afterthought | All that shines turns to rust All that stands in time turns to dust }} riku&roxas

All that shines turns to rust All that stands in time turns to dust }} riku&roxas

[Funny how there are some people out there that hope and want no one to notice them. Funny how in doing so, they end up attracting attention anyways.

At least that's what Riku's been thinking for the past few days. It's hard not to notice the absence of one particular teenager when the teachers do roll call every class. One name in particular always garners whispers and comments whenever the owner doesn't respond. He might not participate much in the comments beyond a few to Sora and Kairi on occasion. But Riku finds himself more concerned about the owner than judgemental.

After all, this is just about the... what was it, tenth time this year and it's just early May, that Roxas has inexplicably been absent. It didnt seem like he had a chronic illness or anything, but it was frequent enough to appear like it. And it didn't seem like anyone was curious enough to ask him if he was okay.

That's why when the seemingly grumpy loner kid comes back, Riku's curiosity is at its peak. He fibs a little at the end of the day to Sora and Kairi, telling them that he needs to train on campus for the basketball team for next year. Of course he gets weird looks from Kairi, they both know it'll be a while before the season starts up again, but otherwise the two of them leave for home without Riku.

Well he does have different plans than training. Waiting just long enough to notice that the blonde kid was starting to head off himself, Riku hops onto his bike and tails him. With his contacts in, it's easy to keep his distance so that Roxas won't notice and not lose sight of him.

But when he starts going out far, further out of the town, Riku starts to wonder just what he's getting himself into...]

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[At least the school didn't seem to mind too much that the blond was gone so often. There seemed to be something going on at a deeper level that Roxas can get away with frequent absences. His homework was always done and he's passing his tests. So what if he just doesn't come to school?

And it's not like he wants to be a loner. No one just seemed to care to want to get to know him. Which was fine. It wasn't a good idea anyways. To him at least. He has his reasons for not reaching out to others and always winding up alone even for group projects.

It's one of his off days that Riku follows Roxas home on. He hasn't eaten as much as he's used to with the town suddenly being more on alert to "attacks". Someone he knows got sloppy and let themselves almost get caught. If anything Roxas might just have to leave town for a few days for a decent meal. That's what he's thinking to himself as he rounds the corner to approach a gate into a very exclusive community. With a flash of a badge he's inside and out of view of his follower.]

[Well this is different, and certainly a new area for Riku. He's always heard rumours and stories about some area just on the outskirts of their town. A gated community that not a lot of people knew about. There were always stories floating around school and the town that it was some exclusive area for some weird cult that worshipped demons or aliens or whatever, but no one ever admitted to being from there or knowing that much about it.

So colour Riku surprised when he stops and spies Roxas at the gates. He showing the guard (who needs a guard for a gated community anyways) something small in his hand, and that perks up even more of his curiosity. What is he doing here?

It doesn't take much for Riku to hop back on his bike and pedal his way to the gate, especially when Roxas disappears from view. The guards are tall, larger than even Riku himself, and when he approaches, they snear and shoot him away.

Heh, like that will deter him. If he can't get in the official way, he'll just have to find a roundabout.

At least the area is the only spot that actually has guards. It doesn't take much for him to half-bike, then start hiking around the compound, looking for a way in. His curiosity is answered when he spies a little corner, far enough from the gate and just close enough for a little hill that he can use for leverage.

Well, it takes him a while to go from the hill to the middle of the wall and find some footholds, to actually starting to climb the thing. To his annoyance, there is some barbed wire at the top that he didn't spy before and he hisses and curses when it digs into his skin and rips his clothes.

But... Riku is nothing if not determined and persistent. He makes it over the top, left arm in particular dripping blood onto the grass, and down to the ground.

Now to just try and find Roxas's house...]

[It's a safe community for his and other kinds. What other kinds? More than humans are even aware of. There is far more to monster-kind than just vampires and werewolves. Those two are just the bigger groups.

And physically the latter is much bigger.

Soft padding becomes thunderous against the grass, a loud growl filling what silence it doesn't overpower. A snarl with such viciousness rips at the courage of even the bravest as a large, wolflike creature tackles Riku to the ground. He'll find himself face to face with barred teeth and hot breath.

