Vampire's Kiss

Okay, so after awhile returning with new chapter. Well, took longer, cos this chapter is so far one of longest I've been working on. However, thanks for Akumajo Dracula Pachislot I-III OSTs and M&K Company's Castlevania remixes, enjoyed working on this chapter much more than expected, plus added things, which may didn't planned (again xD) So, like always, thank you for your support and enjoy!

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Update: revisited and updated at 2025/06/08

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Finally, Iori slowly opens his eyes. It’s too bright. What time of the day is right now? How long did I pass out?

However, feeling something warm wrapped around him makes him look around and notice it is a late evening and that someone has placed a blanket on him.

Another thing that catches his eye is there is no visible trace of that annoying woman.

Is she gone? As if it matters right now. The redhead thinks.

When he turns his head to check on the vampire, even the slightest movement makes him groan from the aching nape.

Not to mention, leaning forward reminds him of the back pain.

However, the hunter ignores it and stands up while silently groaning.

Once he is standing on his feet, he places his hand on his nape and rubs it. Well, it’s no one’s fault that he fell asleep in such a place. On the other hand, it’s been a while since he slept that well. So, maybe he was more tired than he thought.

As Iori stares at this stupid vampire, he sighs – Kyo is still deeply slumbering and doesn’t show any signs of waking up.

Probably, Kyo is more physically and emotionally exhausted than me. In that case, I’ll need to wait as much as needed.

However, he becomes alert by the squeaking opening door.

Apparently, only Chizuru entered the guest room.

When she notices the hunter, she calmly asks. “Oh, you’re finally awake? How are you feeling?”

Spotting Iori’s coat resting on the brunette, she smiles. “My, you sure are considerate. However, you still need to take care of yourself. No matter how tough you are, you are still a human, Yagami.”

The redhead is not so happy about this comment, but he holds back from fighting back and briefly replies. “Just mind your own business. I’ll stay here as much as needed. So, at least until that stupid vampire wakes up.”

The ebony-haired woman immediately responds. “You don’t need to worry about it. He doesn’t need to be observed all day, at least not this week. That’s why you can carry on your routine as usual. Besides, this area is surrounded by the magic barrier. So, I would be aware if anyone is getting closer. So, if you were worried about this vampire’s safety, rest assure. He is in the safe hands.”

It seems the hunter doesn’t want to give up and declares. “Very well. But don’t think that you can get rid of me so easily! I’m going to visit him until he recovers. Like hell, I’ll leave him alone!”

Of course, Chizuru only sighs at Iori’s childish behavior.

Meanwhile, the vampire hunter even forgets about his coat, and before leaving, he glances at Kyo and adds. “I’ll be back! So, be glad that I have some unfinished business with one pesky bastard.”

Besides, the only place where Iori can get more food for the slumbering brunette is the Hunter Guild. After all, who knows how that stupid vampire will act once awakened? So, being prepared won’t do any harm. That fool Yashiro may have already forgotten about his request, and if he wanted these potions so badly, he might already get them. In any case, now dealing with his mentor is the least of the redhead’s concerns.

After a while, he finally reaches the Hunter Guild.

Once he enters it, he notices the guild is as lively as ever, despite a late hour. So, those checking the notice board, preparing for a new journey, or returning include a pesky silver-haired male whom Iori least wants to see.

When Yashiro notices him, he approaches Iori and pats his shoulder. “Yo! Look who is back~ Why did you take so long? Did Yagami-chan get bullied by some nasty monsters? You look awful. And what happened to your coat?”

It looks like the veteran hunter is not planning to go to the next hunt soon because of his casual outfit alone or not carrying his trustworthy sword – Demon Slayer. More so, at least for once, he puts a shirt on and doesn’t wear his shabby long coat.

But now, even an innocent question from Yashiro annoys Iori.

No, you dumbass. I only stumbled across one abomination that cowardly back-stabs and escapes like a shameless asshole. Then I woke up with my spine killing me. Of course, I’m fine~ The redhead hunter keeps in mind.

