Let go.’
For a moment Woohyun continued to stare at Kazuya angrily before, with a harsh shove, he pushed away from him. The hands fell to his sides in fists and his body remained tensed to attack at any moment, with any sign of danger.
Kazuya simply brushed invisible dust from his suit with that same smirk lingering on his lips. He threw a smile at Jieun, ‘As I was saying, I can show you.’
‘Kazuya,’ Woohyun warned darkly but Jieun moved forward, ‘What do you mean?’
Kazuya grinned mysteriously and inclined for her to come closer with a finger. With a light tug on his tie it rustled off his neck and, with nibble fingers he unfastened the first two buttons on his suit shirt. Pulling it aside he revealed his white neck, ‘Vampires don’t just use blood for feeding, pretty.’
For a moment Jieun paused, wary at the current situation but her throat was already dry and his neck slowly grew more and more appealing. Her wobbly steps forward were stopped as a hard hand grasped her wrist. Jieun looked over her shoulder and came face to face with an anxious Woohyun. His brow was crinkled, eyes begging for her to rethink the situation but she simply slipped her hand from his grasp.
Maybe the words that slipped from her lips were more to convince herself than Woohyun, but the fell out anyway. ‘I’m not a baby, Woo.’ She barely whispered before taking the two steps to a triumphant Kazuya and burying her teeth into his neck.
The instant relief to her thirst was like a downpour in a drought but that pleasure was soon destroyed by a sudden blast in imagery. In a blast of dizziness she was transported to another place. Instead of clinging to Kazuya’s form and drinking blood she was on someone’s lap, feeling like a midget surrounded by giants.
A hand suddenly stroked down her back and, with a quick turn of her head she saw a black body covered in what looked like fur.
Never thought you could see into my memories from a few drops of blood, did you? Imagine what mouthfuls can do. Kazuya’s voice whispered in her head. Like my tail? The quick flick of a tail obscured her vision for a moment.
Trying to make heads and tails of the situation Jieun aimed her gaze around the room she found herself in and almost hurled. Tall buildings that shimmered gold, silver and ruby that had vines curling up their length and flowers blooming at the bottom, formed by hard working hands and a little magic. The sky was half blocked by the collage of trees; the only sunlight that streamed through created a decorative pattern on the ground as it spilled through leaves.
The people that walked around were decorated in intricate silk clothing. From experience she knew the girls who’s stomachs were showing were unmarried, above the age of 16 but younger than 30. The ones in bright colours were unmarried, those in dull colours married and those in black and white widowed or divorced. A typical tradition in elven history.
The men wore long flowing capes decorated with butterflies and flowers. Underneath darker coloured silk pants fell down only to be tucked into brown boots with large buckles. The occasionally male had a bow slung over his back or a scroll slipped into his vest.
Older females walked around with bowls decorated by hand on their heads. Inside would lay different flowers and leaves that would be mashed up into potions from medicine to poison.
‘They’re what?’ A voice above her hushed. Jieun’s head turned unwillingly to face the man across from her. Her heart stuck in her throat for a moment. Her father sat before her. His hair was tied into a high ponytail, falling in straight streaks of black and silver to his waist. His fringe was split to the left, stopping just under his chin on either side. A bell jingled as his head moved, attached by a hand-woven plait to dangle with his hair.
She watched, a ball in her stomach as her fathers face fell into despair. ‘They’re coming,’ he replied just as quietly. The hand on her back hardened.
‘How long?’
Her father’s tounge slipped out to moisten dry lips. ‘Not even two days.’
The man she sat on stood up abruptly, not caring that she, or rather Kazuya, fell to the ground in a hissing heap. ‘We need to man arms. Get the troops ready.’
Her father narrowed his eyes at the other mans rash behavior, ‘We’re elves, not warriors. Or did you forget that Junsu?’
‘So you want us to sit here, waiting to die?’ Junsu, a man with a rather chubby face that was all too boy-like and bright red hair leaned closer to her father, ‘Like cowards? Pigs waiting for a slaughter?’ The younger man stood back, kicked a chair in angry and ignored the sudden looks of concern that travelled his way. ‘I won’t die by those blood suckers.’
Her father kept his gaze steady on Junsu. ‘So you’ll die trying to fight them, rather than run and have a chance to live?’ He cut off his friends chance to say anything with a fierce look, ‘We retreat. No buts.’
And just like that, while she was begging to stay, Jieun was pulled back and falling from Kazuya right into Woohyun’s arms. No sooner than his safety enveloped her was she pushing free of it, running with stumbling steps and hazy eyes to the door, one name slipping from her lips. ‘Dad…’
Woohyun shot a dark glare at Kazuya as he rushed after her, wrapping firm arms around her waist to pull her back into his chest, ‘Jieun, no.’
‘Let go!’ she whispered, fingers clawing at his arms desperately. Tears fell onto his hands. ‘Let go!’ she suddenly screamed, her voice cracking on her words, ‘Dad! Dad!’
‘Jieun, listen to me, you can’t!’ Woohyun shouted at her over her cries, ‘You can’t!’
‘It’s my fault!’ She gasp, kicking at Woohyun’s shins, ‘It’s my fault! Dad!’
Restrained by Woohyun’s arms Jieun was kept prison for the remainder of the unfinished night, her shouts echoing around the house as she feared for the safety of the father who never acknowledged her but always loved her.
Chapter: 16
Title: A Beautiful Exchange
Genre: Romance/ Fantasy / Fiction
Characters: Infinite [Main = Myungsoo]
Warnings; Swearing, mature content.
Cameos; None
Summery:
Myungsoo has a messed up past, that much is obvious. Being over a hundred years old brings a lot of baggage. His friends struggle to understand his past and help him find himself in the cursed life he lives.
Chapter 16 –
Rekindled Sensations
Iris didn’t remember much after that. L had grabbed her arm, pulling her away after bowing stiffly. Sunggyu had quickly followed with Woohyun dragging a confused Jieun behind him. Hoya, Dongwoo, Sungjong and Sungyeol were left to clean up the mess and conclude the party.
The one thing Iris couldn’t erase from her memory was one brief moment when Uee turned around and met her eyes. In that short space of time the fear that had consumed Uee’s face despite the smile she shakily attempted to through at Iris had confirmed her concerns. Changmin wasn’t letting any of this go.
No one moved, not one word was spoken until the chatter that echoed from the lounge had faded away and Hoya stuck his head in quietly to notify them that everyone had left.
Iris jumped at first when Sunggyu threw his table. It shattered into pieces, bouncing around the floor. Woohyun simply sighed, running an exhausted hand down his face and pulled the seat over for Jieun. Woohyun stood behind the chair, hands resting on Jieun’s shaky shoulders. L stood to the side, face dark and eyes downcast.
Suddenly Sunggyu swirled around, walking with furious steps to stand in front of Iris. Hard hands gripped her shoulders and shook her roughly.
‘Do you even know what she’s done for you?’ Shouted Sunggyu. It was the first time Iris had ever seen him so furious. She shook her head, not even flinching when his arms swept over his desk, throwing the contents to the ground. In fury he kicked his chair, the furniture flying across the room to collide with the wall, barely missing Woohyun who had the quick reflexes to step to the right.
‘She’s dead! She’s fucking dead!’
Iris froze, fear beginning to weave through her. She thought she was brave, since running away… since killing that beast that’d ruined not only her life but also the other orphan’s lives, since turning into a vampire but Uee’s death chocked her. ‘What?’
Sunggyu didn’t answer. Maybe he couldn’t. His throat was probably constricted with tears. Instead Woohyun stepped forward quietly. ‘Uee was smart. She knew how the vampire world worked.’ He placed a comforting hand on Iris’s shoulder. ‘The only way to stifle Changmin’s anger was flattery and when that doesn't work…’
Unsure where the sentence should have ended Iris’s voice came out with a breathy question, ‘What?’
‘That flower. The iris, the blood red one he gave her…’ Woohyun looked away, staring blankly at the wall. ‘It’s a death sentence.’
Iris bulked the bile rising in her throat was swallowed down by stubbornness. In a small voice she whispered the only thing she could think of. ‘I thought irises meant hope.’
