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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[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.

[Roxas caught him in mid-step, making him stumble over his feet back into the house. Maybe he shouldn't have said those things with a stressed, hungry vampire around. But Roxas did have a bit of a temper. That was actually something that was known about him around school.

The teeth and fangs do make his heart skip a beat, as he's only seen fangs that sharp on cats and dogs. But he keeps his face as calm and expressionless as he can. He would like to leave, but leaving Roxas alone might not be the best idea.]

I don't have one. [Other than not wanting to die. But that's what everyone would say wouldn't they? Monster or human, no one wants to die.]

But... I don't think you should go after someone else if I'm already here and you're starving. I wouldn't want to find out the next day that you bit someone I knew.

I'd rather it be me and not them.

[Hearing that... Roxas frowns as he watched Riku. He never would have thought the other would be the self-sacrificing type. Jocks tended not to be... but Riku seemed to be anything but a normal jock.

So Roxas thinks it over before pointing at the living room couch through an arch.]

In there. No passing out on my floor.

[May as well try and get Riku to be a little comfortable. And make it easier for Roxas to even bite him in the first place.]

[He may act a certain way in school, but it's just that. Just an act. Sometimes it's easier to act like how you're supposed to than be who you are.

It's why he likes Sora and Kairi so much. He's been with them for so long he doesn't have to act a certain way around them. They let him be who he is and he's grateful for that.

Riku nods and walks through the arch to the couch.]

...Thanks. I know you were offering a way out and I... I appreciate that.

[Now seated on the couch, he looks to the vampire, unsure of the next step.]

[The only thing this blond acts in is human. Otherwise? Roxas tends to be who he is in every other context. Why would a vamp pretend he was something else around other monsters? It makes no sense. Then again, Riku was already seeing another side to him that most never would.

He follows Riku in, and before anything can be said, straddles the other boys lap and pushes his head aside to expose more of the neck.]

Don't thank me. This is gonna hurt like hell. Don't move or you'll make the wound worse. I'll bite where you can hide it easier.

[Which means moving the collar of Riku's shirt aside.]

[Riku is ready, mentally and physically, for this. What he isn't ready is for the blonde to plop down in his lap and move his head around. Almost immediately, the taller boy goes red. He really was expecting Roxas to sit beside him, not on him.

He barely let's anyone get this close. Eyes darting to the side to avoid looking at the blonde at all.

His fingers are cold against his skin.
It feels weird.]

Let's just get it over with.

[He doesn't regret doing this, but who knows what Riku's getting himself into.]

[Vampires do not care about personal space when it comes to food. The blush is noticed since it makes the skin under Roxas' hand so much warmer. He grins at that, feeling somewhat victorious he could get such a reaction out of Riku.]

No complaining after since you volunteered.

[It's not a regular habit, but Roxas gently nuzzles Riku's neck before opening his mouth and biting down. When the taste of blood hits his tongue, he drinks deep, now hyper-aware of everything about Riku. This was his least favorite part about this... he can hear everything down to the heartbeat of the other youth. Smells that were faint before were much stronger now. This drunk feeling was something to fight since he wants to bite down harder. He does pull away after a few minutes and lets the warm feeling wash over him before he bends down again to gently lick at the puncture marks to seal them. It was not a pretty bite...

He lets go of Riku and climbs off with a yawn.]

D-Done.

[Not a tinge of red in those deep blue eyes now. Even his skin looks like it has more color to it than before.]

[Mentally, he's trying to prepare himself as best he can, relating this to something similar like a cat bite. The nuzzling makes the hair on the back of his neck stand up, but somehow Riku keeps the movements to the twitching in his fingers, fighting the temptation to brush Roxas away.

The bite is piercing, so much stronger and more powerful that what he was expecting. A stuttered noise escapes Riku's throat, his breath hitching. The boy has been lucky enough to not have ever had a major injury, but he has nothing to relate this too. Roxas's mouth on his neck starts feeling warmer, even though he knows that can't be right, that it's really his own blood making that happen.

A few minutes feels a whole lot longer with the vampire in his lap, and the more Roxas takes, the more tired he begins to feel. He's fighting the urge to close his eyes throughout it all, not wanting to pass out.

When he feels Roxas get off, Riku contemplates getting off the couch himself. But even just changing his body weight so that he's sitting more forward tells him that his extremities are heavy, and that movement alone makes him light-headed.]

...G-good...

[Roxas is stumped at the moment. What does he do with food he's finished with other than kill it? Can't do that to Riku... He thinks and walks out of the living room only to come back with a blanket and pillow.]

I don't think you're going anywhere tonight. Sleep on the couch.

[Maybe message your family as to why you're not coming back.]

I think one of my neighbors has human food... I'll go get some.

[He knows he shouldn't touch it, but Riku finds his fingers lingering near the puncture wounds, lightly touching them. This healing saliva is so weird but actually kind of useful. He didn't think to worry about his clothing beforehand, but there's only a few blood drops on his shirt.

Noting the vampire's words and his momentary absence, Riku sighs. Sleep sounds really nice right now, but the boy shakes his head and instead struggles to get up off the couch. Head swimming and in a bit of a daze, he does get to his feet.

He honestly didnt think this would affect him that much, but he doesn't want to be a burden to Roxas.]