When Iori exhales, he keeps his usual poker face and responds in a harsh tone. “Mind your goddamn business...”

After such an adorable reply, Yashiro withdraws his hand from his disciple’s shoulder and shakes his head. “So, you got into another fight again and you lost it, didn’t you?”

Hell, that idiot struck the right spot whether he intended or not.

Nevertheless, Iori turns his gaze away from his senior and remains silent.

After an awkward silence, the silver-haired male starts lecturing him. “How many times I’ve told you not to lose your temper over petite details? Whoever it was, they were kind enough to spare you.”

Iori only cracks a smile, and without facing him, he murmurs. “That stupid bastard…”

Of course, Yashiro gives him a questioning look, but he continues listening further.

Now, Iori lifts his head and confesses. “I met Kain. He looked exactly the same as years ago before getting banished. So, he might be the same kind as you.”

Just before he says more, he feels the menacing aura coming from Yashiro.

Thus, he is immediately alerted by being roughly grabbed by his vest and lifted into the air with a single arm with no sweat.

At that moment, the red-haired male’s face slightly twists in pain from such an unexpected attack.

Even seeing Yashiro’s pissed-off face, Iori realizes he has crossed the line. However, he doesn’t resist and waits to see how it will play out.

Meanwhile, the demon hunter glares at him and warns him in a deeper tone. “Do not dare to me compare me with that human scumbag. Even demons do not commit such crimes like that arrogant trash.”

It is one of the rare cases of Yashiro showing his serious side.

However, it doesn’t change the fact that, every time, it awakens Iori’s primal sense of fear.

It also makes the redhead realize that despite years of training by Yashiro, he is still too weak compared to the veteran hunter.

More so, the vampire hunter is smart enough to understand Yashiro is a supernatural being, and opposing him will only lead to his death.

Nevertheless, Iori refuses to show any sign of fear or struggle and only stares back at him.

However, it seems the silver-haired hunter had enough.

After sighing, he lowers his arm, which holds his disciple, and releases him.

Finally, Iori lands on his knees and lowers his head while biting his lower lip. He never felt so defeated as now, but he knew there was nothing he could do.

Now, Yashiro addresses him in a more forgiving tone. “I hope you didn’t mean to say anything bad. In any case, what happened?”

When the redhead gets up and fixes his clothes, he replies. “He caught a vampire and dragged him to the abandoned storage.”

The demon hunter only chuckles. “So? No one forbids even fools like him to join another guild and hunt down his wanted target.”

Iori only tightens his lips and continues his story in a more concerned tone. “There was some sort of magical circle and when he placed the vampire in the middle of it, he was about to stab him… But I broke that bastard’s wrist. Aside from Kain knowing how to use a blue flame, the vampire was still unable to move no matter what, as if he was paralyzed.”

After listening to Iori, the silver-haired male scratches his chin and sighs. “I see. So, Kain is still causing trouble as usual and strives for more power. Just what kind of demon he killed to obtain such ability? However, it’s also unusual for you to fight other hunters over a mere bounty. Besides, no monster can recover after like that aside from only silently suffering in agony, unless… Can you tell me what did you do to that vampire?”

Surely, Iori’s poker face is cracked, and he is as confused as a child who is caught doing something wrong but doesn’t know how to avoid the punishment.

He can swear that he can feel the pressure from the senior hunter, like being judged for whatever he may say.

However, he needs to answer quickly. Otherwise, Yashiro might suspect him.

After swallowing the saliva, Iori briefly states. “… I killed him. Move. I just need to rest.”

Without facing his mentor, the vampire hunter heads toward his room.

Once Iori is out of his sight, Yashiro tells himself in a humming voice. “You’re a liar. Yagami-chan has been acting so weird recently~ You thought I wouldn’t notice that oh-so-well-hidden bite mark on your wrist? There’s the same vampire’s smell all over you, you idiot. Just don’t lower your guard, or else you may get hurt~”

It is the dawn of the new day. Unfortunately, the vampire hunter couldn’t sleep throughout the night and only got a few hours of rest.

