Night of the Hunter ( Keru-chan & Gatichan)

[Gatichan]

Rafael listened to the handsome young hunter, gently rubbing his fingertips over his chin. He carefully watched the vampire hunter, waiting to see how he would react to Rafael’s offer. It was a tempting one, certainly, but at the same time it was risky. Risky for the vampire hunter, yet also obviously for Rafael. He wanted to know how the hunter thought- if he’d immediately, brainlessly jump into action, storming blindly into possible doom, or whether he’d completely mistrust the vampire and bring out one reservation after the next. It was interesting to watch and for a moment, Rafael became sidetracked when he saw how Cynric ran his fingers through his dark hair, noticing for the first time that it had streaks of blue in it. How couldn’t he have noticed this? And why was it that the longer he admired the hunter, the more attractive he became to him? Hearing the questions finally posed to him, Rafael’s heart swelled with pride. No, he hadn’t judged the hunter incorrectly: the other was a true strategist at heart. Still, he couldn’t help but laugh.

 

“My dear Cynric Ainsworth, you don’t seem to understand what hierarchy means in our vampire world,” he said, lowering his hands to let them lightly dance on the edge of the armrest he was comfortably sunken into. “Mycroft is to the vampires here what the Queen is to Britannia: his word is absolute. Let me tell you something about Mycroft,” he said, taking in a deep breath. “He was turned at a very young age, but his maker, whoever he was, had sensed that Mycroft had talents and a viciousness that would keep him alive and bring him far in life. So far, in fact, that little after a decade after he’d been turned, Mycroft turned against his own maker and killed him with a stake through his heart. Now there are some ill-meant rumors out there that claim Mycroft hired a vampire hunter to do the dirty deed, but anyone who has looked into his deadly eyes knows that Mycroft gladly and happily took care of his maker by himself and probably thoroughly enjoyed it. He’s a survivor, a fighter, a monster, and that means a lot coming from someone who thinks he himself is a monster,” Rafael mused, pursing his perfectly shaped lips. Pausing to gather his thoughts, he continued.

 

“Mycroft rose quickly in the ranks here. He knows how to sway people, has a talent for guessing when to make the right offers to the right people and so, he ruthlessly and cleverly built up an empire of undead who, once he was reassured of their loyalty towards him, he made sure to turn them against one another. And as he probably laughed his sick head off, he watched his supposed allies rip and tear each other apart to then remain the sole vampire lord here in London. And then, beginning from scratch, he built up his own little army. No vampire here in England is allowed to settle down here in London without Mycroft’s blessing. I myself was lucky because my maker was one of the selected few whom Mycroft turned several millennia ago. It is with his best wishes that I was told to come here and I know that I am treading on thin ice in plotting to go against him, but I see no other choice,” he admitted, despair becoming visible in his eyes. “Mycroft has been reigning here too long and he’s extremely possessive. He seems to have taken a liking in me and that means, in our world, that I am likely to become his next partner, his mate. Being Mycroft’s mate means that I will remain by his side, pinned to him like a prisoner chained to a prison ball, walking only a few feet away from him to then return immediately once the chain tightens. He has forbidden me already from returning to my beloved Venice and that is impossible. I have to- I must be able to return. For my soul,” he said passionately, clenching his left hand into a fist.

 

Taking in a deep breath to calm himself, his lilac eyes rested once again on Cynric’s sky blue ones. “So rest assure when I tell you that no one in his right mind would come to the idea of double-crossing Mycroft. Everyone here lives in fear of him, but this opportunity is a once in a lifetime gift: since you have come to London and are officially watching me, we could use the excuse that I wasn’t careful, you followed me, discovered the meeting and called for reinforcements. Even if some do survive, it’s unlikely they will doubt my story, especially if you are successful in dealing away with most of the vampires who will appear tomorrow night. So please, do make your plans,” he said, suddenly standing up. “I shall retreat to my library. If I were you, I’d hurry over to the hunter’s association and then return here straight away before your scent is picked up.” Rafael’s gaze softened. “That is…if you would like to return here. Tonight…might be the last night that we might ever share together.” His eyes widened, startled that he’d let such a sentence out. Briskly turning around to prevent the vampire hunter from seeing his faint blush, Rafael went into his library and quietly closed the door, his heart beating faster. Where had those words just come from?

[Keru-chan]

The quiet laughter wasn't exactly what the Hunter had expected and so, he slightly winced when it left the Vampire's pale lips. With his sky blue eyes continously observing the other one he frowned and then listened to the man's words. Crossing his legs over each other he let his free hand be placed in the pants pocket. Apparently, Mycroft was like the Vampire's rulers. He had the same status as the queen to them. A man who had been turned at a very young age and then lived a cruel life. Creating chaos wherever he went. A pure monster created to fight against the world and bring even more sadness and pain over the people that lived in it. Which made him wonder if this man had something with his parents to do. After all, he had mentioned them in the fight that he himself had almost died in. He had said that he reminded him of his mother. Then Mycroft had to know her in some way under the years she had lived. They had known each other. Only the thought made shivers leap down his spine to then made his corner of the mouth slightly twitch of dismay. There were more secrets behind this than he knew. And it certainly worried him. The fact that his parents had hidden the truth from him. No, this was truly something he did not appreciate. Secrets was to him, like lies. Ever since a young age he had learned to hate liers and lies. Because they led you away from the light. Deeper into the darkness. But could he dive any deeper in it than he already was? That was the question.

 

The whole story was shocking. But what really seemed to affect him was a rather unexpected part. The fact that Mycroft was trying to chain the other one down made a stinging fury lit up inside of him and while changing position once again his eyebrow slightly twitched. A small sign of emotions but instead of letting the other one see his eyes he heaved down the eyelids and tried to remain unmoved by it all. Which was obviously harder than he thought. Why had Mycroft choosed Rafael? And why did it anger him so much of some reason? Or to be more accurate, why did he get so annoyed by this? He revealed his sky blue eyes and stared down at his hand. It felt like the blood was pulsating faster than usually. Exhaling, he looked up to meet the lilac coloured beautiful eyes. Catched off guard by their beauty he looked away and tried to make it look like he was deeply tangled into his own thoughts. What would he do if the other one got hurt in all of this? And why did he even worry about it all. The Vampire could take care of himself just fine. Besides, someone like him shouldn't even feel anything towards his enemy. And still, the feelings was there. It was annoying. And confusing at the same time. He wanted them to disappear but at the same time he liked feeling this way. For the first time on a long time he actually felt something close to warmth in his chest. A very blinding warmth. Then he felt how his cheeks suddenly burned and with wide open eyes he stared at the Vampire that escaped. Last night? Well that was true. He would probably return to his homeland after this event. And he himself would return to his own life. This was after all the best way. But why did he felt so hurt by the thought of that they would never see each other again. He stood up, burshed off his clothes with smooth movements and thereafter parted his lips. "Then goodbye for the moment, Rafael" He said with a rather soft tone on his usually cold voice.

 

Slowly walking he made his way to the doors that led out and then put up his next destination in his head. His heart still pounded in his chest. His breathing was still slightly uneven and he still felt a little out of balance. But everything would be okay. Everything would go back to the way it had been before their meeting. But why didn't he want it to be that way? Why didn't he want the Vampire to disappear? It was a mystery that he couldn't either understand or solve. Too difficult and complicated. And maybe it was best if it stayed that way. He, unaware of what it is because if he really did know what it was then he feared that it would go away. And that, was strangely one thing he didn't want it to do. He wanted this lingering feeling of warmth to stay in his chest, forever.

[Gatichan]

When Cynric said goodbye to him, Rafael stopped searching for a book to read and simply remained how he was, one arm outstretched, his weight on his front right leg and his left leg further back, pointed as he shifted forwards. Never before had the vampire hunter’s voice sounded so gentle, yes…perhaps even tender to him. Surprised, Rafael turned around, meaning to call something out to the other man, but by then Cynric had left his apartment and made his way to the hunter association.

 

Suddenly Rafael became restless and cold. With Cynric gone from his apartment and, for the moment at least, from his life, he didn’t feel right, felt even less that he belonged in London. No one there mattered to him…except for Cynric. And the vampire hunter was out there on the streets, alone…while Rafael knew that basically any and every vampire in the vicinity would smell the hunter and try to bring him down. The folly of Cynric leaving at such a moment by himself hit Rafael with a terrible force and grabbing up his top hat, the vampire left his apartment via the window of his kitchen. Jumping up to the roof of the apartment house opposite his, his keen eyes searched up and down the cobbled street, trying to make out where Cynric was. In a matter of seconds he had found him and Rafael winced: Cynric’s scent was very strong. His eyes flashing crimson, Rafael sent out his magical powers and jumping stealthily from roof to roof, keeping his eyes trained on the vampire hunter, he began to mess around with Cynric’s scent, dispersing it, mixing it with the other smells of London, trying to make it harder for vampires to single him out. Because he knew that Cynric was very sharp, he sent his mind out. Don’t worry, it’s just me. I want to make sure that you aren’t molested by any vampires along your way. He sincerely hoped that the hunter wouldn’t see this as paternalism, but rather as precaution and worry on Rafael’s side. In this way, using his other senses to make sure that no other Creatures of the Night approached and got too close to Cynric, Rafael followed the hunter to the secret base of the hunter association. Already about a kilometer from the actual building, Rafael’s head began to hurt, a clear indication that anti-vampire spells were at work there. It was also rather telling that he could sense no scent coming from his race in that area, either. The hunters stationed in London surely were well protected. Forced to wait until Cynric came back, Rafael drew back against the lower wall of a church, shrouding himself in the darkness there to wait.

