Fiction - - Collab - JE - Societatem Coire 1/?
Title: Societatem Coire (To Come Together in Blood)
Authors: suboshiyui & setos_puppy
Rating: Overall: NC-17; Chapter: PG
Warnings: Alternate Universe, vampire, blood, gore, death, sex, angst
Pairings: Akame (friendship), Pin, Kameda, Rygomi (Ryo/Golf/Mike), T&T
Disclaimer: None of these boys belong to us (;o;), we’re just borrowing them for some fun. No money is being made off of this (again ;o;) so please no sue!
Authors Notes: Influenced heavily by Anne Rice, this is an alternate universe where our JE boys are vampires! Co-written with setos_puppy! Constructive criticism is appreciated, but please no flames!
Summary: In a world where vampires are real, Kamenashi Kazuya has been searching for his "Chosen," his soulmate. Finding a lonely street kid, he takes him in, hoping against hope he has found his soulmate. Yet, forces beyond his control seem to be converging upon him, and his vampire family. Will they have the strength to survive or will they succumb to the burning of the light?
Chapter 1
It was cold, raining and dark - that was all the small boy of twelve years old knew as he ran down back alleys, scaled fences and ran in and out of people. It was late fall and the nights were frigid; he'd only been looking for a warm place to stay for the night, but he had run into the wrong people. If he could outrun them, he would find a warm back alley in Shibuya to sleep. He might not find the needed shelter from the rain, but he would be warmer and safer than anywhere in Tokyo.
Sneaker clad feet sliding on wet grass, Ueda Tatsuya let out a soft 'oof' as he landed before scrambling up and running again. He turned a corner and spotted a door slightly ajar. Slipping inside, he pulled the door shut quickly and backed into the nearest corner to slide down to the floor and hug his knees to his shaking form, which was only clad in a thin red t-shirt and a pair of old ripped jeans. He pressed his face into his knees as he heard them, their footsteps and voices getting louder. He pushed himself as far back from the door, trying to stop his shivering and breathing so he wouldn't be heard as he hid his face in his knees. Then the door opened...
A hand reached out, taking hold of the young boy by the shoulder and lifting him, just as the door opened and the boys that had been chasing the small child entered. The dark figure placed a hand over the boy's mouth, his finger raised to his lips in a shushing gesture.
He was an exceedingly beautiful man; his piercing ice blue eyes seemed to dig into Tatsuya's very soul. The man was dressed all in black; the long traveling coat hiding the majority of his body from view. The only parts of him visible were his hands and face; his hands were delicate, almost girlish. His face was framed with long dark brown hair, giving him an air of mystery.
The stranger didn't wait for the men to enter completely. He seemed to fly towards the door, a brief cracking sound could be heard, before the gang of bullies ran off.
Turning around, the stranger brushed a delicate finger over his lips, wiping something off before looking to where he'd left the boy. "You're safe now, Tatsuya."
Tatsuya peered up at the elder man, shaking softly from the cold. "How did you know my name," he asked in a soft, shy whisper, not afraid, more curious than anything. He hugged his trembling body, and tried to hold back his whimper from the cold, giving the tiniest sneeze. He rubbed his face, trying futilely to get warmer. "Thank you..." he said softly, knowing it was polite to do so, even if he had no idea who the older man was. He peered up into the enchanting ice blue eyes as he blinked tiredly, resuming his soft shivering and trying to hide it in front of the man who had saved him. Unconsciously, he curled towards the larger male, trying to get warmer.
"Talk later. For now, we must leave this place," the stranger whispered into Tatsuya's ear, lifting up the boy effortlessly into his arms. The black traveling coat seemed even larger as it wrapped around the young boy, helping to warm him.
Leaving the building, the mysterious man stepped over a small puddle on the darkened floor, closing the door behind him. There was a small trail leading from the door down the alley, but the older man didn't seem to notice.
Carrying the boy, he headed into one of the darker, less traveled parts of town. It wasn't long before they came to a huge hotel. It was old, but inside it appeared to be very expensive and luxurious.
