Disclaimer: Hmm… I smell copyright infringement... No, I do not own Kingdom Hearts. My job is to rape canon hard. Very hard.
Warning: Later parts will have much graphic lemon, AU, violence, light sadism, light bounding, mild language, rape, yaoi, crack, vampirism and severe OOC'ness. I think that's about the whole pack…
Genre: Angst/Romance
Summary: In a godforsaken world, what is needed to make the faithful open their eyes and see that sin doesn't have to be so bad after all? Vexen/Marluxia AU Lemon and a great deal of nifty decorated crack.
History: I've really gotten the thing for AU haven't I? No! No it's a picture I drew that inspired me to do this…. -.- Sickness on a high level. Fear the vampirism!! You are warned. I call that crack, but it's not fun crack in that way… just… weird…
It was a cold eve of fall in the early 1800s France. A chilly wind was blowing over the country and grey clouds lay as a thick cover over the city of Paris, threatening the citizens with heavy snow.
"I suppose you'll be closing the shop soon, now that the winter is coming?"
"You know I never close up before the first snow falls," Marluxia said, giving the lady a slight grin.
"I don't see why… Is there anyone who buys flowers or herbs at this time of the year?" she asked.
"Of course! I'd say autumn is the best season seeing I have the only pharmacy still open."
"I still have no idea how you can keep the flowers alive at this time. What is your secret?"
"Strong faith, my dear," he said with a small wink. "It's getting late though. I am closing up for today. You should get home before your husband gets concerned."
"You are always so thoughtful," the lady said, turning towards the door. It was a small shop at the first floor of a house with two floors and a basement. Marluxia lived on the second store and had done so ever since he moved from home. His parents had always questioned him in his wish to become a botanist, and as not to displease them he had decided to open a pharmacy, selling flowers as an extra pastime.
As the lady disappeared he turned to lock the door, but the same moment he was to turn the key, the handle was pushed down. He stepped aside to let the customer in, puzzled that anyone would come at this time of the evening. His customers were usually familiar to him and it wasn't often he met new people.
The man who stepped in was unlike any other man he had ever seen. He was probably some years older than him and half a head taller, though he was very slender. His skin was pale and his eyes were shining frosty green in the hollow shadows of his eyeholes. His face had sharp features and high cheekbones. His hair was long and blonde, reminding him of an angel though his clothing was entirely black. Shirt, pants and shoes were jet black and heavily worn out. Hi cloak was long with wide arms, swiping gracefully after him with his every move. Sharp fingernails were visible under the long sleeves. He was very handsome.
The man took his time to survey the room before his gaze fell upon the young man before him. He was small and well built, though in a delicate way. His skin was slightly tanned and his cheeks and lips were rosy. Magnificent dark blue eyes gleamed at him behind unruly, rusty-red, slightly pink hair. The color had a resemblance of autumn leaves.
"Pardon sir, I was just about to close the shop."
The man gave him a measuring look before he spoke slowly.
"Excuse me for not understanding French, but I have not been in the country for so long."
Marluxia bit his bottom lip.
"I was just about to close the shop… Is there anything I can help you with…?"
He looked anxiously at the man, as if he was afraid to offend him with his accent. He seemed quite courteous and he didn't want to be any lesser.
"Indeed there is… Your English is far better than most of those I have met," he added. Marluxia felt himself calm down a bit. "Your name…" the man asked.
"Marluxia… why?"
"Then you are the one I was looking for," he said, taking a few steps further into the shop.
He elegantly trusted a small, yellow note into one of Marluxia's hands. "I came to acquire the best medication possible. I have traveled all the way from London in search of it. I was told that this is where I should look."
"Oh… All the way from London? My, that must have been a long journey just to see a pharmacy," Marluxia said with a smile, taking a peek at the note. It was written in French, and he gave the man a questioning look as he had said he couldn't understand the language.
"My brother wrote me the note before I left Britain. The remedy is for him. I myself cannot decipher it; all I know is that it describes a strong sleeping medicament. As I said, I was told that this is where I should look."
"Well, I should have it ready in a few days after I close for the season. Business is good these times," Marluxia said, studying the note. "How long time do you have?"
"All time in the world," the man replied. For the first time Marluxia saw a small smile gracing his white lips. It was strange though… If the man had been traveling all the way from England, the sun should at least have given him some color.
"Do you have a name…?" Marluxia asked. There was a moment of silence before the man replied.
"I am… Vexen."
"I will be sure to remember that," the pharmacist said with a warm smile. "If you could give me the address to where you stay I will deliver it."
"No need. Do not expect this to be my last visit."
"You will be back?" Marluxia asked, finding to his surprise that the thought was more than welcome.
"I am unfamiliar to this city. So far you are the only one to understand my English. I might need some guidance."
"You are more than welcome."
"We will discuss your payment when the remedy is ready. I need it packed and ready for my journey as I return to London. You may take the time you feel is necessary. I am in no hurry."
"Good… This remedy is quite difficult… It may take some time, even if I began before snowfall."
