Archive of Our Own

Blood wasn’t tasty at all. 

At least that’s what Rudo thought about it. 

It was some kind of necessity he was forced to go through to survive. Just like any other, really. Just like breathing, moving or going to the bathroom. Drinking blood was keeping him alive, as much as he didn’t like it one bit, and he wasn’t so keen on dying just yet. Even if, technically, he couldn’t really die. 

Sometimes the thirst was so strong that he couldn’t control himself. Back in the days when he was in the Heavenly City, he used to drink his own blood when he had nothing else to quench his thirst. Or it was Regto’s. Then Regto died. So now he’s counting on the Cleaners to help him. 

The Cleaners were an organisation that knew about his kind. After all, vampires were well known, feared and avoided as much as possible. In the Heavenly city, the richest of them lived a peaceful life and managed to set up a system where they could get humans easily in the slums whenever they wanted fresh human blood. Some other humans were brainwashed into believing that vampires would accept them and transform them if they stayed obedient, which reinforced the system in which humans were just prey for a self-proclaimed 'superior' race. In the end they were suffering from human trafficking and often ended up as slaves for the vampires against their will. 

Other vampires, for their part, refused to follow those rules and way of living and were content with drinking blood from animals or stealing blood bags from hospitals, if that could help them feel a little less like monsters. Rudo himself didn’t drink human blood for a while before joining the Cleaners. They found him when he was at his lowest, orphaned from his only parent and thrown out of the Heavenly City like some trash. Like some criminal.

In the end, leaving that awful city helped him survive in more than one way.

When they took him in, the Cleaners, he learned that they were an organisation recruiting and helping vampires to control themselves, providing them with sterilized blood and helping them control their instincts. The very head of the organization was a vampire himself, who managed to gather humans and vampires in the same institution to protect the weakest, which was a first ever in their kingdom. Most of the humans working for the Cleaners were volunteers willing to work alongside vampires — which of course didn’t make many people — and in return the recruited vampires trained themselves to contain their impulses. 

When a human succeeded in becoming quite close to a vampire, they were authorised to share their own blood, becoming a Donor for a particular vampire. None of the mystic creatures were authorized in biting and drinking the blood from the skin, since it was extremely painful for humans, but having a constant blood donor helped them in controlling their impulses better. 

Rudo was too scared to have a Donor. He hated humans as much as he feared them for what they did to him and his father in the Heavenly City. When vampires like Rudo were weaker because they were resisting their urges, people would often take their chance to torture them or kidnape them to experience on their kind. Rudo made no difference between races, for him everyone living in the Heavenly City, vampire or human, were the worst demons ever. 

They didn’t care about their impact on the rest of the kingdom and about the people that tried to contain themselves, saying they were weak anyway. Rudo always had difficulties keeping his urges in check, but Regto helped him a lot, giving him his own blood even if he was a vampire himself. And he would be forever grateful for that. 

Just like he was grateful for the Cleaners to have saved him from the hell of Heaven.

So, yeah. Rudo really didn’t like the taste of blood. 

“So? What does it taste like?” 

Rudo raised his gaze from his beloved gloves to look into Follo’s eyes. They were both sitting at a small table in the living area of the Manor, listening to the heavy rain hitting the windows and the other few cleaners sitting in the same room. The Manor was a huge castle the Cleaners used as a hideout and a home for quite a time now. The place was huge, with dozens of winding corridors and big stairs that led to a floor with enough rooms to accommodate everyone, with the right wing for humans and the left wing for vampires. They had large common rooms like the kitchen, the dining room, a huge library or a large living room where humans and vampires talked and shared stories as if they were the same race. 

The first time Rudo entered the Manor, he felt out of place pretty quickly, first because he was wearing rags at the time, and second because he was impressed by the grandeur of the building and the good vibe he could feel in there. There was no discrimination — it was his first time witnessing that — no differentiation or insults just because he was different, which made him really confused. And if Rudo had trouble coping with humans at first, everyone’s kindness and open-mindedness helped him a lot. 

Today though, he felt like he couldn’t belong anywhere else. The Manor and the Cleaners became his dearest home, and he would do anything in his power to protect these people. 

“Rudo?” 

“Hm? Sorry- what did you say?”

“Blood.” Follo asked again. He was looking at him with his usual kind look illuminated by the chandeliers’ light, wearing the Cleaners’ uniform: a large and comfortable white shirt paired with black pants. “What does it taste like?”

Rudo frowned, hiding a little more in his big blue sweater. They were at the Manor, so he didn’t have to wear the uniform if he didn’t want to. “Don’t you know it already? You never tasted blood before?”

“Yeah I did but- I mean, I’m not like you. I wanna know what it tastes like for vampires.” 

Rudo frowned again before lowering his gaze to his beloved gloves. The last thing his father gave him before… He caressed them in a tender manner, even if from his own point of view he would never be able to show any gentleness to anyone. After all he was too raw, too rough, too… broken.    

“You don’t wanna know.”

Follo pouted before sighing lightly, sparkles of interest dying in his deep black eyes. 

“All of y’all answers are the same,” Follo whined. “I asked Zanka earlier and he answered something like that too. Like isn’t there any specific taste?”

“I don’t know. I don’t feel any taste, it just gives me energy.” 

“But you have to feel something on your tongue when you drink it right?”

“I don’t-”

“And why would you want to know what blood tastes like, ay my dear Follo?”

Both the human and the vampire startled slightly before raising their heads to the sudden sound of a new voice in the conversation. And as predicted, Enjin just entered the room, tall as ever and slightly wet from the rain, wearing a white shirt and black pants just like any cleaners around, but adding his long black coat to the attire, showing that he just came back from a mission. Rudo couldn't help but let his crimson eyes wander to the little red pin on his shoulder signaling that he was part of the vampires. Rudo had one too on his coat, but he was actually happy no one was forced to wear them when they were in the Manor (he didn’t like when there was differentiation anymore). 

As he walked right to them Enjin was radiating assurance, demeanor relaxed, blond locks dancing around his calm face and eyes shining with interest as he smiled kindly to his two friends, showing his little dimples. Behind him, Zanka and Riyo were dressed in similar manner, the two of them also wearing long black coats with red pins. Riyo, ever the enthusiast, was smiling brightly when she hopped close to Rudo before suddenly hugging him, making the little vampire blush and stutter under her overaffectionate behavior. 

“Hey there Rudo!” She joyously said as she was still hardly hugging her little brother. “How’re you doing today? I didn’t see you all day!”

“S-Sorry I was- wait- Riyo I can’t-”

“Let the poor boy breathe Riyo…” Zanka said, rolling his eyes as he came close to them with less precipitation, sitting next to Follo at the table. “He was busy with Semiu today, that’s why he didn’t come. Ya knew that already by the way.”

“Oh yeah you’re right…” 

“God my poor back…” Enjin groaned as he let himself fall onto one of the comfortable armchairs. “I’m too old for this shit.”

“Hard day?” Asked Follo with a smile as Riyo finally let go of Rudo, the vampire coughing and struggling to breathe as Riyo was giggling slightly, sitting next to him and putting her feet on the table.

“Yeah,” Enjin answered. “I was dying to come back here all day… Why is it that we always have to go out even when the weather is positively terrible??”

“Because we have to protect the Manor if there’s any Rangers or Hunters around, y’know that captain.” Riyo answered as she swung slowly on her chair. “Humans or vampires, they all want to see us dead since we’re the only friendly organisation around.”

“That just means we’re famous. And I know that, I was there before you should I remind you.” 

“Then stop whining like a little baby who didn’t get his snack.” 

Riyo stuck out her tongue at Enjin, the blond vampire doing the same while Zanka watched the exchange with a bored expression. They were supposed to act like adults around here for god’s sake… there were children watching. 

“Anyway, back to the first topic of conversation here.” Enjin said again before eyeing Follo. “Why did you want to know what blood tastes like for vampires, hmm?”

Follo blushed slightly before lowering his eyes towards his hands on the table. But when he raised his jet black eyes toward Enjin again, some of his nerves calmed down slightly as the blonde vampire was kindly smiling at him, showing him that there was no reason for him to be anxious. 

Rudo felt something warm crawl in his heart seeing that. It was sometimes really surprising how calming Enjin could be for a bunch of traumatised teenagers.

“Well… I was just asking, you know. Just like when Riyo asked me what chips taste like. Blood is your only food so… I don’t know, I guess I was curious.”

“Well, we can taste human food if we want to, it just doesn't satiate us at all.” Zanka calmly answered. “Also most of yer food tastes bitter or bland for us. Sadly.” 

“I feel like it’s even worse for the people who were changed into vampires.” Riyo stated, frowning slightly. “They knew the taste of food and then lost it to drink blood for the rest of their painfully long life. What d’you think about it, Rudo?”

Rudo frowned slightly, hard stare looking down as his gloved hands on the table as he couldn’t help but fidgeting. How was he supposed to know if food tasted better than blood? He didn't have the luxury to eat good food in the slums…

“Well… I don’t really know y’know. I was mainly eating trash or not eating at all before meeting with Regto. Besides, that’s part of why he transformed me, so that I would never need to eat anymore. Or- well. Starve.” 

Silence was his only answer as he said these words. Rudo’s condition in the Heavenly City was well-known by everyone part of the Cleaners, but it was still baffling to know that so many children were treated like that. As if they didn’t even deserve to be considered as human. As living people. 

“We know he changed ya to save ya but still… Feeding ya with his own blood was a mistake,” Zanka said, eyes hardening a little. “We know what vampires can become if they’re fed with vampire blood.” 

Rudo kept his eyes on his gloves, clenching his fists. “He just wanted me to survive.”

“We’re not saying anything bad about your dad Rudo, you know that.” Enjin whispered, eyes more serious but still gentle, like he was talking to a wounded animal. Rudo wasn’t wounded. At all. “We know he tried to protect you the best way he could. He’s not the first vampire thinking that changing a human will save their life.” 

Rudo sniffed before grumbling slightly, looking away to stare at the rain still heavily hitting the huge window. The outside was dark now as the wind was blowing strongly, but the manor’s  friendly and warm atmosphere helped its inhabitants to feel safe. Comfortable. Rudo didn’t know if he ever felt that comfortable somewhere in his life. 

“Anyway…” Follo cleared his throat, looking a little embarrassed. “I just wanted to know what you guys tasted when you drank, that’s all… I’m sorry if I shouldn’t have asked that.”

“Don’t worry, there’s no problem with asking.” Enjin gently answered, rising from his armchair to go toward Rudo and roughly ruffle his hair, making the younger groan and push him away. “Althought I do think that our tastes depends if we were bitten or born vampires. And to think I never ever tasted chocolate…” 

“Also, it actually depends on your inner tastes. Some vampires prefer one taste more than another.” Riyo said as he put her feet back on the floor, crossing her arms on the table. Her green eyes were shining mischievously towards Zanka for a reason Rudo quite didn’t understand. “Some prefer sweet bloods, some prefer bitter ones, spicy ones… Some might even find any other taste awful when they find a unique flavor that suits them best.”

“Like Enjin with Gris?” 