Tatsuya held onto the other by wrapping his arms around his neck and buried his face in his shoulder. He peered up as they entered the hotel and smiled, rubbing an eye tiredly. He could use a hot bath and something to eat. He didn't know why, but he trusted the man who held him. He had saved him; brought him somewhere warm and he knew his name.
Taking the elevator to the top floor, he kept the boy in his arms when getting off. Down the corridor was a set of wooden doors. They opened at his approach and he stepped inside.
The floor was made of black marble, with flecks of green within. A velvet black couch and smoke colored glass coffee table were the main decorations within the room; tapestries of various scenes decorated the walls. All manner of decorations could be seen around the room, though the lack of any mirrors was a bit suspicious.
Carrying the boy to his bedroom, he walked through, heading for the large bathroom on the other side. He set the shivering young boy on one of the wrought iron chairs and brushed back his hair before turning on the warm water. "Go on, Tatsuya-chan. Take your clothes off and get into the bathtub."
Tatsuya waited shyly until the other turned his back before doing just that, sliding into the bubbly water. Turning the water off once it was a decent level and let the hot water soak in, Tatsuya giggled as he played with the bubbles. He peered towards the man whose back was still turned before beginning to scrub his face with a washcloth; he didn't even know his name. "What's your name? You know mine."
Keeping his back to the young boy, the stranger couldn't help but smile. He was rather cute, and didn't seem to be afraid. "Hmmm...You may call me Kazuya if you'd like. Let me know when you've finished, Tatsuya. I'll have clothes, food and drink ready for you when you're done."
Making sure not to watch the boy, so as not to make him nervous, he left the young man in the bathroom and called the front desk. Requesting a child size pair of pajamas, he made a mental note to call the local stores for an appointment the following evening. They would need to do some clothes shopping for the young man.
Tatsuya bathed and washed his hair quickly. Draining the water, he climbed out and dried off, sliding on a fluffy blue robe. Finding a comb, he worked it through his knotted hair he made a face as he worked out the tangles before finding a toothbrush and toothpaste and began to brush his teeth.
It wasn't long before there was a knock at the front door. Kazuya answered it, tipping the bellboy generously before wheeling the cart of food and clothing into the suite. There was enough food for at least four; he was fairly sure the boy would be starving. Pulling out the pajamas, he returned to the bedroom and was pleased to see that the young man had finished already. "I have a pair of pajamas for you. They're on the bed. When you're done changing, food will be in the living room, Tatsuya. Then we can talk."
Tatsuya finished in the bathroom before taking the pajamas and retreated into the bathroom to change, walking back into the main room. Hopping onto the bed, he peered at the large amounts of food. He looked towards Kazuya before pulling over a tray with a chicken burger and fries. He munched on some fries and then took a sip of the water on the table, peering at the elder. "Thank you... But, why did you save me? Not that I'm not happy," he murmured, taking a bite of the burger as he chewed hungrily. So happy to be eating a full meal for the first time in a long time. He bounced on the bed slightly as he tried to get comfortable and wiped his mouth with a napkin. He looked to the male impatiently, "well?!"
Lips twitching in amusement, Kazuya sat back in the chair he was occupying, the plate of chicken sitting next to him. He picked up a piece of chicken, giving it the once over before taking a delicate bite of the cooked meat.
"Hmm...So many questions for such a little boy." Setting the food aside, he toyed with the goblet of what could be wine, taking a small sip. "I have my reasons and a person's name is visible if you know what to look for."
Tatsuya blinked in confusion, shoving a handful of fries in his mouth, chewing as he peered at the elder. "I don't understand," he said simply, taking a huge sip of his water.
"You'll understand as you gain experience. And don't eat so fast. The food isn't going anywhere." Kazuya reached out and placed a hand on Tatsuya's to stop him from shoving another handful of fries in his mouth. "Slowly, Tatsuya."
Tatsuya pouted, before nodding his head in understanding, peering at Kazuya with his wide, innocent eyes. He finished his mouthful and sighed. "Why won't you answer my questions," he asked, a little annoyed at the fact the other male kept avoiding the topic. "And how did you know my name?"