 

Even though waiting- time, in general, was endless for a vampire, the wait until Cynric once again appeared was a touch too long for Rafael. He had already begun to debate whether he ought to risk entering the clear no vampire area to check on Cynric. Just as he was about to seriously attempt to fly towards the building he had seem Cynric aiming for, the hunter’s familiar scent tickled his nose. Drawing himself back onto a rooftop, Rafael once again sent the hunter a message that he was there, keeping watch and that all was quiet. He was longing to hear what had come out of Cynric’s meeting with the hunter association. Cynric’s face, as usual, gave nothing away. Recalling his parting words from before, Rafael felt his heart clench again. He didn’t want this to be the last time he saw and was with Cynric. After that night, their ways would surely part and a large part of him rebelled against this idea, didn’t want it. Cynric had awoken a longing within him that had lain dormant for many, many years. And which Rafael didn’t want to let go of. But approach the hunter and attempt to do something…how would Cynric react? Would he raise his weapons to Rafael and try to kill him? That was most likely…but wouldn’t it be wonderful if he actually accepted Rafael’s feelings for him, at least for that one night? Rafael stopped, scanning the area again before leaping once more. One simply kiss- that wouldn’t be too much to ask for, would it? Maybe he could try…if Cynric gave him a sign. Nodding his head, Rafael flew into his apartment, settling himself back down inside his comfortable armchair after he’d stoked the fire, heating the room up again for the hunter. Yes, he’d wait for a sign and if it came, he would act on impulse. If not…he would try to let Cynric walk out of his life as suddenly as he’d walked into it.

[Keru-chan]

The lack of the Vampire's presence made him feel lonely. And then it was definitely not the usual loneliness that was resting inside of him. No, this was a different kind of loneliness. One that actually reminded itself of it's existance. One that made his heart hurt. But even so, he didn't show it. Not through his sky blue eyes. Not through his face expression and not through his movements. He remained unmoved on the outside but on the inside he was everything else but unmoved. And the picture of the familiar lilac eyes with that slightly soft glance in them. A glance that made the ice in his soul melt. And not aware of it, he found himself only a couple seconds after vaguely smiling at the memory of the words and the other one. Startled by it all, he quickly shook his head and tried to avoid everything that had with the Vampire to do. But that attempt was of course, ruined only a moment after when his mind perceived that someone was following him. Though, not from the crowd that he was currently fighting through. No. This was a rather powerful presence. A presence that made him wake up his body from it's relaxed state, only to get a message sent to his mind which made him return to his old self. Only the sound of his voice was enough to calm his mind. Dodging another couple of shoulders that were on their way to take contact with him he cleared his mind and then formed four confused words. Hoping that the Vampire would catch them. I'm fine, besides it isn't so far away actually. He tried to make the words strong, filled with confidence but they sounded rather soft and gentle. Maybe a little too gentle in his opinion but he couldn't stop it. It just came out that way when he thought about it. And the fact that he didn't get any answer just made him more unsure about the thing. About him becoming to attached to the Vampire.

 

Walking past Benjamin's old shop he soon reached the magnificent building that rose high up in the sky. It reminded you of an elegant manor but in fact, this was the base of their organisation. And believe it or not, it was here every single Vampire Hunter gathered. In this giant building that was everything else but discreet. But of course, it was protected by many Vampire expelling walls and besides that the security was incredibly tight. Not even a single Vampire had dared to even take a step closer to the gate. The organisation consists of three parts. Those who hunts like himself is called Hunters. Then there are the Trackers, those who gives out missions and tracks Vampires down. Then lastly, there were people called Masters. These were the ones that recruited new members, gave orders and were the ones that had highest rank inside of the organisation. Trackers and Hunters were merely their playing pieces. Raising his arm, he glanced at the clock then looked up at the black metal gate that surprisingly enough opened of itself. In this case, many people had been shocked. He on the other side was used to this. Every single Hunter, Tracker and Master had a photo and information about themselves in a book called 'Protectors'. And then with a final look over his shoulder, he went in through the gate that closed behind him and then made his way to the doors.

 

The inside of the house was just as impressing as he remembered it. Famous paintings. Decorations. Flowers. It was rather overwhelming for someone like him who had lived the most of his life on the country side. But that of course, didn't change the fact that he still acted unemotional about it. Letting his thoughts trail off the track while he was waiting for one of the Masters he came to think about Rafael. Was he waiting outside for him? Or was he already on his way to the house? Then suddenly, he was dragged out of his thoughts by an familiar voice. "Cynric Ainsworth, it was a while since your last visit. What brings you here this time, more trouble maybe?" It was a determined and slightly harsh voice but even so he noticed the humorous tone. "Well, actually yes" He answered and straightened his back. Not letting himself get swept away by the metal grey eyes that coldly stared at him. And then, they softened. But only a little bit enough to make it official that the man didn't hate him.

 

The were walking through the house and with the man as the lead he was followed by two other Hunters that was keeping a close eye on him. Even though they could clearly see he was unarmed they didn't go away. "So, come on. Say it" The man said and suddenly stopped to rest his gaze on one of the paintings. It was a man pierced with a sword through his chest. "The Vampires are going to hold a meeting tomorrow night. Everyone of them is coming" He said only to be quickly cut off by the man's cold voice. "So what?". "I'm planning to do ambush attack. But I need some more people to be able to pull it off". Five long minutes of silence passed and they passed forward to next painting where they stopped once again. "An ambush huh? Sounds interesting. Sure" Without turning the man lightly scratched his chin and the Hunter simply stared at the other one. How could he agree to something like this so carelss? Didn't he understand the risk of this mission? Or was he just playing around? The young man straightened his back and met the man's grey serious eyes. "What do you need and where should I send them?".

 

The first thought that appeared in his mind when he left the building was: Something is wrong. He hadn't expected it to be this easy but he hadn't thought that it would be too hard either. This wasn't right. How could someone simply just threw lives out like that without even caring? Something was clearly not right. But he couldn't figure out what was wrong. It was like walking straight into a maze. And just at the moment when he was deep in thoughts he was dragged up to the surface by the Vampire's voice. Raising his gaze, he swept it around over the rooftops to then sigh. Concerned about the lack of a reasonable reaction from the other one he began to walk.

 

It didn't take especially long time before he reached the elegant house and entered it pretty much without a second thought about the thing. Just a couple of days before he wouldn't even have been closer to the home than ten metres and now he was inside. There had been some major changes. Besides, the Vampire himself had claimed that he wasn't his enemy. And strangely enough he trusted and believed those words that was still clinging to his heart. Making his way to the living room he comfortably sunk down in one of the arm chairs to then lean backwards and exhale. Softly rubbing his temple with his fingertips he momentarily closed his eyes. It had been to much for him to take in recently. His and Rafael's meeting. The news about Mycroft's interest in Rafael. The chance of gaining information about his parents death. And then the ambush. Nothing hade gone as he planned. Everything was at the moment confusing, tiring and too surprising. If life only could be a little more gentle with him.

[Gatichan]

Rafael’s forehead creased as his lilac eyes came to rest on the hunter. Something was wrong, he could sense it. Something in the way the vampire hunter held his head and closed his eyes- somehow the younger man seemed dazed. The fact that this stoic man suddenly seemed so…so…exhausted? Tired with life? … Confused? All of the above? Whatever – the change that had come over Cynric got under Rafael’s skin and then he was moving. Without actually realizing it or sending his brain any message, the vampire got out of his armchair and crossing the room, moved to stand behind Cynric’s chair. “Don’t be afraid or suspicious- I won’t harm you in any way,” he reassured the hunter softly, waiting for a response before raising his arms and gently lowering them again onto the hunter’s shoulders. “I’m sorry if I’m…overstepping the mark here. I know that we aren’t…exactly…anything more than acquaintances, but I think something has occurred at the hunter association that you are unhappy about. If you will allow, I’d like to show you something,” he admitted as he gently, very slowly, began to massage the hunter’s shoulders. There was nothing hidden in his aura and Rafael was careful to leave all his channels open in case the hunter wanted to check for any hidden agenda. In that moment, all that Rafael wanted to do was take the other’s mind off his troubles and help him to relax.

 

Closing his own eyes, Rafael reached out with his mind to touch the hunter’s. “Close your eyes,” he murmured softly, his fingers lightly beginning to apply more pressure. Once he could feel that the hunter had let his guard slip a little, allowing him entrance to his mind, Rafael began to transmit images from his mind to the vampire hunter’s. He wasn’t doing anything special- he had simply sensed that the young man was troubled and sought, in this silent, non-audible way, to reach a hand out to him. It wasn’t Rafael’s intention to influence the young hunter or make him less adverse to his way of living, which was killing the likes of creatures like Rafael, but since the young man had unwillingly admitted that he had no place to call a home, Rafael used that moment to show him what “home” meant to him.

 

At first, Rafael began transmitting images of his parent’s villa near Venice. These images came right from the very back of Rafael’s mind, from the time when he had been human still. In it he was a carefree, bushy lilac-haired ragamuffin, always with a wide smile on his face as he ran around his parents large estate that had been built close to the sea. Between palm trees and stables with neighing horses, the child Rafael had been ram in and out, throwing himself onto bales of hay and laughing sweetly and childishly as he rolled around, getting straw into his hair and clothes. A small black and white kitten with a pretty blue ribbon wrapped around his tale pranced over to the giggling boy and curled up against his chest. The child picked it up in his arms and hugging it tightly, kissed the kitten, chattering away with it in Italian as he sat up, kicking his small booted feet.

