vamplyrical

[vamplyrical]

THE HEAT WAS EXCRUCIATING, REALLY, the way the sun blazes down against him. had he not needed to be out this day, he would be happily snugged up into his bed and resting the harsh heat away... if only his bed wasn't within the streets right now, standing upright on wheels being pushed by none other than himself. to anyone who looked, however, they would see a rather elaborate coffin, coated black and tailored with a small cross on the front.

strange looks were a given, especially since the direction he was coming from was the church. and after some time, the heat finally collapses in on him, causing him to stumble to the ground as the ungodly roll of wheels resounds loudly until it comes to an awkward halt in front of a red-headed woman. he sits there, brushing some bangs and sweat from his face, as he looks up to see what could very well be his savior for the day.

❝ Ah~. Young lady, would you be so kind to help in getting this home for me? ❞ nope, no plans of telling her why he was hoisting a coffin through the searing hot heat to the point of near passing out.

@hopeled

[vamplyrical]

LEARNING OF IVAN WAS, WELL, interesting when saying the least. to say he was sheltered wouldn't be entirely accurate 一 while he was distant from the way humans worked, he had figured out it wasn't due to the way someone would be kept away from society. no, perhaps it was best to say their societies were entirely different, even when he, himself, kept himself somewhat distant from the usual, too. so, rei listens as he sits, the sleigh soon taking off and carrying them away from their starting point.

❝ A ceiling that pretends to be the sky, ❞ he repeats, knowing what ivan is speaking of, though being unable to grasp the considerable weight it must mean. ❝ We have those here, too. They are used for entertainment or for education. While we can see the twinkling stars here amidst this quiet, gentle night, there are places called planetaries that use it to show the universe at large. Would you be interested? ❞ he may as well ask, just in case the other would find some kind of fascination in it.

still, he leans to one of the sides, resting his chin upon his palm as he glances out toward the scenery. ❝ Tonight we have plenty of time. When the sleigh drops us off at our destination, perhaps you can experience snow properly. If not now, there is always next winter~. ❞ were ivan still here, that was, something that causes a tinge of sadness to his tone when thinking of that possibility despite the whimsical nature of his statement.

They make their way across the island. Rei was right, all of this was new to him. Even simply being able to make a plan and freely walk there, under the swiftly darkening sky. The sky being real, not simply a prize to be won and observed, was nice, too. It reminded him of being a child, but also that awe and wonder he felt for the first time his heart ever stirred.

They walked in companionable silence, two experts at saving breath to get to their location swiftly. It seemed that they would be getting on one of the last sleighs, and luck was on their side.

Climbing in, the evening chill settling in, and snowflakes starting to fall high in the sky, making it further and further down as dusk was upon them.

"You know," the first stars started twinkling in the sky,

"I don't think I've ever seen snow like this either. And I can hardly remember a sunset. Buildings were too tall, and that was when there wasn't simply a ceiling to look at that pretended to be the sky."

[vamplyrical]

❝ Oh? 'So hungry I could eat a horse.' Of course, I would not do so. It is a figure of speech after all, ❞ he replies, taking note of the reaction and, well... the horse-like features. ❝ Is this the first time you have heard a turn of phrase as this? ❞

№𝟏 - "Sorry, I didn't quite make out what you said."

"You're so hungry you could eat a...?"

[vamplyrical]

[vamplyrical]

WHEN TILL GOES OFF, HE LISTENS. he might as well, given it's some instance of learning more of ivan and, in turn, those he seems acquainted with. only stealing till's stuff 一 he can at least believe that, too, given none of his own belongings have managed to find their way into the hands of ivan returning it to him, at least not that he's aware. he is an old soul, after all... perhaps he had simply let it fade from his mind. ❝ Oho? My, my... that's a new side of Ivan. But anything is believable with humans, is it not? They're fascinating to have multiple facets of one's self, ❞ he speaks, seeming almost highly amused at what dynamic these two pose to one another, as if such an intrigue draws him in ever so slightly.

and then the realization sets in for till, the airhorn blaring loudly until the air within chokes itself into a squeaking silence. the dogs, too, howl as a siren in the distance sets off, the only prompting rei needs to soon follow after his not-so-chalant company casually.

