Crimson Ties Part 10
Once the car was beyond the campus grounds, Heero released his foot from the accelerator and navigated the city streets at the regulated speed limit. Flowing in and out of the early start to weekend traffic, he looked over to his passenger and smirked, "Better?"
"Yea," Duo chuckled, releasing his death grip on the door handle. Relieved to not have all of those eyes on him, he was able to breath a little easier again. Glancing over to the Infected, he smiled, "Thanks for getting me out of there so fast."
The unruly-haired immortal returned his eyes to the road, replying, "You're not the only one who doesn't like attention. As I said earlier, it is an unfortunate detail that comes with the territory of being what I am."
Unconsciously playing with the end of his braid, the living commented, "Here I thought you would get used to it after so many years. I mean you've been... you for a long time now." Beautiful, alluring, captivating... all those things and more that he would never admit to the Vampire aloud.
Heero bit his lip, still looking forward as he freed a hand from the wheel to reach up and clasp his fingers around the gold pendant around his neck. "Something things you can never get over, never even with as much time as I've seen." he sighed.
Blinking, Duo's violet eyes took in the round charm and stated, "I don't remember seeing that on you before. Is that something from your past?"
"A gold crown from Spain," Yuy replied, his face void of expression. "The scientists used coins like this to pay off my parents in exchange for me. It's the only thing that I have to remind me of them, so I never could part with it." Swallowing roughly, he all but whispered, "Even if it's a reminder of how much I was worth to them."
The braided teenager frowned deeply, "Heero." A desire to reach for the Infected's hand to squeeze it... the urge to comfort him somehow rose up so fast and intensely that it took his breath away in the effort to fight it.
Silence fell heavily between them and Maxwell took his time to consider the right move to make- changing the subject or continuing on with the painful conversation. It was the bond that he shared with the Infected in their abandonment that had him questioning in little more than a whisper, "Does the pain ever go away?"
Cobalt eyes widening, Heero looked back to his Other. A sad smile tugged his lips as he answered just as softly, "I wish that I could say that it does. Maybe it won't ever fade completely, but it gets easier to deal with."
"I guess I'll take that," Duo mumbled, running a hand through his bangs. Turning his head to stare out the passenger window, he watched the passing suburban surroundings. Unbeknownst to him, his driver cast a long glance at him as an inward struggle began.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
(Flashback)
"Mommy! Daddy!" the shrill, young voice pierced through his hazed mind as he drank from the neck that was chilling against his lips.
There was no way he'd heard that right. It was not possible. But there was enough of a worry that he heard the voice through the rapture of finally being able to nourish himself with fresh human blood.
Raising his head, his clouded vision returned just in time to see the wide, horrified violet eyes of a boy no more than nine. Half hanging from the high railing overhead, the boy screeched down to the dozens of stunned faces of the Infected spread throughout the room, "No! You're killing them!"
"Heero, stop!" a familiar timber cried. Turning his head, Yuy rose from his chair beside the table where his offering lay dying. Warm blood dripped from his exposed fangs as he fought hard to clear his mind beyond the euphoria that had flooded him from his drink.
On the other table, the young woman that he had drained remained lying on her back, eyes closed as if sleeping peacefully. But he knew her to be dead. Her skin would be as cold to the touch as it was pale to the eye from the lack of even one drop of crimson in her body.
Then Treize was there, cupping his face in his hands as his frantic gaze bore into him... willing him to focus. "Heero, listen to me! You have to stop!" he yelled, his voice finally clear through the drone that had distorted it before.
It wasn't a dream. That boy was real, crying for his parents that were beyond any help now.
He'd killed them.
(End Flashback)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
His hands tightening on the wheel as he cast his eyes ahead again, Yuy ran through every possibility that he had when it came to revealing his secret. Now that his family was being put into the mix, the risk of the Harvest revelation coming out was steadily growing. There would be nothing but hurt, anger and resentment if he was not the one to tell the braided teenager the truth.
But the uncertainty of how his chosen would react still scared him. There had been so much progress between them over the weeks and in a matter of minutes, all of that could prove to have been for nothing.