 

The scene changed to then show Rafael sitting at a long table, almost going under in the loud, boisterous, excited chatter and laughter of an enormous family. His mother, a pretty woman with long flowing lilac hair, sat beside him, holding a sleeping baby in her arms. On Rafael’s other side was an elder cousin, who kept purposefully bumping his arm into Rafael’s and preventing the younger child from eating his pasta. Loud uncles, laughing aunts, gossiping grandmothers, smoking men debating with their hands, screaming children and crying babies- the general hubbub was loud, it was confusing…but it was alive. And even though Rafael was being bullied, he looked happy and calm as he smiled up at his mother, who reached over and kissed him.

 

Once more the scene changed to show a teenage Rafael striding through the streets of Venice. Over the Rialto Bridge, stopping to watch a lovely black and red gondola passing by beneath with an enamored couple. The sun was beginning to set and in the dying light of the day, Rafael’s lilac hair stuck out rather obviously, attracting the attention of young females and men alike. On he walked, heading towards a bakery he knew well- the bakery, in fact, where he had always walked past as a child with his mother whenever they’d come into Venice, the very bakery where he had always been awarded an extra fresh loaf of bread by the baker’s wife because she’d found the polite, quiet spoken Rafael so delightful. As Rafael continued to walk, heading for the famous Piazza San Marco, nostalgia, a deep sense of peace, gratitude and lightness in his heart overcame him. This feeling was exactly what he wanted to pass on to the young hunter.

 

Pulling his mind slowly back, Rafael gradually opened his eyes. They were filled with sadness, because those memories, no matter how special and treasured they were to him, always reminded him of the life he had left behind, of the life he had once had and…ought to have been content with instead of having chosen this life in darkness. Continuing to massage Cynric’s shoulders until he believed that the tension he had before felt had lessened, Rafael finally stopped. He had never tried to show anyone his feelings before, so this once again showed how special the hunter had become to him. Taking in a shaky breath, Rafael wanted to remove his hands…yet held back, waiting…

 

“If you have doubts about tomorrow night…if you…believe that you are walking into a trap…then I’ll try to find another way to help you fulfill your cause,” Rafael heard himself say quietly. “You don’t owe me anything. It was your right to want to know who murdered you parents. I promise you that tomorrow night I will tell you….before I leave for the meeting.” He swallowed, every cell in him screaming and clawing against the idea of letting Cynric go. “However…I will ask of you one more thing. Stay by my side tonight…please.”

[Keru-chan]

It all happened so suddenly that he wasn't even given a chance to react before he could feel the Vampire's presence behind his back. His soft voice leaning over him like a thin mist. And the Hunter finally asked himself the inevitable question. What was he doing here? Spending his time so carelessy and with a Vampire over all living beings? It didn't make sense. But did anything in this make sense anymore? This world was a mad man's work. But the humans weren't any better than their master. They were just as horrible as him because they continued on his work. The young man drew a deep breath while his gaze, somewhat stiffly was placed on the hand that was lowered down on his right shoulder. This light gentle touch. He found himself very accustomed to it. Which was extremely dangerous at the same time. Because he who was supposed to be a Vampire Hunter had slowly started to softened. And not in front of anyone. No, the one that just had to break through his shield was of course a person of the race that he was supposed to slaugther. This wasn't fair. Why? Why did it have to be him? This was too cruel. Too cruel for him to withstand. The whole thing was almost ironic. Because of course he had to fall for someone that he actually had been sent to kill. Exhaling, he slowly closed his eyes as the man had ordered him to and then made a small crack in his mind. Opening up an entrance for the other one but not before having cleansed his mind from all the thoughts from earlier.

 

At first the pictures that was sent to his mind blurry and unclear. But as he slightly opened up, bit for bit it became more visible what it was. And who it all circled around. The memories were overflowing with happiness, warmth and everything else he had forgotten under the past years. And these emotions softly touched his heart, made the heartbeat rhythm uneven as it all continued. But at the same time as it transmitted this feeling of nostalgia it hurt. It hurt something badly because it reminded him of his own life that had taken an abrupt ending. Yes, on that day when he had lost them his life had ended because they had been everything he had. They had been his world until that day. And for someone like him, it had been scary to throw himself out of the house to fulfill his purpose. But even so, that smile. It felt like it swept that fear from that day away. But the sadness still remained in his soul as the next picture appeared. This time it was about a pretty loud dinner with what he assumed was the man's family. Even though they were all talking at the same time, it gave him a feeling of being completed. That all those empty parts inside of him had for a short moment been filled by something else that couldn't be identified. The scene changed once again and this time it was instead only Rafael as the main character in it. But there was no sign of loneliness in the memory. In fact not at all. It just gave him a feeling of peace and that long awaited silence. Then it all ended. And the Vampire left this feeling inside of him as he drew back the pictures and made his way out of his mind. But by then it was too late for himself to return to his old self.

 

The tears were burning in his eyes but he didn't want to show them so instead he suppressed them. A lump of sadness had appeared in his throat, making it extremely hard to breath and his heart was pounding like a beast inside of his chest. Breathing in short, quivering and quiet breaths the Hunter gripped the edges of the armrests with his hands. Tightly. Silently listening to Rafael's last words before becoming silent. "I do not doubt your words but..why? Why..are you so kind to me?" He began, holding himself back. Then suddenly he stood up, turning around rather swiftly without caring that his face was painted in different kinds of emotions. "If you have realised the danger of doing something like that then I don't have anything to say to you but if you haven't then I will say it-don't play around with my feelings and don't even bother yourself with pitying me. It's a waste of time because I only have one sole purpose in this life of mine that I have been given. Feelings..like this isn't needed" taking in a deep shaky breath he clenched his teeth together but even so it didn't stop that lonely tear from revealing itself. Quickly he raised his hand to make it disappear, ashamed by the fact that he was on the verge of crying. This wasn't how a Vampire Hunter was supposed to be. The place where the man's hands had been resting on was burning, like fire. "Do..Do not make me feel like this.." He quietly whispered as he hid his eyes behind his arm.

[Gatichan]

It had surprised Rafael that he had gone so far as to reveal such treasured and dear memories. Perhaps, due to his life in Italy, he had been expecting something else. In the culture he had grown up in, when one person opened his heart to another person, the person who was the receiver was expected to reciprocate the received and shared feelings by in turn offering similar feelings or at least emphatically talking to the one who had conveyed them. And since he had been expecting this to happen to the vampire hunter, his natural enemy who Rafael had managed not to see, but Cynric, the person behind the professional assassin, the reaction he received was a slap in the face. Left staring incomprehensibly as the hunter whirled around and most aggressively flung Rafael’s arm back at him, the hunter took a good moment to understand just what had happened. Slowly, only eventually did he realize that he was being insulted, that he had obviously believed Cynric to have understood the meaning behind those special childhood memories, that none of what Rafael had been trying to say to the vampire hunter had actually got through. And that, instead of at least politely telling him the memories had been nice, but not quite what he had been expecting, the hunter was accusing him of having tried to take advantage of the situation. And when all this eventually sank in, Rafael closed his eyes. The hurt at the rejection almost numbed him. How could the hunter have been so cruel, so…so inhuman? Shaking his head slightly, Rafael reacted the only way he knew to: by laughing in disbelief.

 

“Calling you an ungrateful cretin would still be too light an insult,” he gasped, staring at Cynric with disgust. “Here I sat in front of you, quietly plotting away the demise of my own race because I wanted to help you, tried to tell you that great dangers are coming your way, believing you’d trust me. I went as far as saving you twice already and I followed you all the way to the hunter association and back, blurring your trail so that no one would realize that I was protecting you and even offered you asylum at my home. And now I stand in front of you after having shared with you the deepest, sincerest feelings that I’ve kept treasured from my years as a human, and what is the first thing you say to me? What are you accusing me of? You tell me, after I showed you something, gave you a gift I gladly wanted to bestow unto you to strengthen your resolve because you seemed as if you needed motivation to pull the coup of the century off tomorrow night, you spit at me in the face and claim that my actions reflect my supposed having pity on you. Danger? Do you even understand the danger that I put myself in by showing you images of my family? You, a vampire hunter, who could set out for my beloved and cherished Venice to seek up in annals who my descendents are and hunt them down. I opened the doors of my mind to you and left myself defenseless against any attacks you could have thrown my way. You’re seriously telling me you think that feelings are useless and that you wished you didn’t feel? Pah!” Rafael walked around the sofa and began to make his way towards his sleeping chamber. “I, as a vampire, want to feel. I need to feel- it was my fear of never being able to feel again that drove me to become what I am. But you are the one who wants to die, then so be it: die alone. Only a monster wouldn’t want to feel.”

 

Reaching the doors to his chamber, Rafael paused. The loveliness, the love, the happiness- all those feelings had left his heart and been replaced by bitterness. Turning around with his hand on the door of his chamber, he raised his lilac eyes to the vampire hunter. “I already told you that I didn’t care what we were or are. If you only look skin deep, then you cannot really know a person. I see now that you wish to remain alone forever. Well, you probably will and I won’t try to convince you of the opposite. Never, in all my years, and I have many, have I been so insulted. You can stay here because I offered you my hand and I refuse to go back on my honest hospitality. But I no longer wish to share anything with you. Please remain inside the living room until the morning, but then leave. And I’d ask you to replace my clothes that I gave to you. I give gladly to those who are in need, but if my helping hand gets smacked away once too often, I tire. After tomorrow night, I will communicate with you only per post. Good night, Signore Ainsworth,” he said rather stiffly and with that, closed the doors to his sleeping chamber, yet didn’t lock them. Rafael doubted that the hunter would change his mind, but right then he was too crushed to care about his protection. Beginning to undress, he sighed. Yes, he really needed a mate, but as it seemed, he would need a vampiric one.