"Snowfall?" Vexen repeated courtly.
"Oh, I always close the shop when the first snow falls, though if you look at the clouds that might be anytime now…"
They stood in silence for a while, looking out of the windows upon the heavy sky. It was odd… With any other customer, no matter how well known, Marluxia would have found this as awkward, but not with Vexen. He seemed to enjoy the silence, and it suited him. When he didn't say anything he seemed so content, as if he'd seen all there ever was to see, a man of deep knowledge and experience. When he spoke, he was a man of elegance and nobility; some of the mystic in him was replaced by courtly planned words.
"It was a pleasure to meet you," Vexen suddenly said and was about to leave, but he had only put his hand on the doorknob before Marluxia held him back with a hand on his elbow. The man seemed to shudder at the contact; nevertheless he turned, displaying a perfectly stern expression as he looked down in Marluxia's deep blue eyes.
"When can I expect you back?" the younger asked. Vexen was silent for a moment.
"When I find my return suitable," he said shortly, turning with a swipe of his coat and disappeared in the darkness outside.
X
The three next days Marluxia found himself thinking of nothing but the stranger. If it wasn't for the note neatly placed in his pocked he would have thought he had been dreaming. Every time the doorbell rang, announcing a customer's appearance he looked up from behind the cash register, hoping it was him, but it was always someone else. He couldn't get himself to think it was a prank either because Vexen had been too courteous for anything like that. Now the remedy he had been requested was a very strong sleeping-medicament, it was actually forbidden to make. He had surprised himself by not telling. He always stuck to the law unless it was the bible itself speaking up against it. Marluxia had strong faith.
The doorbell rang again and Marluxia looked up automatically. There in the doorway stood the one person he had been waiting for. Vexen was back, only this time his appearance was much more pleasing to the eye, if possible. He had changed his worn traveling clothing for a new pair of black pants, a spotless, white linen shirt and an elegant black cloak. Even his skin looked less ill. He had a somewhat more natural color though he was still rather pale, even his fingernails seemed duller. His face didn't seem nearly as hollow as it had been at the night of their meeting, and his green eyes were gleaming in the sun. The day was most beautiful, just like him.
"You came back!" Marluxia exclaimed.
"I assured you I would. Now I hope you have not made any appointments for the day, I hoped you would join me in the theatres."
"Oh! I… I'd love to! But… I can't… I am a simple pharmacist, I don't have money for such a thing…"
"Do not be ludicrous," Vexen said, waving his hand as to swat the excuse away. "I will pay your ticket of course. I need you to translate enough for me to comprehend the plot."
"You would do that for me?" Marluxia asked shocked.
"I have told you that I am not familiar with the language. I figured you to be my first choice as a guide."
"I-I'd love to come!" Marluxia said, obviously excited. "I've always wanted to go to the theatres!"
"I will pay you some extra if you will be my guide. I would not want you to loose profit in keeping your shop closed."
"That… that's great!"
"Then come. There is a cart waiting outside. We do not want to be late, do we?" Vexen said. He turned to leave, but halted as his eyes caught sight of something. A crucifix was hung on the wall, next to the stairs up to the second floor.
"Are you a man of faith, Marluxia?"
Said one blushed, hearing the other pronounce his name. He had no idea why this man had such an effect on him.
"Yes, I come from a family of strong believers. I find God one of my greatest strengths. Aren't you Catholics in England too?"
"No… and I cannot say I believe so much in faith either. I would consider myself a pagan… though I suppose… I cannot deny the existence of God either. Is it not said that if you believe in either God or Satan, you cannot deny the other?"
Marluxia considered the other's words carefully and gave him a wary look.
"Do not fear," Vexen assured with a light chuckle. "I worship neither devils nor hell. I have simply seen the evil and cruelty of the world. You who are so young might not see it yet, but one day you will realize that there is a devil in every human being. I only hope someone as goodhearted as you will not have to suffer for it."
X
There was something much more… human about Vexen this time… As if he had gone from half dead to fully alive. Both his appearance and mood looked like it. He seemed… glad… Marluxia on the other hand was in full ecstasy as they rode down the street in an open cart, pointing out every one of Paris' attractions and famous or historic places, sharing some of his own experiences. He hadn't enjoyed himself this much in a long time. He was surprised how much Vexen actually knew about France, he even learned much himself, listening to the older. Vexen decided to buy them lunch at a restaurant Marluxia never, ever would have afforded to attend to by himself. During the meal, Vexen told him stories of his own travels through Europe, Asia and the eastern parts of America.
"I can't believe you've been able to see so many places in one lifetime!" Marluxia exclaimed, completely regardless of the fact that Vexen didn't touch his food.
"The ways of traveling is always evolving," the older said. "I am sure you will also be out there, exploring foreign countries one day."
"Oh, no… I am a simple merchant. I could never afford that even though I always wanted."
"Then perhaps it is time you follow your own paths instead of living on compromises," Vexen suggested.