Sunggyu had dropped to the ground now, the lose of an old friend weighing heavily on his shoulders, ‘Why do you think he uses it?’ Those normally strong eyes that met hers were wrought with fatigue. The words didn't need to be said. They found their way into her head.
He kills hope.
‘I-I didn’t know…’ she found herself stuttering, trying to rectify the situation.
Sunggyu just shot her a level glare, ‘you shouldn’t have been so bold. If Uee hadn’t sacrificed herself we’d all be dead right now.’ With those words hanging in the air Sunggyu left, slamming the door so hard it snapped of the bottom hinges.
A hand landed on her shoulder and she turned to see Woohyun’s soft smile, ‘don’t blame yourself. Uee and Sunggyu were close, that’s all.’ He twisted to look at Jieun, ‘I’ve got to take care of her. Myungsoo will look after you.’ Iris didn’t have the energy to tell him that the Myungsoo in front of them was L so she let it go, nodding.
Woohyun walked back to the chair, offering Jieun his reliable hand only to scoop her up when she stumbled. He winked cheekily at Iris and kicked the broken door to the side to walk out.
I promised you some time. Did you want it now? She whispered in her head drowsily to Siri.
Thanks for remembering, was the soft reply. Then Iris was bolted away again.
Siri took small steps to where L had moved, his back taunt as he glowered at the broken table. Without contemplation she wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head on his back. Sluggishly his shoulders released and a sigh trembled from his lips. ‘L, don’t be mad at her.’
His shoulders rapidly stiffened, ‘you could have died, Siri,’ his voice was raspy, ‘again.’
‘But I didn’t.’ Was the soothing reply, ‘I’m fine.’
His hands curled into fists, ‘But you could have.’
‘I didn’t.’
Siri didn’t even flinch when his leg whipped out, kicking the already broken pieces of the table. Her hands fell as he stepped forward angrily to turn and stare at her with dark eyes. ‘It doesn't matter!’ his lips trembled for a moment and he turned his face away, biting down angrily. Tears sparkled in his eyes. ‘I can’t watch it again, Siri.’
He didn’t look up again until her hands massaged his fist, coaxing them to relax, ‘She’s only been a vampire a few days, she doesn’t understand.’
He watched her for a moment, completely still until he launched forward suddenly, causing her to stumble back a little as he engulfed her in a hug. His tears fell onto her shoulder as he buried his head deeper into her neck, nuzzling like a child. ‘I don’t want to talk about her.’
‘I know.’ She whispered, running a hand down over his neck, ‘I’m sorry.’
He shook his head, ‘No, I’m sorry.’ His arms tightened around her, pulling her as close to him as he could, ‘It was my fault.’ His words cracked on tears.
For a brief moment Iris saw into Siri’s memories. A memory of L stalking towards her with blood red eyes, mouth open and fangs extended, a memory that was layered with fear and murder. ‘L, they starved you.’
‘It doesn’t matter.’ He pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, ‘How could I have hurt you?’ Self-resentment coated his voice. L pulled back just far enough to lean his forehead on hers, letting their breath mingle together. Siri’s eyes fluttered closed slowly.
‘I never blamed you, L. Know that,’ The words were whispered, the moment too precious to be broken by loud voices. For the briefest of moments their lips brushed together.
L’s hand rose to caress Siri’s cheek, holding steady to her warmth. ‘I’ve never forgiven myself.’ Siri’s heart broke. Myungsoo had lived for a good hundred years, L would have been living with that guilt and self resent for as long as Myungsoo had turned into a vampire.
Suddenly she felt sick to the stomach and tears struck her throat, forcing gasped breaths to come out when she spoke, ‘I’m so sorry.’ Her fingers rose and bunched in his shirt desperately, gripping onto his form, ‘I’m sorry.’
‘I was never mad at you,’ he whispered into her hair, running a comforting hand down her back while his own tears fell onto her head.
‘If I’d died that night, you’d never have been hurt,’ Siri whispered, clutching tighter to the wide shoulders that kept her stable. ‘If I hadn’t met you-’
‘I would have been alone for the rest of my life.’ He intervened quickly, ‘you were the best thing that ever happened to me, Siri.’
‘And you to mine,’ she replied softly. ‘I told Iris that I’d only use her to say goodbye.’
His hands tightened immediately, ‘Don’t, just a little longer.’
She nodded into his neck, but a question still nagged her, ‘Is Myungsoo listening to you like Iris does to me?’
Slowly, with a little hesitation he nodded, ‘He’s not an idiot but he hates the idea that he has to follow a legend. He takes my advice where needed but he’s getting more and more furious that I keep taking over.’ A chuckle fell from L, ‘He wasn’t exactly happy at this situation either.’
Siri stayed silent, listening to the gentle flow of blood through L’s veins, ‘Is he quiet now?’
L ran a soothing hand up her arm, ‘Yea, he’s not heartless.’
A giggle erupted from Siri, ‘Iris thinks he is.’
As much as her laughter evoked a smile from L he quickly smothered it, ‘Shush now, I just want to hold you.’
Siri was silent for a moment, content to simply be in his arms again, even if goodbye was not far from reality. Knowing that this piece of happiness would soon be taken away again brought back the tears but she smothered them. The last thing she wanted was to ruin it for L. So instead she tightened her arms around him.
‘I love you,’ she whispered, ‘for eternity.’
L shifted slightly, only so that he could press his lips to her forehead. They lingered there for a moment. ‘I love you too, Siri. Never doubt it.’
Chapter: 15
Title: A Beautiful Exchange
Genre: Romance/ Fantasy / Fiction
Characters: Infinite [Main = Myungsoo]
Warnings; Swearing, mature content.
Cameos; Uee & Nana [After School ]/ Kazuya Kamanashi [Kat-Tun]
Summery:
Myungsoo has a messed up past, that much is obvious. Being over a hundred years old brings a lot of baggage. His friends struggle to understand his past and help him find himself in the cursed life he lives.
"In one of the most vulnerable moments Iris stuck out her pinkie awkwardly, unable to make eye contact... ‘Promise me.’ "
Chapter 16
Bloody irises.
Disgusting.
It was absolutely disgusting. The whole atmosphere was nauseating. The fake smiles, sly touches and desire that coloured the eyes of the people in the room made Iris feel like vomiting. But the chance to be strong, not weak, was a thrill. She absorbed it with excitement and used her disgust as a trigger to make her even colder to the ‘guests’ who judged her.
So when she saw that same blonde from early crawling all over Myungsoo, her sickening red nails trailing over his jaw to turn his attention to her anger bubbled hot in her heart. Maybe it was the alcohol mixed blood or the adrenaline of her recent feed but Iris soon found her heels clicking loudly on the ground as she strode over. As if sensing her sudden dark mood the vampires shuffled out of the way, somehow able to maintain their pride at the same time.
Iris’s eyes narrowed as she watched the two. Myungsoo had disentangled her claws from his arm, sending her a disarming smile he leaned closer, to the point that his mouth were hovering just above her smirking lips, ‘You tasted delicious, Nana.’
As soon as Iris’s scent filled his nostrils Myungsoo’s eyes flashed over to her dark pair. That same challenge from earlier lay in those smoldering eyes. Iris’s lips curled into a bitter smile, Challenge accepted.
Before Nana knew what was happening she was flung back from Myungsoo, a hiss echoing deep in her throat. The woman flicked her long blond hair, shooting a deathly glare at Iris who stood in front of an amused Myungsoo.
‘He’s mine, back off bitch.’ Nana’s voice hissed out. Myungsoo, never one to stop a catfight, simply crossed his arms, a smirk over his face. Anticipating the upcoming drama was one way to put it.
Iris, completely blasé to the other girl’s anger met her scowl. Slowly her hands rose, coming together in a loud clap or mocking applause. ‘Bitch? Your originality astounds me.’
Nana was two strides from ripping open Iris’s neck when a body flew between the two women. With sharp eyes that only vampires possessed they followed the body of the vampire that flew into the piano, sending out an orchestra of contrasting keys that Myungsoo had grabbed her roughly. In time that slowed down to each heartbeat he pulled her towards him, who was lowering to the ground. Nothing had been explained except the short sentence, ‘I’ll protect you, Siri.’