Only for the great maw to close, the big, wet nose snuffling Riku thoroughly. There's an inquisitive noise and big hazel eyes looked down at Riku curiously. This is followed by a deep, rattling voice.]

Are you a friend of Roxas? You have his smell on you.

[Yes. The werewolf is asking a question.]

[Riku had been so preoccupied with himself, glancing down at his torn vest and limbs that he hadn't heard the approaching beast until it was too late. The loud steps of a large beast, the snarling... something about all of these signals and messages make his heart skip a beat in an awful, heart-wrenching way.

And that very heart may have been thrown out of his chest by the force at which he was tackled. Half-turned around, he ends up flat on his back on the ground, wind knocked out of his lungs, with a body far larger and more powerful than his own.

He chokes on the werewolf's breath, struggling to angle his arms in a way that he can get back up. The large teeth up close send his spine shuddering and all he can hear is his heart slamming in his ears.

Riku, the star athlete and popular academic, has never felt so scared before. Never felt like he was going to die...

But when the werewolf speaks like he does, the boy just lies there frozen in fear and awe.]

What the hell... [It comes out in a breathless voice, eyes wide and nervous. With those big eyes and the mouth closed, he no longer fears for his life, but a different kind of fear rises in him.

Sorry, Mr. Werewolf, but this kid isn't going to be able to answer your question.]

[The werewolf cocks its head to the side. Did this boy not know where he was? That needs to be fixed! He gets off of Riku and wags his tail.]

Follow me, pup.

[He moves towards some houses that are set in a more forest covered area to give the creatures there the sense of perpetual nightfall. Some curious "people" peek out from behind curtains to watch the werewolf lead Riku to one of the last houses. It's not too impressive, looking more like a single-family home with black lilies and orchids blooming in the flowerbed.]

He just got home. Just knock.

[It-it talked again...

Did he really make it over that wall? Did he lose his footing and fall off, hitting his head? A concussion would explain why such a wolf-like beast was towering over him. He has to be hallucinating or losing it...

There was no reasonable explanation for this at all. It can't be real.

But the voice in his ears, the pressure of the wolf's body on his... it feels real. And in his stunned daze, Riku finds himself following the other creature, barely mentally registering what the beast had called him.

What the hell was this place? Wordlessly, he follows the wolf, just a few paces behind in case the creature decides to use him as a human chew toy again. But even as he's quiet, the little movements in the corners of his eyes and the houses dont go unnoticed, even if he might not have the best vision ever. Is he being lead to the weird grumpy kid or paraded around this freakshow town like some kind of trophy?

The werewolf was clearly assuming that they had some kind of relationship or friendship bringing him here, and the comments just make him look up and raise an inquistive eyebrow to the beast. This place is dark and honestly a little unsettling, and truth be told, he's not exactly keen to find out what's behind any of door to the houses in this place.

But... if he doesn't do as told, he could meet an untimely demise yet again. With a frown and a stern look to the wolf, Riku steps up to the door and firmly knocks on it. Gotta put your best face forward, right?]

[Tail wagging like crazy, the werewolf thinks he's done a good thing! Taking a friend to another friend. That's a good neighborly thing to do. Roxas will appreciate him lots and maybe there will be affection involved because who doesn't like to be petted?

It takes a moment before the door opens. Roxas clearly likes comfortable clothes, wearing a t-shirt and sweatpants. He's not expecting Riku, rubbing the back of his neck.]

I-I got homework! I'll play poker with you guys-[He stops and stares at Riku like the white haired youth had a second head. Then his eyes slowly move down and sees the blood. Sniffing the air, his pupils seem to contract into cat like slits, a red tinge in the usual blue. Which snap up at Riku's face as he grabs the others shirt and pulls him inside. A quick thank you and promise to talk later is given to werewolf neighbor before the door is closed.

Riku doesn't even get a word from Roxas until he's shoved into a bathroom.]

C-Clean up that blood! Don't come out again till you're done!

[From one hot mess to another. Riku's not sure what to expect when the door opens, but seeing Roxas in normal clothes, talking about normal things like homework and whatnot, was something of a relief. But it doesn't last long.