[Keru-chan]

The tension in the air got thicker. It was laid over his shoulders as an massive weight as the softness and the gentleness rather quickly faded away from the lilac coloured eyes that stared at him in shock. Then suddenly the silence was broken by an incredibly horrible laugther that sent shivers down his spine. Making the Hunter slightly wince and take a step back as it all began. Of course the Vampire would never understand how he felt. They were to different to ever share such precious things. Besides, they were as the other one had said only acquaintances. Nothing more and nothing less. But even so, the feelings remained in his chest. They didn't want to disappear. It didn't matter what the other one said or called him because those feelings continued to strengthen themselves. And that was the thing that annoyed him the most. The fact that he would never more get rid of them. This was horrible. Without even knowing it he had been swept into the Vampire's net. And now he wasn't able to come out. Or to be more accurate, the other one didn't allow him to leave. Even though he threw all those cruel words in his face it didn't erase anything. And even though it hurt. The pain was nothing compared to those feelings that stayed inside of him. He had wished for too much. He had asked for something that he couldn't get. And this was his punishment. But he deserved it. Because after all horrible things he had done. After having ended so many lives with these hands of his he deserved to not be happy. This was his fate. And he had to accept it. "I am a monster. It's only you who hasn't been capable of seeing that fact". That was right. He was a monster. A creature that wasn't worth anything. That was exactly what he was and was supposed to be. But still, hearing the words come out of him made him wish that they had never been said.

 

Of course. Of course not. It would never have worked. Why had he allowed this to go so far? Now it was him who got all the shit for it. Well, everything was as it had been a couple of days before this. But the relief that he expected to feel when the Vampire left the room didn't come. No, instead he felt rather empty there he stood. Breathing in and out. Then, suddenly his lips was formed into a vague smile. But it wasn't a happy smile. It wasn't an angry one and it wasn't a sad one. No, this smile had no name. And as he placed his hand on his face, covering his closed eyes he wanted to cry and laugh at the same time. Then he took himself together with a deep sigh. The young man wiped his now slightly wet cheeks with the arm of the shirt and then let his arm drop to his side. "It's best for both of us if I leave now. This was an mistake of me coming here. I deeply apologize for angering you Mr Capodimonte and for intruding in your home and there's no need to keep in contact with me. Besides, I never reside in one place for too long. I'll be gone before you know it. And about the clothes that you have so kindly letting me use, I'll leave them at your house at another point". He had to be strong. He had to stop being such a kid. Cynric straightened his back and glanced at the door. Behind those. There he was. And even though he wanted to walk past them to the other one. He didn't do it. He only stood there and stared at the handle to then turn his back to the doors. "I will not ask for your forgiveness and I will not ask you to do anything more for me. But instead I want you to somewhere in your mind keep a memory of me. I only need one person to remember me. And it doesn't matter if you remember me because of your hate, your despise or anything else. I just simply want someone to know that I exist. And once again, I'm sorry for insulting you. Those memories that you showed me, were really beautiful ones". Then he started walking, slowly hesitant as he was waiting for something to happen. But it didn't.

[Gatichan]

Rafael reflected on the words he’d just heard, his back still turned to the chamber door. He didn’t like this- it felt wrong. He couldn’t let the hunter just leave, not like this. No one knew what the following night would bring and the certainty that things in London were about to drastically change made Rafael shudder. How could Cynric be so indifferent to that? Why, when Rafael had held his hand out to the young hunter, had the human been so afraid of taking it? Rafael knew that the hunter had lost his family at a young age, but to go to the extreme of never again wanting to feel anything again? That was wrong, horribly wrong. And as Cynric began to move through his apartment heading for the front door and profusely apologizing in a way that made Rafael want to throttle him – why was he saying that? Why was he insisting on remaining alone, when Rafael so obviously wanted to make a connection to him? Was it the fact that he was a vampire- was that it? Did the hunter have such strong reservations against him that he couldn’t entertain, not even for a moment, the idea of having someone care about him? And most of all: could Rafael really continue living, knowing that the one being who had managed to unsettle his heart had walked out on him and Rafael hadn’t even tried to stop him? The vampire had a rough idea of what eternity was, but would he ever be the same again if after the following night he never saw the vampire hunter again? Suddenly, Rafael had his answer.

 

As Cynric’s hand reached out to open the front door, Rafael materialized behind him. Wrapping his arms around the vampire hunter’s strong chest, Rafael held on for dear life, possibly hurting the young man. Bringing his lips close to Cynric’s ear, he breathed against the younger man’s sensitive skin there. His embrace was powerful, but he left his arms loosely enough around the hunter so that, if Cynric chose to break away, he would be able to. “Don’t be so frightened of being able to feel, please,” Rafael murmured softly, his warm breath probably tickling the human’s neck. Rafael remained that way for a moment, simply breathing against the human’s skin. His lilac eyes, trained for searching for blood, concentrated on Cynric’s neck, finding fine veins where he could bite into and drink for blood. His fangs automatically elongated, but he had control over himself because he had already fed. Aside from that, he didn’t want to hurt the hunter. Instead, he simply breathed in deeply, taking in the unique scent of the hunter, enjoying that he was able to hold him close. Opening his mouth slightly, his tongue slipped out to lazily, languidly pass over Cynric’s skin, breathing out softly when he saw the small hairs on the back of the hunter’s neck moving. “I know that I ought to despise you, that you, as my enemy, ought to be dead an unimportant to me, but you’re not. For some reason, I care about you and don’t want you to leave. I don’t know where this feeling will lead, but I don’t want to live a life of regret, of always wondering what would have been if. It makes me angry and endlessly sad that you choose to live in the dark, in a world without emotions, when you deserve the exact opposite. I might not be the one to help heal your heart, but I’m here now and I wish you’d let me at least try to melt the ice in your heart,” he breathed out huskily and, lifting a hand to turn Cynric’s face to the side, planted a gently, yet firm kiss to the vampire hunter’s lips.

[Keru-chan]

Even though he knew that he wasn't supposed to long after the soft touch of the other one. Even though it was forbidden for him to ever hope for such an outrageous thing he couldn't help but wish that the Vampire would return. That they would return to their earlier state in their relationship. When everything had been completely fine and unmoved. Now, another little part of his heart was being shattered all over the floor beneath his feet. And as he reached for the handle that would lead out to the lonely night he was overwhelmed by regret. Why was he so afraid? He who normally doesn't fear a thing had suddenly become so unfamiliar with company that he had grew to fear it. Ridiculous. What he wanted to be was an empty shell. But that empty shell that he longed to be was filled with emotions that he was struggling to get rid off. And he never stopped, even though he was very well aware of the fact that they would never disappear completely. He breathed in. And then exhaled. Then, in the same second as it seemed like the story had reached it's end a couple of arms unexpectedly embraced him. Held him back from the door and the handle that was waiting to be touched by his slender hand. The sudden but still familiar presence made his heart flutter as he quietly gasped for air in surprise. That voice. This warmth that was sent over his skin. As he slowly realised who it was he began to relax, bit for bit as the other one continued to hold him in his arms. And the Hunter just remained still as his sky blue eyes slightly softened. "Rafael" It was only a quiet tenderly spoken whisper that left his light pink lips as pleasant shivers was sent down his spine when his skin was softly caressed by the tip of the man's tongue.

 

He was scared. But at the same time so incredibly filled with relief and somewhat close to happiness. He knew that if he let it continue then he would only get more attached to the other one. And when he would disappear, or when they would have to separate he knew that it would hurt more. But at this moment. This moment the pain couldn't scare him enough to break loose. Instead he wanted to stay this way forever more. He wanted to stay beside him. But as everything, this fairy tale would eventually too have to end. But there were many more chapters left for them to go through. That was at least what he believed in this minute. The gentle touch of the Vampire's hand, he let it lead him to slightly turn his head. And he found himself staring into those lilac coloured eyes only for a few seconds before their lips crashed into each other. At first he had been surprised, then slowly he ordered his body to turn so that he would be able to hold him as the kiss continued. His hands trailed up the male's body and then pulled away to breath. "I can't help it. That's how I'm supposed to be. That's how my life is supposed to be. That's the fate of us Vampire Hunters. Forever entangled to the threads of hell. Ever since that day..ever since then I have been blind. I didn't want to see anything else but my own miserable life and that resulted in me distancing myself from everyone" He paused, let some seconds of silence pass before resting his forehead on the man's shoulder. "But in the end, that's nothing more than an excuse for my fear of getting hurt or hurting anyone else that I keep dear. I..I just simply don't know how to handle my inner self anymore".