There it was, that same intruding feeling she knew too well. Siri was pushing in her brain, trying to get past her built up defenses and be with L and damned if she was going to let her. But Siri didn’t back down, not this time. Pain blasted through Iris’s head and, if not for L’s quick reflexes to cover her mouth her screams would have echod around the room.
Iris. Trust me. The voice was so like her own that Iris almost buckled, the only difference was it was silkier, like water trickling down rocks in a rainforest. Soothing.
‘No,’ she whimpered through gritted teeth, ‘go away, please.’
It’s not safe for you. Let me help.
The room suddenly froze and the pain receded away. She turned slightly to where L was and jolted away in fear. Pieces of his body had turned into black smoke. Her mouth opened to scream his name, pull him back to her but soon he was gone and she was alone.
Underneath her hands grass began to grow, tickling her palms. The ground beneath her began to shift and soon she was forced to her feet as a tree formed behind her. Iris’s body span around, facing the blooming flowers she’d never seen before. Pink flowers in abundance that were raining down softly, melding the ground into a baby pink floor. With a quick glance down she noticed she was still in her dress, somehow the red material was a relief.
‘Iris.’ It was that same voice, calm and waiting for her reply. ‘Iris, over here.’
Her entire body twirled, the long blond hair twisted around her arms in the gentle breeze that was carrying the flowers. Across from her, no more than five meters was her own mirror image. The only difference was her hair and her clothes.
Her body was elegantly draped in the most intricate patterns Iris had ever seen. The top shimmered the softest buttery yellow and the bottom melded from sunset pink to darker purple. White flowers framed the upper bodice that fitted to her chest to meet in the middle, separating the bottom of the dress to the top with a fine lining of white flowers that covered her belly button. The flowers continued to incase her hips before letting the bottom half of the dress fall with only a light shimmering of lace sneaking through here and there. Her throat was also lightly wrapped in the flower patterning to where a pink crystal lay in the middle of the base of her neck.
Unlike Iris, Siri’s hair was a like blue velvet, almost to the point of black but when the sun reflected it just right, shimmered that tiny amount of blue. It was long and straight, falling around her shoulders to pool at the bass of her back.
‘Are you Siri?’ The woman didn’t answer instead her eyebrow rose slightly. Iris’s voice was shaking when she spoke her next words, ‘Are you… me?
This time she nodded, a soft smile over her face. With small steps, as if scared Iris would bolt at any moment, Siri moved forward until she could reach out and clasp Iris’s hands.
‘I know you’re scared.’ The eyes that watched her were shining with too much love for Iris to comprehend.
Immediately, ‘I’m not scared.’
Siri giggled softly, like a bell chiming in the breeze, ‘I live in your head Iris.’ Though her face quickly grew serious, ‘Please, I won’t take over.’
The two girls locked eyes. For the briefest moment Iris wondered how Siri knew she was terrified, not of the vampires but that Siri wouldn’t give her mind back but Siri’s words echoed in ears.
I live in your head…
In one of the most vulnerable moments Iris stuck out her pinkie awkwardly, unable to make eye contact with herself, ‘Promise me.’ Her voice was weak and she wasn’t able to lift her head until she felt Siri’s soft finger wrap around hers, directed her hand so their thumbs touched – sealing the promise.
‘Give me some time though, with him.’ Her eyes reflected tears, ‘I never got to say goodbye.’
Unable to deny the request Iris nodded. In that moment of a compromising agreement the wind picked up, flinging the long black hair and blond hair up into the wind and around their bodies. The next thing Iris knew she was staring at the floor of the house but when she tried to lift her head she couldn’t.
This is what it’s like for me, everyday Iris.
A memory slapped Iris in the face, a recollection from five years ago, when the living nightmares had started.
Siri’s soft voice cut off her memories. Yes, even then. When Iris went to reply in her mind Siri’s voice interjected. Quiet now, I need to protect you.
‘Kazuya, you’re being rude to our hosts.’ A groan sounded from the piano as the man pushed himself out, moving to bow painfully at the new men in the room. ‘My apologizes.’ Woohyun’s hand stayed heavy on Jieun’s head, forcing her to keep her eyes level with the ground.
‘Sunggyu.’ A new voice spoke this time. It softer but with poison, ‘Let me pay you back for that piano, Changmin has a temper.’
Sunggyu kept his head to the ground when he replied, ‘Please don’t, I’m grateful that you’re even attending my humble party.’
It was a textbook response, anything other than politely declining the offer was asking for death. Rule one, flattery. Rule two; forget the word pride even exists. If you followed those two basic rules you had a chance at surviving with the two leaders of The League appeared.
Laughter fell from the shorter one, ‘everyone, please continue with your pleasantries!’ Slowly, very slowly as if the first person to stand would be shot down, the guests began to stand, all bowed deeply before moving away to discuss lifeless topics quietly.
Iris felt a hand grasp her upper arm and, when Siri turned her head, noticed that it was L. The softest smile fell over his lips. Something in Iris clenched, he looks so much more innocent, so much more approachable and his eyes were shining with love. Suddenly she was incredibly jealous of Siri.
Does he always smile to you like that? She asked Siri quietly.
Always. Was the brief reply.
Siri accepted the offered hand and soon the two were walking towards Sunggyu, Woohyun and a shaky Jieun who was relying heavily on Woohyun’s arm around her waist to keep her up. Occasionally Woohyun would move his head next to her ear, whisper something so quietly even the vampire’s wouldn’t hear and she’d nod shakily. The two had almost arrived to their friends when a hand snapped out in their way, blocking them from proceeding.
The vampire who’d destroyed the piano stepped in front of them, leaning heavily on his right leg. He was literally the best looking man Iris and even Siri had ever seen. Features perfectly matched, shaped eyebrows and medium length light brown hair that was obviously styled by the lean hands to lift off his face with only a few pieces left to decorate his fringe.
He didn’t say anything but his face was pulled into a cocky smile, despite the dust that lined his once perfect suit. Instead he stepped forward to L and in a barely recognizable movement raised his eyebrows and moved his hand in the shape of an ‘L’ before slipping it into his suit pocket. L inclined in head in the slightest of nods.
The cockiest of smiles fell over the man’s face, and in the most superior manner he picked up a glass of blood, ‘I heard you’d be here.’ He nodded towards Siri, ‘And you’re new vampire.’
At the moment Iris was certain this guy wasn’t safe. She started to panic, kicking around in Siri’s head until the other pressed a hand lightly to her temple. It’s ok. He was in the same cell as L, he’s his best friend.
I don’t trust L any more than this guy.
Siri’s body stumbled for a second when Iris kicked out again. L’s arm held her secure but no feature on his face showed any concern, concern was something that would be immediately targeted by Changmin and Yunho.
Trust me then.
‘Been a while since I saw you, Kazuya.’ L commented dryly. As much as it was a comment that could be taken at light the irony in his statement made Kazuya’s lips lift up in amusement.
Siri, in control again, wrapped a dainty hand around L’s elbow. She through a disgusted look at Kazuya, whose smile only grew at her acting, huskily whispered to L, ‘We need to talk to the other guests, darling.’
Oh, vomit.
L nodded slightly. Neither bid farewell to Kazuya but he took their specified eye contact as farewell and slipped away, flinching as his injured leg continued to bring him pain. L pulled Siri along with him so they walked as a unit to the original targeted area.
‘Your excellency,’ Siri and L said it simultaneously, bowing deeply to the two men in front of them.
Changmin, the taller of the two with hair half in his eyes and a well-defined figure draped in a long jacket coat and pinstripe pants waved a hand at them. Yunho aimed them a hostile but practiced smile and inclined his head. The dark eyes of the youngest flickered to Siri.
‘A new vampire.’ Not a question, of course Changmin would know about knew vampires. Either way Siri and L breathed a silent sigh of relief, he didn’t know. Yet.
‘Please treat me well,’ Siri said, bowing deeply again. Yunho’s eyes, however, flickered to the linked arms of the two. ‘Close for such a new vampire.’ Was his remark, ‘you two as well,’ he commented to Woohyun and Jieun.
‘Ah yes, about the elf.’ Changmin pitched in, gracefully slipping a glass from the tray behind carried around, ‘I don’t think this abides by our rules, does it?’