"What do you mean?" Marluxia asked.
"It is obvious to me that the dream you are living belongs to someone else, if there ever was a dream at all. Perhaps it simply was a wish to draw your attention away from what you really sought," Vexen pondered, more to himself than Marluxia, his eyes fixed on the other's teacup rather than his face. The younger had lost track long ago.
"I… I don't know what to say…" Marluxia mumbled. Vexen looked back up at him with a gentle smile, showing off perfect, white teeth. His canines were unusually sharp, though it was almost unnoticeable.
"Do not worry. I am certain that no one knows your dreams better than you. Others are usually nothing but obstacles on the way to reach one's final goal."
"I don't know if I really have a goal… or a dream. It's just… me and the pharmacy now," Marluxia said softly, staring down in his teacup as well.
"Ah… Then I am afraid your surroundings have already blunted you…"
"Pardon?"
"Every human being has a dream… or had… If you never had a goal in life, something to reach for I will be mighty surprised."
"Well…"
Marluxia thought for a moment, his eyes locking to the cunning smile before him. "I wanted to become a botanist. Flowers and plants of any kind have always been of interest to me."
"There you have your dream. But why did you start a pharmacy then?"
"My parents said I should find a job more suited for a man," Marluxia answered, blushing slightly.
"And there you have your obstacles. I think it was about time I came along. You have potentials to become something great," Vexen said, his mind seemingly anywhere but Paris at the moment.
"I don't think so… Besides, you'll be leaving in short time," Marluxia pointed out, knowing already that he would miss the other.
"It is all up to you when I leave."
"Oh…?"
Marluxia looked bewildered. Would he stay longer if he were asked to?
"Without you I cannot have my remedy. I refuse to return home empty handed."
"R-right," Marluxia muttered.
X
The remnants of the day turned out to be just as delightful as the morning had been, though booth's mood was less ecstatic. Vexen seemed to be a bit sterner in his expressions and Marluxia swore he was getting paler every hour. That also had its effect on his mood. The last thing Marluxia wanted was to appear irritating or childish, but as they reached the theatres he failed dramatically in hiding his enthusiasm. He had read most of the plays that had been sat up during his time in Paris but never been on any of them. He knew all about them down to the last little line and it was with great eagerness he went through the program with Vexen. He didn't realize he was talking in circles before the older gave a low chuckle.
"I-I'm sorry," he said, once again blushing.
"Do not be. I was afraid you had grown tired of our excursion but I see now that I was wrong."
"I was afraid you weren't too happy with my behavior…"
"Never presume such a thing again. On the contrary, I rather appreciate it," Vexen said with an amused smile. Marluxia gave him a grin before he returned to the program, determined to get it right this time.
X
It was a very satisfied Marluxia seated in the cart together with Vexen three hours later. He was happier than he had been for a long time now, though he grew a slight concern at how pale Vexen looked. It wasn't as bad as the night they had met, but it was worrying enough that such a change had taken place during one day. Vexen seemed to be enjoying himself however. Perhaps it was just on the outside.
"Is there anything the matter?"
Marluxia realized he had been staring.
"Wha- no, no… It's just… You look so pale. Are you sure everything is all right with you?" he asked concerned.
"Yes, I am fine. It is nothing unusual."
The two fell silent. Once again Marluxia noticed how well silence suited Vexen. He couldn't help thinking how handsome the other was. His mind seemed to freeze the instant he had thought so. 'Men are not supposed to harbor such thoughts of each other,' he reminded himself. It was against the law, and more importantly against the will of God.
"This day has been a pleasure. I hope you would consider joining me some other time," Vexen said as they were back at the pharmacy.
"I would love to be your guide again," Marluxia replied despite himself. "But I feel that you have already spent so much money on my behalf. How can I ever repay you?"
"The best repayment is some civilized company. Most of the French would not bother with an Englishman."
"Isn't it God's word that every man is worth the same?" Marluxia asked with a smile.
"You are certainly a better man than most. Myself included," Vexen said and turned on his heel, once again disappearing into the darkness with a swipe of his cloak. Marluxia stood left alone, slightly taken aback by the comment. Finally he shook his head and got inside his house. Vexen really was… unlike any other man he had met.
X
It was a stormy afternoon the next time Vexen appeared. It was about two days since their trip to the theatre and Marluxia had been expecting one of his usual customers who hadn't shown up after all. It made him worried. The lady he had been expecting had a sick husband and was very punctual with her visits. 'Odd,' he thought. It was one hour after the lady's usual time that Vexen decided to show up. He seemed to be in an extraordinary good mood and his skin was back to normal, if not healthier. His cheeks and lips were even a bit rosy, probably from the cold outside.
"Welcome back Vexen! I was worried I wouldn't see you in a while," Marluxia greeted him. "I hope you didn't have any problems on your way. The weather is terrible."
"Terrible? I think not!" he said happily. "It is perfect! There is a circus in the town's center."
"I would say that's a rather unlucky combination. I would advice you to go some other time," Marluxia said, but he couldn't help but smile at the other's mood.