[Gatichan]

Rafael’s insides melted the first time that Cynric whispered his name out. It was the first time that the vampire hunter had addressed him by his first name- all the other times he’d addressed him overly formally by his surname or had once or twice spat the word vampire out at him, but never, not once, not until that very instance, had he called him Rafael. And despite all the years in which he had had his name called out by different people, both men and women alike, the way Cynric whispered his name had never caused such thrilled shivers to race over his arms and back. Breathing out all the more longingly against the hunter’s warm skin, Rafael’s arms tightened further around the hunter’s frame. Could it be? Could he dare to hope? Was there even the slightest chance that he and the hunter might become more than just fleeting acquaintances? As Cynric’s head willingly turned with his hand, letting Rafael guide him, all that Rafael could see were those sky blue eyes, that blue…a blue color Rafael had never seen again since he had died. At one point in his human life, he’d gazed up at the sky and seen that color, but hadn’t known to appreciate it. But right then, as he deepened the gaze between him and Cynric, it was as if that sky, that daytime sky he had believed to have lost had returned to him, had come back in the shape of the vampire hunter. My sky, Rafael thought as their lips touched and he realized with a start that Cynric wasn’t backing away, wasn’t trying to throw him off, was allowing it, was allowing and even leaning into the intimacy with him. There was a chance- slim though it was, there really seemed to be a chance for the two of them…

 

When the vampire hunter broke away, far too soon for Rafael’s liking, he let it happen, didn’t want to push his luck. The kiss had deepened, had become sweeter, but it hadn’t been enough. Nowhere near enough. Hearing Cynric’s whispered words, seeing the expression on his handsome young face, the way he buried his face against Rafael’s shoulder…the vampire’s arms hugged the hunter even closer. “Cynric…you deserve more than loneliness. Yes, that day you must have seen your parents get murdered must have been the worst possible thing for a child to have seen, but it’s not your fault. It never was. And I’m sure your parents, wherever they are, wouldn’t want you to toil and suffer the way you continue to. Everyone deserves to find happiness, even a vampire. I myself have walked the whole of Italy for centuries, trying to look out for someone to be with me, to fill me, to become my other half, to be my soul mate. And despite my years on this earth, I still haven’t found him. I’m lonely like you are, too, but I’m still trying to find him.” Lowering his forehead so that it was resting against the hunter’s, Rafael breathed out unevenly. “And right now, with everything I am, I wish I could be your other half, Cynric. I wish I could make you complete. I wish I could fill you the way you’re making me feel alive again. I don’t know what tomorrow night will bring, but I know that if something were to happen to you, I couldn’t live with myself. I want you,” Rafael allowed himself to admit this, keeping his groin away from the hunter, where it had come to life desperately. “I want you…in any way you’ll allow me to have you. And if it only means that tonight you’ll allow me to sleep with you in my arms, I’ll take it. Because I long for you, Cynric Ainsworth.”

[Keru-chan]

Those lilac coloured eyes that wanted him. That longed for him. They reminded him of the flowers that his mother had so dearly loved. It reminded him of all the kindness and love he had felt in the past and lost. But here it was. His emotions, buried in another man's eyes. Was it there they had been all the time when he had searched for them? When he had needed them? The young Hunter drew a shaky breath as the arms grip around him slightly tightened. Wanted him to come even closer to the other one. Hearing those assuring words and actually being able to feel their meaning. To hear it behind it all as soft and quiet sounds resting in the man's voice. It calmed his heart. Cleared his mind and healed those old invisible wounds that covered his body. And then pictures of his mother and father appeared inside of his head. They were smiling at him. And even though it hurt to see their smiles then fade away it only made his lower lip to slightly quiver as he took in a deep breath and noticed that warm breeze that gently stroke his pale skin. Noticed for the first time how close they were. And his own desire to be even closer. Letting his hands trail up higher to then softly embrace a piece of the clothes he then exhaled. Let out everything that he had once been bearing on his shoulders. "Be gentle to me" The young man softly whispered against the man's lips before embracing them and parting his own.

 

He was going to let go of everything else. Just for this moment. Just for his sake he would let go of everything that tortured his heart. That made his soul colder and that poisioned his mind. There was no need for that now. Right now, he could let it all go. The kiss continued and as it became longer and more intensive he began to slowly unbutton the man's shirt. Tonight. Just for tonight he would let it happen then they would simply had to see for themselves what would happen after that. It wasn't more complicated than that if you didn't look at the whole picture.

 

In that kiss. Everything that he had lost existed. In these soft touches that the other one gave him, everything he longed for was.

[Gatichan]

Waiting for an answer of such paramount importance made the silence that came from the hunter stretch on endlessly, torturing Rafael. He still continued to hold onto the young hunter, wanting to enjoy the closeness until the other spoke to possibly end their union. A part of Rafael was already trying to pick up the pieces of his heart that expected the hunter then, at the latest, to rebuff him and tell him to get lost, that what Rafael was suggesting was disgusting, was evil, was wrong. And Rafael agreed- the feelings that he felt right then were terribly, horribly wrong, yet still they remained, despite the knowledge that in the world, in the reality outside his apartment, the world considered the two of them to be enemies. Of all the lovers he had had before that night, Rafael had never so badly needed the reassurance from the man in his arms that he desired Rafael as much as the vampire wanted and needed the human. The seconds ticked away and still the hunter remained silent, each imaginary ticking of a clock hitting against Rafael’s heart and causing small cracks along the side. Yes, of course he would let the vampire hunter go, but when the human walked out his apartment, he’d be taking more than what he’d entered with.

 

When Cynric finally breathed out the words the greater part of Rafael had been sure he’d never hear, Rafael crushed the hunter against him, powerfully taking control of the kiss that Cynric had pressed chastely to his lips. Slow down, his mind screamed as they threw the hunter’s words back at him: he’d been asked to gentle and Rafael would. Loosening his hold around the hunter the tiniest fraction, Rafael reigned in his passion as he accepted the slightly parted lips and pushed them further open to let his tongue pass into Cynric’s. Letting out a soft moan into the hunter’s mouth when he felt hands opening his shirt, Rafael lowered one of his hands down Cynric’s spine, caressing the vampire hunter through his jacket tenderly. Further opening his mouth to deepen the kiss even more, Rafael nipped the hunter’s lower lip as his second hand intricately weaved its way into Cynric’s hair. “Come with me, Cynric. Tonight I’ll show you a world you’ve denied yourself for too long,” he whispered out, the hand moving down the vampire hunter’s back moving around the front. Moving upwards, Rafael raked the back of his fingers up the younger man’s chest to draw a heart above Cynric’s heart.

 

Slowly, ever so slowly, Rafael began to slide his hands over the hunter’s body, moving them beneath the hunter’s jacket, beneath his shirt to lie gently against the hunter’s back. And then, kissing sweetly and tenderly, Rafael began to coax Cynric into his sleeping chamber in a slow ballet.

[Keru-chan]

Their kiss. It was like two oceans that met each other. Two waves that attacked each other to then interwine. It was passionate but still filled with an unfamiliar warmth that his own body longed so terribly much after. Letting the other one take charge, he simply accepted the request. Parted his lips even more or to be more accurate. Let the other one do it to then notice the tongue that the older one slipped in. Making pleasant shivers leap down his spine which therafter got gently caressed by a strong hand. This kind of feeling. Was something that the Hunter had never experienced in his whole life. This closeness, was more than he was prepared to handle. But even so he didn't want to let go. He didn't want to let anything of this slip away from his hands. No, instead he would learn from this moment. And remember it.

 

He leaned into the touch of the other one like a little kitten. Quietly gasping for air while he slowly, somewhat carefully let his own tongue meet the man's. Letting his hands seek their way upwards the well trained body of the other one he let his fingers enjoy the ride upon the muscles that worked under his palms. His fingers moved across the pale smooth skin, his touch consuming and full of desire as he let a unnoticeable moan slip out. And this lust travelled throughout his virgin body that seemed to seek itself closer and closer to Rafael's. He wanted him. He wanted him to penetrate him. To leave marks on him. He wanted to feel dominated by the love that the other one harbored against him. And his own pounding sex couldn't agree more to that fact.

 

It felt like his feet weren't even touching the ground as the Vampire continued to bring himself into the heart of the home. This feeling of lightness was just one of the small things that excited him. But what excited him the most for the moment was the fact that the man before him wanted him just as much as he himself wanted him. "..I want you to take me.." He ever so softly whispered against his lover's lips as he gently embraced the man's hand. Guiding it up under his shirt. Up to his neck to then momentarily stop before lowering it down to his groin. Quietly moaning of the feeling of the man's hand touching such a sensitive area he let go of the hand, grabbed the collar of the unbuttoned shirt. Wanting to be as close as he could to the other one.

[Gatichan]

Cynric was letting him lead the way. Carefully walking backwards and pulling the vampire hunter, who was slowly but surely letting go of his tension, Rafael paused when Cynric took his hand and led it down to his nether region. And there was longing there, he could very well feel it. Groaning into Cynric’s mouth, Rafael pulled the young hunter flush up against him, pinning the hunter against his own aroused sex. The vampire wanted Cynric to know how much he longed for him, that he had meant what he had said, that that night would mean as much to him as Rafael was hoping it would mean for the hunter. By then they’d just stepped over the threshold of Rafael’s sleeping chamber. Letting go of Cynric’s bottom, which he had begun to caress with gentle longing, Rafael pushed the door closed, making his hips circle as they moved forward to meet Cynric’s.

 

“I will take you,” Rafael breathed out hotly against Cynric’s moist lips once he’d succeeded in freeing his tongue from the passionate lock it had been entangled in. He tilted his head to the side to lick up Cynric’s neck to one of the hunter’s earlobes, which he grazed ever so carefully with his fangs. His fangs were extremely sensitive and when he thought he felt the hunter shiver, Rafael’s breath came out irregularly. Squeezing the hunter longingly through the material of his trousers, Rafael’s hungry lilac eyes met Cynric’s cerulean ones. “I’ll take you right after I’ve tasted you properly…” he promised huskily His long, graceful fingertips began to dance over Cynric’s chest. Grabbing a firm hold of the lapels, Rafael pulled the hunter into him for a further deep passionate kiss, firmly locking Cynric’s tongue into a fierce battle with his. Sighing with need, Rafael’s fingers began to unbutton the vampire hunter’s shirt and, once it had come undone, his fingers moved over the warm, athletic build, slipping the shirt and jacket off. “Come closer…” he urged, his lilac eyes feverish with desire beneath his heavily eyelids.