Woohyun tried to comment but Yunho cut him off with a glance. Siri interjected in a more delicate way. She tried handed a blood glass to Jieun, trying to direct the attention away from the current topic but Jieun ignore it.
‘I apologize, your grace,’ she said softly, bowing low and long. Maybe for a normal vampire that would have been enough. Flattery and lack of pride easily pleased Changmin but she still had elf blood running through her.
‘I can fix it.’ He said casually. With a flick of his wrist the wine glass had shattered on the ground, Jieun’s hand was captured in his and his teeth had sunk into her wrist.
The entire room froze. It was not unheard of, for Changmin to feed of any that struck his fancy but Jieun was part elf. Unclean, dirty. Siri and L both froze as well and, for a brief moment, squeeze one another’s hands in comfort. Blood and Changmin together was something they’d not long ago recovered from.
Changmin drank from Jieun to the point that the girl’s eyes grew heavy and the slowing of her heart was loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. Woohyun stood to the side, hands clenched into tight fists and face downcast.
That’s when Iris broke through.
‘Stop.’
More out of curiosity and astonishment than following her request Changmin pulled away. Those piecing eyes turned to stare at Iris. Where she’d once been in L’s safety she now stood alone. L, instead, stood behind her trying to keep his emotions in check.
Suddenly Uee appeared, as if nothing had happened. She slipped in on Iris’s side, bowing deeply to the two men as the others before her had however Changmin’s gaze stayed riveted on Iris. A chill ran up her spine and, despite herself, she found her body leaning into Uee’s. All thoughts about playing her role disappeared as fear clouded her mind. Because of that when Uee’s hand reached up and elegantly draped itself around Iris's arm Iris found herself in the others debt.
Iris’s eyes briefly flickered to Sunggyu’s face. His face was pained and damp with sweat but his eyes were on Uee, not her. That’s when she realized the mistake she’d made. In trying to save Jieun, in being selfish and trying to stop herself witnessing another death she’d put so many lives in danger. Sunggyu, for hosting the event, Myungsoo, for turning her and from there all of those who lived in Sunggyu’s house; Sungyeol, Sungjong, Woohyun, Jieun, Hoya, Dongwoo. And now Uee as well, because Uee was doing what she’d done, in a more eloquent way.
What have you done…? Siri sighed in her head. There’s nothing I can do now.
‘Well aren't you a handsome devil,’ Uee drawled, her voice breathy. ‘The rumors don’t match up, do they?’
The smile Changmin gave her was hard with anger that still boiled. ‘Neither do yours.’ He didn’t need to explain; everyone in the room knew it wasn’t a compliment. Uee’s face, however, showed no sign that she understood his insult, instead her face brightened into embarrassed joy and she bowed deeply, ‘Your excellency.’ The words were breathy with excitement.
Changmin’s hand reached up slowly tracing over her downcast face and that’s when Iris noticed how shaky her hands were. Uee had curled them into tight fists to try and mask it but it was unmistakable.
A collective inhale of breath filled the room with Changmin’s next actions. From his pocket her pulled a perfectly bloomed iris. With a deathly smile he bowed to Uee and gracefully extended it to her.
For such a romantic gesture the mood was hauntingly dark and, when Iris managed to pull her eyes away from the flower to behind Changmin she noticed the seven faces of those she lived with, even Jieun’s, were obscure with agony and sorrow.
Slowly, with startlingly shaky hands, Uee accepted his flower and her fate.
Myungsoo has a messed up past, that much is obvious. Being over a hundred years old brings a lot of baggage. His friends struggle to understand his past and help him find himself in the cursed life he lives.
Chapter 14
Bloodlust
Iris’s heart plummeted. The kiss was long and stretched out; the two in the act pressed tightly to one another and the entire time Iris found her temper escalating. It spiked when the woman pulled back and she caught sight of the rosy lipstick that had smeared over Myungsoo’s lips.
If it weren’t for the sudden death grip on her arm she would have tried to rip the girls head of right then. Iris didn’t have to look to know it was Jieun holding her at bay. The hands were too forgiving and womanlike to be anyone else’s.
‘Myungsoo, darling. You look absolutely ravishing,’ The strangers voice chimed in one of the heaviest British accents Iris had ever heard but her face claimed she was from Asia. Though the blonde hair made it hard to tell. But his eyes looked right past her, across the hallway to where Iris stood, trying hard to keep her face composed. Instead of watching the picturesque woman those mysterious eyes that gave made girl’s stomachs do cartwheels where staring directly into Iris’s and a question lay in them, What are you going to do? Almost a taunt, daring her to make a move because they both knew no sentiments lay between them except those in a past life.
Even when a low hiss that reminded Iris too much of possession fell from her mouth Myungsoo’s eyes never flirted away from hers. His hand, the ones that were normally so harsh, rose to cup the female's face and, in a moment almost too astonishing for Iris to comprehend, jerked the woman forward.
Everything that happened next was almost surreal; the sound of skin breaking and someone swallowing heavily filled the room. Sunggyu was the first to react, furiously pushing Myungsoo away and heaving the woman into his arms but the image was wedged in Iris’s head.
Myungsoo, his mouth wrapped around her neck, blood splattered on his face from the impact of his advancement and his eyes, his horribly red eyes, locked to hers. Mocking her, telling her she was just like him. A monster.
It was the amused laughter of the British woman that broke the heavy tension in the room. Her hand was whipping away the trail of blood, only to bring it to her face and, with heavy eyelids, lick it from her fingers. Iris cringed in disgust and by the tightening hands on her arm, Jieun wasn’t exactly enchanted by the woman either.
‘Sunggyu, my love, May I borrow your bathroom. I’m rather in-composed.’ Sunggyu’s face was tight with anger when he nodded
'Hoya, Nana please.' Hoya lead the woman from the front door. Surprisingly, for the two girls at least, none of the following guests squirmed in the slightest when greeted by Myungsoo’s bloodstained face. In fact one man, seemingly drunk before the party even started, even laughed, asking if there was any left for him.
It didn’t take a genius to realize what he was referring to.
There were scarce few guests that stood out to Iris. One was a tall slender chestnut with large eyes and an appealing smile. She had attractively chubby cheeks and a figure to die for but there was no sense of evil in her, she seemed just like that next-door neighbor you always use to play with. She’d walked in with all the elegance of a feline, bowed deeply to Sunggyu, a courtesy no one else had shown and smiled at the two girls.
‘You’ve grown your family,’ she stated to Sunggyu and for a faint second Iris almost thought there was pleasure in her declaration. There was no sniff followed with resentment when she realized Jieun was half elf, another commonly seen occurrence that evening. It seemed vampires weren’t one for manners. Instead of repulsion the girl laughed sunnily, ‘Half elf, half vampire,’ she almost purred, ‘how exciting.’
For the first time that night Sunggyu’s smile was unpretentious, ‘She’s a nice addition, isn’t she Uee?’
The woman, Uee, nodded cheerfully, ‘I look forward to seeing her growth.’ The cat like eyes crossed the room and fluttered back to Sunggyu’s optimistically, ‘I think I can smell some of those apples Sungyeol loves so much.’ And with that she was gone.
More guests came, walking in with the same haughtiness and lack of concern for those around them as the others had. Almost all sneered or hissed at Jieun who took the animosity with a sugary smile. Iris would have thought she didn’t care if the normally soft puppy eyes weren’t hard.
‘Tablo!’ The excited nature in which Sunggyu called the man’s name had Iris’s whole body spinning, excitement dripping from her. If Sunggyu was excited to meet a guest maybe it was someone else of worth, at least in personality. Coming through the door was a couple, their hands entwined. The male, Tablo, shot a bright smile at Sunggyu. Letting go of the woman’s hand he pulled his friend into a tight hug, slapping his back playfully.
‘I’ve missed you,’ Sunggyu muttered into the shoulder of his friend. The woman behind stood with a light smile over her face. She held her short statue and hairstyle with style, allowing the brown locks to curve around her face carelessly.
Instead of being introduced by Sunggyu she walked forward and held out her hand with a bright smile, ‘I’m Hye Jung, Tablo’s wife.’