"I have a feeling the weather will be good later in the evening. Until then the rain will keep all the crowds away," Vexen disputed. "We are going today, Marluxia."
The younger couldn't help but blush. He really wanted to go, but the religious part of him suddenly seemed to be alarmed by Vexen.
"I don't see why you're not having a young woman accompanying you. For a man of your age and class I would say that's the way to experience Paris," Marluxia said, his own words hitting him hard in the chest. Vexen simply waved his hand, once again swatting away his words as if he had said something ludicrous.
"Can a man not enjoy the company of another man? Excuse my language, I have no wish to spend my time with a common whore."
Marluxia blinked at the other's use of words. "There are not many women in Paris who would wish to spend their time with an Englishman unless they got well paid," Vexen said with a light shrug.
"I… suppose you're right. Still, I can't see any reason why anyone wouldn't want to spend their time with you."
X
And so Vexen succeeded in dragging Marluxia with him once again. It was two soaked figures that ventured through the wet darkness of Paris that night. Marluxia once again had the time of his life. He had a feeling Vexen had said there would be good weather just to get him outside, but it really didn't matter. It wasn't as cold as he would have imagined and he found himself enjoying it as much as the sun. Perhaps it had something to do with the company. As time closed in to sunset they decided they would take a walk in a park not far from the circus. They could still see the lights as blurred little dots through the thick curtain of rain. After an hour or so including lively conversation they stopped at a cobblestone bridge, just beneath a street lamp. Marluxia's eyes grew wide as Vexen took of his cloak. It was soaked right through and was getting too heavy to wear. Now what Marluxia really reacted too was his just-as-soaked linen shirt, which were clinging to his chest, shoving off his every perfect curve. Vexen turned to him again after hanging his cloak over the bench, offering him a smile.
"I think I enjoyed today most of all," he said thoughtfully.
"Of all what?" Marluxia inquired, noticing just how stupid it sounded.
"All of my journey," Vexen said.
"Oh, I am sure you are overdoing it."
"The day is not over yet," Vexen smirked. His smile faded seconds after. "I do not see how your family could deny you to fulfill your dream."
"Could we talk about this some other time?" Marluxia requested, leaning onto the stone railing of the bridge, looking out over the river. Vexen surveyed him for a while, taking in every detail of his handsome profile illuminated in the golden light of the street lamp.
"No," he said courtly, walking up beside him. Marluxia felt a hand over his own which were resting on the railing. He did his best not to flinch. Vexen's hand was amazingly warm for being so wet. He wondered if the rest of his skin was the same. "You…" Vexen continued. "You deserve so much better than what you are given. You are a remarkable young man."
"You don't mean that…" Marluxia said surprised, turning to meet the other's gaze.
"Every word I speak is truth. You belong in a world of class and notoriety, of wealth and festivities. You should have been spoiled with every little thing you could ever ask for… And yet… here you are… Trusting and thoughtful… cunning… beautiful…" Vexen murmured, leaning closer onto the other. "I want you to come with me back to London. I want you to live the life you deserve, the life you dreamt about."
"V-Vexen! W-why…? Why are you saying these things?" Marluxia asked bewildered. His mind was transfixed by the other's words, his heart threatening to bounce right out of his chest.
"I traveled past oceans to find the best… And I found you," Vexen murmured, faces only a few centimeters away.
"N-no! Vexen, this is wrong!" Marluxia exclaimed as he realized what was happening, trying to pull away, but his legs refused to move.
"Is it unwelcome then?" Vexen asked, cupping the younger man's cheeks. "No one should tell you what is right or wrong."
"I…"
Marluxia went silent, leaning slightly against the other's touch without really being aware of it. Vexen's palms were so soft and inviting.
"Come with me, back to England," Vexen repeated and carefully placed a tender kiss on his lips with one hand on the back of his neck so he couldn't pull away. Vexen felt so supple and warm to him, as if those lips of his were meant for Marluxia alone, fitting so perfectly. The younger couldn't help but respond. His heart screamed for Vexen to hold him close so he could feel his body against his own and tear that wet linen shirt off of him. One kiss couldn't be so bad, Marluxia thought as he laid his arms around Vexen's neck, begging for God to overlook him just this one time. All too soon Vexen pulled away with a depressed look on his face.
"This is not what you want, is it?" he asked.
"I… I'm not sure," Marluxia said quietly, looking at the ground. "I have never experienced real love… Though… If I was ever to kiss anyone, that would be you," he said, looking back up at the other. Even in the rain, Vexen could see the tears of confusion in the younger one's eyes. "But… Men are not supposed to kiss, Vexen…"
"Is it your God who says that?" the older questioned; bowing his head so his wet bangs shrouded his expression. He looked a bit scary, half of his face hidden in shadows. Marluxia gave a faint nod. Seconds later he was swept of his feet and pressed against the stone railing.
"If your God does not like it he can close his eyes instead of watching," Vexen said unsympathetically. He let go some seconds later leaving Marluxia in a temporary daze.