He's grabbed with such force and strength that he never would have guessed Roxas had. The smaller boy looked more than a little stunned and rigid and... why was he so focused on his arm? The questions were on the tip of Riku's tongue but lost as he's dragged through the dwelling, a startled noise escaping from his lips instead.

And getting tossed into the bathroom wasn't ideal either. Stumbling over his own feet, Riku catches himself before he falls into the toilet, looking back over his shoulders to glare daggers at the blond that was probably behind the closed door.]

What the hell is this place!!

[It was less of a question and more of a demand. He might be known for keeping his cool throughout school, able to keep stress off his face most of the time. But the past ten minutes have past by like a tornado, leaving Riku confused in its wake.

He also isnt quite cleaning up his wounds yet. Sorry about that, Roxas.]

[Deep breaths. They're not helping. All Roxas can focus on is the smell of blood and how hungry he's starting to get. There's food right behind the door. And he's not allowed to have it. He can feel the itching begin as the craving gets stronger, driving him a little mad. He has to keep a clear head for this.]

It's my home. And you're not supposed to be here!

[Moving away from the door seems like the best option. The blond paces back and forth, arms wrapped tightly around himself as he tries to fight instinct. He can feel his fangs against his lips as he frowns. Great. Please, Riku, clean up or if you walk out that door you might get attacked.]

Fix your arm and I'll take you where you can leave safely. Just do it fast... I don't know how long I can hold back.

[Roxas definitely has to hunt after Riku is gone. There's no way he can hold out for the weekend.]

[Leave safely? Holding back? What does this all--

The wolf-like beast that talks. Roxas freaking out at blood. All the darkness and smoke and mirrors.

...God this can't be real, can it? Riku runs a hand through his hair and rolls his eyes. Stuck in a vampire's bathroom with a werewolf prowling around outside.]

You're not serious. [He slumps against the wall, shaking his head, voice deadpan. This feels like some dumb teenage girl love story and somehow, he's gotten caught up in all this.

His curiosity is going to get him killed one day.

Reaching over for a towel and the sink, he starts trying to wash the dried and wet blood off his arm. Infections would be the least of his problems right now.]

What the hell are you...

[Riku might not think he's talking very loud, but Roxas can hear every word being said in that bathroom. A curse of being a vampire was sensitive hearing. It helped them hunt. Being able to hear the heartbeat of their prey let them know if someone was panicking or not. At least the door between them dampens that somewhat.]

What do you think? It thought it'd be obvious to one of the smartest guys in the school.

[Just say it. Roxas won't deny what he was. What he wants right now. What he would rather want is another story. No need to tell Riku he would love to tear into his neck right now.

Too bad that killing a student was against the communities rules, against the school's rules. The blond likes school. He can pretend to be the same age as everyone, have some normalcy. Killing Riku wasn't worth losing that just to keep this place a secret.]

Once I help you out, you can't tell anyone, not even those two friends of yours, about this place.

[The scoff should be loud enough to be heard on the other side. Straight A student, yeah that's true. But Riku hardly considered himself to be the smartest. And even then, this is way beyond anything he could deal with.]

You think I expected any of this to be real? Even the smartest person on the planet wouldn't expect vampires and demons and werewolves to actually be anything more than made-up.

[Mentally biting his tongue there. He doesn't think or believe that he's insulted anyone who can here him, but at the same time, he doesn't care all that much either. Stories and legends and myth all must have come from some little grain of truth, but even then it's a long shot.

He scrubs the blood off, but the wound is still open and thin streams of fresh blood still trickle down his arm. Turning the tap off, the human is silent on the other side of the door, his heart still ramming into his chest but starting to slow down.

Come on, Riku. Pull yourself together.

There's the sound of cloth ripping as he makes strips of cloth from his vest into a make shift bandage. Roxas was a vampire, and while he's already soiled one towel, he doesn't want to leave more traces of blood around in the case Roxas gets ravenous.]

And you don't have to be the smartest guy in school to know that no one's going to believe you anyways...

[All Roxas does is listen. Riku was right, in a way. No one normal would believe him. What Riku doesn't know is that there is more than just normal people at their school. There's a few others like Roxas who can pass as human.