More than what Duo's rejection would mean for him, Heero absolutely despised the thought of ever hurting his Other. If denouncing him was what would make the living happy, then the Vampire would accept that and wish him nothing but the best as he withered away to a painful end.
He'd been a witness to one of the most selfless acts of pure love in finding the peace to release what was held the most dear... now he knew for himself just how that felt.
Peering back to he Infected, the living asked, "So, any house rules I need to follow?" His mouth curled up in a lopsided smirk as he suggested, "No staying around past dark? Try to avoid getting paper cuts?"
Heero laughed, "No, nothing like that. You're free to make yourself at home as much as you would in your own place." Returning the smirk, he added, "As for the fear of becoming dinner, that's already been handled so you don't need to be concerned there."
A sudden thought crossing his mind, the Vampire looked to the road as his smile slipped away. "Just try to not stare at Wufei, more of a piece of advice than a rule," he commented. "He's used to being looked at, but Anna's a bit more sensitive to it."
Tilting his braided head, Duo replied, "Why would I stare at Wufei? If there something wrong with him?"
"He's the second generation of my line since Anna turned him," Yuy explained. "I'm sure that you've heard that when a human is turned further down the line from an Original there are changes in their makeup. Wufei's body took on a physical shift as part of its reaction to my sister's infection that ran through him."
Slowly meting the violet eyes on him, he said, "I am every bit as protective of him as Anna is. That's why I'm asking nicely that you don't stare at him, making him uncomfortable. As far as his appearance, please try to act as though there's nothing different about him."
Almost scared to ask what he was about to see, Duo swallowed roughly and nodded, "Yea. Got it." Opting to keep looking out his window for the rest of the ride to avoid those intense eyes that he could drown in, he reached to the back of his neck and ran his finger over the fine gold chain of his necklace hidden beneath his turtleneck.
No matter how he felt about the Vampire race, the teenager had to admit that he respected how Heero was looking out for his family. It was... endearing And he couldn't help but smile over it.
When the car rounded one of the wooded bends in the back roads that they had taken, Yuy announced with a small grin, "Here we are."
Sitting up in his seat, Duo leaned forward with wide eyes as he took in the circular outlet. Completely secluded on a private half-circle block shielded by the tallest trees around, three large mansions took up the street. Each structure was three stories tall and very old-fashioned in their design and each had its own unique personality to it.
The home on the left was a variation of browns and cream colors on the exterior with flower-boxes hanging from every windowsill and they were filled with bright, flowing buds of multiple shades.
At the center of the trio, the middle residence was hued primarily in clay and off-whites with the most modern feel to its details. Surprisingly, even as the darkest colored of the trio, the mansion was welcoming and warm.
Finally, the third estate was a mix of greens, honeys and gold shades with Celtic symbols carved into the siding that gave it a lavish, yet rustic air.
Heero slowed the car as he drove them around the first of the three houses and pointed to the first mansion as he said, "That's Trowa and Midi's home." Maxwell grinned to himself, having already guessed correctly that the couple resided there. The well-kept flowerbeds all around the windows were the giveaway of a motherly touch.
Gesturing to the green, gold and honey mansion, the Vampire informed, "Wufei and Anna live there. Chang wanted it to remind my sister of Ireland, her homeland. So, he surprised her by painting it with the rest of our help when she was away on a twenty-four-hour shift at work. She was so happy she cried for hours when she came home."
"Nice," Duo grinned as he took in the lovely estate. It was a warming thing to hear of such a sweet act of love... especially when he thought, for a very long time, that their kind was incapable of the emotion. But then, he was also biased with that opinion because to what he'd endured.
As they pulled into the driveway of the middle mansion, the living smiled, "And, by process of elimination, this is you."
Heero nodded, "Yep." Driving into the garage as its door opened at their arrival, he parked the car as the world was closed off behind them. Stepping out of the vehicle and shutting its doors, the pair rounded it to head for the residence entrance.
With a bow of his head, the Infected pushed the door aside and held a hand out to his guest, grinning, "Welcome to my home."
Snickering, the braided youth nodded back, "Thank you." When he stepped into the hallway that the door led to, he waited for his host to join him and followed him towards the front of the residence.