"Get up! We are going back," Vexen huffed, apparently annoyed.
X
The two rode the cart back in silence. Marluxia was too concerned to say anything and he was afraid that Vexen was still annoyed. Why had he said that? Why did he have to be such a Catholic? Marluxia was starting to doubt his religion already. Did he want to be with Vexen? A part of him certainly did want to travel the world together with the other, perhaps even as a couple. There wasn't really a part of him that didn't, but there certainly was some faith that spoke against it. Then again, hadn't Vexen said that he should follow his dreams, and that everyone hindering him was a mere obstacle? Marluxia couldn't help but feel confused. Vexen was a man. Men were not supposed to have feelings for each other, so why did he want to be with Vexen?
"I hope you are not troubled by what I did," Vexen said as they once again stood outside the pharmacy. Marluxia remained silent. "If men were not allowed to care for each other, then why are we able to?"
"I'm not sure… I don't know if I even do care about you," Marluxia lied.
"I know I love you, Marluxia. And I am content with that."
Marluxia wasn't sure if he knew what Vexen meant by that last part, but the next second he found he had thrown himself into the older man's arms, latching onto his neck. And he cried as he stood there. He cried his heart out. The frustration, confusion and loneliness all disappeared with sharp sobs into Vexen's wet linen shirt.
"Why is the world so cruel?" Marluxia forced forth through his snivels.
"You have not even seen half of it yet," Vexen murmured, stroking his back affectionately. He bowed his head, nuzzling the other's neck lazily. It was as if a jolt of electricity shot through Marluxia as he felt sharp teeth gracing his moist skin. It was the strangest sensation he had ever had. He could feel his own pulse hammering against those lethal fangs. His eyes widened as he finally realized, pulling away instantly.
"You… are not human…" he whispered, astonished.
"Everything is not always what it looks like," Vexen said stoic. Marluxia stared at him in disbelief.
"What are you…?"
"I am a hunter of the night… Cursed to forever roam this earth in need of human life. I am a vampire. You were not supposed to know yet… A pity that you came to learn of it this early…"
"No… No! I can't believe you lied to me!" Marluxia cried, backing away. He fumbled after the handle to the front door, jerked it open and disappeared inside, slamming the door shut behind him. He made sure he had locked it securely before he backed away, giving the door an anxious glance. He turned as he heard a strange sound behind him. It came from the crucifix over the stairway. A thick layer of ice covered it up slowly like a capsule before it was fully gone for a couple of seconds and then shattered to a hundred little pieces on the floor. The young man was, to say the least, in shock. If he didn't get away from the front door he was likely to get killed…
And so he took the only rout possible; up the stairs. He took a deep breath as he stood in his own dark bedroom, listening for scraping at the windows or anything else that might be an intruder. All he could hear was his own heart, hammering in his chest.
He waited. Was it possible that Vexen had given up? He cursed himself for being too insolent to see it sooner. His skin color had been changing constantly… He had never seen the older one drink or eat… He had felt fangs as Vexen held him.
He gave a loud yelp as strong hands seized his shoulders. He tried to fight, but the only result it gave was himself being forced face-up down on the floor, Vexen neatly settled on his knees, pinning his arms to his side, a low chuckle escaping him.
"Do you honestly think a locked door can stop me?"
"Let me go! You wont have my blood, you monster!"
Vexen looked at him with sorrow filled eyes.
"You presume too much," he said, leaning forward so their faces were centimeters away. "I did not spend all this time together with you because I was hungry."
"You said you loved me… and I actually believed you…" Marluxia whispered, tears trailing down his cheeks. Vexen carefully wiped them away before he spoke again.
"So now that you know what I am my word does not count any longer? You believe that everything I told you was a lie?"
"You are a vampire… All you care about is blood…"
Vexen looked genuinely hurt.
"Is that what you felt when I kissed you back at the bridge? If that is so… perhaps I read my own emotions wrong…"
"I… no… But if not, what is it you want?"
"I will tell you exactly what I am after," Vexen said with a malicious grin, stroking some strands of hair away from Marluxia's face. "First I will take your virtue… Then I will take your mortal life."
There was obvious fear in Marluxia's eyes. He should have known it was too good to be true as Vexen walked into his little shop a week ago.
"Please… Vexen, don't… I beg of you…"
A hollow chuckle left the other.
"You honestly think that after sailing across seas, traveling half the world to find one to share the dark gift with I will abandon the perfect simply because it ask me so? The only thing that keeps us away from each other is your religion. You want this."
"No, Vexen! I don't!" Marluxia cried.
"Oh…?"
Vexen leaned back with a self-satisfied smirk.
"Then what was that about begging for God to overlook the kiss? That my lips were made for yours and you wanted to tear my shirt off? I can see your thoughts, Marluxia."
The younger gave him a terrified glance. Had he heard everything? Vexen leaned forward again, whispering softly into his ear, close enough to feel his warm breath.