Hearing this question from Follo, Enjin, who was still teasing Rudo and bothering him, stopped immediately and turned a surprised look towards the only human of their group. Riyo and Rudo snickered seeing his expression as Zanka looked at his mentor with an amused smile.

“What?”

“Well, Gris' your Donor right?”   

Enjin groaned slightly as he finally let go of Rudo, sitting back on his armchair in agony, cheeks faintly flushed. Rudo rolled his eyes, his mentor could be such a drama queen… 

“Well… Yeah he is. I forgot y’all knew about that.” 

“Gris was actually the one who told us.” Zanka chuckled with an amused glint in his eyes. “I still don’t understand why you’re so embarrassed about that. It’s good for a vampire to have a Donor right?”

“I’m not embarrassed, I just want to keep a semblance of privacy in this big old castle where everyone knows everything about anyone…” Enjin sighed, ruffling his slightly wet locks. “Gris has been my Donor for quite a while now, and for a vampire it’s kind of… intimate. Having an assigned Donor, I mean.” 

“It is?” Rudo asked, tilting his head on the side. He never really heard of a relationship between donors and vampires before, since where he came from humans hated vampires too much to even think about giving them their blood willingly. And vampires were too cruel and just took what they wanted before leaving everyone dry. Literally. “I thought everyone knew about you and Gris inside the Cleaners, I didn’t know it was like… Confidential or something.” 

“Not confidential, I wouldn’t go that far…”

“Well you know Rudo, becoming a Donor for a vampire is quite an act.” Follo answered with a smile. “Gris is quite open about it but very few humans actually accept to be a donor for one and only vampire. There are benefits like a lesser thirst for the vampire since they only drink the blood of a single person, but also inconveniences because Gris can no longer donate to any other vampires.” 

Rudo frowned slightly, turning to Enjin. “Even if one of us is, like, in mortal danger or whatever?”

“Well no, of course he could give you blood if you were on the verge of dying but… Let’s just say my inner vampire would not be happy about that.” Enjin sighed again, passing a hand on his face. “The things I would do for you kids…” 

Riyo snickered slightly. “You’re not even that old compared to us.” 

“It does feel like it.”

Rudo frowned again, still interested in this conversation. He knew about the inner functioning of the organisation, but some things were still a little foreign for him since he was still new and, well, the way of living in the Heavenly City was entirely different. It was more about surviving in a each-on-our-own system than trying to exist as a close-knit and co-dependent community. “And, do you like… bite him or?”

“No! No, oh my god Rudo…” Enjin showed a serious look, straightening on his armchair. “Gris has his blood drawn from blood tests and then it’s stored in pockets reserved for me. Sometimes if he is injured I can drink directly from the wound since it would help heal it but otherwise... Anyway, you know biting is strictly forbidden. That’s why we’re allowed to bite only animals.”

“Yeah funny you say that, you mean the few we can find…” Riyo murmured, fidgeting with her long red hair. “Somehow most of the animals are gathered in the Heavenly City so the richest vampires can use them as they like while we’re here, restraining ourselves by biting whatever we can find. Sometimes even ourselves.” 

“Yourselves??” Asked Follo with a surprised expression. 

“Yeah, can happen. But don’t worry, healing faster is really useful in these kind of situations.“ Zanka answered by showing his bare wrist. “We can’t do it too often though, not good for our skin and teeths.” 

“There’s a thing though, saying that if the vampire is kinda losing his mind, his donor can authorize him to bite him because it will calm his urges.” Riyo said, eyeing Enjin with an intense stare. “This clause can be very useful, don’t you agree Enjin?” 

“It’s only exceptionary,” Enjin grumbled. “Never happened with me and Gris, and it will never happen. The bite is forbidden for a reason. The reason being that it’s painful as hell for humans. ”

“Not if they have the Bond.”

Everyone froze upon hearing this sentence. Zanka had a distant look on his face, not really looking at anyone in the room, and even if he was often displaying this constant air of false nonchalance, for some reasons, Rudo could see that there was something different right now. 

He didn't know why everyone reacted like that when Zanka mentioned this “Bond”, but it was something serious enough to make Enjin look at him suspiciously. 

“What?” Asked Rudo, tilting his head in confusion. 

“Ya know what I'm talking about. The Bond.”

“I don't know the fuck that is-”

“It's a strong connection that can be created between a human and a vampire.” Enjin answered, eyeing intently towards Zanka. “When a vampire wants to choose a human to be his donor until his death, there is a special bite he can administer to make the human entirely his. Help them have a thing called the Bond, some sort of mental connection that nothing can break besides death.” 

“Aren't humans weaker though? Won't they die before their vampire?” Rudo asked, staring innocently at Enjin. From the corner of his eye, he could see Zanka fidgeting with his bracelet. Rudo didn’t notice he used to wear one, was it new?  

“The bite helps them live longer,” Enjin explained. “Also the cool trick is that the next bites won't be as painful as the first one, which can be very useful.” 

“So it's good for the human isn't it?” 

Rudo was still asking innocently about the matter, but he could feel the tension in the room since Zanka’s mention of that weird “Bond” they were talking about. Riyo was looking down at her long nails, constantly sending quick but meticulous looks towards Zanka who didn't speak again. Rudo could see that his friend was tense, eyes hard and face bland of any emotion, but he didn’t say anything about it. He was new after all, there were probably some stories he wasn’t aware of…

“No it's not.” Enjin said, voice a little more serious. “Most humans die before they can even enjoy their new life because of the pain of the bite. And, for your information, most of these bites are made without consent anyway.” 

“And what if the human agree to make the Bond?”

“You’re serious? No one could ever agree on such a thing.” Follo said. “One would have to be crazy to accept. Or a masochist.”

Rudo heard Zanka snickering as Riyo had now a mischievous smile on her lips. Those two always seem to be able to talk without a word and even Rudo, who wasn’t always the best at decrypting emotions, could see that their relationship was strong, stronger than friends. Sometimes it was almost like they were siblings from birth. 

Rudo often wondered if he would be able to be that comfortable around them. If he too could send knowing glances to his friends, transmitting messages or ideas without needing to put them out loud. That would in fact be very useful... 

“Imagine what it would be like?” Riyo suddenly said, making Rudo jump out of his thoughts. “Be bound to a vampire forever? Be bound to a human forever?? People can’t support each other for more than ten years in human marriages, let alone a hundred of them. What a nightmare.”  

“Yeah but- maybe it can happen when a human and vampire are close enough…”

“I’ll tell you what my boy.” Enjin said, pointing his finger toward a confused Rudo. “If so few human/vampire couples are lasting it’s for a reason: most of these relationships end up with one of them dying, and as I said, I bet you know which race is weaker. No offense Follo.”

“None taken.”

“Humans aren't made to store that much power, their condition won't let them. If they don’t die because of the pain of the first bite, which is already requiring an insane pain tolerance, mind you, they’ll die from low blood pressure if their vampire doesn't care enough about them. Also the pain, coupled with the drawn of blood over such a long period of time can make them either insane or suicidal. So yeah, spoiler alert, most of them die before their vampire.” 

“And then,” Zanka finally spoke out. “Some vampires are so desperate that they kill themselves afterwards.”

A slight shiver of horror passed through Rudo's body. He thought there would finally be a way to make vampires and humans co-exist and live together without any kind of distinction, but he has visibly been wrong from the start. The two species were too different to manage living a calm and tranquil life, even though the Cleaners had proven him wrong, that was only on a friendship level. 

He and Regto used to be very close even if the adult was a vampire, and he never tried anything bad, even when Rudo became a vampire and begged Regto to drink his blood, he always refused. So maybe these kinds of deeper relationships were possible if vampires just had a little more self-control? 

Knowing that any long-lasting relationships between vampires and humans were doomed from the start kind of affected his mood, eyes losing their sparkles, and his friends must have noticed it since he heard Enjin chuckling awkwardly, trying to lighten the mood. 

“But look Rudo, here we are!” Enjin said as he hugged both Follo and him. “Vampires and humans, buddies and friends and-”

“And more for you and Gris.”

“Riyo, I will punch you if you test me.”

“Punch who exactly?” 

Enjin jumped slightly before turning to this new voice, being greeted by Gris’ kind smile and gentle eyes. Immediately when he saw him, Rudo felt a deep feeling of comfort crawl in him, and his eyes began to shine with affection, withdrawing from Enjin’s embrace to get up from his chair and head towards the newcomer. Was it because Gris was the oldest of the group or because of his gentle soul, but he reminded him of Regto a lot, which helped him be more comfortable. 

Enjin, for his part, flushed slightly when he saw Gris behind him, instinctively tightening his grip on the poor Follo between his arms. 

“E-Enjin- stop- I cant’ breathe-”

“Oh shit, sorry buddy.” The blond vampire said as he released a coughing Follo, Zanka and Riyo giggling teasingly at Enjin’s frustrated face. 

“Are you trying to kill your entire team by punching and strangling them?” Gris asked, kind smile but knowing blue eyes set on his vampire. 

Enjin chuckled in response, passing a hand through his blond locks. “You know me, I would never land a hand on these adorable little gremlins.” 

“Ey, Remlin is the gremlin, not us!”

“That’s debatable.” Gris chuckled slightly. “So, I came here to tell you guys that it’s time for you to take some rest. The day was long and the boss doesn’t need any of you for the rest of the night so you can go to your rooms or in the kitchen to take your meals! Good work everyone.” 

“Oh my god finally.” Riyo immediately said, already walking out of the room. “I was dying to get to bed, I never felt so tired in my life.” 

“You’re such a drama queen…” Zanka sighed, rising from his seat too. “But she’s right, I’m tired too, especially after the last mission. Good work everyone, see you tomorrow.” 

“You’re not coming to eat with us?” Enjin asked with a raised eyebrow. “Riyo already took her blood bag but I didn’t see you with yours.”

“Not hungry.” Zanka quickly said, walking away from the group. “Goodnight guys.” 

Rudo watched Enjin grumble a “goodnight Zanka” back with a conflicted expression. Gris sent a confused look to his vampire, casually putting a hand on his shoulder to get his attention back. 

“Something wrong?” 

“No… No, nothing, sorry.” 

“Then how about you take your ration of the day and then rest a little, hm?”

Rudo and Follo exchanged knowing glances as they saw Enjin’s cheeks flush slightly, a giddy smile splitting his lips. 

“Best moment of the day.” 

Gris answered him with a tender smile, urging the two youngest to come with them so they could eat together. Another thing Rudo liked about the Cleaners was like they could all eat together, no matter the race or species they were. That was something he had difficulties assimilating at first, but now he really liked the fact that they could all be together to have a good meal, even if everyone was eating something different. 

So it’s with a happy feeling that he followed his friends to the kitchen, thinking back about their conversation and everything he just learned. 

One thing Rudo did think about was how strangely quiet Zanka had been during conversation knowing he had the most experience with humans because of his family. Maybe he just didn’t like to talk about that? 

As Zanka was now walking through the long corridors leading to the vampire rooms, he couldn't help but think back about the conversation he just had with his friends. The words looped, looped and looped in his mind, reminding him how his clan’s vision wasn't accepted by the Cleaners. How different they were. 