❝ Kukuku... are you familiar with this type of thing? ❞ crimson eyes keep watch of the other, gleaning over him curiously, soon falling upon his marking (similar to ivan's own, he notes internally, though never betrays that notice once) ever so slightly as he allows his pace to remain brisk, though not urgent despite the situation. well, that was mostly due to the sun glaring down on him, making him feel more sluggish than usual, almost as if he were about to collapse within a moment to ruin their great escape. ❝ 'Not sticking around the scene,' that is, ❞ he adds, almost as if curious on the matter. his gaze casts behind them, noticing the commotion they had left behind dwindling to some degree, but...

❝ Rei. Sakuma, Rei. And might this one know who it is that has made such a fearsome antagonist to Ivan? ❞

"If by 'kleptomaniac' ya mean he only steals my stuff," Till says moodily.

"I mean, I guess it's not technically stealing because he gives it back… but he can't even give my stuff back like a normal person! He always returns it to me sayin' he 'found' it, like I'm sooo forgetful. Like he's soooo much better than me!" Till scoffs. "It's annoyin'! And no one ever believes me because he's too fuckin' nice to everyone else. It's some weird - I dunno - mind game or somethin'!" Till seems to realize what he's saying and he looks at the other man with surprise.

"Wait, you know Ivan… and you believe me?"

At the mention of Ivan's hypothetical roommates, Till's eyes grow wide like saucers. "SHIT!" He turns on his heel to run back to the window, but before he can take a step, the wailing of the airhorn which had been sounding all this time suddenly stops having run out of air finally. Till spins around, plants his feet, and puts his hands on his hips triumphantly as if this was all according to plan.

"P-problem solved!" While there's still no light in Ivan's window, other lights are coming on in neighboring houses. The loud sound seems to have caused a nearby commotion and multiple dogs are howling.

"O-okay, time to go!" He starts walking briskly away from Ivan's house in what he hopes is a nonchalant manner (it's not). "C'mon, ya don't wanna stick around here too long!"

[vamplyrical]

TO NEVER HAVE SEEN ONE, he can understand. from the little he's learned of ivan, the place that he comes from is almost barren for the likes of humans in what he so commonly knows. had he not lived it for a short period during that strange situation, he may not have truly come to understand it. no... perhaps, even now, he does not quite grasp it in full, even with his own eccentricities that outcast him from the human world beyond his bandmates.

❝ Kuku~. There's a first time for everything, now, is there not? ❞ whether being more human or seeing a creature for the very first time. ❝ Christmas and the other myriad of holidays are likely newer to you, too, if my observations are accurate. ❞

then he would be glad to show ivan, at least as much as he is able to within their time here. who knew when the others would disappear in the blink of an eye, much like how koga had shown up briefly and then dissipated like the moon upon sunrise. ❝ I am indeed! Let us be off, shall we? ❞ and he would make good on that, especially since the sun dwindles into the horizon.

"I do agree." He taps at the second option again, pulling up the directions on where to go. Beyond the word play, he hadn't been entirely sure what to expect. Reading a brief description, he nods and looks up at Rei.

"I've never seen a reindeer." There were no typical animals where he'd come from, but he had read about such things. The north, and the large antlered deer that drew sleighs.

"The night sleighs start leaving at the edge of town now, but they won't run all night." Focusing on doing things at night meant schedules could be tight and the air could be even colder than normal, but Rei was more lively at night, given his tendencies.

"Ready?"

[vamplyrical]

❝ Summer approaches faster than one expects. In a month or so... that dazzling, glaring sun sure is to be a burden during its most active days. ❞ spoken by a guy squatting down beneath a parasol, keeping himself shaded as he looks a little disdainful, let alone fatigued, toward the sunlight.

[vamplyrical]

HONESTLY, HE SHOULD HAVE STOPPED IT. and yet, he was merely a person with bystander syndrome, having been on his way to visit the very victim himself when it all transpired 一 had ivan done something to warrant this. well, what the other young man says surely makes it seem like it... stealing, huh? honestly, it is reminiscent to him of a familiar face who was not in the city himself.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀how strangely nostalgic一

and then the focus turns to him, the resounding question almost heavy, were it not for how unbothered the other young man seems. no regret fills his gaze, regardless were it during the act itself or, now, being caught. again, that sense of familiarity resounds, almost making the other chuckle as a hand lifts to his lips to withhold it.