"And I know you love the way I speak your name, Marluxia… Do you want me to continue?"
"N-no… I did like you…" Marluxia admitted. "But you're a vampire! And you're a man!!"
Vexen looked at him saddened again.
"Are not all men worth the same? Does the knowledge of my specie evoke uncertainty in you…? I should have expected nothing less… You dwellers in the city cannot enter into the feelings of the hunter."
"You lied to me," Marluxia whispered. "You said you needed a guide… One to translate for you… But you know French very well, don't you? If else you couldn't have understood my thoughts…"
"True… You are as cunning as ever. And I apologize. But there was no other way I could have made you join me."
He cupped the younger man's cheeks and tilted his head up before he sucked hard on his pulse vein. Marluxia was frozen in fear, feeling the razor-sharp fangs scraping threateningly against his neck.
"No one denies me what I want," Vexen murmured and pressed his teeth against the other's skin forcefully enough to pierce through as much as needed for a small drop of blood to seep forth. He licked the wound greedily, savouring the taste of what would soon be his forever.
"So pure…" he whispered. "So innocent…"
"Are you going to kill me, Vexen…?" Marluxia asked, biting back a whimper as he tried to remain stock-still.
"Oh, not tonight, my love. Not tonight. But when the time is right, I will. And then I will give you a new life, but not as you are now. You are too naïve."
"W-what do you mean…?"
"I already told you. First I will have your virtue, then your mortal life. Remember those words, my love, Marluxia…"
The younger watched in silence as Vexen elegantly rose to his feet, freeing him. The other's last words were burned into his mind. It had been a promise of rape, assault, and in the end… murder. And if Vexen planned on changing him he would be doomed to a life as a murderer himself, preying on the innocent… Marluxia found the three first much more appealing than the last. No matter how bad his future looked, anything was better than being turned into some killing machine. Then he would be no better than Vexen.
"Until we meet again, my love," the older murmured, bending down and placing a swift kiss on his forehead before he disappeared into the shadows. Marluxia was shaking. He didn't know what to do. Were there any possibilities he would be able to run away from Vexen? He thought for a moment, remaining still on the floor. Vexen was a vampire… and he wanted Marluxia's life in every way he could have it… Did he feel anything for Vexen, anything at all…?
Yes… Even if given the option he could never hurt Vexen. If he could just make him leave, convincing him that he wasn't the one he was looking for then perhaps they could both live on… Everything was so confusing… Vexen said he loved him, but he obviously had nothing against hurting him or forcing him into something as long as he was there.
X
Marluxia sat silently by his kitchen table, his cup of tea already cold. He felt miserable and there was nothing he could do about it. It had been four days since he discovered Vexen's true nature and returning to normal life seemed unattainable.
Was this how he would spend the remaining days of his life? Sitting in a corner waiting in dismay?
A gentle knock sounded from the front door and he chose to ignore it. Some minutes went by, staring out of the window.
"You know, if you hear knocking on your door it usually means that someone wants to see you," a courtly voice said. Marluxia froze as he saw Vexen standing in the doorway. He swallowed thickly and tried not to panic.
"Do not fear… I will do you no harm this day," Vexen assured him.
"Then why are you here?" Marluxia spat.
"I simply came to converse, and I wondered if you would join me dine down in the city."
"Why would I talk to anyone who has promised to kill me? Why would I join you dine when I know that dining for you is to kill?" Marluxia asked as if he was explaining for Vexen that if he thought he was stupid he should reconsider.
"Because we both have questions and we both have answers. Now I usually do not go to restaurants of obvious reasons but I presumed you would find dining with me a bit safer around other mortals."
"In other words you're not planning on leaving until afternoon?" Marluxia concluded, resting his forehead on the table surface in desolation.
"Yes. And that makes the next question mine; are you still planning on making the remedy I sought when I first came here?"
"No… I figured that it was a cheap trick, just as the guide thing."
"Ah, but I still need it," Vexen informed. "And I assume you will have it finished within the time we suggested."
"Will you leave when it's finished or is the time it takes to finish it the time I have left to live?"
"… No… I might not leave immediately after, but I consider so. Do you want me to leave?"
"I'm not sure…" Marluxia muttered, looking up to find the other seated at the opposite side of the table. "I don't want you to get hurt in any way… But I don't want to go with you either… If… If we could just part, forget about each other then perhaps we could both live on like we used to without anyone getting harmed. I don't want to hurt you, neither physically nor emotionally any more than I want to go with you."
There was silence for a while until Marluxia understood Vexen was waiting for him to ask another question. He hadn't realized they'd been taking it in turns before he had halted the other's system.
"You think we could do that after you get your medicament? Just part and live on?"
Vexen thought for a moment. It looked like he was really considering it.
"No," he answered shortly. "Moving on. Is it your faith that keeps you from me?"
"That and the fact that you are trying to force me into this," Marluxia answered. "How can you come here during daytime anyway?"