Jieun was a lot more accustom to pleasantries so it was her little hand that clasped Hye Jung’s, shaking firmly. ‘I’m Jieun, this is Iris.’
The woman smiled cheekily, ‘Half elf?’
Slightly weary of the constant disgust she’d been receiving Jieun nodded but Hye Jung, just like Uee, grinned happily, ‘Such an interesting family.’ The way that Hye Jung’s eyes caught Iris’s froze the girl. Something about that statement and the look in her eyes made it obvious she knew more than most. It made Iris uncomfortable and frankly angry. But before she could bring it up Tablo gracefully took his wife’s hand and guided her away, muttering something about unexciting bantering. Seemingly not everyone was thrilled at the idea of trying to be courteous.
After almost exactly 83 guests had trickled in Sunggyu pulled the group away from the door. Waving his hand he dismissed them, letting them go to mingle with the other vampires.
‘Flatter them,’ was the only piece of advice. Myungsoo let out a disgusted sigh, especially when the woman from earlier was seen slinking towards him. Unsympathetically Sungjong and Sungyeol veered away from him while Hoya slapped an encouraging hand on his back, already gliding away. Iris disappeared just as quickly angry with Myungsoo and frustrated that she was jealous.
No one kept a careful eye on Jieun who was shaking slightly. She was moving across the room slowly, slinking away gracefully from anyone that might touch her but still brave enough to hold her chin high. That was until she almost ran into a wall of chests. The air around them seemed cold, almost deadly and instead of raising her eyes Jieun kept her head down, trying to step past them only to be blocked at every turn.
‘She’d a pretty one, isn’t she?’ One remarked, stepping forward to trail a long fingernail down Jieun’s cheek. Fear froze the girl in place as the others laughed deeply, ‘I heard that Elves are pretty submissive in bed.’
That same cackling laughter filled the room, apparently Jieun’s situation was amusing to most of the other vampires. Still unable to meet their eyes, the ones she knew would be lingering in lust she simply kept her head lowered. ‘Never know until you find out, huh?’ Another said with an obvious smirk in his words.
Jieun flinched backwards when the first who’d spoken leaned down, purposely invading her space to taunt her. ‘How about it, virgin, up for a little fuck?’
Bile rose in her throat but she swallowed it down with an effort. Her hands clasped together to try and stop the shaking. Jieun stiffed considerable when someone pressed his hand into the small of her back. Ready to send him a deathly glare she turned her head only to meet the striking jaw of Woohyun. With her breath caught in her throat she watched as he turned to smile graciously at the four men.
‘She’s… previously booked.’ Woohyun’s hand slinked from her lower back around to her hip, pulling her closer to him. ‘Sorry, gents.’ He said smoothly before wrapping his fingers around her chin gently, turning her head up and towards him. For a moment he watched her, her wide deer-like eyes blinking in confusion before he swooped down, pulling her into a deep kiss.
Instead of pushing him away like her mind screamed at her to she stood still, hands limb at her sides. Maybe it was the fear of exposure that kept her frozen except for her lips that followed his lead. By the time he’d pulled away the other vampires had slinked away.
‘We’ll talk about this later.’ Were the first words out of her mouth. Not one to initiate a fight Woohyun simply sent her a charming smile and began to guide her back into the lounge area. His breath fluttered against her ear as he leaned down, ‘they won’t respect you if you show weakness, watch Iris.’
Woohyun wouldn’t have admitted it out loud but the pink-eyed vampire was doing incredibly well. She’d already veered away from the group, coming to rest at the table of blood wine. Jieun watched, still in the protection of Woohyun’s presence, as a male vampire approached her.
‘You’re friends with the vampire elf?’ The male chuckled, arrogance lining his tone, ‘I bet you taste just as unpleasant.’ Iris had already picked up a glass of shimmering blood but turned at the voice, raising uninterested eyebrows at the newcomer.
For someone so little and so innocent looking Iris shocked Jieun when she slinked forward. Her free hand reached up, stroking over the man’s chest. Long fingers wrapped around his tie to pull him closer to her. Her fingers fell away to wrap around his shirt, smoothly ripping a large hole in his shirt to reveal his shoulder blade.
‘No, I highly doubt I do, but you might.’ With that her small mouth gapped open and sunk into his shoulder blade.
No gasp echoed around the room. No one jumped forward as if it was some unspoken rule not to drink from one another but everyone froze as the smell of fresh blood engulfed the room. Jieun’s hands tightened in her dress, transfixed as Iris leisurely drank.
She didn’t retract her teeth until she was satisfied she’d made an impression. With glittery nails she tapped the cheek of the started vampire, ‘Like sewage water,’ she remarked casually. As she walked away she let the wine glass drop, shattering on the ground in a flash of shiny glass and red blood. ‘I guess I won’t be needing that now,’ were the words out of her mouth before the room began to pick up sluggish conversation again.
Sunggyu shot her a satisfied smile, which she returned with a slight inclination of her head as she stepped up beside Hoya, wrapping a hand around his arm to join their mind-numbing conversation.
‘They’ll be here soon,’ Sungyeol whispered as he passed by Sunggyu. Woohyun, pulling a still stiff Jieun along with him, moved in beside his friend. Sunggyu raised his eyebrows.
‘Thought you weren’t staying.’
Woohyun coughed quietly, almost embarrassed before pulling Jieun closer to his side when he noticed a few of the guests eyeing her. ‘I’m the one who got her into this mess.’ It didn’t need to be said that Woohyun now had a conviction to protect the girl.
‘Nice party, Sunggyu, absolutely invigorating.’ The dry statement came from behind them and, turning slowly, Jieun met the eyes of a devastatingly handsome man. Tall build, wide shoulders and a bearing of absolute arrogance in the way he presented himself. Like a rich boy who was bored with life but too handsome and arrogant to not show up to events, just to lower everyone else experience.
Sunggyu shot him a dry smile, ‘Glad you’re enjoying the…’ he followed the gaze of the man to Iris. As she walked her long legs peeked out from the slit down the side. Careful not to crush the glass in his hand Sunggyu took a deep breath, ‘sights.’
A toothy grin was his only reply. In a display of authority the newcomer grabbed Sunggyu’s glass, draining the remaining blood all while shooting a satisfied but watchful look at Sunggyu.
‘Are you really ready to see them again?’
Not one to be intimidated Sunggyu just smiled darkly, ‘I’m anticipating their appearance.’
The man didn’t have a chance to say anything; he was already flying across the room to crash into the grand piano. For a brief moment Jieun thought Sunggyu had punched him until her eyes lifted from his terrified face that peeked out from the broken piano to the two men who stood where he’d been. With a quick glance around Jieun noticed that the entire room was suddenly on their knees, maybe she’d been too occupied with the threat the other man had carried to notice.
Next thing she knew Jieun was being pulled down by Woohyun his hand pressing into her neck to keep it lowered to the ground. In the brief moment he was pulling her down she’d noticed Iris. She was on the ground as well, the man that was next to her mirrored the face of Myungsoo but Jieun was certain it wasn’t the same man. Jieun squeezed her eyes shut tightly, her body beginning to shake in fear.
Myungsoo has a messed up past, that much is obvious. Being over a hundred years old brings a lot of baggage. His friends struggle to understand his past and help him find himself in the cursed life he lives.
Chapter 13
Preperation
Iris had no idea how it happened. One day the living room had been in disarray from the werewolf attack, the next it was completely different. The hole in the wall had been renovated into a high glass wall that gave way to the street outside. In all honesty she’d preferred it when there had been a wall. She wasn’t exactly happy that any passer by could see straight into their house. Or rather, the house she was staying in.
Iris aimed a pointed glare at the old man who, having been caught three times already, was ogling at her again. When he scurried away like a dog told to go to his bed she couldn’t help the satisfied smirk.
I wonder what he’d taste like. She thought briefly, wincing slightly when her fangs extended.
‘Good to see you’re not disgusted with your new appetite like Jieun is.’ Iris welcomed Dongwoo’s presence. He made her smile, even when she didn’t think she could muster that sort of expression.
‘How is she?’
