When they reach the darker areas of the woods, Sunday can feel the chill in the air. They're getting farther and farther away from the path that Aether should be travelling. And closer and closer to the end.]
I should ask another question, Aether.
[Sunday's eyes narrow again and he reaches out, hand resting on Aether's shoulder.]
If you were gone too long, who would come looking for you? If not your sister... Then who?
[The darkness surrounds them, making the woods feel only more unwelcoming. The chill bites at his exposed skin, as he barely prevents himself from shuddering. There is no exit here, he tells himself. The question he's asked only assures him of that.]
I have many friends. [He says calmly.
It's not a lie. He does have many friends everywhere he goes, yet... he doubts any of them would look for him, because he's always gone. They all know he's somewhere out there and locating him is usually a challenge.]
Why are you asking?
[He's trying to play stupid, while he already knows he's walked into a trap.]
[Sunday's expression is still calm. He would guess right that Aether would have a lot of companions. But would they be the type to go looking for Aether?
He decides to take a dangerous risk. His grip tightens on Aether's shoulder. And then he gently pushes Aether back towards a tree. Before leaning closer to his ear.]
Would they be the type of friends that would come running for you...? I wonder.
[He takes a step back, his back hitting a tree behind him as he's pushed against it. The push is gentle enough that it gives him an illusion that he could easy free himself, but he's aware that may not be the case. The threat is right in front of him, leaning close to him, speaking into his ear.
Aether tries to stay calm, but his heart is beating fast in his chest.]
I have no doubts they would do anything in their power to help me.
[He says that with confidence, because it's true. The only problem is nobody would consider Aether's disappearance something odd, even if he didn't show up for months. They all know he's a lone traveler that comes and goes. Nobody would know to look for him here.
...And that's exactly what Aether doesn't want Sunday to know.]
[With his keen vampiric senses, Sunday can practically hear the sound of Aether's heart beating and it's beautiful. He watches Aether with golden eyes, wings twitching just slightly as he does so.]
Anything in their power? You must be deeply loved.
[Just how much truth is in that statement, though? Sunday doesn't like the truth being hidden from him. And that's why he watches Aether and a spark of hypnotic colour starts to form around Sunday's head like a halo.]
Is that entirely the whole story?
[Harmony's power slowly starts to swirl around them as Sunday leans in closer. Lips practically touching Aether's lip...]
[Aether gasps quietly as he feels the strange powers trying to affect him. He fights it, but to no avail. Sunday is so close to him, too. A threat that ghosts his lips.]
They... wouldn't know where I went. I always come and go.
[The truth is pried out of him so easily that he makes a pained face. He's paying for his own mistakes, he guesses. But he doesn't want to believe that this is the end for him.
He faces Sunday, gaze sharp.]
...Now you know the truth. Are you happy that you found such a perfect target to kill?
[There is the truth he sought. Sunday's smile is soft and quiet although there is still something deeply dark in his golden eyes.]
While you have made a name for yourself across the land and many would know you, no one would know where to start to look for you. And the days would stretch on until moon phases passed and eventually they would think you merely... continued your journey, never to look back. Is that it?
[Sunday's thumb reaches up to press gently against Aether's bottom lip.]
Now... Why would I have any reason to kill you? Someone who is so loved.
[That grab has Sunday grabbing Aether's hand in return, slamming it up against the wood of the tree trunk.]
It's because then I can keep you all to myself. All neat and orderly.
[Sunday's smile widens and this time two vampire fangs appear to grow out from his canine teeth. And in one fell swoop, he attacks Aether's neck with a bite. He sinks his teeth in quickly, which will partially paralyze Aether if he can't fight back quickly enough.]
[It's all in vain. Teeth sink into his neck faster than he's ever imagined and he soon finds himself immobilized. What a dreadful feeling. Even his voice doesn't work anymore. All he can do is let a small noise.
[As soon as Sunday's teeth sink deep into Aether's neck, he gets a taste of Aether's blood. It's sweet and metallic. Like tasting liquid sunlight. It's utterly... delicious.
A euphoric feeling overcomes Sunday and he starts to drink deeply. The blood floods his mouth, dripping down one side of his lip and down his chin. But he cannot stop. The sweet, delicious taste of Aether's blood is irresistible.
[He lets out a muffled hiss as teeth sink further into his neck. It doesn't take too long before he gets dizzy, his legs give in under his weight. He can't stop anything, helpless before the vampire. Perhaps this is the price one has to pay when they get too overconfident in their skill.
The sounds from him grow weaker as Aether loses more blood, his eyes closing and his skin paling.