"You will see that every vampire is different, just as the stories about them. Many can dwell in the sunlight as long as we have fed recently, though our powers are weak. Now if I had not fed for three days, the sun would have killed me instantly."
Vexen leaned back, probably reconsidering his next question carefully.
"I have been meaning to ask you, Marluxia… If you knew you had only one single day left to live… that beyond it was nothing but death, not even the dark gift to save you… how would you have lived that day?"
"I… I would try to live as righteous as I could… so I knew I would have nothing to regret."
"Amusing… But what if you knew that judgements day never came? If you had eternal life and knew that death could never touch you… how would you have lived that life?"
"That was two questions," Marluxia pointed out.
"So? Answer it and you make two the next turn."
Marluxia thought for a while.
"I suppose I would do exactly as I please with no thoughts of God or other restraints holding me back…"
"So… what you fear most is death and judgement after it, not necessarily unrighteousness in life itself…"
"I suppose... If you put it that way… Why are you asking?"
"Because it is important to me that you understand how wrong you have comprehended the whole idea of my kin," Vexen said smoothly. There was obviously a deeper thought in it as well.
"Doesn't it bother you to kill for survival?" Marluxia asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Humans have preyed unhindered on any other species they find fitting, even when it is not a necessity. They have done so since time immemorial. I suppose someone has to make human the prey, even though the lack of predators is grave. Humans kill for amusement and profit, we who are embedded with the dark gift only wish to live and so we have been allowed though the only way for us to do so is to draw blood from the mortals. We never had a choice. If I were to stop feeding, my animal instincts would have me kill the first thing I saw to sate my hunger. At least, this way I remain sane… Yes, it does bother me though I also enjoy it. So is the curse of the living dead."
Marluxia realised his mouth was hanging open and he hurriedly shut it. He hadn't thought there would be so much to it.
"Regarding your answer to my last question… Your comprehension of judgement in front of life is questionable… What you normally do in these situations is far from what you might think. If you were only to live for one more day I say enjoy life as best as you can, it is after all your last chance to do whatever you wanted. Now if you have eternal life the best way to use it is to fulfil your dreams in secret while deceiving others to think that you are righteous, and you must by no means live life in such a way that you would regret it. Thus leads me on to my next question. As I made my last questions it was obvious that you would choose one day of virtuous life, rather than an eternity on boundless behalf… What would your choice be now?"
Marluxia blinked at him, confounded by his words.
"Well… I suppose eternity doesn't sound so bad after all," he mumbled. "One day can't fulfil any dreams… Eternity fulfils all…"
"Not necessarily, but in some cases, yes. It depends on what you are looking for."
"And you… What are you looking for?"
Vexen went silent again. It was obvious that the topic was something he would rather avoid. When he finally spoke again, his eyes were fixed on the darkening sky outside.
"For two hundred years I have ventured this world in solitude… I have experienced so much, yet I have no one to share any of those moments with… I never had. I suppose what I really seek is someone to care about, to enjoy the eternity with… Someone who can break that seclusion which has haunted me ever since I was changed."
"And that someone turned out to be me…?" Marluxia asked quietly. Vexen turned his gaze back to the younger and smiled vaguely.
"Yes."
Marluxia didn't know how to react. Some part of him was scared to death by the fact that he was the chosen one of a vampire, while another part was overwhelmed that Vexen had chosen him of all available persons he had encountered. He could probably have anyone he wanted and his decision had fallen upon Marluxia.
"How did you become a vampire…?" Marluxia asked softly. Vexen arched an eyebrow.
"And why would you have any interest as to know that?" he questioned.
"Just for comparison," Marluxia explained innocently. "I already know what my story will be like… So I suppose it's just interesting to see the contrasts…"
"It sounds to me that you are beginning to accept your fate?"
"Are you going to tell me or not?"
"It is not a very pleasant story exactly…" Vexen muttered.
"I still want to hear it…" Marluxia said. "Here you are planning on taking my life, and you won't even tell me how you came to be…"
Vexen sighed, rolling his eyes.
"If you are trying to give me a bad conscience then forget about it. I have not felt regret in a very long time and I am not planning on doing it."
"Then would you regret telling me?"
Vexen gave him a sharp look.
"I suppose it cannot harm to tell you…"
He leaned back again, pausing a moment to think. "Where to start…" he mumbled. "Before I became embedded with the dark gift I was working as a scientist in London around year 1500… I had an apprentice who was about your age… We grew to care about each other but none of us ever took action… I still wonder if my situation would have been different had I dared to confess my feelings for him… But I did not, and so the day came when a vampire found him and they fell in love… My apprentice was changed shortly after, never really given a choice. Now the one who changed him was probably thousands of years old… He wanted to teach my apprentice how to lead life as a vampire, including how to change someone… So I was targeted as a mere experiment, forever cursed because the one I loved needed practice…"
"That's… terrible…"
"In many cases such is the story. Pitiful and unworthy."
"I suppose I'm not so unlucky after all," Marluxia muttered.
"I was changed out of sheer malice, but I want something better for you. I hope you understand that."