❝ Oho? I see our dear boy Ivan has certainly gained one's wrath, ❞ he comments, turning from till to glance at the window, the subtle shriek coming from behind the glass, only for him to return his gaze back. ❝ I had not thought him a kleptomaniac? From what it is you accuse him of. Of course, there is no proof, but you seem sincere indeed. Kufufu. What a surprise. ❞ a pause, and then... ❝ What of his other roommates, then? To be caught in the crossfire as this... ❞

'I can't look at yer face anymore', he'd told Ivan.

Unfortunately, Ivan's job as a model offered Till little respite on that front. The guy's face seemed to be plastered everywhere... so, who could blame Till for letting off a little steam? He swears he'll just play one harmless prank and then he'll be good after that...

Sneaking up to Ivan's window at the neighboring house, Till quietly opens it. Pulling an air-horn and a zip-tie out of his pocket, he loops the zip-tie around the trigger of the air-horn. In one swift move, Till pulls the tie taught, releasing the air-horn's horrible wailing and throws it through Ivan's window where it continues to shriek. He slams the window shut and backs away rapidly.

"YEAH - HOW YA LIKE ME NOW, ASSHOLE?! SUCK ON THAT!"

Till turns two middle fingers up in the direction of Ivan's window.

"THAT'S FOR STEALING MY FUCKIN' PENCILS! AND MY BIRTHDAY PRESENT FROM MIZI!"

He turns around with a huff to start walking away and almost runs into a dark haired young man with red eyes.

"What?" he says, seemingly unbothered that the other guy might have watched his display - not a shred of guilt or embarrassment in his expression.

@vamplyrical

[vamplyrical]

OPTIONS WERE NICE TO HAVE, especially on an island so confined beyond what their captors allowed. when these little holiday endeavors show up, he always took pleasure in them, whether the season was one of something chilly or exceedingly warm. so he listens to what ivan proposes, the two unique in their own way as he raises a brow.

❝ Oho? Kufufu... how intriguing to choose between these two~. ❞ his tone is playful, lips curled into a smile as he tilts his head against his hand. ❝ To discover the plot of a murder upon a moving train or... we could quite literally hit the button to sleigh. Why not the second, then? Do you agree to that activity, Ivan? ❞

"There are two options," He scrolls through his phone, only thinking to do anything because, well, there was plenty to do. He's not entirely sure why these activities exist - he's pretty sure it's due to some combination of holidays - but he sits on Rei's couch as dusk comes on.

"Hit the Sleigh Button, or Murder on the Polar Express. I think I read the second book..."

"What do you think?"

@vamplyrical -> winterfes 2024

[vamplyrical]

THAT WAS A REACTION HE EXPECTS, though one he has been unused to despite his time here. many had accepted his eccentric ways back home, though here... he wasn't some well known idol. no, he was merely rei sakuma, some person who could sing.

❝ Indeed, a coffin. Considering my schedule, it has never failed to keep the sun at bay while I sleep in it. ❞ spoken as if it wasn't the strangest thing to say. ❝ A caterpillar resting? Kuku... I suppose, yes. Though to equate their cocoons like a coffin, if one is not careful, it may truly offend certain creatures of the night. ❞

The sun itself might have remained a fixture, though the relief that it bore not the blistering heat of summer was a comfort — sometimes he might even forget whilst looking through a window that during these months, it couldn't compete with the chill.

—wait, what did he say?

"A coffin? Well, it would definitely keep the sun out". Certain faces from school flashed through his mind who might be won by the prospect. "I guess it wouldn't be that different to a caterpillar resting in its cocoon as it grows". Which might not have been the most suitable comparison, but what animal went to those extremes for their hibernation?

