Vampire's Kiss

'Right, returning with another chapter ^^ *sigh* maybe short one, but took longer because had to deal with Feelings tm x'D (yet during proof-reading, face-palmed as usual...) Come on, this the second time having it when working on something ><' One thing is writing action or more gory scenes, but this...urgh, sir or ma'am, it's difficult before getting a bit more emotional. Anyhoo, as always, enjoy!

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Update: revisited and updated at 2025/05/17

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After leaving the shop, the ebony-haired woman leads the hunter to the building, at least three times bigger than the shop.

When they are near the door, she picks the key from her pocket and is about to unlock the door.

However, Iori becomes alerted by the witch, who gives him an easing smile and her noticing Kyo’s behavior toward him.

That’s right, whether intentionally, but that vampire keeps making these small, trilling noises during his sleep.

Is he a vampire and not a nekomata instead? However, if that were the case, he would be acting differently. The redhead wonders.

Neither Kyo has split tails nor triangle cat ears when he shows stronger emotions. In any case, Iori doesn’t want to encounter these yokai since they were normal cats but became ones because of people’s cruelty.

In the end, no matter how it looks, Kyo is a vampire despite being weakened.

For now, he asks with irritation in his voice. “What do you want? It’s nothing like I asked for this.”

The ebony-haired woman calmly replies. “As a hunter, you should have already known that vampires are very sensitive creatures. In this case, he sensed you might be stressed. However, he may trust you enough. Even if he is unaware of his actions, he unconsciously tries to comfort you, like his primal instincts tell him.”

No matter how difficult it is to admit, the hypnotic and rhythmic, weak vibrating noises that Kyo makes help Iori feel less stiff.

That stupid vampire...

The hunter turns his gaze away.

As if he will openly admit it...

Seeing Iori’s behavior, the witch only sighs. “You shouldn’t be ashamed of that, hunter.”

Opening the door, she continues. “Vampires, like any other creatures, do also have the same need of wanting to comfort, being cared or loved. Humans like you may never have been taught about such a simple thing, but it’s not your fault. Anyway, let’s go.”

After entering the dark room, she turns the nearest switch, and this place lights up in a warm orange color.

It was a moderate room from which the left side had a small kitchen table and a couple of chairs. From the right side, there’s a single person-sized bed close to the wall and a night table next to the bed.

It seems this room might be used only for the restless or wounded wanderers to stay overnight because there is another door at the end of this room. Maybe behind that door, this is where this woman rests.

However, the witch’s request interrupts his mind. “Don’t just stand here and help me put him into bed.”

Without hesitation, the redhead carefully lies his partner on the bed.

A moment later, he receives a small nag from this woman. “At least remove his shoes and jacket, or are you planning to wash the sheets as well?”

Of course, it’s annoying, but he doesn’t argue.

It’s not as easy to follow her instructions, but Iori somehow pulls Kyo’s shoes off.

Unfortunately, another thing is removing his jacket.

The hunter hopes Kyo is not pretending to be unconscious. Otherwise, someone missed the taste of his leather whip.

Hopefully, that stupid vampire is not aware of how he struggles with such a simple task.

More so, Iori has never felt so embarrassed, and it doesn’t help him either that he can swear that woman is probably silently judging him.

Even if the ebony-haired woman offers him help, Iori’s pride doesn’t allow that.

Once he manages to sit the brunette, he takes this piece of clothing off and lets him lie down.

Lastly, he observes the vampire, who looks so peaceful during his slumber, like nothing happened in the first place. Even his fangs disappear.

However, when the witch is about to leave for another room, she is stopped by Iori’s concerns. “Where are you going? What if he starts freaking out again?”

When she turns her head towards the hunter, she patiently explains. “Rest assured, hunter. This vampire has already gone through the worst. So, now, he needs time to restore his energy. It may take a week or two, in the worst case, even more than a month. During that time, we have to make sure that he avoids even the slightest sunlight beam.”

Even then, Iori sends another set of questions. “And you’re going to leave him as simple as that to doze out? How can you be not sure how long it will take him to recover?”

The ebony-haired woman only sighs and explains. “As a hunter, you sure seem to care too much about your target. I’m not asking what kind of relationship you have with him or your motives. It can wait for another day. For now, I would only ask your name, because you may got already tired of being called you. In return, I’ll let you know my name – Kagura Chizuru.”

At first, Iori doubts whether to tell his name. On the other hand, maybe this woman can be trustworthy enough. After all, she could have simply tricked him or cast a deadly curse on him if she wanted.

Nevertheless, he decides to see how this will turn out.