A snort sounded behind her, ‘She still smells like a bloody elf,’ Hoya strolled up beside her, ‘and he would taste crap, FYI,’ he mumbled, nodding his head to the old man’s house.
One of Iris’s eyebrows raised in curiosity, ‘Why’s that?’
Dongwoo chuckled, pulling the blinds closed to block the man’s view. ‘Too much porn and cigarettes.’
‘The party is tonight?’ Iris asked quietly, trying not to show how nervous she really was. The red contact has arrived yesterday with an exhausted looking Sungjong. The poor boy had not only organized the contacts but her dress, Jieun’s dress and a bunch of clothes the two could share from here on out, instead of wearing the boys old T-shirts and oversized pants.
‘Yea,’ Hoya said indifferently, ‘Another reason I have to wear a damn suit.’ Disgust lined his tone but went ignored by Dongwoo, ‘Sungjong has a dress ready, he’s waiting for you.’ When Iris didn’t move straight away Dongwoo guested casually for her to leave. ‘We’ll all be meeting here in about an hour so look nice, ok?’
Iris nodded absentmindedly; dressing up wasn’t something she’d ever had the privilege of. It wasn’t something she’d even ever dreamed off, she was too caught up in escape plans and her mind had been constantly plagued by thoughts of Myungsoo and vampires lately she hadn’t thought of much else.
Two light knocks were the only warning she gave before walking into Sungjong’s room. The boy was staring intently at a TV screen, blood and gore the only real image displayed on screen. For a moment Iris was disgusted and intent on leaving but then he turned, catching her disgusted look he jumped up quickly.
‘It’s a horror movie, that’s it.’ His hands are raised in innocence, ‘Don’t get the wrong idea.’ Still cautious Iris nodded bluntly, not daring a risk back at the television.
With awkwardness heavy in the air Sungjong tucked his hands into his pockets, ‘You’re here to get ready?’
‘Yea, Hoya and Dongwoo sent me.’
Sungjong just nodded gesturing for her to sit on comfy looking couch, thankfully it wasn’t red. Iris was slowly growing sick of the colour. ‘I hope you like it,’ Sungjong’s voice was nervous, his hands even shook lightly as he pulled out the dress.
But it was gorgeous and if he couldn’t tell by Iris’s quick inhale of breath he could when she jumped up, carefully reaching out as if it might break. It was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen. It had a sweetheart neckline decorated with beads. The dress was fitted until the mid waist where it fanned out softly in two layers, one was the same black from the top half but it flowed into see-through material that layered gently over the deep red. Her legs would be bare at the front, leaving the long lengths of flesh to capture attention as if the dress wouldn’t already be enough.
The bottom of the dress, from where it stopped mid-thigh at the front, all the way down to were it dropped low to slid along the floor at the back ended in lace. Beading was still skillfully weaved into the bottom half of the dress, mimicking the top.
‘Can I really wear this?’ She didn’t know why she whispered, or why she seemed to unsure. She should have just taken it, been happy secretly and not shown that sort of weak emotion. She’d already promised herself to be strong now.
‘Yea, put it on. Woohyun’s going to do a bit of eye make-up for you when you’re done.’ The shocked look Iris sent Sungjong was enough for him to laugh. ‘Don’t worry, the guy’s had plenty of experience.’
Before she could question what he meant the door had closed behind his retreating form and it was just her and the beautiful dress. With delicate movements she slowly pulled it on, spinning in the mirror that accompanied half of Sungjong’s wall. Unsure if Sungjong was going to come back in or was waiting for her she walked carefully, still worried any movement would break the dress, to peek outside. Instead of Sungjong she found Woohyun.
He was leaning against the opposite wall, his long legs crossed at the ankle and the pale skin of his chest showing where he’d unbuttoned his shirt maybe once too much. Judging by the smirk that grew over his face when she stared at his chest a little too long Iris figured it was intentional. He was dressed nicely in a sleek, skinny white suit. He’d rolled the sleeves of his dress shirt up along with the jacket, baring the strong arms that were adored in different bangles. At least one finger on each hand held a ring and the suit jacket was decorated with blood red buttons, a rose mimicking the colour was tucked into the left lapel of his suit.
Iris licked her lips unconsciously, nerves about the upcoming night licking fire in her stomach. ‘Not going to welcome me in kitten?’ Woohyun all but purred, fully enjoying the nerves in the girl.
The fire quickly built in her and anger in a mix of nerves caused her to snap at him, ‘It’s not my room, dumbass.’
Woohyun simply burst into laughter, amused that she was so similar in temperament to Myungsoo, ‘Oh, hiss!’ he mocked, lifting his hands in mock innocence. He slicked past her, casually strolling over to pull out a chair. ‘Sit.’
Disgruntled she all but stomped over, slumped down with her arms folded like a four year old and waited. He poked and prodded, constantly saying commands for her to move her face in certain ways. Blink. Close. Open. When her temper snapped he’d just laugh and push her back down, finishing the look. Her hair had dried into soft curves and Woohyun did nothing but brush it and pull small pieces back, pinning them with pearl bobby pins.
The red contacts had been the hardest part. They’d made her eyes water and had been horribly uncomfortable. Woohyun had instructed her not to touch her eyes at all, not even to touch her face, from fear that her pink irises would be visible.
‘All done,’ He didn’t give her the chance to look in the mirror for more than a second but the girl in front of her, in that moment was someone she couldn’t even recognize. She was beautiful, sexy and completely terrifying.
The heels pinched and Iris had to cling to Woohyun’s arm going down the stairs. Sure, being a vampire may guarantee better balance but the heels were something she’d never done before. Dongwoo hurried up when she walked into the room to help her from Woohyun while Hoya just raised one eyebrow in appreciation.
‘Looking good princess.’ Iris turned slowly, still unsure on her feet, to meet the mocking eyes of Myungsoo. His hair was dripping wet, clothes dirty from wherever he’d been the whole day. Iris thanked Dongwoo while she sunk down into the seat. Suddenly feeling a lot more feminine and a lot more powerful because of that she watched Myungsoo squarely as he walked across the room.
‘You’ve been out?’ It wasn’t a quiet question, nor one said to make conversation. Actually, it sounded more like a demand for an answer and it didn’t exactly impress Myungsoo.
He walked right past her, chucking his wet jacket on the back of the couch. ‘Yea, had a mission,’ he said gruffly, not making eye contact. Iris tried to keep her face composed, she had no idea what a mission was, that they ever had missions here but decided not to focus on it.
Iris raised her feet, which were already aching from the heels and slammed them down to settle loudly on top of the coffee table and leaned back on the lounge. Consciously of her body she moved her limbs into a more subtly attractive way, tilting her head slightly when she met his eyes. ‘How’d it go?’
Myungsoo moved to sit on the opposite couch; flipping the television on to mindlessly watch bad reruns of old shows. ‘Tasted like a murderer.’
Still not use to the entire concept of surviving on blood, though not against it, Iris wrinkled her nose, ‘Delightful. What does that taste like exactly?’
Sensing a chance to tease her Myungsoo stood slowly, stalking over to where she sat. Determined not to lose to him she kept her cool, even when he planted his palms down on either side of her head and slowly leaned into her face. ‘It’s like drinking cigarette infected water. Musky. Dirty.’ His breath fluttered over her face, ‘It’s like eating broccoli while chocolate sits in your way.’
Iris’s eyes fluttered, tempted to fall shut in intimidation. Instead she bit down hard on her tounge and raised an eyebrow mockingly, ‘I happen to like broccoli.’
His face fell in dissatisfaction before he moved away as quickly as he’d appeared, ‘You like blood now,’ was all he said before settling back into his place.
Iris didn’t answer and Woohyun took it at his cue to bid farewell. With one step forward to turn attention to him he smiled sheepishly, ‘I’ve got to split, I won’t be staying tonight.’
‘Why?’ Hoya almost demanded, ‘We need you.’
Iris had no idea what happened between the two after that. They stared at one another intently, their expressions changing in turn as if they were having their own conversation that was unheard to the rest of them. Next thing she knew Woohyun had moved forward to press a chaste kiss on her cheek before almost jogging out of the room.
Unsure what to make of the entire situation Iris quickly changed topic, turning back to Myungsoo she raised her eyebrows and asked quickly. ‘Why’d you try and kill me?’ To the side Hoya watched her carefully.