Because yes, in their oh so clever and belittling perspective, the Nijiku clan indeed thought that forcing the Bond between humans and vampires would make both races stronger. Their vision and ambition was to create an ultimate army, over-trained and only composed of vampires. And vampires were stronger when they had their own Donors thanks to the Bond. The clan didn’t care if the human could actually survive, or if the vampire actually liked the taste of their blood, their only desire was to make the vampires stronger for their Hell Guard. 

Zanka managed to escape from this hell of a family just before he was forced to bite a human.

And since that day, he promised that he would never bite a human to create the Bond. Never in his entire life. 

As he was now walking to his room through the dark corridors, listening to the rain falling against the window as the moonbeams illuminated the space, he stopped when he knew he was far enough away for no one to hear him. 

“I know you’re there, stop hiding. This is ridiculous.” 

Zanka turned slowly, nonchalant expression on his face as he was now facing Riyo, looking at him with that damn enigmatic smile of hers. Her emerald eyes were glinting with interest, and Zanka knew this look presaged nothing good. Nothing good for him at least. 

“You knew I was following you?”

“Ya didn’t really try to erase yer presence.” Zanka answered, leaning against the corridor’s wall and crossing his arm on his chest. “I know you’re better than that.” 

Riyo hummed, playing with a strand of her flamboyant red hair. She walked casually in front of Zanka, swaying her hips and looking away from her friend, staring at the moon through the windows. 

“You were playing the quiet game out there, even though y’know a lot about the subject. I wonder why…” 

Zanka grumbled slightly, tightening his grip on his own arm. He knew very well that he was acting strange during the earlier conversation with their friends, but he couldn’t help it. He just had to know what they thought about vampires/donors relationships, especially their opinions about the Bond. He knew Enjin wouldn't be up for it, after all his principal preoccupation was to protect his family, vampires or humans, and the fact that he made no distinctions between the two races was already admirable from him. Zanka looked up to him for that, because it was the opposite thinking of his clan, the Nijiku family fiercely believing in the superiority of the vampires. 

And knowing that Zanka has been raised by them didn’t sit right with him. He knew that some of his automatic thinking were wrong, like believing that the Bond was actually beneficial for humans, while most of them were unhappy because vampires only cared about the extra strength the Bond brought them. But Zanka, naive and gullible Zanka, really thought that this connection was something pure and beautiful for both races. Something sacred. 

But after hearing his friends’ opinions, he realized that few people think like him. Or- well, rather none of them.   

It was almost poetic, for Zanka. Dying if your loved one dies too. But maybe he was lying to himself and the rotten, disgusting part of him actually liked the thought of having the whole control on a human being. Or maybe he just wanted to have a connection so strong with someone so they could tell him what to change in him to finally reach the expectations of his loved ones. 

Zanka was just rotten like that. 

“Do ya think Enjin suspects somethin’?” He said, glancing at Riyo who was now facing him, eyes pointedly looking at him.  

“Nah, I think he’s just worried because you’re not eating as much as you used to.” Riyo answered, and Zanka knew her well enough to see that glint of worry in her green eyes. She probably was worried too, and Zanka felt slightly guilty about that. “You were never that much of a blood lover but now it’s like you’re living on your last reserve. Also, you’re choosing animal blood over human’s, which is very strange.” 

Zanka knew that his recent change of taste could be strange for a lot of vampires, but he couldn’t really act otherwise. Every time he was tasting human blood now, it was just… unsatisfying. Blant. He wasn’t satiated at all.

“Is his blood so good that you can’t eat anything else now?” 

Zanka felt his cheek flush slightly as he was looking away from the piercing gaze of his friend. Riyo had this annoying tendency to be able to see through him every time, to read him like an open book. He was never really able to hide anything from her, which was the main reason why she knew about his little... "secret". 

“Not now Riyo…” 

But Riyo wasn’t someone who took “no” as an answer… 

“What d’you think Enjin will feel when he finds out that not only do you have a Donor but, icing on the cake, he’s part of the Hunters?” 

“I feel guilty enough.” Zanka glowered, feeling the guilt crawl in his bones every time he remembered the situation he (willingly) drove himself into. “And he’s not my donor since I drink other blood than his.”

“But you do bite him.” 

Zanka felt his body unconsciously tense upon hearing these words. The memory of his teeth breaking this light brown skin and tasting that sweet blood, every drops rolling on his tongue and tasting better than the last… 

Zanka put a hand on his mouth, feeling his fangs hurting at the memory. It’s been a long time since he was able to taste it and he knew he was craving it. The taste, the feeling, the rush of energy this particular blood was giving him… Everything. 

“Barely. Happened only a few times,” he answered, and Riyo's knowing smile was enough to annoy him even more. “He comes for that every time and I refuse but… But when I refuse he cuts himself on purpose so that the smell drives me mad and… well.”

“Ahh, so this is why you became stronger at controlling your impulses.” Riyo said quietly, in case anyone was listening in, hands on her hips and emerald eyes glowing with interest. “And so now you don’t want to bite anything else that’s not him.” 

Zanka’s eyes began to glow in the dark, a bright blue that was saying his thoughts out loud even if he didn’t voice out anything. 

You have no idea how true what you just said is.

“I know I fucked up…” Zanka groaned, banging his head against the wall behind him. “But I can’t do anything about it, Riyo. Ya know that.” 

Riyo hummed, losing her smile to let a complicated expression paint her face. She let herself walk towards her friend, leaning against the wall at his side. Her facial features were less tense, more authentic, and Zanka knew it was because she was trying to be a little more sincere with him. After all, Zanka was one of the only people she could be fully herself with. 

“Y’know, I'm kinda jealous…” She chuckled, but it was weak, and Zanka stared at her with nothing but understanding in his eyes. “I would really like to know what it feels like to have my own donor. A taste I couldn’t help but crave every time I’m hungry. A taste that would be only mine.” 

Zanka knew what she meant. After all, it was in their nature to want to possess.

“Aren’t ya particularly fond of Eishia’s blood?” And Zanka couldn’t help but smirk a little when he saw Riyo tense at the mention of their nurse. 

“Yeah, but she could never be my donor.” The redhead said, something heavy in her voice. “I don't want to impose that on her. Also, her brother would kill me.” 

“Yeah, August wouldn’t care about ya being a vampire, he would still beat ya up.” Zanka snickered, Riyo elbowing him with a coy grin back on her lips. 

“Hey, I’m tough enough to handle him, you know it.”  

“Yeah, yeah, I guess…” 

Riyo pushed his arm a little harder, making Zanka groan slightly and push her back. She answered by chuckling slightly, pushing him in turn before sighing a little. Hearing that, Zanka couldn’t help but notice her green eyes losing its sparkles and smile a little more concerned. 

“You have to stop this before you make a mistake.” 

“I wish I could Riyo, I really wish I could, but… I can’t stop. Ya have no idea how much of a drug his blood is for me.” 

How much of a drug he is for me. 

She looked at him for some more seconds before signing and looking away, pushing away from the wall. Zanka couldn’t see her expression clearly since she now turned her back to him, but he knew she wasn’t liking the turn of their conversation. And the guilt, constantly present in Zanka because of his inability to be enough, crawled back in him and found an even deeper path in his heart. 

“I just don’t want you to hurt, that’s all.” 

“I'm a grown up, Riyo,” Zanka answered, voice sweet and kind smile, even if she couldn’t see him. He knew she could still hear it in his voice, the gratefulness. “Trust me when I tell ya that whatever happens, it won’t change my commitment to the Cleaners. Never.” 

Maybe it was what she actually needed to hear, because she turned her head to look him in the eye with a sincere smile, something aching towards deep affection in her green pupils. Then she nodded, reassured — partially at least, and gave him a final wave before turning definitively, walking away in the dark corridor to the sound of the heavy rain and Zanka’s anticipation. 

When Riyo left, he knew she knew. She knew what (or who-) was patiently waiting in his cosy room, like a dog waiting for his master to come back after a long day. She probably smelled him when she passed in front of Zanka’s door, but she didn’t say anything. 

Despite everything, Riyo and him were like siblings, like twins. He understands her the way she understands him, and he knew that, deep down, she was just worried for him. But he also knew she would never say anything to the other cleaners, nor will she ever force him out of this “situationship” he drove himself into. They trusted each other more than anything in the world, and Zanka wasn’t disturbed at all by the fact that she discovered his little secret. Because he knew she will forever be on his side, just like he will be on hers if something ever happened to her. 

Knowing that, he chose to remain silent and impassive as he finally opened the door of his room. As he did, the smell of human flesh invaded him, and he felt his whole body tense because of this very aroma. All his senses were on alert, heightened by the simple fact that this smell was, despite himself, his greatest current obsession.  

“Hey there, blood sucker.”

Zanka knew that this was a bad idea. On so many levels. 

But that’s the deal with an addiction right? You know how bad it is, you know how disappointing it would be for your dear ones to find out about it, you know how dangerous it can be to your body and mind… But you just can’t help being drawn to it. 

That’s what Jabber was to him.

And as Zanka locked his door behind him after finally entering his room, he was reminded of it once again. 

And so Jabber was there, lying on Zanka's couch like he owned it, like he was the ruler of the entire manor, meanwhile if somebody else knew he was currently there, he would be tracked and killed without a thought. But Zanka knew Jabber didn't care. That’s what he loved about all of this, the danger, the adrenaline, the thrill… the forbidden. 

“I thought I told ya to never come back here.”

Jabber gave him one of his infamous lopsided smiles, and Zanka still didn’t know if he hated it or loved it. It was so insanely Jabber, this glint of craziness in his deep pink eyes, this messy demeanor, like he didn’t care a bit about what people thought of him. Zanka hated to admit it, but he always admired Jabber’s capacity to ignore people’s overall opinions. He didn’t care at all, acting like a madam because that’s what he was and he didn’t want to change for anyone. And all of that in front of Zanka’s very eyes that constantly reached out for validation and acceptance from the people around him.  

Zanka didn’t move from his spot, persuading himself that he was staying close to the door in case Jabber wanted to try and hurt him, when he knew very well that he locked it himself. His room wasn’t big, but it was spacious enough for him: a small bed on the corner, a desk, a sofa and an armchair with a coffee table and a warm fireplace. Zanka couldn’t help but notice the fire, knowing very well that it was never lit when he was alone in the room, since his cold-blooded system didn’t need it. 

So, Jabber had been here for a long time. Waiting. Waiting for him. 

“You’ve been there since when?” Zanka’s voice was displaying this fake tone of nonchalance, as if he was talking to someone irrelevant, someone uninteresting. Jabber’s smirk widened. 

“Not that long my little vampire, don’t worry-”

“Do not call me that-”

“-though you really need to put more security out there, everyone can enter this manor like a goddamn market.” 

Jabber was still staring at him, all his attention focused on the vampire, messy locs splayed around him on the dark red couch, contrasting with his light brown skin. His clothes were all over the place, creased t-shirt and large pants still wet from the rain, confirming that he wasn’t there for a long time but he needed the fire to warm up. From the corner of his eye, Zanka noticed that Jabber’s long purple coat was on his coat rack. The vampire tsked at that. 