After introducing himself and telling the brunette’s name, Chizuru explains she needs to document everything that happened and about Kyo’s condition in her journal, along with not wanting to be disturbed in the study room.

Lastly, Iori is left alone with the vampire and waits until he wakes up from his slumber.

If this Kagura person is right, there is nothing left to do.

The redhead grows tired as well. After dimming the lights, he sits on the ground and leans his back against the bed.

Now he remembers her mentioning that vampires are sensitive. So, probably a thin blanket won’t be enough for that idiot. Or so the hunter wonders while lifting his head.

More importantly, these curtains may barely protect that stupid vampire from the sunlight.

That’s why Iori decides to use his coat. Besides, it’s warm and long enough to cover Kyo.

When he gets up and removes his coat, it is revealed that he wears a white, plain, long-sleeved shirt and sturdy leather vest on top of it.

After gently placing his coat on Kyo and making sure it is wrapped around his head, he leaves his face uncovered. So, who knows if that stupid vampire will try to roll on his side?

It cannot be helped that is the hunter’s first time taking care of such nocturnal creatures. Of course, he has no experience with it!

Hell, that vampire doesn’t realize he is resting close to his potential enemy, does he? He is too vulnerable, and if it were another person than Iori, he might have already been dead.

Even looking at the brunette alone makes Iori feel bad for him.

What a hell he has gone through? How could that vampire lowered his guard so easily?

However, even the red-haired hunter understands it is useless to get the answers.

After observing Kyo in his current state for a bit longer, Iori even feels guilty for being too late.

For now, Iori sits down and rests his back against the bed again.

Despite being exhausted from all this mess, he turns his head and watches the brunette.

When he sighs, he thinks how it is such a relief that this vampire is still alive and not taken away by anyone else.

However, no matter how you look at it, it is rather ironic how a vampire killer saves the life of the kind that is feared and despised by humanity.

Iori is aware of it, but it’s not his style to finish weaklings off unless it is a requirement for accomplishing bounty hunts.

On the other hand, the brunette is another case. He doesn’t show any signs of being a threat or having any supernatural strength. Hell, the only thing that he is gifted so far is attracting trouble, and there is a generous bounty for his head.

Of course, the redhead wants to see Kyo’s true potential and his power.

That’s why no matter what it takes, he is prepared for any sacrifice. Maybe then Iori can give his best, and finishing this vampire will be satisfying.

To think of Kyo can barely protect himself. Initially, he needs to learn the most basic self-defense and maybe even have a better weapon. Hell, that stupid vampire better not disappoint me because if he knew about how much I’ve invested in my desired fight… It’s not important what happens next. Now, Kyo is my main priority and I have to make sure nothing will happen to him.

However, Iori immediately returns to reality once he notices how his palm is brushing Kyo’s cheek without realizing it.

He can swear that he was drawn close to the vampire like he was under his spell.

Suddenly, the redhead withdraws his hand as if it had touched the fire.

However, to his surprise, the vampire is not as cold as expected. Contrary, his skin is warm and smooth.

Meanwhile, there is no reaction from the brunette - not a single move or sound, nothing.

Kyo remains so peaceful… and innocent?

No. It must be in this vampire’s nature to be alluring. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to catch his prey. Iori convinces himself and uses it as an explanation for his unexpected behavior.

In any case, the redhead is more curious, because if Kyo can hypnotize while he is asleep, what can he do once he is fully awakened?

“Just get better soon, you idiot.” The red-haired hunter murmurs and goes to turn off the lifts.

Once he returns, he rests in the same spot and checks on the vampire before falling asleep next to him.

It is still the same night, but Iori’s hunter instincts wake him up.

Now, he immediately places his hand on his neck and checks whether the vampire wakes up or uses him as food.

Fortunately, the hunter’s concerns were false – Kyo is still slumbering in the same position.

The brunette’s sharp fangs are visible, and he starts making chattering noises. Although as soon as it begins, it ends soon.

A few moments later, Kyo’s fangs disappear too.

“What was that all about?” Iori complains before returning to his sleep.

In the end, from time to time, the redhead keeps waking up and struggling like this during the restless night.

Fortunately, by the dawn of the new day, the hunter, finally, dozens out until next evening.

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*sigh* I know I promised not that, but couldn't just sit calm, that's why wanted to work on at least on this chapter before another hiatus x'D So, now need to work on other projects as well(although, noticed that people maybe most interested in sci-fi au, but that need to wait cos need to plan what to do with it. Have idea, but need proper planning). Anyway, small update, but hey, better than being in hiatus. So, see you until then...