 

Once the material had fallen away, giving him better access to Cynric’s body, Rafael’s arms wrapped themselves around the hunter. His lips moving sideways to Cynric’s jaw, the vampire soothingly rubbed his hands down the hunter’s back, reaching around to undo the top button of latter’s pants. Shuffling closer, Rafael caressed the side of Cynric’s head, nuzzling the other side with his nose before beginning to place butterfly kisses there. In between his tongue darted out to give the hunter a short warning where his lips would hand next. His fingers continued to work on the trousers, which eventually dropped to the floor, followed by his underwear. All the while Rafael had covered Cynric’s shoulders and upper arms with kisses. Bending his knees slightly, the vampire met the hunter’s eyes as he began to kiss his way down Cynric’s chest, his hands moving in the opposite direction up the hunter’s well-toned legs.

[Keru-chan]

Every single touch that was placed on his body left a burning feeling after that spread throughout his veins, muscles and nerves. And this burning warmth erased his ability think clearly completely. It made his heart go out of control and momentarily he acted only on his pure desire after the other one. His breaths were heavy and his eyelids slowly fluttered as he noticed the hardened area that met his own. Making him moan in pleasure as his slender hands began to greedily take off the already unbuttoned shirt of the other one. The young Hunter thereafter without a second thought threw the shirt on the floor as his lips was curved into a vague smile as he enjoyed the feeling of the man's hand that ever so gently embraced his sex to make him gasp after air in the lack of time to breath. The lonely fact that the other one wanted him just as much as he himself desired the other one filled him with something close to relief. But also a slight light-hearted happiness. The earlier tension, sadness and anger that had been inside of him. Waiting to be released had been forgotten in the presence of the other one and his magical touch that only made him want more.

 

His hand seeked their way around the other one to travel down his back, enjoying the feeling of Rafael's pale and smooth skin under his palms as his fingers explored the edge of the man's pants. His lips slightly parted as the man drew his tongue up along his neck to then finally reach his earlobe where he let the tip of his fang carefully touch his skin. Made pleasant shivers to run throughout his body as he shakily exhaled and then was forced to hastily gasp after air at the pressure from Rafael's hand on his sex. The promise that the other one gave him wasn't enough. He wanted him now. But even so he couldn't help but enjoy the foreplay. Letting his hands move to the front side of the man's body Cynric began to unbutton his pants while his lips were once again embraced. His heart was fluttering in his chest as he moaned into the kiss while his tongue was being caressed by the man's.

 

Those warm lips that so softly but at the same time so wonderfully covered his skin with kisses made him gasp in pleasure as he noticed that they made their way down his chest at the same time as his hands slid up his naked legs. "Ra..Rafael.." He quietly stuttered as his eyelids fell down over his sky blue eyes to cover them for a few seconds before he once again opened them. They were hazy of the desire after the other one.

[Gatichan]

The hunter had almost undressed him and Rafael’s eyes darkened upon hearing Cynric utter his name out. It had to be the first time that he had heard the vampire hunter call him by his first name…and he fell in love with the way Cynric had said it. Halting his course downwards to breath against the human’s aroused sex, Rafael bit his lower lip seductively. “Say my name again, Cynric. I don’t think I’ve ever heard it said quite the way just have,” he said huskily, sticking the tip of his tongue out to follow the area of skin where Cynric’s torso joined his hip. His eyes smoldering further, Rafael let his tongue follow the line downward, moving ever closer to Cynric’s sex. Just before his tongue could reach the sensitively aroused area, he pulled back, a mischievous glint appearing in his eyes. “Go on…say my name again, Cynric.” Groaning through half-lidded eyes, Rafael continued to run his fingers up and over Cynric’s legs, tickling the hunter and caressing the skin at the same time. He smiled, hearing the young hunter repeat his name over and over again. Humming deeply in his throat, Rafael leaned closer and setting his tongue down just above the other’s navel, he gently took a hold of Cynric’s sex and lowering it out of the way, his tongue continued downwards, down and around the navel after he’d given it a playful lick, further down and then finally he let his tongue touch the hunter’s sex as he licked all the way down the impressive length to the very tip. His eyes meeting Cynric’s, Rafael parted his lips further to swallow the head.

 

How long had it been since he’d had a lover? Rafael’s long lashes fluttered as he knelt up and gently caressing the underside of the long shaft began to nibble and nip at the base, he unbuttoned his own trousers. The last couple of decades that he had lived in Italy, his mind had been preoccupied with the increasingly aggressive vampire clans that had begun to fight against each other for the dominance. Despite his rushed flight to England, it had been a kind of relief to have left the growing tension at home. But if there was one thing Rafael had certainly never imagined, it was that he would find someone he could care about so deeply as he felt for Cynric. Without wanting to, since he had wanted to take things slow, Rafael’s hand tightened along the shaft and he began to move it faster. His tongue followed the thick length upwards and then he was sucking Cynric’s sex into his mouth, deeper and with more urgency. That night had to make a difference- he had to convince Cynric that there was more to life than simply hunting down and killing vampires. Rafael needed to give Cynric a reason to really try to escape the following night’s adventures alive.

 

Freeing his own arousal from his trousers, Rafael groaned around Cynric’s sex. Standing up, his lips skimmed the hunter’s warm skin up to his mouth. Wrapping his arms around the hunter, Rafael stepped out his trousers and picking the lither hunter up as their lips met, crashing and battling against each other with more fervor than before, Rafael stepped forward and let himself fall forward onto the bed, cradling Cynric protectively in his arms. “Oh Cynric,” he breathed out hotly, one of his hands once again finding the vampire hunter’s sex while the other lost itself in the hunter’s hair.

[Keru-chan]

Slightly trembling of excitement as the Vampire let his tongue gently caress his skin the Hunter bit down in his lower lip and burst out in a small gasp as the other one travelled further down to then teasingly avoid his pounding sex that so intensively longed after the other one. "Ra..Raf.." He quietly stuttered, unable to complete the sentence because of the state he currently was in. Proudly he swallowed the lump in his throat to then take in a deep shaky breath to once again make a try to utter it. "Rafael.." The name moved ever so smoothly over his light pink lips and he said it again. And again. Wanting the other one even more deeply than before as the other one continued and let his tongue once again touch his skin. A shrill sound left Cynric's lips at the gentle grip on his sex and he most unnoticable winced at the man's playful route down to the tip of his length to then. With a short paus letting his lips embrace it as a row of moans and pleasure filled sounds left the young Hunter. Some quiet, some loud but all telling how much he enjoyed this.

 

This kind of intimacy. This hot arousing touch. Never even once had he experienced something like this. Something that for every second made him crave after more as he drowned in an ocean of pleasure. His brain shut down, completely. Only letting his heart and body lead him closer to the other one without thinking anything. Thoughts weren't needed in this moment. Only him and his beloved one. "M..More" He whispered as the lips of the other one continued their playful game with his length. Hard of desire. The desire after him. This whole scene made him wonder though. If this was love? Was this feeling that made his heart pound in his chest love? Or was this desire after the other one a sign that he had fallen for the other one? What did falling for someone exactly mean? The lack of knowledge made him unsure, but the experience that hid behind the man's movements swept that feeling of uncertainty away. Which also made him wonder how many times the man had done this to someone. The Hunter was very well aware that under those many years that the older one had lived, he couldn't ever hope or dream for something so ridiculous like the man not having any previous lovers. That was just wishful thinking. Though he had to accept and swallow the fact that he wasn't the first one. But even so he hoped he would be the one that would stand out most. He wanted to be the one that the other one would remember and love the most.

 

A loud pleasure filled moan slipped past his slightly parted lips as the other one began to rough his method of pleasing him up. As the other one began to raise from the floor, he placed his arms around the man's neck as he was lifted from the floor and strongly he kept himself up in that position with his legs as their lips once again was pressed against each other and his tongue gut tangled up in another fierce fight. Feeling how they fell, the Hunter soon noticed that familiar softness under his body as the man's hands continued to please him. To make him produce more of those sounds that already left him. "Now..Do it now..Rafael" He whispered against the man's lips, wanting to be able to enjoy all of this before the night would end. Because then, he would once again become alone. But still not completely alone, because he would wake up with him at his side.

[Gatichan]

On the bed, it was easier to shift around. Encouraged by Cynric’s utterances and the fact that he’d explicitly told Rafael to take him, the vampire lost nearly all inhibition. Shifting on the bed so that he was slightly lower than the hunter’s head, Rafael growled, causing the younger man to lower his head so that the two of them could continue to exchange fierce kisses. The hand inside Cynric’s hair remained, but the other caressed the hunter’s bottom, moving up the side of his hip and then down over Cynric’s inner thigh. Rafael’s fangs grazed the hunter’s lower lip and only at the last moment could prevent himself from drawing the vampire hunter’s blood. He didn’t want to scare the human, but if Cynric had been a vampire, round about then Rafael would have begun to lick his throat to then, while their bodies were united in the century old dance of passion, bite into it to drink his lover’s blood. Drinking a mate’s blood when the partner was close to reaching his peak was the best way to increase the passion, but with Cynric, Rafael knew that he shouldn’t. The man was, after all, a vampire hunter and might understand Rafael wrong, believing perhaps, that Rafael was trying to turn him. That would kill all the romance and it was the last thing that Rafael wanted.