However, it is more than enough for him, or at least this is how he convinces himself.

Besides, right now, it is the best chance to sneak out without getting noticed by his mentor.

That’s why, despite still feeling lazy, Iori forces himself to get up and prepare to leave.

A good half of an hour has passed. Once Iori leaves his room, he straightforwardly heads to the guild’s shop to exchange for blood bags.

However, he was lucky to get only a couple of bags, while the shopkeeper kept giving him a weird look before leaving.

Just what was her problem? It shouldn’t be anyone’s concern what and how much a customer buys. Iori wonders while carrying the bought blood bags.

More so, according to the shopkeeper, she expects to receive a restock of Iori’s desired items along with other goods in a couple of days. So, it means he has to stay in the guild for a while.

Of course, the redhead is not too happy about this, but it’s better than returning empty-handed.

So, that stupid vampire better not wake up without Iori, because who knows what he might be up to or how he’ll behave? Maybe the first thing that Kyo may do is assault the first-on-sight person and feast on them.

Hell, it may mean that the hunter will have to fight a powerful creature filled with nothing more than pure instincts, and he will have to finish Kyo like any other target.

Surely, it will be frustrating how his investment and hard work will be for naught.

More so, it will take some time for the redhead to find another high-ranked enemy.

However, that’s not the main point!

Iori knows that there is something special about Kyo.

Even if this vampire has lost his powers, he shows a huge potential, which makes Iori interested in the brunette.

That’s why the redhead is willing to do anything to make sure that Kyo will be in the best shape as soon as possible and finally defeat him.

He cannot wait for the day when Kyo will give his best. Perhaps then Iori can have the most satisfying and thrilling battle in his life. Maybe he will finally understand what it feels like to be alive.

However, will it be worth sacrificing everything for a momentary bliss? What will he do after he achieves this?

Of course, killing Kyo off is not a choice. If that happens, it will be the same as dying with this vampire.

Besides, the brunette probably doesn’t realize he manages to draw Iori closer to him. Is it because Iori is just a better treat to him? Maybe, maybe not.

In any case, it will entertain the vampire hunter and give him a temporal life purpose of protecting Kyo from any threat, including his own vampire instincts.

But for now, having something to trick the brunette’s hunger may calm him down.

Two days have passed. Before leaving his room, Iori looks in the closet for the thicker coat because he cannot stock these blood bags under his vest.

Besides, the suspicious bulge around his chest area would attract unwanted attention. More so, dealing with the guild master would be a waste of time.

He now finds a similar-looking coat to his previous one, which is also a long, dark crimson coat with a black fur collar and a white crescent moon symbol on the back. Unlike his other coat, this one also has black leather straps to close it. After all, it is designed for harsher weather.

Once he puts the coat on, Iori leaves his room and goes to the guild shop.

After visiting the same shopkeeper, he gets the entire stock of the blood bags.

Opening his coat, he places the blood bags in the inner pockets. It should be a safe spot, and hopefully, it won’t attract unwanted attention.

Speaking of which, before opening the exit door of the Hunter Guild, he spots a familiar face.

Not again… The redhead rolls his eyes.

However, Yashiro approaches him, and from his outfit alone, one can tell that planning to hang out with someone while wearing a white t-shirt, black leather jacket, black jeans, and, of course, behind his back, his trustworthy weapon – Demon Slayer.

While keeping his hands in his pockets, the silver-haired male cheerfully greets him. “Yo! Are you already leaving? Did you find another target?”

“Mind your business,” Iori replies in his usual manner and walks through the door, ignoring his mentor’s presence.

The sky is dyed in orange and gradually changes to purplish, leaving the gray Hunter Guild building and courtyard bathed in a warm orange hue. Thus, the day slowly dies, and the night slowly takes over.