“Ya really act like ya own the room when you’re in there…” 

This sentence seemed to satisfy Jabber even more, his smile widening as he was finally sitting straight on the couch, his pink eyes never leaving Zanka. The latter couldn’t look away himself, partially because he had to keep an eye on his unwanted guest, but also because it has been a long time since they saw each other.

If Zanka was entirely honest, he would even say that he actually missed him. 

What the fuck am I saying? I didn’t miss this piece of shit at all… 

When Jabber moved again, rising slowly from the couch, Zanka’s eyes were immediately back on him, unconsciously fidgeting with his bracelet.

The same bracelet Jabber was wearing on his right wrist. 

“You're right, I don't own this room at all… though I might say differently about its owner.” 

And now he was walking towards him, still slowly, his jet black locs dancing around his smiley face. Moving with the grace of a feline, hypnotising, captivating even, as his golden jewelry were shining with the fire’s light reflecting on them. 

“Didn’t I tell ya to stop coming here uninvited?” Zanka's voice stayed even, quiet but firm, revealing nothing about his internal thoughts. Jabber’s smile grew even more coy as he approached him smoothly.

“Aw you hurt me there, Zanzan.” Jabber made a fake pout, and Zanka held himself back so as not to brutally punch him in the face. “And here I thought I was your favorite guest… You surely are my favorite host, y’know that right?”

Zanka rolled his eyes, visibly bored by the conversation. But he couldn’t hide a treacherous shiver as Jabber was now right in front of him. Now that he could have a good look at him, his eyes looked even bigger under the moonlight passing through the translucent curtains, hair shining in gold. Blue light came down from the sky to kiss Jabber’s lightskin, pink eyes glowing with want, trepidation and another emotion Zanka couldn’t quite place. Too deep and real for him to actually analyse it.  

“You know Zanka… I really thought you would be a little happier to see me. Guess you can’t get rid of that bad attitude of yours right?” 

Jabber was close now, too close. So close that Zanka had to back up a little against the door. Feeling the cold wood against his back actually helped center himself a little, stopping his drowning into those two magnificent pink pupils. 

“You’re literally invading my space without my permission. Why would I be happy to see a maniac like ya in my private room?” 

“Aw c’mon Zanzan.” Jabber mewed, his warm breath all over Zanka’s impassive face. “I know that deep down, behind those piercing blue eyes that look at me with nothing but disgust, there is a tiny itty bitty of you that’s actually happy to see your good old Jabber.” 

Zanka couldn’t repress the glint of interest dancing in his blue eyes. Having Jabber so close after so long was, actually, deeply distracting. Some sort of pride hit him though when Zanka noticed that his unwanted guest wasn’t in a better shape. His eyes were unfocused, uncertain where to look between Zanka’s deep blue eyes, his well shaped body or his very temptress lips. His long fingers were itching with the unconditional need to touch, and the vampire knew that perfectly. 

The thing is, Zanka couldn’t forget that the man in front of him was lethally dangerous. 

Jabber may be a human, but he was part of the Hunters, an organization whose goal was to kill all vampires who crossed their path. These humans possessed a rare technology and technique to create silver weapons, a metal fatal for mythic creatures, and Zanka knew very well that Jabber could seriously injure him if he really wanted to. 

Jabber’s favorite weapon were his silver rings that transformed into deathly claws. Zanka knew that when they were out, one move was enough for them to be lethal. A constant threat that was continually looming over him when Jabber was close to his body, since he never took them out. So Zanka could never predict when the human would use them, sometimes just to scare him for fun, sometimes just to see that distinct pained expression deforming Zanka’s face. 

But that constant threat was, in a sense, what made their encounters so addicting. Because Zanka could easily kill Jabber too if his teeth pierced his flesh a little too deep. 

And oh how he liked to see Jabber’s face torn with pain. 

“I missed you y’know.” Jabber said again, his voice deep and ecstatic, a little breathless even though they weren’t even touching yet. Zanka would lie if he said he hated the attention. 

“Yeah? Well I, personally, didn’t miss ya at all.” Zanka kept his composure, even as he felt a warm hand on the freezing skin of his wrist. 

He felt Jabber shiver, not knowing if it was from the cold of his flesh or because they could finally touch each other after so long. Finally. 

“C’mon don’t be like that, hm?” Jabber chimed in, bridging his face even closer to Zanka’s. “I’m sure you at least missed this.” 

And Zanka knew this was bound to happen. But he still wasn’t really prepared when Jabber suddenly crashed their lips together. His head banged against the door with the force of the kiss, but really, Zanka didn’t care at all. 

Finally. Finally you’re here. 

His cool composure flew out of the window when he felt those warm lips against his, and the vampire didn’t resist long before throwing his arms around Jabber’s neck to bring him even closer. Jabber’s ringed hands came to circle his waist, swiftly pressing their bodies together, and Zanka let out a pleased sigh between their lips at the feeling. 

“There you are…” Jabber dreamingly whispered before devouring his mouth again. Zanka gasped into the passion of the kiss, his partner taking advantage of it to slide his tongue between Zanka’s wanting lips. Zanka could feel that his human grew impatient, dragging his hands all over his body as they were now fighting for dominance, tongues dancing, teeth clashing and breaths blending. 

Their kiss was searing, passionate and messy, too much tongue and too much haste but fuck, Zanka did miss him. His hands were now on Jabber’s cheeks, cradling his face and tracing his features with a little too much reverence. One of his hands came to his long locs, grabbing them to pull them sharply, and Jabber borderline moaned against his mouth. 

Zanka groaned in response as a phrase from his earlier conversation with Riyo resonated in his head: 

“You have to stop this before you make a mistake.” 

Yeah, fuck that. He will never be able to let go of this. Never. 

“Fuck I missed you- I missed you so bad Zanka…” Jabber whispered with awe, voice gone as he was still devouring his mouth. 

Zanka moaned in response, accentuating the pressure of their bodies. He needed to feel him closer, closer, closer, to feel this addictive and intoxicating warmth against his freezing body and feel his hands all over his body. 

“Now now…” Jabber said as he stopped the kiss, Zanka chasing his lips. The human smirked upon seeing this. “That’s not the eagerness an unbothered man would have if he didn’t care, mister bad attitude.” 

“You’re the one saying, stupid freak.” 

“I never said I didn't care,” Jabber just chuckled, licking Zanka’s bottom lips before pressing their forehead together. “I knew you did miss me.” 

“Shut up and c’mere.” 

Zanka didn’t waste time before taking his human by the hand and leading him to the couch where Jabber was previously sitting. Jabber laughed teasingly when Zanka roughly pushed him against the couch, swiftly sitting on his laps and pressing their torso together. The human quickly got rid of Zanka’s black coat, throwing it on the floor before pulling the vampire closer. Usually Zanka would’ve complained about his coat being tossed like a dirty rag, but right now he didn’t fucking care. 

He needed him close, even closer- 

“You have- no idea-” Jabber said between kisses on his face, Zanka passing his hands through his thick locs while breathing heavily against him. “How long it was- without you. Fuck, thought about you every damn second I was away.” 

“Do ya ever shut up?” Zanka said as he pulled on his locs, crashing their lips together once again. Jabber whimpered against his mouth and Zanka ate every little sound his human made. 

So much for stating that he knew the danger of committing to a human… 

One more mistake on my endless list of failures, I guess.

They kissed again, just because they could, and just because they were both high on the feeling of their bodies colliding and their tongues dancing together. At some point, Zanka couldn’t help but bite Jabber’s bottom lips, making the latter moan in blissful ecstasy. But he didn’t bite enough to draw blood, knowing that doing this now would be compromising for him. 

After some more heated kisses, their languid kissing gave way to gentler exchanges, still passionate but less rushed. Zanka was now fully seated on Jabber’s laps, the human gently massaging his hips and occasionally letting little butterfly kisses on his neck, jaw and ears. Zanka felt his breath hasten a little, pressing his body even closer to Jabber as one of his hands was now gripping his nape, the other caressing and ruffling his thick locs.  

“Jabber…” Zanka quietly said as a well-placed kiss on his neck made him shiver. “You're gonna tell me now what took ya so long to come back?” 

“I thought you didn’t want me here, hm?” Jabber said, and Zanka could clearly hear the smirk in his voice. He chose to suddenly elbow him in the abdomen in retaliation, making Jabber wince and then giggle. “Okay okay, I’m sorry. I’m only answering if you’re saying you missed me though~” 

Zanka groaned before sitting back a little, locking his blue eyes in Jabber’s pink ones. His human had a joyous expression on his face, one Zanka was only able to witness when it was just the two of them, this glint of pure happiness and mischief dancing in his oh so expressive pink pupils. 

Zanka sighed and shook his head, then looked down at his human. He let his hand travel from his jet black hair to his face, tracing the features of his nose before ending on his bottom lips, still a little swollen from the biting and the kissing. Then he let his finger slide down to his neck, putting some pressure on one of his veins where he could feel and hear the blood pulsing, doing all of that while looking directly in Jabber’s eyes, the latter staring at him almost reverently. 

It wasn’t fair for him to be so pretty and look at Zanka like that. Jabber was just so infuriating. 

“You're gonna force me into this right?”

“Yup.”

Zanka snickered slightly before lowering his head to press their forehead together, breathing against Jabber’s lips. 

“I missed ya…” He kissed his plump mouth. “...ya piece of shit.” 

A shit-heating grin slipped past Jabber lips before he licked Zanka cheek, the latter drawing back while complaining and wiping with his sleeve. 

“You’re fucking disgusting!” Zanka groaned. “Was that really necessary??” 

“Yes it was.” Jabber chuckled, wiggling his eyebrows. Then his smile suddenly grew into something more intimate, pink eyes shining with a unique expression. “I know you did. I know you missed me. I could see it in your eyes, feel it in the way you kissed me.” Jabber murmured, lips now dangerously close to his own. “And I also know you missed this.” 

Jabber took Zanka's hand to put it back on his neck, where one of his veins was situated, and Zanka felt his whole body tense in want and hunger. Since he came into the room, Jabber’s oh so intoxicating smell invaded his whole being, and a hot desire sprang up in him. Jabber’s blood was so close to him, and even if the kissing helped in distracting his wants, it was harder now that Jabber was hinting that he wanted this too. 

The biting. He wanted the biting. He always came for the biting — and, of course, everything else that happened afterward. 

“No.” Zanka suddenly said, yanking his hand back. ”Jabber, I can't. Not now.” 

Jabber frowned, smile gone and a frustrated expression on his face. “No? What d’you mean no? D’you have another mission after this?” 

“No. No I don’t.” 

“Then where’s the problem?” Jabber said again, tightening his hold around Zanka's waist with his arm, his free hand catching Zanka’s palm again. “I know you want it. You’re restrainin’ yourself right now but y’won’t last long.” 

And oh, how much Jabber was right in this moment. As Zanka’s hand was now holding Jabber’s, very close to the veins of his wrist, he could feel his blood flowing and smell the addictive scent of the warm liquid. Zanka wasn’t able to restrain himself the first time he bit him, which ultimately led them to this very tricky situation, and he probably won’t be able to restrain himself tonight either. 

But the conversation with his team earlier and then with Riyo was still in the corner of his mind, hunting him, and he couldn’t help but feel Riyo’s judgmental eyes on him, as well as Rudo’s questioning gaze and Enjin’s intrigued look. 