The boy was persistent, if nothing else. Leaning forward, Kazuya met Tatsuya's eyes, gauging how much he should tell the boy at first. He ran a delicate finger along Tatsuya's cheek before speaking. Only he didn't use his voice, but his mind.
'Like this, Tatsuya. Do you see now?'
Tatsuya blinked in surprise and tilted his head to the side. He smiled softly and nodded his head, pulling his drink over and took a sip of it. As if the telepathic answer was just the one he was looking for.
Pleased, Kazuya took a sip from his glass, saying nothing more for the time being. He waited until the boy was done with the food before calling the front desk again to have them pick up the tray. Setting it outside, he returned to his bedroom, where he'd left the young boy. "We need to set some ground rules if you are to stay here."
Tatsuya watched Kazuya move around the room before lying down on his stomach. "Okay," he said, stretching out as he burrowed under the covers to stay warm. "What are they?"
"First, you are not to leave the suite for any reason, not without me in attendance." Kazuya opened a small metal box from his desk and pulled out a flint and tinder. Striking it, he went around the room, lighting the candles. "Second, under no circumstances, are you to disturb me during the day. I do my business at night and sleep during the day. Thirdly, the curtains are to remain shut and the door closed to the bedroom from dawn till sunset."
"Okay," Tatsuya replied, giving a yawn and rubbing his eyes. "What do I do if I wake up before you," he asked, eyes drooping in tiredness. "And there's only one bed..." He pointed out the obvious lack of a second bed.
"Very astute, Tatsuya." Kazuya smiled, sitting on the edge of the bed. He looked over at Tatsuya and smiled, brushing back his hair. "You will sleep with me until we can get you your own bed and room. If you wake up before I do, you may go to the other room, but close the door behind you."
Tatsuya nodded softly, curling onto his side as he held up the covers for Kazuya to climb in as he snuggled into the two soft, fluffy pillows. Once Kazuya had slid in, he moved closer, yawning as he peered up at the other through his lashes; he knew deep down that, he could trust Kazuya, that he was safe with him, and that Kazuya would take care of him.
"Sleep now, Tatsuya. We have much to do tomorrow." Kazuya slid into bed next to the little boy, pulling the covers up and over the two of them. He watched the boy silently, still amazed at the fact he'd found him at all.
"Okay," Tatsuya replied sleepily, eyes drooping before shutting as his fingers curled into the soft material of Kazuya's shirt. "Tomorrow will you tell me about you and why I'm so special?" He murmured, already falling asleep.
"Perhaps. Sleep now." Kazuya watched the young boy fall asleep with a tender expression. He reached out, brushing his fingertips against Tatsuya's face, already seeing the grown man in his eyes. "In time, you'll know, Tatsuya. In time."
"Good night." Were the last words that left Tatsuya's mouth as he curled into Kazuya's warmth and strong arms, falling asleep almost instantly with a smile on his face.
* * *
When the last rays of the sun disappeared beyond the horizon, Kazuya's eyes opened. He instantly knew that he wasn't alone, but he made no move to harm the occupant. He looked down at the young boy, seeing the adult he would be in a few years. He smiled, his hand reaching out to brush along Tatsuya's cheek. The boy was adorable, even he could see that. However, there was definitely more than just beauty. Tatsuya had a charm about him and it made Kazuya unbelievably protective.
His old master would laugh at him. He'd left to find his Chosen; he hadn't been back in at least a hundred years. It seemed strange to find his Chosen so easily; now he was a bit at a loss of what to do. One thing was for sure; he needed to wait until Tatsuya was old enough before giving him more information.
Tatsuya sighed in his sleep, turning into the soft touch to his cheek, stretching slowly as his eyes opened and he peered at the elder. He gave a smile as he woke more fully and lay on his back more to watch Kazuya, stretching again as he gave a yawn. "Mmm… Ohayo," he managed to say, curling back into the strong chest.