‘You piss me off.’ Despite his words Myungsoo’s face was taunt with emotion. As if L was trying to get in, trying to control him again.
‘That’s so stupid.’ She whispered, brushing her eyes past him to stare out at the twinkling lights of the city. ‘You piss me off, doesn’t make me try to kill you in your sleep.’
He just gave Iris a stern look, instantly telling her to shut up. She obediently snapped her mouth shut, mainly because she wanted to get more information from him and pissing him off probably wasn’t the best way to go about it. Her eyes fell to her hands, twisting around one another in mock fear. A muffled chuckle fell out of Hoya. Myungsoo just rolled his eyes, his mouth turning in frustration.
‘Do you hate me?’ She asked. Maybe it could have sounded worried but instead it was interest that lined her words.
‘I don’t know you.’ Blunt.
Iris snapped her mouth open, ready to retort, but Sunggyu’s voice boomed through the house, ‘Get ready, you three!’ And he was gone, just as suddenly as he entered. Hoya and Dongwoo followed, both giving their own little goodbye to Iris as they left cheerfully.
She was alone until Sungyeol strolled in, his tall legs eating up the distance between the doorway and the apples that lay waiting to be eaten. He caught her watching him, an apple half way to his mouth. She watched, slightly amused, as his eyes widened and he motioned at the apple, ‘Have you tried them yet? They’re amazing.’
When she didn’t respond he threw one at her. With her eyes on his still she let her teeth sink into the new food. The taste of blood flooded her mouth but it was sweeter than usual, like some kind of additives had been added into it. With a bright smile she met the eyes of Sungyeol, whose smile was just as bright.
‘This is amazing,’ she gushed, ‘no wonder you eat so many.’ A brilliant smile lit up Sungyeol’s face and regret suddenly filled Iris. With her eyes downcast she ran her fingers over the bright red skin of the apple. ‘I’m sorry I haven’t talked much to you.’
The boy just shrugged, ‘I didn’t expect you to. It’s not like we’re friends out of choice, you were sort of shoved into this world.’ But he didn’t meet her eyes, instead kept them lowered as well.
‘You like nice.’ Iris mumbled, unsure why she was so nervous. But it was true, he did. He was also dressed in an all black, to the buttons on his vest and jacket to the cuff links. Dashing was one way to explain it. He was absolutely dashing. His hair was styled around his face and while he looked almost too pretty to be a boy but then again Sungjong wasn’t exactly manly in his face either.
Honestly Iris found his features quite charming. Sungjong was the next one ready for the night, he walked in causally. Sungyoel cast one careless look at Sungjong and scoffed, ‘Who are you? Willy Wonka?’
Sungjong scowled unhappily but laughter bubbled from Iris, though quickly stifled at the upset look that flickered over Sungjong’s face. She couldn’t help it though, he did, I a way, resemble the movie versions of Willy Wonka. His suit was red, though it was a muted red, almost deep maroon and had long tails that fluttered the back of his knees. But it was his hat, though not a top hat, that pushed him into the illusion of Willy Wonka.
‘You look nice,’ Jieun said quietly as she stepped into the room. It was the first time Iris had seen the girl since the slightly haunting image of her thrashing on the floor in pain. Thankfully that image was easily erased as Jieun slowly stepped further into the room, letting the excessive amount of candle light lick flames around her body.
She was stunning.
There were still traces of elf in her features, like the small cat like eyes, the button nose and innocence that even her transformation couldn’t seem to distinguish. But her body had seemingly developed from a small, fifteen year old elf, into a mature woman’s. Her curves had filled out, leaving her with long legs, an hourglass figure and elegance that mingled in the remaining innocence. It was an interesting mix. The dress Sungjong had arranged for her in under a day was stunning as well.
It wrapped tightly around the girls neck, the only reason the dress was staying up was because of that very neck strap and the tight encasing of lace that flowed from the neck, down her figure to flay out softly after her mid-thigh, letting her walk. Under the lace was a shimmering slip that was the same colour. Blood red, Iris clammed her lips tight; they all seemed to be wearing some shade of blood tonight.
Sungjong, already making his own little alliance against those who questioned his attire, strode over to the newest vampire and offered his arm. He shot them all a little smirk when she accepted his arm. The attention turned, at lest for Iris, as Myungsoo strolled back in, dressed for the night. Something jumped in her throat. He’s done something to his hair that she couldn’t pin point but he looked ravishing. Images of him flashed in her mind. His smile, something she’d never seen before. His laugher rang in her ears, or she thought it was his laughter. Warmth flooded through her stomach and she looked away from his quizzing eyes quickly.
She almost kissed the Sunggyu when he stepped into the room, a welcome interruption from her thoughts. Following him was Hoya and Dongwoo; both wearing personalized ideas of formal wear. Dongwoo’s suit was pure white, a red tie complementing the eyes that shimmering with faint excitement, whereas Hoya had throw his suit jacket over his shoulder, letting it fall unwanted on the couch and stood in a crimson dress shirt. The black vest he wore fitted into his shape, the light chains that hang briefly from each button only to connect to the adjacent button clicked quietly as he walked. Sunggyu on the other hand, was dressed rather simply; his suit was plain black with the typical white shirt and a skinny black tie. He didn’t need to pull out any trick to capture attention anyway, not with his ability to command attention with striking blond hair and enchanting eyes. ‘Our guests are arriving.’ He lifted two fingers, indicating the others forward him into the hallway, on an afterthought he turned and muttered, ‘try and be civil.’
An extended sigh fell from Myungsoo but he pushed himself up regardless of his apparent disgust with socializing. Long fingers brushed invisible dust off his suit, straightening the blood red tie and pulling awkwardly at his tight collar. ‘Can’t bloody breath in these things,’ he muttered angrily but strolled out into the large hallway, not even bothering to prepare a welcoming smile for the upcoming ‘guests.’
Her heart was in her throat when she stepped up beside Hoya, somehow his large presence made her feel protected against whatever evil would walk through that door. Iris chanced a glance at the clock ticking on the wall, caught her reflection in the glass and was relieved that her eyes still pretended to be red.
For Iris, at least, the room shrunk immensely when the first person stepped into the house. It was like the lights had dropped and a bright spot light had landed on this girl and she certainly did shine.
Maybe that was why Iris’s heart twisted painfully in her chest when the beautiful girl danced forward; wrapped perfect arms around Myungsoo and pulled him down into a kiss.
Myungsoo has a messed up past, that much is obvious. Being over a hundred years old brings a lot of baggage. His friends struggle to understand his past and help him find himself in the cursed life he lives.
Chapter 12
Awakening Fears
Heavy footsteps crunched autumn leaves. A dreary mist wrapped itself heavily around the figure that strolled casually around the dismal graveyard. It was thousands of years old. A graveyard smothered in lies and the scent of Iris’. A lean hand reached out, long fingers running along the smooth surface of one particular grave. A stretch of white lay across the front, as if a hand covered in white paint had brushed along it and it wasn’t far from the truth.
‘Why don't you just wash it off?’
The voice came from the tall man’s right, from his closest friend and probably the only man he trusted. While his friend was slightly shorter and older than he was they remained stuck to each other like brothers. They were both blessed with handsome features, though his friends were a lot softer than his own. Maybe it was that practiced smile, where he himself bore a smirk.
That signature smirk appeared as he answered his friend. ‘Give them some hope, Yunho.’ The nails pressed into the gravestone, dragging four deep lines through the memory of someone once loved. ‘Giving them hope while trapping them under our thumb will slowly kill them.’ A devilish smirk fell over the younger mans face, ‘and it’s much more fun to watch them when that hope dies.’
Mist dwelled around the two menacingly, ‘As if they’ll resist us again, not after what happened to those two.’
Anger flashed over the youngsters face and Yunho found himself chocking under the iron fist of Changmin, ‘Don’t underestimate them.’ The words were hissed into Yunho’s ear but not a single trace of fear was shown over his face.