They were his family. He couldn’t lose them because of his greed. He was better than that. 

He wished he was better than that-

“C’mon mister bad attitude, I know you want it. It’s been a long, loong time since you’ve only eaten bland and disgusting blood right? I know y’want mine. And y’know I want this too-” 

Zanka didn’t let him finish, yanking his hand away from him once again before rising from his seat on his lap and turning his back to him. 

“I told ya I can’t. End of the conversation.”

He couldn’t see Jabber’s expression since he was facing away from him, but he could hear his deeply disappointed sigh. Zanka chose to ignore it as he took his coat back from the floor to put it on the coat rack, next to Jabber’s purple one.

“Did something happen?” 

Zanka froze upon hearing this question. To his surprise, Jabber’s tone wasn’t accusing or angry. No it was almost… worried. Slightly though, just slightly. 

The vampire slowly turned back to look at Jabber, brown locks dancing in front of his own blue irises and slightly hiding his vision (his hair were getting longer). The human was now manspreading on the couch, one of his feet on the little table in front of him, face devoid of any smile. His deep pink eyes were scrutinizing him, like they were trying to analyse Zanka’s thoughts and feelings. 

Zanka hated when Jabber acted like that. It made him feel like a little child that didn’t know how to properly communicate.  

(Which he probably was, mind you. His family never told him how to communicate, only to shut the fuck up when he had to.) 

“The fuck you’re asking that for?” Zanka roughly answered, glowering and choosing to cross his arms on his chest and staying as far as possible from Jabber, not moving from his spot near the fireplace. 

Jabber seemed to smile at that, knowing that Zanka’s false bravado was only the protection he used to hide his true feelings and wants. Zanka was so used to not indulging in any of his own desires that now that they were so strong for one and only person, he didn’t always know how to act. Sometimes the passion was too strong for him to resist, and his incapacity to reject Jabber made him wary and hostile because he saw this behavior as a weakness. But Jabber was a patient man when it came to something he wanted to possess, and Zanka was definitely worth the effort. 

Jabber didn’t mind being the receptacle of Zanka’s anger if it means he will forget his insecurities for the time of them being together. 

Hence, as a coy smile slipped past his lips, tilting his head on the side, he chose to rise up from his seat and walk slowly towards his vampire. 

“What’s happening to you?” He asked, voice deep and shining eyes staring pointedly at Zanka. “You’re resisting more and more these days.” 

Zanka was still acting on the defensive, frowning while his deep blue eyes were looking at Jabber with what could be considered as disgust. Kind of hard to think that they were passionately making out minutes ago, but that’s what Jabber liked the most about their relationship. The unpredictability. Zanka always managed to surprise him, to baffle him in his choices and actions. And against all expectations, for Jabber, Zanka’s disgusted and annoyed expression directed at him made him feel so good. 

Zanka was so hot when he was angry. Especially when it was because of Jabber. 

“Ohh, I think I know why.” Jabber’s shit-eating grin grew more mischievous as he was now circling around Zanka, pink eyes never leaving his slender figure. “It’s a little late to feel guilty about all this, don’t you think?” 

Zanka sighed in frustration, turning his eyes to glare at the human. Jabber’s excitement peaked when he saw how much hatred (mixed with something else, something deeper that Jabber adored to see in Zanka’s ethereal blue eyes) were thrown at him through this single glare. 

“If ya only came to mock me, ya can go back to where ya came from.” 

Jabber came up behind Zanka, looping his arms around his waist and hooking his chin over Zanka's shoulder. “C’mon don’t be like that Zanzan, hm? I know this situation isn’t exactly perfect for you but…” Jabber’s warm breath tickled Zanka’s neck, making him shiver. “I also know y’can’t do much about it. Just like me. It’s like we’re already bound to each other, circling around the other and wanting, wanting, wanting even more…” 

Zanka released a trembling sigh, feeling his body warm up with the sight of Jabber’s muscular arms around his waist. 

“You take this like it's a game…” 

“I hate being too serious, y’know that, it’s soo boring. We both want the same thing here, why make it so difficult, hm? Why can’t you indulge, let yourself go a little?” 

Jabber was too close, and when he was too close, Zanka knew all his senses were messed up. Not only because of the smell of his blood, not only because of the way his hands were circling his waist perfectly, not only because of that insane glint in the deep pink of his eyes that made Zanka want to know more about him, but also because, in the rare moment of pure vulnerability between them, Jabber understood him. And despite himself Zanka liked to know that, if he was to be really helpless because of something, Jabber would actually be there for him. Close to him, listening to him. 

They’ve been entertaining this situationship for too long now, and Zanka didn’t know how to get out of it. He didn't even really want to actually get rid of it, to be honest. The desperation he felt when he first saw Jabber today after months of not having news was a good example of how deeply engraved in him Jabber actually was. 

Yeah. In overall, he was fucked. 

But the biting was different. The biting was linked with too many traumas and bad memories for him to act normal about it. It was the only thing he still had some control over, and he knew that Jabber didn’t like that one bit. 

As much as he wanted it, he didn’t want to be a disappointment again. 

“I won’t bite ya. I know ya want it, I know ya came for it, but I won’t.” Zanka coldly said, turning his head to lock his hard stare in Jabber’s excited eyes. “So even if I might be repeating myself, if ya came for this, ya can go back to where ya came from.”

That seemed to actually put some sense in Jabber. Zanka didn’t show it, but he did feel disappointed when Jabber let go of him and moved away from his body. The vampire kept his intense gaze on Jabber, admiring the way his jet black locs floated around him as he moved slowly, almost sensually, smile gone and eyes focused on Zanka. And then, Jabber placed himself right in front of the vampire, and his lopsided smile came back, a malicious glimmer dancing in his eyes. 

“Well well, even if you don’t wanna take it yourself…” Jabber murmured as he brought his face closer to Zanka’s. “I can still give it to you.” 

And Zanka’s eyes widened when, with some supernatural speed, Jabber took his claws out and harshly cut his own skin on his forearm. With no regard for his own pain, Jabber quickly cut himself again, deep enough for the blood to directly flow out and drip on the old carpet under them. 

Zanka’s face tore in surprise at the action before putting a hand on his mouth and nose, trying to prevent the smell from awakening his instincts. And seeing Jabber’s insane smile widen even more, that was exactly what he was searching for. 

That goddamn freak.

“Are ya mad?? The smell of yer blood will make them come here!” Zanka suddenly yelled as he moved away from the human, trying desperately to tear his eyes away from the little puddle of blood on Jabber’s arm. But he couldn’t really look away, not when the hunger was so strong and when the smell was calling, calling, calling. 

The memory of Jabber’s blood on his tongue was so real that he felt like he was actually drinking from the wound. But he shouldn’t, he couldn’t, it wasn’t right at all…

“C’mon, not like it’s the first time you would taste it right?” Jabber retracted his claws as his eyes were shining brightly, with a glint so crazy it would scare the shit of Zanka if he wasn’t actually obsessed with it. 

But Zanka was still resisting, succeeding in averting his eyes from this irrefutable temptation. So much restraint started to piss off Jabber, who immediately lost his smile. He let the blood pool out, not caring if he was actually staining the entire room, and showed a bored expression. 

“I see you’re trying to be on the good side now… Well, I don't mind giving some of it to your lil vamp friends y’know, I can do whatever I want with my own blood after all. Maybe these freaks’ll actually appreciate my blood than you do-”

In a blink he was there, moving swiftly to pull Jabber by the collar and slam him violently against the wall. The force of the impact made Jabber choke on his saliva, and for whatever reason, this sudden show of strength only aroused him even more. 

“Don't you fucking dare.”

Hearing that, the human’s excited smile was immediately back, Jabber looking down at Zanka with a newfound thrill. He wanted Zanka to give in so badly, and he knew that playing on his little possessive strike would be a good move. As much as Zanka hated that, Jabber knew where to strike to have him in the palm of his hand. 

His little vampire was so predictable. How cute. 

“Getting possessive are we Zanzan?” Jabber purred, his face now close to Zanka’s, but the vampire’s eyes were stuck on his wound. “I won’t go anywhere, this is all for you to take.”

And Zanka wanted to. He wanted, wanted and wanted and wanted so bad it was impossible for him to resist- 

“You’re not breaking any rules if you drink directly from the wound are you?” Jabber snickered, getting more and more impatient himself. “So eat me up baby. I’m all yours.” 

And Zanka, because he was actually way weaker than he thought, gave in to his utmost desires and harshly took Jabber arms to lick the wound. Immediately, his body welcomed the taste with immense pleasure, making him moan in ecstasy, and he knew that behind his eyelid his eyes were now glowing an electric blue. 

Even if he actually didn’t bite him, it was almost as pleasurable for Zanka to drink his blood as for Jabber to give it to him. In the blur of his enlightened senses, the vampire felt a hand on his neck, Jabber putting pressure on it for Zanka to take even more, and that only aroused him further. 

“Look at you, licking it all over like some desperate kitten.” Jabber whispered, voice trembling with pleasure. “Shit you’re so hot when you’re doing that…”

Zanka felt like he was reborn, a flow of energy suddenly rushing in his veins. The taste of human blood on his tongue after so long coupled with the fact that it was actually Jabber’s made him see stars. Since they started this clandestine relationship of Donor and Vampire, any other human blood started to taste bland or even disgusting for him, only drinking it because it gave overall more energy than animal blood. But Jabber, Jabber was different.   

Jabber’s blood tasted like Heaven. Or Hell maybe, because it was too exhilarating, too addicting, and it could only be something vicious and vile to be that good. But Zanka was a sinner by birth, rejecting Heaven and choosing Hell knowing perfectly the consequences of it all. 

And Jabber was the inner incarnation of temptation, manipulative, violent and sometimes frightening, but Zanka wanted him as he never wanted anything before. And may his soul be damned if this blood was the last thing he tasted, he would still choose Hell over Heaven. Although maybe Hell wouldn't be so bad if he was allowed to stay by his side. 

No really, everything about Jabber bewitched him, and Zanka realized it well enough as he was there, licking his forearm avidly under his Donor’s ecstatic smile. 

“Yeah do it, drink it all baby. All yours, all fucking yours.” 

At some point, there was no blood coming from the wounds anymore, and Zanka had to resist really hard not to bite directly through the hard flesh of his human’s arm. But he was able to prevent that, slowly opening his eyes to lock his shining blue eyes in Jabber’s dilated pupils. Still tightening his hand around Jabber’s arm, Zanka could feel when a sudden shiver passed through the human’s body making him tremble under the vampire’s gaze. 

Zanka smirked. After all, Jabber always loved to see Zanka’s vampire eyes, going from a calm blue to a glowing azur, bright and electric as much as hypnotic. 

“You’re so fucking gorgeous.” 

Jabber’s tone betrayed his burning excitement, voice trembling as his free hand roamed against Zanka’s body, going from his nape to his waist and back to his cheek. Some blood was slightly leaking from Zanka’s mouth, his lips tainted in bright red as well as his white shirt's collar. But Zanka didn’t care, Zanka didn’t care anymore. The only important thing that mattered was in front of him. And as he was admiring Jabber’s beauty, the taste of his luscious blood indelible on his tongue, he couldn’t help but notice how utterly gone his partner was. 