His pace leisurely as he fell behind the Vampire, Duo craned his head around to take in the high ceilings and the various paintings hanging on the walls. Recognizing the works of some of the most famous painters and sketchers through the centuries, all signed by the creator. There was Picasso, Michelangelo, Van Gogh and many others.
Not one of those pieces, however, had ever been seen before. And it was with a startled chill that the scholar realized they must have been created by those talents as gifts to the Infected. "My God," he breathed, looking over the framed artistry in amazement.
"They were all remarkable people," Heero commented, peering over his shoulder. "I'd be happy to share my experiences with them, if you'd like."
A wide smile spreading across his face, Maxwell cheered, "That'd be awesome!"
For a split second, he hated how enthusiastic he sounded. But, there was no way he was going to pass up to know everything that the Original was willing to share of his many years with the world. From the artists, musicians, leaders and every walk of life in between, there were countless captivating stories surrounding his immortal friend.
And he wanted to soak up each and every one of them.
Reaching the large doorframe of the living room, Heero stopped to face his Other as he approached and told him softly, "I have a few people to introduce you to."
To his surprise, Duo felt his heart rate rising in anticipation. Swallowing past his constricting throat, he joined the Infected in the doorway to peer into the room as four Vampires within rose from the couches that they were seated at.
A slow glance over the group was enough for the teenager to know exactly who stood before him even without the formal introductions. The first to move towards him was the tallest of the family. Smiling, the Latin's visible green eye glimmered with kindness as he extended a hand and greeted, "It's nice to meet you, Duo. I'm Trowa."
Though he knew he was going to be in the presence of another Original, nothing that he did would have kept Maxwell from being awestruck while he exchanged a firm handshake with him. Staring into that gold-rimmed emerald eye, he heard himself reply sincerely, "It's an honor to meet you."
Pleasantly surprised by that remark, the Latin's smile grew in appreciation. Releasing Duo's warm hand, he stepped aside to make room for the lovely brunette that was stepping up towards them. Brushing back her yellow sundress, she fussed with her shoulder-length hair before she leaned in to embrace the braided teenager.
"We've been looking forward to meeting you," she whispered by the surprised boy's ear. Taken aback, it took Duo a moment to react and return the hug before she pulled away. Slipping beside her husband, the eternal beauty nodded firmly, "Midi."
The second the living was free, he was suddenly enveloped in another pair of arms, these latching on tightly as a cool kiss was pressed against his cheek. Almost prepared for the 'assault' Maxwell was surprised how natural it felt for him to practically melt into the embrace and brace the body against him with a secure hold of his own.
When the being wrapped around him pulled back, he found himself looking into a familiar pair of blue-and-gold eyes belonging to a face framed by a fall of red curls. "Good to finally meet you, Duo," the Vampire giggled. "I feel like I already know you considering how much my brother talks about you."
Almost flushing at that, the braided teenager spun his head to find his host flashing his sister a half-hearted glare that she just smirked and winked at. "Well he's told me about you as well, Anna. Nice to meet you, too," Duo grinned when he looked back at her, trying to not dwell on the fact that the librarian was talking about him.
It was only then that he noticed the redhead's arms were still loosely draped around his neck and his remained looped around her waist. Never before had he hugged and Infected as long as this... and yet a part of it felt like the most natural thing in the world with this one.
Practically floating back with a brilliant smile, Anna fell to the side when the last of the family made his way forward. Fighting the gasp that lodged in his throat, Duo did his absolute best to keep his eyes from growing when he was able to get a good look at the raven-haired immortal.
From a distance, the youngest Infected's skin looked no different from his own. But when he neared, the fine tiling lines revealed the surface to be more like shimmering scales. Had Heero not warned him in advance, there was no question in the living's mind that he would have stared and made a scene of it.
Offering his hand, the Vampire grinned, "Wufei Chang." He paused to raise an eyebrow at the redhead beside him and chuckled, "I do hope that you'll pardon my spirited wife. Her forwardness is part of her charm."
Shoulder tensing, Anna watched their guest for his reaction to her husband. What hesitance he may have felt in accepting the Infected's hand was forgotten by Duo at the easy, casual demeanor he had.