"Konbanwa, Tatsuya. Rested this evening? Hungry?" Kazuya questioned, taking his time as he ran his fingers through the young boy's hair. He was a beautiful child; he would make an even more beautiful man when he grew up.
Tatsuya's eyes fluttered as the hand moved through his hair. "Mmhmmm. Can I have waffles?" he asked, moving away from Kazuya before sliding off the bed reluctantly and then scurried towards the bathroom before the other responded. After finishing up and washing his hands and brushing his teeth, he walked back into the bedroom and climbed back into the bed.
Laughing, Kazuya watched the boy dash off to the bathroom. He sat up, running a hand through his hair before the young boy returned. "Yes, you may have waffles. Once you've eaten, we'll leave. There are some errands we need to attend to."
"Leave? Where are we going?" he asked, crossing his legs lotus style and flipped through channels, squinting at the screen and rubbed his eyes, moving a little closer on the edge of the bed to see.
"Hmm..." Kazuya watched the young boy before placing his hands on Tatsuya's waist and pulling him back to where Kazuya was sitting. "First, look at the television and tell me what you see."
Tatsuya looked to Kazuya before looking to the TV again and squinted, "I can see the people... But the words on the bottom of the screen are fuzzy," he answered honestly, pulling over his glass of water and taking a sip of his water. "It's always been like that though," he murmured into the glass, taking a big gulp.
"Then we shall stop at an optometrist as well." Kazuya reached into the drawer of the nightstand next to the bed and pulled out a small eyeglass case. It was his old pair of glasses from when he was mortal; they were made of copper frames, but had always served him well. He didn't need them now; but he was always nostalgic about his past. Handing them over to the boy, he motioned for him to put them on. "Put them on and look at the television again." They should help a little, even if they weren't the right prescription.
Tatsuya placed the glasses on his nose and peered at the TV, "better, I can see it clearer now." He climbed into Kazuya's lap and curled up to his chest, giving a small flush at the loud growl his stomach made. He didn't want to move it was comfortable here and he felt warm. He buried his face into Kazuya's neck, exposing his own unknowingly to Kazuya's vision.
"...." Now this was dangerous. Kazuya's eyes fell on Tatsuya's exposed neck and he unconsciously licked his lips. It took a great deal of effort on his part to push the young boy away. "Go get ready, Tatsuya. We'll go eat before heading off to shop."
Tatsuya pouted as he was pushed away before nodding, picking up his clothes from the previous day that had been drying and moved into the bathroom with a pout. He changed and moved back into the main room, sliding his shoes on and looked to Kazuya.
Having dressed once Tatsuya was in the bathroom, Kazuya waited patiently by the door. Once Tatsuya emerged, he held his hand out to the little boy. "Ready to go, Tatsuya?"
Tatsuya nodded and took Kazuya's offered hand with a smile, "what are you going to have?" He asked as they walked along, peering at him before stopping, "piggyback me~"
Amused, Kazuya shook his head. The kid was just too cute. "All right." He lifted the boy with ease, giving him a piggyback ride. Normally he'd never do something like this, but there was some kind of hold that the young boy had over him that made him do things he never would have dreamed of doing.
Tatsuya smiled, "yaaaay!" He climbed atop Kazuya's back, arms holding tight around his shoulders. "So... why did you save me?" he asked, his chin resting atop the sleek brown hair.
What to tell the boy? Kazuya contemplated his answer for a moment before speaking. "No one should be the subject of bullies, Tatsuya. And you're a very special little boy. You'll come to realize that, in time."
"I'm glad someone sees I'm special," he said, raising his head as they entered a small cafe before sliding off of the elder's back before finding a table and pouring himself some of the complimentary orange juice.
'Oh, you'll see just how special in time, Tatsuya,' Kazuya thought to himself, careful not to let his thoughts leak out to the little boy. He took a seat across from Tatsuya and felt the first pangs of hunger. He'd have to feed sometime soon. It would be bad if he went too long without feeding, especially in Tatsuya's presence. "Order whatever you like, Tatsuya. And you may ask me whatever questions you have."