“Happy to finally have a good meal I bet.” Jabber giggled. “So tell me beautiful, how does it taste?” 

Zanka used his free hand to circle Jabber’s waist, pressing him against his body and glowing eyes directly on him. 

“Heavenly.” 

Jabber smirked. 

“Lemme taste it too then.” And he roughly grabbed him by the jaw and crashed their lips together again. He shamelessly gasped at the taste of his own blood on Zanka’s tongue and couldn’t resist licking his longer fangs, making the vampire immediately lose his mind. 

Zanka pinned his donor against the wall, moaning in his mouth when he felt Jabber’s tongue teasing his teeth. They were a sweet spot for him when he was drinking blood, and Jabber knew it perfectly — the fucker. The human groaned in response, taking his other hand to circle Zanka’s shoulder and press him against even closer to his body. 

“You’re a menace…” Zanka grumbled, kissing harder, and Jabber giggled, drunk on the feeling. 

“Y’love it.” 

“Shut the fuck up.” 

Jabber snickered, tightening his grip on Zanka's cheeks to kiss him again, sighing contently at the feeling. 

Yeah, well. If Zanka was addicted to his blood, Jabber was definitely addicted to kissing him senseless. 

(He was probably addicted to the entirety of Zanka’s persona.)

They kissed a little more, hardly, passionately, sensually, until there was no trace of Jabber’s blood in the vampire’s mouth, before stepping back. Jabber used this opportunity to press light kisses on Zanka's face, just because he could, and just because seeing Zanka’s face flush under his unexpected affection was too endearing to ignore. Then Zanka gently took his arm to lead him to the bed on the corner of the room, making them sit face to face. 

With a slightly bashful look, probably because of his desperate behavior a few minutes earlier, Zanka took Jabber’s arm again to hold it back to his mouth. However this time he only licked the extra blood around the two wounds on his forearm (which were actually quite deep, stupid Jabber) before spreading some of his saliva on the injured area. 

If Jabber shivered with pleasure because of him acting so obscenely, he knew Zanka didn’t see it in that way. Indeed, vampires' saliva kept a powerful coagulant that helped wounds to close up faster. Most of the time, vampires actually liked to leave traces of their passage on human bodies and therefore didn’t bother to make the wounds heal, but when some vampires were close enough to their donor, they chose to erase every mark by helping the coagulation and healing process.

Zanka used this process often, more because of the fear that their small illegal donor/vampire relationship will be discovered than because of the scars. Besides, Jabber knew for sure that if Zanka could, he would leave every scar visible to mark him up, and Jabber would be overjoyed by that. But even he knew that if the Hunters found out about him giving his blood to a vampire — and a Cleaner on top of that, really good choice Jabber — he would be in serious shit. 

When he was done with the healing, Zanka used this — rare — calm and gentle time to actually get a good look at his donor. Jabber’s locs were even messier than before and his cheeks were slightly flushed from all the kissing they did (also showing that he, in fact, didn’t lose too much blood. Zanka would lie if he said he wasn’t relieved). The vampire knew that his eyes stopped glowing and that his fangs retracted, yet Jabber looked at him like he was searching them, desperate to have a good look at his vampire attribute. 

“Ya like them that much?” Zanka asked, still having Jabber’s arm in his hand, gently stroking the previously injured skin. Now, the light-brown skin was almost back to normal.

“What, your eyes? Or your teeth?” 

Zanka stared at his arm a little more before raising his blue iris in Jabber’s focused ones. “...both.” 

A small smirk slipped past his lips, raising his ringed-hand to stroke Zanka’s cheek in a surprisingly tender gesture. “I already miss both of them. I love when your teeth scratch my tongue when we kiss, making me bleed from the inside. That’s fucking hot. And I love the way your eyes glow in the dark. Like you’re some sort of mythical creature or somethin’.”

“Well,” Zanka chuckled slightly, slowly getting closer. “I kinda am…” 

“Yeah,” Jabber whispered, his breath hitting Zanka’s lips. “Yeah you kinda are…” 

And surprisingly — or not that surprisingly — their next kiss was much more tender than the previous ones. Maybe because in the enthusiasm of their reunion, they had to let their passion explode before being able to actually settle down into something more intimate. And that's what it was now: intimate. 

Yeah, it definitely was. Zanka could feel it in the way Jabber cradled his face between his magnificent ringed hands, like he was some fragile doll made of wintry porcelain. And if this gentle gesture could’ve annoyed him, Zanka knew he wasn’t doing this because he thought the vampire was weak, but more because he himself needed it. And his heart leaped into his chest when Jabber stroked the skin of his jaw that he violently grabbed to kiss him a few minutes earlier. 

They were all over each other now, Zanka practically on Jabber laps as his hands flew to his messed up his black locs again — oh how he loved playing with his hair, alternating between pulling them and stroking them as he was avidly kissing his partner in crime. The intoxicating feeling of rightfulness and belonging were what Zanka cherished the most when he was with Jabber. It wasn’t like with the Cleaners, they were his founded family and he loved them all very dearly (yes, even Rudo), but this, this was different. Jabber was different. He always was.

Jabber just got him. He didn’t need to undrape all the layers Zanka meticulously built around him, one peek inside and he already understood it all. Zanka didn’t need to pretend, didn't pretend he didn’t like to see Jabber bleeding for him, pretend he didn’t like the feeling of his fangs tearing his skin apart, pretend he didn’t like the way his venom implanted in his veins and made him tremble in pain… 

And he knew Jabber loved that too. That’s what made them a match made in hell. Impish, mischievous, violent, manipulative and surprisingly occasionally sweet Jabber. 

Prosaic feelings or ephemeral dreams, Zanka didn’t care about the real consistency of their relationship as long as he could still feel Jabber tremble of passion between his arms. 

“Don’t hurt yerself anymore, ya dumb freak.” 

Entirely entranced, that’s what he was.

“Then hurt me yourself next time.” Jabber giggled against his lips, hands coming down to stroke his neck, then his shoulders, and finally his hips. Zanka shivered when he felt him grab the skin here, enough to leave marks. He responded by slightly scratching the skin of Jabber’s neck, drawing blood and making the human gasp slightly. 

“Look at you.” Jabber said as he felt Zanka dive into his neck to lick the small drops of blood, making him giggle deliriously. “All that talk about not wanting to drink my blood, and here you are. You’re getting weaker, my little blood sucker.” 

“And you’re getting way too talkative when ya could use that mouth for something a lot more useful.” 

“Shit,” Jabber’s voice was breathless again, but Zanka could hear a smile in it. “Giving orders now are we?” 

“Ya know ya like it.” 

Zanka heard a quiet “I do like it” before suddenly feeling a mouth on his neck again. Jabber tightened his embrace around his waist, hardly pressing their bodies together like he wanted no space in-between. That made something warm and unwanted crawl under Zanka’s skin, who pulled a little on Jabber’s locs when he felt the latter bite his pale skin. 

“No marks…” 

Jabber groaned in frustration, letting one of his hands go under the vampire’s white blouse to caress the pale skin of his back. Zanka’s mouth was still on his neck, and he could feel in his bones that he was dangerously close to actually biting him. To overcome that, he chose to scratch the skin again and sighed loudly when he was able to taste Jabber’s blood once more. 

It was unfair, how fucking good he actually tasted. 

“Hey Zanka, I was thinking…” 

“Ya do thinking now?” Zanka chuckled, slightly drawing back to lock his amused eyes in Jabber’s thrilled ones. “Is yer head okay? Well, I know I shouldn’t ask that anyway, yer head’s definitely messed up.” 

“Look at you trying to be all funny with me.” Jabber whispered with something in his eyes that looked awfully close to adoration. Zanka preferred to ignore it.

“I can be funny if I want to.” 

“Y’don’t want it often then.” 

Jabber actually hissed when Zanka smacked his head, looking at him with an annoyed expression that made him snicker. 

“Nah I’m being serious though.” He said again, grabbing his hips to keep him close. Zanka was once again a little thrown out by Jabber’s mood-swing, the human now looking at him all serious. “I was thinking like… Won’t it be easier if you’d bite me?” 

Zanka rolled his eyes, thinking that his donor was talking about the way he was scratching his neck. “I already told ya I won’t. Stop trying to force me into it, that won’t work and ya know that-” 

“No, no. I didn’t mean the bite to drink my blood.” Jabber said, locking his intense eyes in Zank’s confused ones. “I meant the bite for the Bond.” 

For the second time now, Jabber broke their little bubble by saying something so stupid Zanka had to back away and look at him with an astonished look on his face. 

“The fuck you’re saying right now?”

“I knew you would react like this…” Jabber groaned, rolling his eyes, but his annoyance seemed to hide something else. 

“It’s a joke right? You’re saying this as a joke?”

However, his donor’s pointed look actually confirmed what Zanka heard in his voice. Jabber was dead serious when he asked him to bite him. 

To bite him for life. 

“No but, are ya actually serious?” Zanka asked, more flabbergasted than pissed off. “Is that why you’re actually here? Is that why ya came back to see me?” 

Jabber didn’t answer, keeping his deep eyes locked on Zanka, who still had an astonished look on his face. The human seemed way too relaxed considering the thing he just said. 

Did he really ask if Zanka and him could be bound forever? 

After everything he went through against his family's opinions and beliefs, now Jabber was the one implying this suggestion on them? Trying to influence him on doing what he considered to be the biggest mistake for a vampire?

What kind of irony was this? 

He knew from his family that the Bond will bring them nothing but suffering and torment. He just knew it. Even if he was formatted in thinking that it would only deepen his instincts and bring him glory and power, Zanka hated the thought of someone being nothing but dependent on him. He didn't want to have the responsibility of a whole human being's life between his weak hands.

But Jabber wasn't weak, Jabber was strong and independent, he won't be under Zanka’s responsibility if they- 

No. In every way possible, that was the worst idea ever. 

“Okay…” Zanka chuckled in frustration, a fake smile on his lips. “I knew ya were insane but that’s too much, even for ya.” 

“Now now, you’re getting mean here, mister bad attitude.” Jabber answered, and his smirk held something really close to disappointment. He seemed upset, and Zanka couldn’t understand why. 

Zanka had to get up, he had to get away from Jabber’s warmth and comfort, but there was something in his eyes, something that Zanka witnessed really rarely in Jabber. His demeanor was one of fake casualness, and the vampire could clearly see that when he saw Jabber fidget with his beloved rings. 

Okay, so… He was actually serious. 

Zanka sighed, and forced himself to stay seated on the bed next to Jabber, which seemed to surprise the latter. They weren’t touching anymore, a slight distance between them because of Zanka jumping back when hearing the — cursed — question, but they weren't too far apart either. Something in Zanka was telling him that Jabber wanted him close right now. 

So he sighed again, rubbing his eyes before raising his pointed gaze towards the human. 

“Ya do realise doing that might get me expelled from the Cleaners right?”