[vamplyrical]

❝ Kuku... you wish to know where I got such realistic fangs for the holidays? It's quite simple, really. ♪ I was born with them. ❞

[vamplyrical]

❝ Ufu... and yet the sun is still as blazing as ever. It does not discriminate whether in summer or winter, does it. At the very least, we will have the comfort of bundling up to hide our skin. Mm... hibernation within the coffin does sound like a tempting time, however... ❞

"The visceral drop in temperature makes it difficult to believe it was hot just recently. And makes it harder to leave the comfort of bed. If it wasn't for Wingal and Momo, I could wind up hibernating through the winter".

[vamplyrical]

RELIEF IS EVIDENT ENOUGH AT THAT RESPONSE, knowing that his little brother would not be harmed or, at the very least, less harmed in general. ease flows into him, allowing himself more control over his own impulses now, ones that had grown just as swift, gnarling like the roots of a grand tree deep inside him 一 he was not ordinarily a vampire, no, but as it were now due to whatever curse was going on here...

❝ Yes. Before he goes on a rampage, ❞ he notes, eyes narrowing a little more in earnest at the way his brother seems to move. every twitch was one on edge, a creature that indulges more in their impulse than refraining, the stark difference between the two right now. ❝ I will do what I must to secure his attention. With your assistance, that should allow it to run smoothly... ❞ or so he would like to hope, knowing that ivan, as a human, was in far more danger than himself.

❝ Shall we begin at your ready? ❞

Maybe the only way the brothers could become healthy were if they actually became vampires.

They were not, but given the events of the past few weeks makes the thought flutter through his mind. No, Rei and Ritsu were not vampires, but vampires would typically become healthy when they've turned, right?

So maybe that's what was going on, but more to the point.

"Hurt him?"

"I don't think there's any reason for that." He does not, however, take his eyes off of the vampire. "If anything, in discover you're not a vampire, I can help you deal with him." Turning to Rei, his expression is entirely serious. He's clearly willing to help.

"First we should subdue him, right?"

[vamplyrical]

eccentric party night‼️‼️‼️

[vamplyrical]

❝ Kuku, were such the case, many would not be able to afford their places. You're in luck that these places do not require Dust! Quite kind of would be captors, when you think of it. ❞

"Wait. Don't tell me... Do we have to pay rent on these places? I don't even have a job anymore! What the hell?! I didn't sign up for this!"

[vamplyrical]

MAYBE THIS WAS A SIGN 一 some means to remind him that all his efforts have amounted to naught but his own execution back during that wretched war. having had the chance to wish away all that ailed not only him, but his brother, was truly a dream come true, one which he should have known better. and yet it was the temptation to have that normal life that drew him in to that sweet embrace, only for it now to turn into something so bleak and devestating.

where his little brother once was, brimming and full of energy, now stood only a malignant reflection. crimson eyes gleam as if they were truly belonging to a creature of the night, that thirst in his gaze far too unmistakable. it made him hesitate that the face of his beloved little sibling could reflect something as that.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀not only that, but his company now witnessing it一

❝ Ivan. Don't hurt him... certainly he is merely mistaken and something else can be done to rid him of this. ❞ he could only hope that ivan would be willing to help and, if not, at least stand aside without hurting his little brother.

@foreverembrace

[vamplyrical]

❝ Oh yeah? The sunshine is not my forte, as you know, but a good festival is one that should be enjoyed if organized properly~. When that time comes, please allow me to take you to one of the programs, manager. ❞ he's managed to participate in several, if not made to organize them himself, even when he'd tried his best to avoid that particular spotlight. ❝ Kuku. I will stick with singing then, ❞ he'll nod, standing himself proper now as to make the best of his talents. ❝ In three... two... one一 ❞ offering a countdown, it was his own way of allowing her to know when he was ready. and whenever it was she starts to play her violin, he would allow the prelude to enter, timing it to then allow his vocals to join in the mix.

❝ Beneath this moonlit path of eventide ♪ Our steps echo in tandem and time ♪ ❞

"I've been here quite a bit and yeah, they hold festivals seasonally I think! The summer festival is always fun." Though she knew some others would disagree. Ismael loved the sun and she loved the heat!

She adjusts her violin once more and turns to face him, "singing or another instrument works perfectly. I wanna see if you can follow along or even put your own spin to our duet." This is surely going to be fun.

"Y'ready?"