[Sunday stops feeding just before he can feel the slowing rhythm of Aether's heart. No. He doesn't want the beautiful boy to die in his arms. He should let go, walk away, discard what remains of his would-be meal. But he can't. He doesn't want to lose this. He wants to keep Aether and to have him, entirely, selfishly. With a quiet sigh, Sunday withdraws his fangs and leans back, breath steady but body thrumming with the high of blood. He's wide awake, alive in a way only the taste of Aether can make him now.]
There now, Aether... Careful. Open your eyes.
[He carefully gathers Aether up in his arms and gives the blond a soft kiss on his brow, wings brushing affectionately against his jaw.]
[He's weak, his body feels like it's collapsing on its own and yet, he still opens his eyes like Sunday wants him to. It's almost like he's now completely in the vampire's power, unable to do anything to defy him. Aether's body is easily scooped up into the other's arms and he's surprised by the sudden affectionate kiss pressed to his brow.
[He's exhausted, that's true. His mind is clouded and he feels like he can't fight Sunday about anything, even though just moments ago the other's fangs were piercing Aether's neck, draining him of blood. The soft smile doesn't help either, as it feels far from safe.]
...You want to keep me?
[His voice sounds so distant, like it doesn't even belong to him.]
You'll understand with time. For now, don't close your eyes and fall asleep. Not until you've had something to eat.
[If he falls asleep then Aether might not wake up at all. And he can't have that...
The trip will seem like a short trip. Perhaps because Sunday uses some sort of magic or illusion to reveal his home. An ancient, perfectly hidden bird-cage-like stone structure deep in the woods. He'll take Aether inside and lay him on a small couch near a dimly lit fireplace.]
[He doesn't close his eyes as instructed, unsure if he's under some charm or fear, or maybe he just wants to know what happens next. He wishes to understand.
It feels like he's dreaming when their trip ends so soon and the hidden structure comes into view. Were vampires skilled in illusion? It does seem like that. He's starting to question the entire forest, like it was one big magic trick created to lure someone in.
Perhaps that's exactly what it is.
When he's places on the small couch, Aether realizes that he doesn't have much strength to even look around properly.]
...So this is where you live.
[He needs to talk, do something, even if his voice is weak. He hates being unable to do anything.]
Yes, this is my home. I hope you find it comfortable for the time being, Aether.
[At least for now. Sunday does have a tendency to move places when he feels the luxury. Right now, this cozy place is home and he has a very strict and particular taste. Everything is meticulously organized and decorated. There are a lot of pots of beautiful flowers and hanging greens. Trinkets and beautiful pieces of art nearly arranged around.
Sunday leaves Aether's side for a moment before he comes back with a small bowl full of cold berries.]
Here, try to eat a little. Slowly. You'll need your strength.
[It only adds up to his question, because none of this makes sense. Aether takes one more look around, nothing how orderly everything seems, beautiful and cozy, yet cold at the same time.
As berries are offered to him, he hesitates. He recognizes them, he knows they're not poisonous but he feels he can't trust his own eyes right now. He's trapped.
But he also can't die here.
So he accepts the fruit and slowly eats, one berry at a time, to regain his strength. For now, he'll do as he's told.]
[He doesn't reply right away, but when he does, his answer is short.]
Very cold.
[He may be exaggerating a little, but he also doesn't have any intention to be completely honest with his captor. He's curious what the other will do now.]
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When they reach the darker areas of the woods, Sunday can feel the chill in the air. They're getting farther and farther away from the path that Aether should be travelling. And closer and closer to the end.]
I should ask another question, Aether.
[Sunday's eyes narrow again and he reaches out, hand resting on Aether's shoulder.]
If you were gone too long, who would come looking for you? If not your sister... Then who?
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I have many friends. [He says calmly.
It's not a lie. He does have many friends everywhere he goes, yet... he doubts any of them would look for him, because he's always gone. They all know he's somewhere out there and locating him is usually a challenge.]
Why are you asking?
[He's trying to play stupid, while he already knows he's walked into a trap.]
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[Sunday's expression is still calm. He would guess right that Aether would have a lot of companions. But would they be the type to go looking for Aether?
He decides to take a dangerous risk. His grip tightens on Aether's shoulder. And then he gently pushes Aether back towards a tree. Before leaning closer to his ear.]
Would they be the type of friends that would come running for you...? I wonder.
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Aether tries to stay calm, but his heart is beating fast in his chest.]
I have no doubts they would do anything in their power to help me.
[He says that with confidence, because it's true. The only problem is nobody would consider Aether's disappearance something odd, even if he didn't show up for months. They all know he's a lone traveler that comes and goes. Nobody would know to look for him here.
...And that's exactly what Aether doesn't want Sunday to know.]
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Anything in their power? You must be deeply loved.