Jabber scoffed, keeping his stare locked on Zanka. The vampire would lie saying that the intensity of his gaze did surprise him. It was like Jabber needed his whole attention on him. As if he tried to drown the entirety of Zanka's being with his gaze so he could never go away. 

If he does bite him, would it be his of Jabber’s craving in the end? 

“Fuck them, you don’t need them. We can be only the two of us.” 

Zanka sneered. “Fuck you Jabber, they’re my family.” 

“What does that make me then?” 

That made Zanka freeze. His body tensed up as a satisfied smile broke through Jabber’s lips. He didn’t really understand what Jabber was searching for right now, if he wanted to piss him off or just tease him. But since the mention of the Bond, something deeper and special resided in his pink eyes. Something felt amiss, and Zanka hated the fact that he had no clue why Jabber seemed so… tense. 

They never really talked about what they were for each other. When this strange relationship started, they both thought it could never last. It was only in the fire of the moment, when the tension became too heavy to bear, too suffocating. They knew they actually needed to act upon it if they both wanted to go on, Hunters and Cleaners be damned, human and vampire conditions be forgotten. 

But it turned out to be something much more complicated than mere attraction. It was deeper, more real, more dangerous, and without any of them realizing it, they became completely addicted to the feeling of their lips clashing, their bodies crashing, and their voices harmonizing in pleasure.

Everytime they tried to end it, they only came back to each other needier, more passionate, more wanting. And without them noticing, something else came to crawl in between them, something both of them were too proud (or too scared) to name. 

So, yeah. What Jabber exactly was to Zanka was still an enigma he couldn’t solve. He wasn’t even his exclusive and official donor, they never talked about any of that. They never talked, they acted, and that made the beauty and challenge of their relationship. 

“My enemy.” Zanka finally answered. “An enemy I should get rid of.” 

“Bullshit.” Jabber sniggered. “You could've killed me many times but you never did.”

“You're a Hunter. You're not that easy to kill.”

“Oh come on, I gave you so many opportunities. You just never took them.”

Zanka groaned in response, looking away from Jabber’s satisfied smile. But that was his first mistake, because Jabber took this as an opportunity to swiftly come close again and grip his arm, pulling him close to his body. Zanka glowered at him before yanking his arm back, but Jabber’s grip was too strong, and his coy grin was growing as their bodies were now close again. 

“C’mon, why are you acting like this, hm? You refuse to bite me, even though I was expecting like crazy for months to feel your teeth in my neck, and now you’re refusing my kind offer?” The human asked, licking his lips, eyes intense. “If you weren’t desperately rubbing yourself on me seconds earlier I'd say y’don’t even want me anymore.”

“Whose desperate? You’re the one asking me to fucking bite ya for life, Jabber. I don’t think ya actually know what it entails.” 

“You’d be surprised.” Jabber purred, face coming close again. ”Don’t be acting like a damn coward, ey? Being in the cleaner doesn't suit you and you know that.” 

“Shut up.” Zanka furiously said, using his other hand to suddenly grab his throat. Here Jabber’s eyes widened and he let out an eager gasp, feeling Zanka’s finger press against his pulsing point. He knew Zanka could hear the blood in his vein, and that made him even crazier. 

“Yeah… Yeah that’s the shit I like, Zanka.” 

“I’m not doing this for ya to be all excited ya fuckin’ degenerate.” Zanka said, voice hard and glaring slit-eyed. “Ya don’t know how insane ya sound right now.”

“And you love that, you know you do.” Zanka slightly accentuated the pressure on his neck and something crazy danced in Jabber's pink irises, his free hand coming up to catch Zanka’s wrist. “You’re a beast, Zanka, untamed and untamable. You’re a wild animal that can’t be domesticated by any of them Cleaners. They’re just restricting you while you’re so goddamn hot when you lose control...” 

“Shut up.” Zanka spat between his clenched teeth. “Ya know nothing about me.”

“I know enough to be fucking obsessed.” 

Zanka’s eyes widened a little before he finally let go of Jabber’s throat, rising up quickly to walk away from the bed. Jabber immediately began to couch harshly, something wild still dancing in his pupils as he was looking at Zanka passing a trembling hand through his brown hair. 

“You- I can’t-” Zanka sighed, passing a hand on his face. “I can’t believe ya would go that far. Do ya really know what you’re asking?” 

Jabber shrugged, getting comfortable on the bed by sitting against the wall before massaging his throat and coughing a little more. “Shit you went hard on me, blood sucker…” 

Zanka rolled his eyes. This idiot really didn't understand the gravity of his demand. He was so… disconnected. Unaware. 

“Ya really are a lost cause. Besides, if we make the Bond it won't hurt ya anymore when I bite ya. Ya won't like it anymore.”

“Don't be making yourself stupider than you are, I know exactly what it entails.” Jabber smirked from his spot on the bed, looking intently at Zanka glowering at him. Oh how he loved when Zanka was mad at him. “The bite gives the vampire entire control on his human, so it depends what feeling the Biter wants to give his Donor. And you don't want to manage me, do you now Zanzan?” 

As he said that, he let a finger gently caress the red zone on his neck, and that immediately reminded Zanka the feeling of Jabber’s throat between his fingers, feeling his pulsing point accelerating as he squeezed more and more…

Felling his cheeks flush, the vampire looked away from Jabber’s stupid satisfied grin, trying to remain calm about all of this. 

Jabber chuckled, putting his shin on his palm. “Usually when the Bond is created it's because two persons love each other and want to be bound forever- blah blah blah, so the vampire makes it easier or pleasurable for the human. But I know you won't do that. Y’love to hurt me as much as I love to hurt.” 

Zanka crossed his arms against his chest in a vain attempt to protect himself from Jabber’s eager tone. Facing away from him, he couldn’t see that Jabber raised from his seat to walk slowly towards his vampire, but he could hear his slow, tentative steps towards him. His voice was then closer, more sultry and deeper as he was whispering in his ears… 

“You could make it hurt even more.”

A hard shiver passed through Zanka’s body as he turned sharply towards Jabber. The human wasn’t close enough to touch him, but he was still looking at him with this untamable flame in his eyes, cheeks slightly pink and locs gracefully falling in front of his face.

“You know what? I know why you’re really against it.” Jabber murmured again, Zanka fighting his urges to grab his throat again to make him shut up. “You're scared that too much power over me would make you love it. You're scared to try to make it even more painful because I might not survive it. You want to make it as painful as possible and God- if only you knew how much I want that too...”

Zanka inhaled sharply upon hearing this, feeling his stomach heating with the implication of these words. Biting his lips, he however chose to walk away from the human again, trying to remain calm and not let his desires take the upper hand. 

What Jabber asked was too much for him to indulge just like that. The conversation he had earlier with his friends proved to him that most of these relationships ended badly, too badly for Zanka to take the chance. The simple fact of imagining Jabber dying because of the pain of the bite… 

“You’re mental… Do ya realise what you’re saying?” Zanka harshly asked, walking around his room. “Most humans die from the first bite and ya want to be bitten for the rest of yer life? I knew ya were a damn masochist but you’re breaking records right now-”

“For me heaven isn’t in that shitty city, whatever its name is. For me, heaven is with you if you chose me.”

That actually made Zanka stop his pacing. His breath trembled as he was now staring wide-eyed at Jabber, who was surprisingly serious. His pink eyes, usually glittering with mischief, were staring directly and intensely at him. And somehow, with that single look, Zanka was reminded of everything they went through together. 

Every night when they had to quietly meet up to have some time together, like right now, every fights when they had to act like they hated each other and nothing else, the time Jabber actually saved Zanka by letting him bite him, every bites since then — because none of them could get enough, their first kiss, every murmured praises, every whispered words of affection they never mentioned because it would make this too real, every looks, every fights, every kisses… Zanka was reminded of it all, and especially the fact that he wasn’t the only one experiencing all these life-changing feelings. Jabber was too. 

And many times, Zanka asked himself why me. Why did Jabber chose a weak vampire like him, who wasn’t even able to bite a human if he wasn’t forced to, who wasn’t even able to reach the expectations of his family, who wasn’t even able to keep his promise to never bite a human, who wasn’t even able to actually control his impulses… But somehow, when he was with Jabber, he felt like the most powerful creature on earth. He felt like everything could happen, if Jabber was with him. 

Jabber never ceased to amaze. Maybe because Zanka never expected anything, and Jabber wanted to unconsciously give everything. And Zanka was eager, eager, eager. He always wanted more, when it came to Jabber.

At some point, the human was finally able to get close to Zanka without him noticing, too lost in his thoughts. Jabber wrapped his arms around him from behind, tight like he might disappear at any minute. Like Zanka was a dream and Jabber was only just waking with the remnants of ephemeral visions of love and existence in his arms.

“C’mon baby, think about it hm?” His voice was surprisingly calm. Surprisingly sincere. Like he actually wanted this more than anything in the world. “You won't be able to drink anything else but my blood, fresh, pulsing human blood from your very own puppet. No more animal blood, no more other humans. It'll be only me, you won't be able to drink anything but me.” 

Zanka snickered weakly upon hearing that, letting himself indulge a little and relax in Jabber’s arms. He let his own hands slightly caress Jabber's arms around his waist, feeling his donor’s smile against the skin of his neck. 

“Not sure it’s actually a good idea to be bound to someone insane for the rest of my life.” 

Jabber snickered, hiding his face in the space between his neck and his shoulder. “Well, this is a chance to take. You'll be mine and I'll be yours forever. Isn't that wonderful?”

“Is that what ya wanted from the start?” The vampire whispered, still stroking Jabber’s arms around him. “And ya say I’m the possessive one.”

“No. It's what you wanted since you tasted me. I could see it in your eyes.”

“Don’t give yerself too much importance.” Zanka quietly responded, and he couldn’t help but slowly, very slowly, let his long nails scratch the skin of Jabber’s hand around his waist. He felt his human shiver immediately, chuckling breathlessly. 

“I told you already, you can't hide from me.” Jabber’s voice was dripping with ecstasy as he felt Zanka take his hand to lick the little wound he just inflicted on his human. Humans bleed so easily. “I know you struggle to contain yourself and control your impulses. But to me they're not imperfections at all, they're greatness. That wildness I see in your eyes everytime you bite me, fuck. It makes me so hard.”

“You're insane…” Zanka whispered while sighing contently when he felt Jabber’s mouth on his neck. 

“And who between us is drinking blood right now?” Jabber chuckled as his other hand came under Zanka’s blouse to caress the pale skin of his tummy. “I’m as insane as you are.”

Zanka let out a loud sigh before turning in Jabber’s arms, putting his hands around his hips and pressing him against his body. Jabber exhaled at the feeling, cradling Zanka’s face between his slightly bleeding hands, spreading some red liquid on the vampire’s cheek. 

“You’re serious about this?” 

“I’ve never been more serious in my life.” 

Zanka inhaled again, making his eyes glow a bright blue again. Jabber’s smile grew automatically upon seeing his shining pupils, coming close to lick his own blood on Zanka’s cheek, feeling the wound on his hand already healing thanks to Zanka’s saliva. The vampire sighed, letting one of his hands come up to stroke Jabber’s locs as the human was now rubbing his cheeks against Zanka’s. 

“Ya would be bound to me forever.”

“Yes.”