Tatsuya looked over the menu and looked to the beautiful man before him. "What about you?" he inquired, finishing his juice and pouring a second. He pondered over a few questions ordering a waffle with fruit, syrup and whipped cream. "How can you do the thing you did last night?" he asked, referring to the telepathy, chewing on his lower lip in thought.
The kid certainly didn't come up with easy questions now did he? Kazuya took a sip from the glass of water the waiter set on the table for them before waving the waiter off. "You ask very interesting questions, Tatsuya. What I did last night is a very special thing, and I can only do that with two people in the whole world. One is my...father you could say. The other is you."
"Can I do it?" He asked, pulling over a strawberry and sucking on it, chewing on the fruit that was dropped off for him. "We're going clothes shopping, right?" he asked to make sure. "And no one's called me Tatsuya before, you make it sound nice," he said with a small smile, eating a slice of banana.
Laughing, Kazuya reached out to ruffle Tatsuya's hair. "Not yet you can't. In time, perhaps." Such a smart child; he was surprised that he had been on the streets. "We are, yes. It's a beautiful name. Tell me, Tatsuya. Why were you on the streets?"
Tatsuya batted Kazuya's hand away and offered him a piece of waffle with orange and a little bit of chocolate syrup licking his lips free of the sticky substance. "My father died before I was born and my mother when I was really young, I don't really remember her, but after my father died mom had no money so we had to live on the streets. The older kids took care of me, but I'm strong, I can take care of myself," he stated proudly, licking his fingers clean of chocolate and cream as he waited to get his fork back. "I've been alone since I was eight. I got really good at pick pocketing and sometimes people pitied me and took care of me, but I got used to sleeping in back alleys. Shibuya heats theirs so it wasn't so bad." He whispered, looking down, "but it was hard when people picked fights."
Accepting the fork graciously, Kazuya took a bite of the food and handed the fork back. "I can imagine it was hard. You need not worry about that ever again, however." He was tempted to seek out the ones who dared to harm Tatsuya and kill them, but that wasn't his way. He killed, yes, but usually only when absolutely necessary or when feeding. Hmm...that was an idea.
Tatsuya smiled, "I wish I could thank you for doing this for me. I mean you don't even know me, you were just in that building when I hid. You did so much for just running into me. Did you know my parents?" He asked curiously, taking a big bite of his food. Chewing his mouthful and picking up his juice and sipping it before bending over as he knocked his knife to the floor, he made a soft noise of shock as he sat up, sucking on his finger and placed the sharp knife back on the table.
"......." Kazuya watched the blood trickle from Tatsuya's finger as he sucked on it. This was going to be harder then he thought. He felt the bloodlust rise up and he was hard pressed to keep it down and in control. Pulling out a handkerchief, he handed it to the boy, keeping his hand from trembling with great difficulty.
Tatsuya took the handkerchief and smiled gratefully, pressing it to his finger before it stopped bleeding and then cleaned off his knife before returning to his meal. "Thank you," he said between large bites of food, "You don't like answering my questions do you?" he asked with a smile. "Sorry if I'm being nosy, I just want to learn about you since you seem to know about me."
"That's all right, Tatsuya." Kazuya closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Once he was calm, he opened them once more. "No, I didn't know your parents, but I know you. I've known...of you for a very long time. You'll learn about that in time." He debated on what he needed to tell Tatsuya and what was safe to tell him.
"I wasn't lying when I said that you're a special young man. You and I have a connection, Tatsuya. That is why I was there when you needed help. This...connection between us allows me to sense when you are needed. It only recently grew strong enough for me to sense you; otherwise I would have come for you sooner."
Tatsuya finished his meal and smiled, "I get it, and it feels like everything makes sense for the first time when I'm with you." He tried to explain, smiling wider and stretched tiredly. "I can't wait to learn more about you, you're new and interesting and... Right," he stated, finishing his drink and wiped his face, "and now we have to go shopping!"
"That we do." Kazuya couldn't explain it any better himself. He felt the exact same way. Everything felt right with Tatsuya, even with him being so young. "Yes, let's go." Life was going to be very interesting from now on, he was certain of it.