There is only a mild breeze, which makes the hemline of the redhead’s long coat flap. Now, Iori feels like being free and getting closer to his slumbering vampire.

Unfortunately for him, he senses someone following him, and he doesn’t like it at all.

Once Iori stops walking, he turns back and frowns.

“Will you ever stop it? It’s so annoying!” Iori says in an irritated tone.

However, the demon hunter sighs. “You know, you are not the center of the world, Yagami-chan. So, what’s wrong with wanting to visit a couple of friends? Besides, you should be careful because you may run into the trouble just around the corner.”

That’s it! Iori’s patience is almost gone, but he doesn’t reply and continues walking, hoping he won’t run into his mentor again.

An hour has passed by. Finally, the vampire hunter reaches the witch’s shop.

However, this time, instead of knocking on the door, he heads straightforwardly to the hut.

As he reached the door and his fist barely touched it, a brief buzzing noise followed, causing Iori to collapse with a small groan.

Hell, his body weakly twitches, and he can barely move. However, whether it is a curse, it won’t stop the hunter.

He clenches his fists and tries to stand up while ignoring his pain.

After several attempts, he fails, but he refuses to give up.

Fortunately, a familiar witch discovers him struggling. Of course, she only sighs and approaches the hunter. “What are you doing here, hunter? You sure are impatient.”

Once she offers her hand to stand up, Iori stubbornly brushes it away.

As Iori slowly stands up, Chizuru adds. “You should have checked the shop first instead of storming here.”

When the ebony-haired woman reaches the door, she stretches her palm, and after closing her eyes, she casts a silent spell.

Opening her eyes, she reveals the invisible barrier that glows in the platinum light and surrounds the hut.

A moment later, it immediately fades away.

Lastly, opening the door, she prompts the hunter to come in.

Once the lights turn on, Iori is greeted by a familiar view, just like before he left, and Kyo is still fast asleep, covered by the hunter’s left coat.

After Iori undoes the straps of his coat and opens it, he looks for something inside the inner chest pockets.

When he picks up several blood bags, he asks Chizuru. “Where I can keep these?”

Noticing her confusion, he adds with a mild irritation. “It’s for that stupid vampire, just in case he needs them.”

After the witch sighs, she responds. “Sure thing. I’ll keep them in the freezer.”

But now, she chuckles. “But what are you going to do with two coats now? Are you planning to wear both?”

Despite his guard being caught by such a question, Iori tries to keep his poker face. “None of your concern. It’s not like it’s the last time when I may need your help.”

Glancing at the coat that serves as an extra blanket for Kyo, he explains. “Besides, I planned to sell it, anyway. So, if it is worth anything, keep it. Maybe some amateur will need this.”

After Iori hands the blood bags to the ebony-haired woman and removes his current coat, he walks toward the hanger on the wall.

Surely, Chizuru doesn’t like this kind of attitude, but she fires back. “You are generous in giving such a fine coat away so easily, even if you may be not aware of its cost. However, since you arrived here, you won’t be sitting all day by doing nothing. Until this vampire wakes up, you will be helping me in the shop. Don’t worry, I won’t give you over-complicated tasks. As a hunter, you can catch any beast or do fetching work. So, since because I’m so kind and smart, I am even forgiving your loan for the precious potion~”

That annoying woman knows how to get on his nerves, but she is right. And who knows what spell or curse she can cast?

Iori understands he has to lower his ego and play along with Kagura’s set conditions. Or so the vampire hunter decides.

Besides, now, he can stay close to Kyo, even when he is supposed to wake up. Thus, another week with various tasks begins while Iori hopes the promised day will come soon.

It is a calm, cloudless evening. The moon shines bright, but instead of the silver moonlight, the moon is dyed in a light pink color along with the sky in a purplish tone. Only a swarm of bats disturbs the silent night and flies across the sky. It is the time when the creatures of the night rise.