“Ya won’t be able to get away from me.”

“Yes…”

“I might kill ya if I can’t control myself.”

“Yesyesyes- fuck Zanka that’s all I want, that’s all I’ve ever wanted!” Jabber’s eyes were wild now, the wildest Zanka had ever seen. “Feeling the way your fangs break my skin, the way my blood flows out my veins and the way you plant your venom into me- god I can’t get enough!”

Shit. 

Zanka felt his whole body burn up upon hearing Jabber say these words. The insane desire to actually sink his teeth in his neck to finally taste his blood from the source was becoming harder and harder to control, and he knew that he was very close to making a mistake… 

…but Jabber’s body was so warm against him, his eyes were so wild and entrancing, and the truce is that Zanka wanted this just as much as Jabber. He actually wanted the Bond between us, even knowing how hard it would be for him to stay with the Cleaners if he did so, even knowing how deadly this kind of relationship could be, even knowing that his friends will probably never forgive him. 

But Zanka just wanted him so bad.

The more they were talking, the more Jabber was pulling Zanka towards the bed again. The vampire noticed it, but he didn’t say anything. He didn’t say anything either when Jabber laid down on the bed, pulling Zanka after him to make him sit on his upper thighs. 

“Let it go baby…” Jabber whispered, hands back on his cheeks. “It’s only me.” 

And when Zanka looked down at him, all he saw was a vision of beauty, a halo of jet black locs circling a mouth-watering light skin face. Wild pink eyes looked at him like he was some sort of divine muse, and Zanka felt as uncomfortable as thrilled because no one ever looked at him like that before. Like he was important, gracious, unique. 

Zanka’s breath caught in his throat seeing Jabber’s rough beauty on the sheets of his bed, mentally asking himself how he got to taste someone so fucking mesmerizing. And yeah, maybe the craziness, the wildness and unhinged persona just added to his glory. For Zanka, at least. 

He's right. I'm as insane as he is. 

“Didn’t know ya wanted to be my puppet so bad.” Zanka smirked, letting one of his fingers trace an old scar on his human’s collarbone. 

“Oh you know nothin’ about how far I would go to have you all to myself.” 

That and Jabber’s lopsided smile were enough for Zanka to finally give in, letting his blue eyes glow in the darkness of the night and his fangs grow slowly. A glint of wildness passed through his azur pupils as his brown hair flowed around his pale face. Seeing that, Jabber’s smile grew even more deranged and one of his hands came to grip the back of his neck, the other catching the vampire’s collar, trying to bring his mouth closer to his own neck. Zanka groaned in response, feeling his resolve gradually dying in him. 

“I’ll make each bite even more painful than the last until ya die in my arms.” 

“Yes… Yes, fuck, do that, do just that...”

“I’ll make it torturously slow. It'll take years. Hundreds of them maybe,” Zanka pressed his forehead against Jabber’s. “Until I know my time will come and ya won’t be of any use to me. And I'll bite ya every fucking day.“

“Yes- shit. I can take it, c'mon Zanka- you know I can take it.”

“Fuck.”

They were both breathless now, even though they didn’t even kiss, the simple thought of Zanka biting Jabber was enough for both of them to lose their minds. Eyes drowning in each other's, mouths so close they could feel their breath on their lips and bodies pressed together. They knew they wanted the same thing, but something in Zanka was still holding back. Would it be Enjin’s disappointed look, Riyo’s frustrated face, his friends' shocked expressions, his boss’s patronizing words, or maybe the idea of having another mistake on his record… 

But Jabber’s eyes were so pink right now. So pink. 

“Zanka,” Jabber desperately called, now kissing his cheeks as his hand was still on his nape. “Zanka.”

“I can’t- I can't do that-”

“Do it for me. If you can't do it for yourself, do it for me.”

And, for some reason, as Zanka brought his face close to Jabber’s neck, everything else disappeared around them. Jabber’s body against his, his hands on his nape and hip, his voice in his ears and breath against his skin were the only factors he could decipher around him. 

Maybe I was actually made for him… 

“C'mon Zanka bite me, take me, drink me, make me yours forever-”

And some sort of cursed satisfaction came with Jabber finally shutting up when Zanka did bite him. 

At first it was a normal bite, him drinking his human’s blood from the source like he dreamed about since the last time he tasted him, resulting in Jabber loudly moaning his name. Zanka was glad the rooms were far enough from each other for no one else to actually hear them. 

But as the blood (so fucking delicious blood) was now rolling on his tongue, Zanka swallowing it eagerly, the vampire transformed his regular bite by implanting, for the first and only time, his venom in his donor’s veins. The pain made Jabber suddenly gasp and tighten his grip on Zanka who groaned in response. 

Then, Jabber’s scream of pain gradually transformed into an unhinged laugh of ecstasy, blissful expression on his face.   

“Yes! Yes Zanka- oh my god!”

And as Zanka was now forcing his venom into Jabber’s body, the latter felt his eyes roll in his skull, chanting his name like a prayer. But their sins were too deep for either of them to be allowed into Heaven. 

Like I fucking care, thought Jabber. The sensation he was feeling right now was the most intoxicating feeling he ever felt in his entire life. Better than heaven itself. He felt so fucking alive.

Ravenous, that’s what Zanka really was. Otherworldly, ethereal, and now the was entirely and unconditionally Jabber’s. 

At some point Zanka put hand on his mouth to prevent his pained screams from being heard by the other cleaners. He didn’t put any pressure, not wanting to choke him to death, but Jabber was kind of reassured to have some more skinship while his entire body was aflame, hurting like hell and making his vision blurred in suffering. 

Then, Jabber felt Zanka’s fangs slowly withdraw from the side of his neck, making him catch his breath. His entire body was hurting like a bitch, like thousands of needles were slowly entering and withdrawing from his burning skin while every single one of his bones were broken and then healed to be broken again. Jabber felt the hand on his mouth come up to caress his hair, Zanka alternating between whispering sweet nothing in his ears and licking the mess on his neck. 

Jabber never in his life felt pain like that. He felt like his body was almost giving up, but something kept him firmly planted on earth. Maybe it was the immense pleasure coupled with the pain, or Zanka’s calm voice in his ears, or maybe his hands caressing his hair and the bare side of his neck. Whatever it was, Jabber was determined not to leave this world if it meant having Zanka by his side. 

After what felt like hours, he was finally able to open his eyes. He gasped slightly as his vision was slightly different than before, nothing really changed, but it was like he was able to see everything better, and all his senses were on alert. Immediately, he searched for Zanka's glowing blue eyes, and was rewarded with an entranced expression. 

“Jabber, your eyes…” 

Jabber used the little strength he had left to try and talk, voice cracking because of all his screaming. “What…?” 

“They’re glowing pink.”

This information should probably freak him out, and it would if he wasn’t so invested in admiring Zanka above him. There were little droplets of blood on the corner of his mouth, and his skin seemed a little more colorful than before, a little healthier. Was it because of Jabber’s new vision or because he finally drank some human blood from the source, he didn’t know. But Jabber was certain of one thing, and it was that Zanka was fucking magnificent. Glowing like he was reborn. 

Zanka’s hand was still caressing his skin when Jabber felt a jolt in his body. His eyes widened and suddenly, it was like feeling Zanka’s body inside him. Every veins, every heartbeat, every move from his eyes, every twitching muscle, every breath resonated in him, Jabber could feel everything in Zanka's body. As if they were entirely connected, linked by invisible wires, bound. 

And Zanka must’ve felt the same jolt seeing his blissful, starry-eyed expression, looking down at Jabber like he was some divine entity. 

“Fucking hell- d’you feel it? D’you feel this Zanka?” 

“I feel ya.” The vampire reverently whispered, his hands holding Jabber’s cheeks like he was the most precious thing in the world. Jabber’s eyes, now glowing pink, were staring at him with adoration, trembling hands cradling his face in the most gentle gesture he ever felt.

Jabber looked at him in pure ecstasy. And Zanka could feel it, how much he adored him, through their newfound bound. And the feeling was simply insane.  

“You’re so fucking good.” 

Zanka felt a hard shiver passing through his body, making him moan quietly when he heard Jabber murmur these words. The latter’s smile grew wider, and Zanka, unable to resist this decoupled attraction, crashed their lips together in a desperate act of feeling Jabber even closer. 

Jabber gasped and sighed with pleasure in their kiss, throwing his arms around his vampire’s shoulder to press him even closer to his body, like they wanted to be even more blended, melted in each other. This kiss was different from every kiss they ever shared: they felt everything, as if the both of them were merging into one unique entity. Zanka never felt stronger, prouder or more fitting than in this instant. 

Maybe this was actually the place he always seeked. 

“My god,” Jabber whispered in their heated kiss, and Zanka didn’t know if he was actually addressing him or not. “My fucking god- that’s it, you’re mine forever right? Right?”

“Yeah… Yes I fucking am. Entirely yours.” 

“Fuck. That’s insane- Zanka. I can feel it. I can feel you.” 

And then they kissed, kissed, and kissed again, just because they could and because now, nothing beside death could ever break that. Could ever break them apart. 

That was insanely exhilarating. 

At some point during their passionate kisses, the feeling of their bodies being indissociable and intertwined gradually calmed down, such as Jabber’s glowing eyes. Zanka felt like he already missed them, his frustrated expression making Jabber teasingly giggle. 

“Now now, don’t be like that Zanzan. You can still bite me if y’wanna feel it again.” 

Zanka snickered slightly, bringing his face closer to Jabber’s.

“Aren’t ya saying that just so ya can feel the thrill again?” 

“Well,” Jabber’s coy smile grew. “I wouldn’t mind feeling your fangs on my neck again, pretty boy.” 

Zanka raised an eyebrow before looking a little more at his human. Jabber was still chuckling, face pained in rapture and delight, his neck and lips stained with blood, and Zanka never found someone as mesmerizing as him in his entire life. 

“You’re so beautiful.” 

Jabber seemed slightly surprised by those words (it wasn’t that often that Zanka was actually complimenting him), but then his face morphed in something a little more vulnerable, one of his hands coming to stroke his brown hair.

“You too. You’re gorgeous, you’re- oh god.” 

And Zanka couldn’t help but sink his fangs in his neck again, licking the wounds and every single drop of blood he could taste. 

Against everything his clan taught him, that the Bond was something powerful but restraining, against everything the Cleaners told him about the Bond being wrong and dangerous, Zanka knew he was right from the start. The Bond was something incredibly beautiful and pure, and he was glad he did it with Jabber. 

He could feel it in his bones, this wasn't one more mistake. And if it was, it was the most glorious mistake he ever made. 

“Yeah, c’mon, take it baby. Take it all, it’s all yours. Has always been nothing but yours.” 

And he should feel ashamed, panicked even, for what he just did. But for now, as he backed from his neck to look at Jabber, blood faintly sliding down his throat, pink eyes shining like never before, blissful expression so out of it and smile crooked in pleasure, Zanka could only think about how gorgeous and fitting Jabber looked in his arms. 

That’s it. That’s where he belonged. That’s where they both ever belonged. 

“You’re mine forever now Jabber.” 

“From Heaven to Hell my sweet vampire. From Heaven to Hell.”