And then there was those keeping an eye them. To step a toe out of line. To be given an excuse to come here and kill them.

Roxas lets out a bitter laugh.]

Look, you still shouldn't talk about it. There's ears everywhere at the school and all over town. And I like my life here. I don't want it fucked up just because you decide you need to blab.

[Rough language he rarely uses just to drive the point home.]

Hurry up in there. You're making this whole place smell like blood.

Ears like your caring werewolf friend?

[Another scoff, followed by his own bitter laugh. If there is a place housing monster and other beings so close to a human town, what he says makes sense. There would eyes watching them, ready to pounce when things get bad or out of hand. This place is probably watched 24/7, without any of the human populace even knowing.

His tone next is a little more somber and serious, less angry and confused. He mentally chided himself for his choice of language as well.]

I didn't come here because I wanted to fuck up someone's life. And knowing this kind of stuff, I still don't.

[Others might see him as a troublemaker with an occasional authority problem, but Riku is perfectly fine with leaving things be and not ruining lives intentionally.

Looking at himself in the mirror, he looks a bit like a wreck. Long hair having fallen out of his ponytail. Grass and dirt stuck to his skin and torn clothes. And the make shift bandage on his arm, soaking up the blood but loosely hanging off his skin.

So the whole place smells like blood, huh? After a few quiet moments, the door opens and Riku steps out to approach Roxas...

And takes off the bandage to thrust his arm at him.]

Here. Take it.

L-Leave Barnaby out of this!

[Yes. That's his neighbors name.]

G-Good... because if you did, I would be within my right to report you. [Report... after maybe taking care of the problem on his own. No. Roxas would get into a lot of trouble for taking matters into his own hands. He wouldn't be the only one to pay for an indiscretion like that.

Roxas is about to say something when Riku comes out. Thrusting the damaged arm at him. Sense light up and his eyes can't leave those wounds. It might be cleaned up, but there was still blood. Fresh blood. Making his mouth water enough where he forces himself to look away.

This. He can't. There's one thing going after a victim who doesn't know him. But a classmate? No. Roxas can't do that. It'd be like crossing an invisible line, especially with Riku... if he still had a heartbeat, it would be like a drum right now.]

Cover that up! I'm not biting you, and you better not take pity on me. Just get ready to leave and I'll show you the way.

[Preferably upwind of Riku so he doesn't have to keep smelling that open invitation he's turning down...]

I'm not taking pity on you.

[His expression along with his voice is serious and stern, and the boy isn't moving a muscle to get the bandage back on. He's not trying to insult Roxas in any way. Sure, he knew little about his classmate prior to this very moment, but he also knows it doesn't take much to bruise someone's pride. Human or not.

This offer... it makes sense to him. Maybe not to the blonde, but Riku would rather see himself bitten than anyone else he might know. And he rather see Roxas sane than be driven mad with hunger.]

Look, if there's one thing movies and books have gotten right about vampires, it's the hunger, right? And it's obvious you need and want it.

[Still not budging from his spot. The blood is starting to trickle down his arm, slowly splashing on the floor.]

...You might as well. [A bitter laugh and smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes.] Otherwise you might need to worry about me blabbing to someone, right?

[If logic won't work, maybe provoking him will...]

Edited 2018-05-31 02:45 (UTC)

[Swallowing hard, he doesn't move as he watches the blood drip.

He hates that Riku is right. That he needs and wants this. He grimaces as he fights himself internally, showing Riku some rather sharp teeth. Teeth that would do anything to find purchase in the person in front of him.]

.......... Don't act like movies teach you everything about my kind.

[Again with the strength not expected of him, Roxas pulls Riku forward. He checks the wounds before gently licking each one in turn. It might feel funny to Riku, but there seems to be something healing him.

Roxas pulls away when done and checks to make sure the wounds were all sealed. Yes, it wasn't enough blood, not by a long shot, to make the hunger go away. But at least the smell was mostly gone. Looking at Riku, he studies the other carefully. There's still a red tinge in his eyes.]

Biting leaves a mark that takes longer to heal. And you're an athlete. I can't just bite you without everyone knowing or thinking you're into weird things.