Meanwhile, in the witch’s hut, a certain redhead sits in front of the table and observes the vampire is slumbering.

However, his eyelids become heavier.

Maybe Kyo would be resting tonight as well. Iori wonders before dozing out.

A couple of hours have passed. Hearing weird screeching noises immediately returns Iori to his senses.

With no second thought, he looks toward the beastly sound.

Finally, the vampire opens his crimson eyes and awakens from his deep slumber.

However, there is something off about him – for a moment, Kyo radiates an enormous level of dark aura.

That alone is enough to freeze Iori’s blood and make him realize he may deal with a more terrifying monster than the SS-ranked one, which he encountered a few times.

Without realizing it, he stands, and his hunter instincts make him take his whip – Vampire Killer.

While holding the rolled whip in his lifted hand, he cautiously observes the creature of the night.

Meanwhile, Kyo only stretches his arms in bed, but a few details catch the hunter’s eye.

Firstly, the vampire’s nails look sharp enough to shred his victims into pieces with a slashing strike.

Secondly, when the brunette yawns, Iori notices his sharp vampire fangs.

Along with that, these glowing eyes are cold and belong to the flawless and merciless killer.

Iori can swear that for a while, Kyo’s hair is pitch-black, and his skin is darker.

Now, the vampire hunter grips his whip tighter.

When he blinks several times and rubs his eyes, he looks at Kyo again.

In the end, the brunette is still the same old stupid vampire. There is no longer a dark aura around him, and he looks exactly the same as before falling into a deep sleep. Perhaps it was only the lighting that made Kyo look different from usual.

Finally, the red-haired hunter sighs and lowers his weapon.

Meanwhile, the brunette looks down and looks dumbfounded.

Noticing a familiar coat, he doubtfully asks. “What the hell is this?”

After a moment, he turns his head, and seeing the hunter, he becomes alert. “Oi, what are you doing here? Just… Just what were you planning to do with that thing?”

While anxiously waiting, Kyo’s eyes follow the hunter, who gets closer to him.

When Iori is close to the bed, he places his whip back on the right side of his belt and stares at the vampire.

After an awkward pause, the redhead hunter keeps his cool and fixes his shirt. “So, you are finally awake? You sure took long enough.”

It seems only by now did the brunette realize that all this time, he was asleep and covered by Iori’s coat. Of course, it only leaves him with more unanswered questions.

Despite that, Iori clenches his fists and starts scolding him. “What were you thinking by acting so recklessly? You didn’t bother to put any effort into fighting back. Ending up like this… Did you want to die so badly?!”

At first, Kyo has no idea why he is accused like this.

However, the sudden flashback of Iori showing up before his execution makes the brunette lower his gaze.

How much did Yagami see before that moment? Why does he care that much? The vampire wonders.

Even so, Kyo honestly replies. “I was looking for you.”

Such an unexpected answer leaves the vampire hunter speechless.

Meanwhile, the brunette continues his confession. “You did something to me and like hell, I asked for these changes. Of course, you know what is happening to me!”

Now, the vampire takes a deep breath and concentrates his gaze on his palm.

His palm is shaking, but soon, sharp nails show up.

There are no blood traces around the nail stingers, but it’s still painful.

Even if Kyo tries ignoring it, he continues in a shaky and gloomier voice. “This is not supposed to be happening. Not in this form… Your blood is slowly changing my body. Even my prey’s blood almost lost its flavor and it doesn’t satisfy my hunter as before.”

Now, the vampire turns his head toward the hunter.

Once their eyes meet, Iori becomes captivated by the nocturnal creature and unable to look back.

No, the vampire’s eyes aren’t glowing in the familiar crimson, but these dark amber eyes are drawing Iori closer to him.

The hunter’s heart skips a beat, if not close, jumping from his chest, and he swallows the saliva.