[Just how much truth is in that statement, though? Sunday doesn't like the truth being hidden from him. And that's why he watches Aether and a spark of hypnotic colour starts to form around Sunday's head like a halo.]
Is that entirely the whole story?
[Harmony's power slowly starts to swirl around them as Sunday leans in closer. Lips practically touching Aether's lip...]
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They... wouldn't know where I went. I always come and go.
[The truth is pried out of him so easily that he makes a pained face. He's paying for his own mistakes, he guesses. But he doesn't want to believe that this is the end for him.
He faces Sunday, gaze sharp.]
...Now you know the truth. Are you happy that you found such a perfect target to kill?
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While you have made a name for yourself across the land and many would know you, no one would know where to start to look for you. And the days would stretch on until moon phases passed and eventually they would think you merely... continued your journey, never to look back. Is that it?
[Sunday's thumb reaches up to press gently against Aether's bottom lip.]
Now... Why would I have any reason to kill you? Someone who is so loved.
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If you didn't want to kill me, then why would it matter so much to you that no one would look for me?
[He can't think of any other reason.]
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It's because then I can keep you all to myself. All neat and orderly.
[Sunday's smile widens and this time two vampire fangs appear to grow out from his canine teeth. And in one fell swoop, he attacks Aether's neck with a bite. He sinks his teeth in quickly, which will partially paralyze Aether if he can't fight back quickly enough.]
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Is that really it?! There are better ways than--
[It's all in vain. Teeth sink into his neck faster than he's ever imagined and he soon finds himself immobilized. What a dreadful feeling. Even his voice doesn't work anymore. All he can do is let a small noise.
He really didn't have much luck this time.
Just what is going to happen to him now?]
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A euphoric feeling overcomes Sunday and he starts to drink deeply. The blood floods his mouth, dripping down one side of his lip and down his chin. But he cannot stop. The sweet, delicious taste of Aether's blood is irresistible.
Be his now... Little sundrop.]
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The sounds from him grow weaker as Aether loses more blood, his eyes closing and his skin paling.
Just like Sunday wanted, he's all his now.]
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There now, Aether... Careful. Open your eyes.
[He carefully gathers Aether up in his arms and gives the blond a soft kiss on his brow, wings brushing affectionately against his jaw.]
It's not time to sleep just yet.
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He sighs.]
What... Why...?
[His voice is weak, barely a whisper.]
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[There's a dark sparkle in Sunday's eyes. He smiles softly but something sinister lays there in his expression.
With that, he'll take Aether away to his place of residence deep in the dark woods...]
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...You want to keep me?
[His voice sounds so distant, like it doesn't even belong to him.]
I... don't understand.
[He doesn't, but there's nothing he can do.]
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[If he falls asleep then Aether might not wake up at all. And he can't have that...
The trip will seem like a short trip. Perhaps because Sunday uses some sort of magic or illusion to reveal his home. An ancient, perfectly hidden bird-cage-like stone structure deep in the woods. He'll take Aether inside and lay him on a small couch near a dimly lit fireplace.]
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It feels like he's dreaming when their trip ends so soon and the hidden structure comes into view. Were vampires skilled in illusion? It does seem like that. He's starting to question the entire forest, like it was one big magic trick created to lure someone in.
Perhaps that's exactly what it is.
When he's places on the small couch, Aether realizes that he doesn't have much strength to even look around properly.]
...So this is where you live.
[He needs to talk, do something, even if his voice is weak. He hates being unable to do anything.]
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[At least for now. Sunday does have a tendency to move places when he feels the luxury. Right now, this cozy place is home and he has a very strict and particular taste. Everything is meticulously organized and decorated. There are a lot of pots of beautiful flowers and hanging greens. Trinkets and beautiful pieces of art nearly arranged around.
Sunday leaves Aether's side for a moment before he comes back with a small bowl full of cold berries.]
Here, try to eat a little. Slowly. You'll need your strength.
[But not too much strength...]
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As berries are offered to him, he hesitates. He recognizes them, he knows they're not poisonous but he feels he can't trust his own eyes right now. He's trapped.
But he also can't die here.
So he accepts the fruit and slowly eats, one berry at a time, to regain his strength. For now, he'll do as he's told.]
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[Very good. He doesn't need Aether to die in his home, either. It would make a terrible mess.
Besides. He would like to keep Aether.]
How are you feeling now? Does it feel cold? ...
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Very cold.
[He may be exaggerating a little, but he also doesn't have any intention to be completely honest with his captor. He's curious what the other will do now.]
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You will feel that way for some time. Until your body rests and your blood levels return to what they were.
[What does Sunday intent to do with Aether now...?]
Until then, please take the time to rest.
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What are you planning to do with me now?
[He needed to ask that question eventually.]