I'll be fine...

[With a soft huff, Roxas pushes Riku back onto the couch.] Don't make me sit on you.

[He gets right in Riku face, and even if his eyes were blue, the pupils were like slits as he growled low.]

Besides, if you try and leave now in your state? I have neighbors who wouldn't think twice about tearing you apart since you can't fight them off. So, would you rather be alive, or would you like to be a further snack?

Edited 2018-06-06 04:49 (UTC)

As drained as he may be, that comment still brings a flush of colour to Riku's face as he unceremoniously is pushed down. He may be fine with a bloodsucker making a meal of his neck, but physical intimacy? That's a weakness few know about.

He sighs, reaching over to grab at his bag. Roxas has a point. As friendly as his neighbourhood werewolf friend is, Barnaby still managed to bring him down without much effort before. If he goes out now, he wouldn't be able to fend anyone off at all.]

...Fine. [With a stubborn huff.

Pulling out a cellphone, he sends out a quick message to Sora and Kairi and his family. He hasn't had to lie to any of them before about his whereabouts, but it should be vague enough to cover his butt for one night.]

Just one night...

[A blush? From being threatened to be sat on? Either Riku had a kink he's trying to hide, or having someone that physically close might be the reason. Roxas watches as Riku texts everyone before a sly grin comes onto his face. Just to mess with Riku, he leans down and nuzzles the others neck, then pulls away.]

I'll be back.

[Time to go get Riku some food. Protein would be good, so that's what he's going to go get.]

[He's more focused on his texts than he is of his surroundings, so the touch makes his skin prickle and hair on the back of his neck stand on end. Head snapping up, the blush returns, but this time accompanied with a glare in the vampire's direction.

What is it with this guy and getting close? Can't a human have his own space? Sheesh...

He keeps glaring at Roxas's back as he leaves, only mumbling when he hears the vampire exit.]

Jerk...

[When in the house with a vampire, learn to accept random affection. Roxas is in a good mood after the meal and feeling far less sleepy than he thought he would despite the yawning. He licks his lips as he gets the other food, finding that maybe he likes the taste of Riku more than he thought he would.

Apparently Roxas went to McDonalds, sitting right in Riku's lap and opening the bag.]

You taste like you need more iron and protein, so I got you the biggest burger they had. And fries. Humans like fries apparently. The drink I asked the girl what was popular and she just said coke.

[Oh great. Fast food. This is just what he needs.

Riku's pre-occupying himself with a light game on his phone in order to keep himself awake. His body is yelling at him to sleep, not necessarily feeling hungry even though his stomach is empty, but he can't say he likes the idea of Roxas coming home to a sleeping human. For one, it feels a little rude, and who knows what would happen to him before Roxas goes home. He might have a nosy neighbour or two that could drop by.

Forcing himself to stay awake was the best option right now. Although being graced with a vampire on his lap yer a-goddamn-gain was getting tiresome.

No blushes this time, he's getting too tired to care. But he will be glaring daggers at the back of the blonde's head when he isn't looking.]

Can't you at least sound like you know what teenagers like? [It's so weird and misleading. One moment he's talking about homework, the next he doesn't know that coke is the most popular drinks out there. Does being a vampire really isolate you that much?

He grabs at the burger first. Protein would honestly help him get his energy back. The drink wouldn't be his preference to be honest, so he doesn't touch it much.]

Thanks though...

Edited 2018-06-08 22:14 (UTC)

[Huffing at Riku, Roxas stays in his lap to make sure the other eats.] I was turned before soda was invented. Before phosphates were even a thing. So excuse me for not knowing what tastes good.

[If that reveals his age, so be it. Phosphate sodas were invented in 1870, so he's been around quite a while.]

Don't thank me. This is to keep you from getting sick. Some of my food gets really bad anemia after a bite and I've had a few die because they didn't eat for a while after. There's a secretion we let out to enhance blood flow through our fangs that some people react bad to. [He took a fry and played with it, bending it till it broke in half.] Human bodies are weird... I don't even remember what it was like.

No wonder you talk like an old man.

[Riku's hardly scared of any repercussions for that comment, merely munching on his burger. Having someone in his lap is a hit of a distraction but he's trying his best to ignore him and avoid eye contact as much as he can.

But the answer makes him think. Roxas has to be old, so he didnt grow up or experience the same sorts of things. Probably has no clue what food taste like now either. Riku doubts the vampire would be curious enough on his own to try and human food.]

...I'm thanking you because you didn't have to anything, and I would have been fine with that too. [Roxas seal up the wound at least, so Riku is more than aware that he wouldn't bleed to death. But he knows there's no obligation on the vampire's part to take care of him.] If it was that long ago, then no wonder. It's not weird to us though.

What? Because I speak properly? You might wanna pick that up if you want people to respect you for more than being a jock.

[If Riku knew that this was a relaxed way of speaking for Roxas, his mind might blow up. At least the blond is trying not to speak how he was brought up to speak.

And no thanks on the trying human foods. The last time that was attempted, he became violently ill and missed a week of classes.]

You're a classmate, so I feel like I am obligated to help. To keep suspicion low. It's for your benefit as much as mine. [Reading the ingredients label on the ketchup package now.] Right... I did notice that there is far more chemicals in food than there used to be. That can't be healthy.

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