Now, the brunette adds in a melancholic yet gentle tone. “Even if I only tasted your blood once, but… I think I’m becoming addicted to it. That’s why I needed to see you as soon as possible. I knew you might be around that bar where some stupid human was killed. Of course, you would!-”

Suddenly, Iori sits close to Kyo and grabs his wrist.

Of course, such a gesture bewilders the nocturnal creature.

While holding Kyo’s wrist, Iori gently brushes his palm and studies the vampire’s sharp nails.

After sighing and lowering his shoulders, Iori explains. “You? Murdering anyone with these? You stupid vampire, don’t make me laugh. I knew it could be never your job even in millions of years. So, I didn’t bother suspecting you in the first place. Hell, it was only a mere werewolf. That annoying dog was a waste of my time and I barely got a better bounty for its head.”

When he releases the brunette’s wrist, he adds. “In any case, you need a weapon to protect yourself. But first, you need some food. Like hell, I would want you to be sucking me dry while I’m resting. Speaking of which, how come that annoying woman is not here? Just wait here.”

After the vampire hunter gets up, he heads toward the room where the witch is staying.

Knocking on the door a few times, the redhead asks in an irritated tone. “Hey, Kagura! Open the door! Kyo is awake.”

However, there is no answer, and he tries his luck again, but it’s the same result.

That’s it! If that woman won’t answer, then it cannot be helped that I have to check by myself.

When Iori is about to open the door, he hears a familiar voice. “I heard it! Just a minute.”

Thus, behind the opened door stands Chizuru, who looks like she stayed up all night. That’s right, these black circles under her eyes prove she had a restless night as well.

But now, she leaves the room without bothering to close the door.

Despite her exhaustion, the ebony-haired woman is glad to see that the poison has successfully left the vampire’s body.

After she approaches Kyo, she calmly asks him. “How are you feeling? Did you have a good rest?”

At first, the brunette tilts his head. After all, he doesn’t know this person. However, he doesn’t feel any threat coming from this mysterious woman.

Now, Kyo asks. “How long I’ve been asleep? Have I done anything during my sleep?”

Chizuru only calmly explains. “You do not need to worry about it. You slept for nearly two weeks, but it’s still impressive how quickly you recovered. Also, Yagami mentioned you are feeling hungry, and he brought you a lot of food.”

Turning her head to the hunter, she instructs him. “Can you get the blood bags from the study room? You know where it is, right? This time, you can go inside. After all, you wanted to give those by yourself to this vampire.”

Of course, the redhead doesn’t want to object her to still feeling in debt and fearing that she may cast a spell on him.

When Iori leaves to pick up the blood bags from the freezer, Chizuru introduces herself to Kyo and asks him a few questions about his well-being and other details to fill her journal.

After the vampire hunter returns with the blood bags wrapped in the blue tissues, his grumpy attitude changes.

Handing these to the vampire has become difficult due to Chizuru’s presence and the concern that she might comment on it.

Despite feeling shy, Iori keeps his poker face and quickly hands the blood bags to Kyo. “Here.”

When the nocturnal creature takes the wrapped blood bags, he only carefully holds the package and stares at him.

But for now, the ebony-haired witch interrupts them before taking her leave. “In any case, I have to go. If anything happens, just knock on the door. Good night and take care.”

If her senses are correct, she doesn’t have to worry about this couple and let them have their time together. After all, the hunter doesn’t seem to have ulterior motives toward the vampire, even if he cares about him a bit too much than he should.

With that in mind, Chizuru shuts in the study room. After sitting in front of the writing desk, she works on her journal before falling asleep.

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*siiiigh* surely, now kinda wondering if this vampire really lost his enchanting abilities xD...or maybe it is something else? Who knows~ Maybe the time will tell...Anyway, for now decided to start working sequel of Eh? Ah, Sou. , cos received nice review from local folks on ff net and asking to make continue with full sauce- *Mina's dead body was found in Miami's coast* (xD come on, it seems that now I had to do it then...) But for now - See you next time!~