 

“Oh Cynric,” he uttered out as he pushed the human’s legs widely apart and took a hold of the hot sex, beginning to pump his hand over it faster. “You so entice me. Do you even know how erotic you are in this moment?” he wondered, his eyes slightly unfocussed as he gazed into Cynric’s eyes, lust making his lilac eyes several shades darker. Lashing out with his tongue to provoke the hunter into following the lead and entering his own mouth, Cynric raised the hand that he had used to stroke the hunter up to their united mouths. Pulling away only slightly, he shoved the three fingers of his right hand between his and Cynric’s mouth His tongue darted out to continue kissing the hunter, at the same time moisturizing the fingers. When Cynric joined in, Rafael moved his fingers until they were slick from saliva. “Cynric…” Rafael needed to be careful, but need and greed for the human spurned him on and perhaps he was a little overenthusiastic as he preceded to enter the hunter’s body with his middle finger. Covering Cynric’s mouth, Rafael sent his mind out to touch the younger man’s one. Don’t be afraid. Relax. I need to prepare you to take me in, otherwise I might hurt you and that’s the last thing I want. Cynric, leave your legs parted and don’t fight me, please, he urged, tenderly caressing the hunter’s head through his hair. The kiss he was sharing went from passionately needy to sweeter and more gentle as he slowly worked his finger in and out the hunter’s body, preparing it, letting Cynric get a feel for it. He could smell his and Cynric’s sweat, as well as the excitement from their sexes and Rafael let out a low moan, his breath becoming heavier.

 

Eventually, he found Cynric’s body resisting him less and he carefully inserted a second finger into the hunter’s body. The resistance that met his fingers made him slow down as he moved his mouth down to Cynric’s chest, where he there began to lick, suckle, gently nip and kiss over the hunter’s chest. Even though he’d never cared much for them, finding Cynric’s body so beautifully soft compared to those of a vampire’s, Rafael left behind smaller love bites, passing his tongue over them as he worked the third finger in. By then, he was able to move his fingers in and out Cynric’s body easier. Rafael’s own sex was pressed insistently against the hunter’s right thigh and with a low groan of hunger, Rafael sat up and took a hold of his arousal. His eyes shiny with feverish need, he took a hold of Cynric’s sex and positioning himself perfectly between the hunter’s legs, slowly began to push his way in, letting out throaty gasps as he felt Cynric’s body pulling him closer.

[Keru-chan]

His heart was endlessy fluttering in his chest as he gasped for air between the passionate kisses, the man's tongue and his wonderful hot touch. Small diamond drops of sweat decorated his body and he moaned out in pure plessure when his legs were forcefully separated and his sex was grabbed by the other one as he seemed to speak. But the words did not reach the human's ears entirely and he only perceived some few words of the sentence. His lips were slightly trembling as the other one kept embracing them and like an faithful dog he answered the man's request and let his tongue be swept away into the man's mouth as suddenly, three fingers was raised between them. At first he only observed but then not soon after he joined the other one as they wet the fingers. The greed. The desire. The feelings. Everything blossomed between their bodies. Letting his hands drop to the bed sheets beneath him he slowly caressed it with his nails. With his hazy sky blue eyes the Hunter let his gaze be turned to the Vampire, noticing that the fingers that had earlier been pressed between them had disappeard and for a few seconds he let his eyelids fall down and closed his eyes. To then in pure surprise as the finger was pushed into his body through his hole he slightly arched his back in a bow, which resulted in that his back left the comfortable and soft surface under him as his body squeezed the finger. The hand on his mouth that was hindering him from making any sounds was gently pressed against his lips and he knew very well that the other one didn't do this out of anything but love. His familiar voice only made him more sure on that fact but even so he couldn't help but feel tense at this unfamiliar feeling that spread throughout his body. It was hot and pleasant.

 

With a slight nod he sunk down on the bed once again, letting out small sounds of pleasure as the finger softly moved in and out and he slowly began to get accustomed to the presence of it. The second finger joined his brother after a while and once again his body tensed up as he concentrated on breathing. And as his chest moved up and down and worked as a sign that he was alive he softly moaned as the man's lips softly marked him. The fact that after this night, he would no longer remain a virgin felt incredibly hard to believe. But as Cynric slowly heaved his eyelids up, watched the man that touchedf him so lovely it was no longer impossible for him to realise that. He was at least happy that his first time would be meaningfull, and that it was Rafael that would take him. Because he was now sure that no one would be able to make him feel like this. Wanted, longed for, desired and lastly loved. Cynric was willing to let him take everything. He would give him everything if it was that he wanted. And he would take Rafael's pain and sorrow. Lightly gripping the sheets he prepared himself. And then felt how the warmth slowly penetrated him. Pushed itself into his body as he cried out in pleasure, arching his back in a bow as his grip around the bed sheets hardened. His heart raced in his chest and his body swallowed the aroused lenght with good apetite as it tightly embraced it. He opened his mouth wide, breathed heavily and slightly moved his feet on the bed. Back and forth. It felt too good to be true, but at the same time there was a slight pain in it all. But that of course, didn't stop him from enjoying the pleasure. "M..Move..Rafael..now!" He ordered, wanting to feel more. Wanting to have more of the other one.

[Gatichan]

It was difficult to hold back, especially when Cynric was urging him on. Now that Rafael had almost buried himself to the hilt inside the vampire hunter, all he wanted to do was let go. He groaned out again as one hand pressing down against Cynric’s inner thigh, keeping the hunter’s legs parted, tightened. Cynric’s body eagerly took him in, squeezing him in a most delightful, seductive, suggestive way. The warmth coming from the young man’s body was so wonderful that Rafael leaned more of his weight forward and thus properly sank into Cynric’s aroused body, gasping out hotly as he finally found himself surrounded by hot, human flesh. “Cynric…” he uttered out, his eyes flashing as he met the human’s eyes. There was lust, there was huger, there was urgency, there was reproach and even slight fear in them: lust, because he so desperately longed for Cynric. It had taken him a while to sort out the strange feelings within him that had begun to manifest themselves the more time he’d spent around the hunter. The attraction had been there immediately…it had only taken him time to understand it. He felt hunger because Rafael had gone by for decades now without a lover. In his human youth, he had been notorious, but as a vampire, especially after the way Venice had become lately…sexual fulfillment hadn’t exactly been at the top of his list. Urgency- he didn’t want to put this off any longer, but he would. He was a vampire, he could move much faster than Cyric and was more powerful, so the last thing Rafael wanted to do was unintentionally hurt the hunter. The reproach was also clear: a part of Rafael, the part that embraced his vampiric self, the part that was astounded and disturbed that he had fallen for a vampire hunter, still needed convincing that this was a good idea. And finally, fear: go slow. Don’t hurt him.

 

Waiting until Cynric’s fingers had uncurled and lay calmly on the sheets again, Rafael carefully, agonizingly slowly, began to pull himself out. This also caused delicious friction, especially when the tip of his sex came out. Breathing out in a rush, Rafael took a hold of himself and teasingly prodding against Cynric’s back entrance, slowly pushed himself back inside, caressing the hunter’s thighs as he went. All the way, centimeter by centimeter, until he was buried back inside the hunter, forming a beast with four arms and legs. “Oh…Cynric…” he broke out, moving back out again, faster this time. Repeating this sliding and pushing movement, gradually Rafael began to pump harder, pressing his hips properly up against Cynric. Taking a hold of the hunter’s sex again, he began to squeeze, stroke and rub it, using this to increase the stimulation for Cynric. Leaning over on his next thrust forward, Rafael growled against the hunter’s lips and then kissed him, hard.

[Keru-chan]

Every part of him trembled of excitement. Desired him to the fullest. Wanted him to mark him as his own. He wanted to experience of belonging to someone. That feeling of always having someone beside him. And even in the darkest times of his life he wanted to be able to smile only by simply thinking of this precious someone. He wanted to treasure him. He wanted to know that they both had each other on the right side. That they stood in the same part of the boat. Cynric was very well aware of the fact that one day they would separate. Either by his own death or by something else. He knew that it wouldn't last forever and that one day Rafael would find someone else to love. To touch and give pleasure too. And it pained him. It pained this Hunter to think that there would be more, lots of more probably that would sit in the same chair as he sat in now. Because this beauty, this person was someone bound to live forever. But even so, that wouldn't stop him. As well as he knew the truth he was aware of the fact that those things, those persons would be after his death. Because he wouldn't allow anyone to steal him. No one. It didn't matter if it would just be a kiss, a light caressing on his cheek or having sex with him. Because those lips, those cheeks and his body. He would protect it and claim it his. Under this short tragic life of his, he would make the other one unable to forget him

 

Letting out a light gasp followed by a quiet moan the human felt how the man moved inside of him. Exactly as he had ordered. But teasingly slow, and just barely. Barely the Hunter managed to keep his sanity as he bit down on his lower lip and hardly closed his eyes to ride on the pleasure. Still letting his hands simply lay on the bed sheets he breathed out, heavily and cut off his breath to cutely gasp as he felt how his partners length did touch his hole but did not enter. His feet slightly moved as he took a hold of himself and his own aroused sex twitched in dismay as the other one waited with entering him for the second time. And he took his time before he let Cynric's body taste that familiar pounding length again. Loudly moaning in pleasure he felt how the tip brushed over his prostate and he opened his mouth only to then, once again quickly close it as no sound left him. Instead the next thrust came. Made those sounds of pleasure leave him as he gasped for air. His cold hand embraced his excited sex for probably the third time by now and he couldn't help but weakly cry out as the other one at the same time reached straight for his prostate on the inside of his body. Hitting perfectly on the spot which made him pleasantly shudder and moan. "R..Rafael.." he called out to the man, softly while gasping for air. But that action was soon cut off by a pair of lips that embraced his own, roughly and filled with need. He worked them apart and instead of words he knew that the older one knew that he wouldn't last much longer since he had begun to tightly and irregularly clench around the sex and then release it. And as the final thrust came he let out a scream that resembled both a moan and a gasp and then he came.