Laughing, he took hold of the scaly palm as he replied, "There's nothing to forgive. And nice to meet you, Wufei." Instantly, the redhead relaxed as a soft sigh escaped her in a way that told the boy he'd passed a sort of test. Chang's smile had gown as well.
As the hand slipped away again, Duo couldn't help but marvel how smooth the strange skin was. And yet he could tell that there was an untold strength to them as well.
Casting his eyes over the family standing before them, Maxwell noted the differences in them even in how they dressed. Trowa and Midi had the older-fashioned feel to them in wearing finer clothes from the black slacks and blue button-down shirt that the Original wore to his wife's dress.
Anna, meanwhile, was an apparent tomboy who preferred denim shorts and functional tops like the purple tank top she was wearing. And a fitting match to her, Wufei opted for blue jeans and a simple black T-shirt.
But no matter what any of them donned, each individual Vampire was as striking and pleasing to the eye as Heero. Yet, somehow, as far as Duo was concerned there was really no comparison to the librarian... an odd realization..
Folding her hands together with a clap, Midi announced, "I do hope that you're hungry. I've been making a dinner for you that will be ready soon as I thought that you could enjoy it while we sit around and talk."
"Oh, you didn't have to go to the trouble," Maxwell told her, shaking his head. "I know that your kind don't, well... eat food." Embarrassed by his fumbling words, he ducked his head as it blushed a fiery red.
Trowa laughed along with his cousins and reassured, "It's no trouble." Wrapping an arm around his grinning wife's shoulder, he kissed her temple and said, "Midi is only happiest when she's making our guests feel at home. " The brunette nodded vehemently.
Relaxing, Duo felt his smile retuning as he nodded, "Then I really appreciate your thoughtfulness." And he couldn't have been more sincere about that. It was almost... flattering that this lot of Infected had gone out of their way for his arrival.
Heero returned to his side, suggesting, "I could give you a tour of the house while we're waiting, if that's alright with you."
Already recalling those paintings, the student was flooded by curiosity over what other historical treasures the mansion held. "That sounds like a good plan," he smirked. His host bowed slightly at the waist and held a hand out for him to lead the way out. Snickering, Duo stepped back through the doorway with the Infected right behind him.
The moment they were alone and had given their brother time to get their guest out of earshot, Anna let out a quiet squeal and bounced on her feet as she whispered, "Oh, it really is him. I'll never forget that shade of violet in his eyes."
Wufei chuckled softly, resting a hand on his wife's shoulder as he urged, "Finding him was half the challenge, love. There is still quite a bit of work to be done if Heero hopes to have him agree to become his Companion."
"Of course," the redhead sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "I'm just excited to see him again. Not knowing how he's fared after that night has been difficult."
Nodding as he faced her, Trowa stated, "Yes, it has been." He grinned to his Irish cousin, "I personally don't see anything wrong in being happy in the fact that Duo agreed to come here. That in and of itself was a big step for him, given his disposition of our race."
Midi rubbed her hands together, plotting aloud, "I better go check on how dinner is coming along. It's been a long time since I've cooked, and I don't want to ruin the main course. Duo might never come back to see us if he can't get a proper meal." Hurrying off, she left her family shaking their heads and snickering to themselves.
* * * * * *
So, Heero had a new human friend. Surprising, but not completely out of the question considering how he worked around people every day. He'd forged quite the camaraderie with Winner, so why not another?
But there was something about this one that struck Meiran as familiar. Those eyes were such a unique shade. And thought she only had a quick glimpse of them when Heero's car rolled past her family's cluster of homes, they were unforgettable when she saw their violet hue. They were captivating.
And the teenager was quite handsome as well. What with braid of chestnut hair, perfect skin and brilliant smile. Still, those eyes were what still gripped her. Why that was the case, she didn't know... but she was going to get to the bottom of that as well as why he was with Heero.
Picking through her best dresses, Meiran went with a scarlet red, form-hugging choice. She always made sure she'd look her best whenever she planned on running into Yuy. One of these centuries he was going to stop playing hard to get and give into her whims. It was only fitting that a Vampire as prestigious as an Original like him would choose a relative of another Original.
It was her birthright to only be surrounded by the best of the best. Such was her destiny as the cousin of the first Infected to free their kind- Treize Khushrenada.
TBC...
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