‘Don’t underestimate me.’ Yunho hissed in return. Hands smashed into Changmin’s chest, sending the two flying in opposite directions. Changmin kicked off the grave he was heading to, floating casually in the air to land on top of another gravestone, his hands tucked into his pockets as if he hadn’t moved a step. Yunho flipped just as nonchalantly on one hand and landed with a bored expression, moving back to his friend while brushing the dirt off his hands.
‘The party is tomorrow.’
Changmin snarled, ‘Remind me exactly why we go again?’
Yunho glared disapprovingly, ‘to watch them.’
Changmin rolled his eyes, ‘I seriously can’t imagine them planning anything. Sunggyu’s too scared of us and Woohyun’s living in a world of sex.’
Yunho’s eyes hardened, ‘you seem to have forgotten our own persona’s while we were planning our own uprising, don't base things on outer appearance.’ Yunho grabbed Changmin’s wrist tightly when the other scoffed, ‘It’ll get you killed, Changmin.’
‘Roger, Oh master of wisdom.’ Changmin chuckled dryly and mockingly saluted his friend.
Woohyun had heard all kinds of screaming before. His favourite, by a large margin, were screams of pleasure. A smirk might have pulled at his plump lips in a different time. He’d heard more of these screams than any other and they remained his favourite after many years. Screams of laughter were also some he’d heard before.
Then, frightened screams. The ones that were short lived and normally were followed with laughter at the screamers mistake. He didn’t mind them; they were more annoying than anything else. Then there were scared screams. These were the kind laced with fear that wasn’t short lived or based from surprise. This was the kind of scream he always heard just before he had his next meal. A long time ago he use to relish in those screams. They meant he was a prime predator. That he, by himself, could strike fear into peoples hearts.
But these screams. These ones. They weren’t any of those.
They were bleeding with agony. Drenched in absolute fear. Maybe the worst part was that there was absolutely no sense of hope in the screams. Not one, not even the slightest shadow of hope.
It echoed off the walls, haunting those few in the building who had some warped sense of right and wrong left in their hearts. Red hands grasped desperately at cold steel. The tips of the hands were bare and bloodied; the nails had long ago been ripped off by pliers. If you managed to tear your eyes away from the disfigured hands you might notice the wrists, so stripped of body fat that the bones were clearly visible through a layer of ripped and dirty skin.
From there, if you dared to look further you’d see burnt skin, something you might have smelt if you’d been able to get past the heavy stench of urine. The skeleton bodies were so riddled with scars and blotched in blood and infected cuts that it would be enough of an image to make any forget the screaming.
But for the ones who hadn’t seen, the ones who’d only ever watched healthy bodies be dragged into the underground with eyes covered in fears, the screaming was their nightmare.
The screaming was the only thing that accompanied them at night. The screaming was the only way they knew those innocent souls were still alive but everything dies out eventually.
Listening was like having a blunt knife dug deep into your chest, inches from your heart and held there, until you thought the pain was starting to dim. At that moment the knife would start twisting, ripping apart your insides in a slow rotation.
Never-ending.
But this time he wasn’t just hearing the screams, not in the same way. While Woohyun use to stand quietly to the side, hands clenched into tight fists and his head down in a desperate attempt to avoid the helpless but begging eyes of the leagues new victims. This time it wasn’t so simply. This time he found himself forced to meet the eyes of the man who’d just had his sentence handed to him. To the man who’d just been informed of his future.
Death.
‘Woohyun!’ his voice whipped out, surprisingly strong considering his situation. More surprising was the anger; it lashed out at Woohyun, forcing his eyes to lift to meet the face that was covered in fury.
Such a young face. He looked like he was still a boy, not someone who’d seen 33 summers. Not someone who’d lived a more carefully planned and delicate life than most in the world. Maybe that was the curse of being a vampire. Not the blood, not the boredom of eternity but having to be careful everyday, lest you make the wrong move.
Because one wrong move could throw you into this hell hole.
The boy struggled, thrashing against the hands that held his strong shoulders. It would never have made a difference. He may be a vampire, but so was everyone else and, if by some strike of luck, he’d been able to rip away from the guards the locks that rattled at his hands and feet were too strong to be broken by a vampire.
Woohyun couldn’t tear his eyes away from his friend as he drew closer. The gate to his future hell was just past Woohyun and the older all but wished he could disappear into his own guilt. His friend who he’d all but betrayed.
‘Woohyun.’ He’d thought the anger had been bad. He’d been wrong. Worse was watching his friends face fall from anger into a split second of hope and, when Woohyun made no move, crumble into despair.
‘L… I’m…’
‘Save it!’ L snapped angrily. Woohyun recoiled, taking a step back at the force of his friends’ sudden anger. L’s shouts slowly faded away as he was dragged further and further. ‘You protect her!’ he shouted, ‘God damnit, you better as hell protect her, you bastard!’
‘No…’ he whispered, stumbling forward from his post., reaching out a hand to where L was being dragged. In the corner of his eye he noticed a dark smirk forming slowly over the League’s leader. Fear chocked him, freezing his feet in place and stopping any advance he might have made.
‘Woohyun!’ L’s screams continued to echo around the courtyard, ‘I’ll kill you if she’s harmed!’
‘Woohyun?’ too many voices, all-pushing into his skull like jack hammers, relentless and desperate for an answer from the frozen man.
‘Go away.’ He whispered, eyes locked on Changmin’s, ‘Go away.’
‘Woohyun?’ the voice shouted at him now. When hands clamped down on Woohyun’s shoulder her shoved them off, turning to run only to be dragged back relentlessly.
‘Woohyun? Damnit what the hell is wrong with you?’ With eyes that were slow to focus Woohyun stumbled out of his nightmare. With staccato breaths he grabbed onto the shoulders in front of him, clutching desperately to his lifeline.
‘Sungjong?’ He blinked rapidly, trying to focus on the male in front of him, ‘Sungjoonie?’
‘Jeez, would you not do that?’ a familiar voice grumbled to the side. With some effort Woohyun turned his head, trying to grasp back some sense of dignity. His eyes met the bored eyes of Myungsoo and something clawed at his heart. The boy had one hand pressing a bloodied cloth against his neck. Behind him, with satisfied eyes but an embarrassed face, was Iris.
With a gruff apology Woohyun pushed himself to his feet only to be caught by Sungjong when he stumbled, ‘Are you sure you’re alright?’ The question came from Sunggyu, the mature man having just entered the room with a sense of leadership. Even more embarrassed now that his best friend had seen him in this state Woohyun shoved Sungjong’s steadying hands off.
‘I’m fine. God, you’re all little schoolgirls. Grow some balls.’ With a face flushed red Woohyun almost jogged out of the room. Sunggyu’s raised hand stopped anyone from following his friend.
Just look after that damn elf, all right? The command was directed at Sungjong and Sungyeol who were standing around awkwardly, half wanting to run after Woohyun and half unsure if they would only make the situation worse. With a taunt back Sunggyu span on his heels and followed Woohyun’s retreating back.
Sunggyu’s foot stopped the door Woohyun had tried to close in a desperate attempt to disappear from the concerned eyes. Slowly the older male slipped in, closing the door quietly behind him. Woohyun was slumped against the wall, right next to the door. One leg was stretched along the ground, the other bent at the knee to rest his elbow on while he buried his face into the joining hand. His body shook with tremors.
Without a word Sunggyu flipped down beside his friend, careful not to touch the shaking body. ‘Was it because of the screaming?’ When no answer came Sunggyu moved his hand over, touched the bicep of his friend and called his name quietly.
‘What if it happens again?’ Woohyun’s voice came out, small and insecure, ‘What if I have to watch that happen all over again?’
‘It won’t happen again.’ Sunggyu said quietly, not at all convincing enough. ‘We won’t let it happen Woohyun, you know that.’
Woohyun swallowed audibly, ‘I can’t be at the party tomorrow. I’ll be too obvious. Just tell them I’ve gone to visit someone…’
With a stony face Sunggyu nodded. While he knew he needed Woohyun with him to make himself stronger he wasn’t about to keep his friend in the house when Changmin would be in the same room. So he forced a bright smile on his face and slapped his friend’s shoulder, ‘I’ll sort it out, hurry up and go.’
romaincrisis
germansingergirl
kianamaiart
dededos
areudirty
annaxmalina
ellievsbear