[To be honest, he takes note of the fangs and teeth Roxas is sporting now, unsure of whether or not it's supposed to be a deterrent. Regardless, he isn't anymore scared than he was moments before. If it's a show of power, Riku's remaining unphazed.

Theres a stifled noise coming out of him the moment Roxas pulls at him. Riku's still trying to juggle with the idea of this shorter, smaller blonde having enough strength to overpower him. Luckily his pride isn't getting bruised, but his expectations of Roxas are lower than what they truly should be.

Expecting to have teeth sink into his skin, the human is far more stunned with the licking. The tingling sensation is weird, and he can tell that Roxas is doing something and doing it for a reason.

At least he hopes there is a reason. It would be a little disconcerting if there wasn't one.

He let's Roxas finish and pull away, examining his own arm carefully with confusion written all over his face. That was hardly enough blood to satisfy the vampire's hunger, and when Roxas explains, he just blinks at the blonde.

Does he think he cares about what other people think?]

...Makes sense. [He sighs, noting the colour still present in Roxas's eyes.] We'll do this your way then.

[Of course Roxas cares what others think. Vampires are deep down worried about everything to do with them. They have to keep up with things like trends and what people their "age" like so they don't stick out.

He swallows hard and nods. Damn his logic. Damn this entire situation. He could have held off on his hunger for a few more days if it wasn't for Riku. Twitching fingers make him take a few steps back.]

We should get going. Before I can't hold back.

[The taste of Riku's blood is sitting on his tongue, making it so much more tempting to bite down.]

Don't get too close to me. Got it? I'm not safe to touch.

[His gaze drops down to the floor for a moment, what might be a mistake if Roxas is still hungry. Roxas might care, but Riku feels differently, and how he explains any injuries on his own body would be his problem. Not this vampire's.

He raises his hands in the air and does as he's told. He won't touch and stay away, although he knows that even having a human following him will test Roxas's perseverance and control.]

Then lead the way.

[If Riku really feels that way, he'd have to speak up. Roxas is convinced that Riku is glad to be spared a bite. That after the other is safely gone, everything will go back to normal. No one trying to be friends with him that could be food instead. Coming home, doing homework, being alone.

It was better this way even if he hates it.]

Good.

[Leading Riku to the door now.]

And remember. No telling anyone.

[In a small way, he is rather glad. But there's a big part of him that isn't. A part of him that still sees someone hungry standing in front of him. Someone that could hurt someone else at school. A teacher, a student. Sora or Kairi...

He'd rather it be him than anyone else.

Roxas has to be older than he appears. And though Riku is hardly comfortable with it, he's going to hope that the vampire knows what he's doing. Or else someone will have to come back here...

Following behind him, he's taking notes of the layout of this place.]

My lips are sealed.

And I'm not coming to school tomorrow.

[Because he gets sleepy after a meal. So no worries there, Riku. Roxas is being safe.

And he's much, much older than he appears.

Opening the door, he motions for Riku to walk through first. So he won't get bumped into.]

And don't visit again! They'll think you're a thrall and that's paperwork I don't want to fill out.

[Because what sane person wants to be friends with a vampire?]

[Riku sighs once again, this time accompanied with an eye roll. Living must mean that they have a million rules to follow, that's true. But sheesh.]

Oh no. Wouldn't want to give you more homework to do. Especially monster homework.

[Spoken in a deadpan tone. Shoving his hands into his pockets, he goes through the open door, not quite taking notice of the distance between them.

And honestly, if he knew a little more about this place, he'd think it would be cool.]

[Irritation starts welling up. Roxas had a notorious temper among the monster community here. And right now Riku was pushing it too much.

A hand reaches out and grabs Riku's shirt from behind, yanking him back into the house. The blond had his eyes narrowed, door slamming shut, fangs barred.]

I'm trying to be kind and patient here. Trying to tell you the rules of this place, which I know humans are bad at. But you're really pissing me off right now and thinking maybe killing you might be easier than just letting you walk out of here.

[He lets go of Riku and watched the other for a reaction.] Give me one damn good reason not to just slaughter you like cattle.

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