[Gatichan]

It had really been too long since he’d last lain with a lover and Rafael regretted this immensely. Cynric was so beautiful in every possible aspect. As he feebly moved his feet against the bed sheet in protest to Rafael’s teasing, the cute little gasps he made as he was slowly but surely swept off his feet. How he touched himself, his facial expressions that changed, shifted, intensified. How his chest rose and fell irregularly, his beautiful warm skin becoming more and more dotted with pearls of sweat. Rafael wanted to hold out longer, make the pleasure last, but as he watched himself rock, grind, push and rub Cynric to his peak, becoming more and more handsome the higher he rose and the more ecstatic he became, Rafael knew that he wouldn’t manage it. His own hunger and longing for the hunter, the need to let go and enjoy the intimate moment to the fullest, were too great for him and the long wait was working against him. Needing to hurry Cynric along more, Rafael’s lips moved to his lover’s neck as his hand holding the hunter’s sex began to move even faster. “Cynric,” he breathed out thickly, his voice throaty and becoming steadily heavier when he opened his eyes to experience Cynric letting go to find release. Drinking up the vampire hunter’s perfectly peaceful face filled with deep satisfaction and burning the memory into his mind, Rafael continued to milk Cynric’s sex and after one, two, three further deep plunges, groaned out Cynric’s name as he emptied his longing into the hunter’s quivering body.

 

Falling down half on Cynric and half on the mattress so that the hunter wouldn’t have to take his full weight, Rafael turned his head to breath out ruggedly against the hunter’s right ear. Slowly, because it took a while for his senses to return, for him to realize that he was really still anchored inside Cynric’s desirable body and that the perfect moment hadn’t been a dream, but sweet reality, Rafael began to close his arms, entrapping the vampire hunter inside them and hugging Cynric possessively to his equally sweaty body. “Oh Cynric,” he broke out, tenderly brushing the hunter’s dark hair to the side so that he could claim his lover’s lips in a long, lingering kiss. “If only our paths had met earlier and we could have accepted our mutual attraction earlier, the passion we could have experienced together.” His voice was filled with regret as with one hand he continued to stroke it through Cynric’s dark hair, using his other hand to moved Cynric’s legs over and around him, reassuring that their bodies remain close together, even when they were no longer intimately entwined. Gazing into the cerulean eyes, Rafael slightly shook his head. “Tomorrow night, you have to promise me, really promise me, from the bottom of your heart- swear it on your parent’s graves, that you really will do everything possible to return to me unharmed. You have to, Cynric. You are mine.”

[Keru-chan]

Slowly riding out his orgasm, the Hunter's breathing became more calm, more quiet and more discreet. But there were still signs after the passionate moment they had shared. His face expression, entangled in pleasure and his eyes somewhat unfocused as he open heartedly accepted the body that halfly dropped down on his own and halfly rested on the bed beside him. Heaving up his eyelids, the young man let his gaze trail up to the ceiling. Letting it stay there as the man beside him caressed his ear with his breaths. Making pleasant shivers ran down his back as he once again closed his eyes and just layed there beside the Vampire. And the lack of warmth from the man's body reminded him once again that this kind of relationship was absolutely forbidden. It wasn't supposed to even exist. Humans and Vampires. Two so completely different races that had suddenly taken a part in each other. But this situation was slightly different. Because, they were both predators and they feeded on each other. Survived by killing the other one. He was a Hunter. And this man before him, was a Vampire. And this was their story. A story that is doomed to be hated. Then you could ask him, why hadn't he just simply stayed away? And his answer would be, there were sure a couple of more persons that had the information that he desired. But even so, under the short time that they had spent. That time had been enough for him to feel some kind of connections to the other one. They were different, but not entirely different. Because before this moment, they had both been lonely. No important persons, no family, no friends. Nothing. They had both, empty handed reached out for each other. Secretly hoping to find comfort and something to fill the empty places in their hearts. That was what he thought there he was, laying beside the beautiful Vampire as he raised his hand and placed it on the man's arm. Letting his fingertips softly play on the pale surface as he let his head drop down on the side so that his own face would meet his. This was outrageous, wrong and dangerous in every way. But at the same time, it was exactly what he needed. And what wasn't wrong in this corrupted world?

 

As his lips was curled into a vague smile, he gently answered the kiss. Not being able to really make any effort to evovle it further and instead he drew a deep sigh as fast as their lips parted. It was an exhausted but still a sigh filled with happiness. Happiness. How long had it been since the last time he had felt this unfamiliar feeling? Too long for his liking at least, that was all he knew. All those feelings that he thought was useless before was now coming back. Slowly revining his cold and tragic soul as he let the other one lead his legs around his majestic body. "Rafael.." He softly began, let his hand that had earlier rested on the man's arm be placed on his cheek. Opening his eyes, he met those familiar lilac coloured eyes and his gaze slightly softened as he once again parted his lips to speak. "This way we walked and still walks was in my eyes the only one that could be fulfilled. Two persons like us, so different. Feelings for someone that you aren't supposed to be with is hard to accept. And to make them go further. This time that it took, it may have been an eternity but under that time it grew stronger. Strong enough to lead us here. And surely strong enough that lies ahead of us" he paused, enjoyed the feeling of the man's hand softly stroking his hair as he heard the clock from the living room, announcing that the clock was now three. In the middle of the night. Which meant that soon, they would have to separate. "I can't swear it on my parents graves since they don't have any, but instead I'll swear on my soul and heart that I'll make everything I can to return. I can though not assure you that I'll come unharmed, but definitely alive. And you have to promise me to not make anything stupid even if something goes wrong" Cynric took in a deep shaky breath as the final words only became a soft whisper. "I wouldn't be able to stand out with myself if I ended up losing you too".

[Gatichan]

The hunter’s hand on Rafael’s arm was reassuring. And only when Cynric smiled back at him did Rafael allow himself to admit that he had been a little worried that after their lovemaking, the vampire hunter would roll into a small ball and turn away from him, disgusted and ashamed of what had occurred between them. But there was Cynric, returning his kiss, his fingertips stroking his skin. It was cool compared to the natural, healthy, natural warmth coming from Cynric and as he heard the clock chiming from the other room, he knew that his and Cynric’s precious time was all too soon coming to an end. And for the first time in his long undead life, Rafael sincerely regretted having chosen to become a vampire. If he had still been human, there would have been no time limit, no need to hurry up and exchange words of love with his lover. They would have been able to remain in bed for the entire day, kissing, making love, talking. Instead, he and Cynric were mixed up with dangerous, murderous beings of the same race as he was. And when he thought back to the evil twins he had already contacted and told of Cynric’s whereabouts, Rafael closed his eyes painfully. He had betrayed Cynric, but that had been before he’d even known of his true feelings for the vampire hunter. And it didn’t matter anymore, because Rafael was going to throw himself down between those assassins and Cynric, paying with his life if necessary, but he wasn’t going to let them touch or harm a hair on his lover’s head, no way. But the words that the hunter had to go and speak right then soothed his soul, at the same time filling Rafael with remorse. Why hadn’t he just waited a while longer? He couldn’t tell Cynric just then what he’d done- at the moment, they both needed to survive the following night, but when that was over, he’d confess what he’d done…and accept the consequences, whichever they might be.

 

Hearing that Cynric had also been denied the opportunity to decently bury his parents, that he didn’t have a place to return to whenever he felt the need to speak to his parents, filled Rafael with sadness. Even he, a creature of the night, had a grave for his parents. And while he’d still been living in Venice, he’d been able to tend to their graves and regularly lay flowers down for them on the nights he had missed his family so much that the weight in his heart had become unbearable. His lilac eyes flashed at Cynric’s second last sentence. “Do something stupid? Cynric, if your life is in danger, I’ll do everything to save you. You know that I completely lost all reason and killed those two guards from Mycroft when you were being attacked and your life was a risk. No, I can’t promise you that,” he shook his head, needing the vampire hunter to see. Drawing up the heavy, warm blankets over his and Cynric’s shoulders, Rafael’s face remained insistent. “If you are cornered, then I will come to your rescue. It’s only thanks to me that you’re undertaking this dangerous mission in the first place- I have a responsibility. And I’m stronger than you are- a bullet can kill you, but it won’t immediately kill me. I saw your eyes, Cynric,” he continued, more quietly as he turned onto his back and pulled the vampire hunter now onto his body, his hands caressing Cynric’s bottom and the back of his neck. “When you left the vampire hunter association, I saw that you believed something was wrong. You think that they know something about the supposedly secret meeting already, don’t you? You think it’s a trap, am I right?” He shook his head in frustration. The die had been cast already- it was too late for Rafael to tell Cynric to stay away because the association knew he’d be going, as Mycroft knew that Rafael was to attend. If word had already got to the hunter association…which third party was causing trouble from the sidelines? “Which enemy have I missed?” Rafael wondered, puzzled and distraught that he hadn’t factored them in when calculating the need to protect Cynric’s life.