"Yes… But that still doesn't make it right!" Marluxia insisted.
"Is there something that makes it wrong then?" Vexen asked.
"My faith makes it wrong," Marluxia answered, his voice rising slightly.
"So you do have feelings for me…"
"What? No! That's not what I said!"
"But you were thinking it…" Vexen said, his lips curling deviously.
"Did you read my thoughts?" Marluxia asked, clearly angry.
"So you confess?"
"No, and I never will!!" Marluxia yelled.
Vexen's eyes narrowed and his smile disappeared. It was frightening to see.
"Fine…" he said, and got to his feet. He placed each of his palms flat against the table surface, leaning forward so their faces were almost touching. "Fine," he repeated. "But do never, ever raise your voice against me like that again. I will have you, Marluxia. Whether you are willing or not I will have you. You can not lie to me, no more than you can lie to yourself."
"I… I won't…" Marluxia mumbled. "But don't expect anything else when you push me like that…"
Vexen pulled back and made a move to walk out but halted in the doorway out of the kitchen.
"You should learn to control your temper, or the next centuries will be quite difficult," he said.
"W-wait! Vexen! Let's not part like this," Marluxia called after him. He was feeling guilty for his behaviour, no matter how cruel Vexen was. "Didn't you say you wanted to dine with me?"
"Sadly I have lost my appetite," Vexen replied sarcastic and disappeared out of the door without a trace. Marluxia was left alone with guilt in his heart. Why? Why was he feeling guilty for someone who had lied to him, tricked him and promised to rape and kill him? Marluxia shuddered. This was not happening, it couldn't be. He hadn't fallen in love with such a wretched being as a vampire? But Vexen wasn't simply a mere vampire… He was… Vexen…
Well, no matter… Marluxia would not allow this to happen. He had a life, for God's sake, and Vexen just had to accept that he would not be a part of it.
X
Marluxia was standing alone on a desert street corner. There was a streetlamp illuminating his small figure, rain pouring down over him. He would have been less wet had he fallen in the river. He had no coat or jacket, just a small map over the city's taverns clenched in his fists. He had put small crosses over about half of the inns on the wet paper, but had given up marking the places he had been to as the map had begun to dissolve in the water.
"Vexen… where are you," he mumbled. He had been checking all the places where the other was likely to stay, double-checking, then checking all the unlikely places. Three days had he been searching for him. If it wasn't for the rain, one could have seen tears sliding down his cheeks. Vexen couldn't have left, could he? A sharp sob escaped him, and he dried his tears, quite unnecessarily, in the map.
"Why are you crying, my love?"
Marluxia looked up, and there he was, standing almost close enough for their clothes to touch. Marluxia did the first thing that came to his mind. He flung himself at the other, desperate to assure himself that he was truly there. Vexen carefully laid his arms around him, cradling him slightly.
"Do not fear," he whispered. "Do not fear anything."
"I fear you!" Marluxia said, though his words were muffled in the other's shirt. "But I don't want you to go either."
"Such is the ways of the mortals… You are not certain of what you want until you are about to loose it."
"Don't say that! You've been manipulating me from the very start!"
"Why would I do so? It is not I but your emotions that are leading you astray," Vexen murmured, patting his hair gently.
"Don't say that again!!" Marluxia cried out, though he was careful not to sound angry. Vexen held him slightly away from him and cupped his cheeks, studying the other's face, and then slowly claimed Marluxia's lips with his own.
The younger automatically locked his arms around the other's waist, overwhelmed by himonce again. It suddenly occurred to him… Vexen had been waiting for this moment for two hundred years. Marluxia couldn't help but parting his lips, licking the other's lips as he silently begged that he would be allowed to taste him. First there was no response, but then, slowly as if uncertain Vexen opened his mouth. A small shudder of joy ran through the younger as he tilted his head and pushed in his tongue.
Vexen tasted of blood in different varieties, nothing unexpected. Marluxia boldly ran his tongue over Vexen's teeth, feeling the fangs scrape against him. They weren't much longer than what was normal, and Vexen felt warm at touch. He had no doubt just fed. Having Vexen so close, feeling his warmth was more comforting than anything. All thoughts of fear were wiped away.
And then Vexen pulled away, licking his lips as to get the aftertaste of the other. They stood in silent anticipation for a while, embracing each other.
"You are good at this," he murmured, sliding his fingers through Marluxia's hair.
"I'm French, what would you expect?" Marluxia snorted. "Though you are the only one who will ever know."
"I hope so…"
Marluxia gave a content sigh and leaned onto the other, closing his eyes, feeling the rain pouring down on them.
"Perhaps this isn't as bad as I would have expected," he mumbled.
"Are you ready to break with your religion then…?" Vexen asked.
"No… I'm not sure if I'll ever be."
Vexen's hands fell to his side as he let go of Marluxia.
"Well… It is not as if that matters to me…"
X
It was a cold, white morning as Vexen came back to the little shop for the last time. Snow was falling thickly from a light-grey sky and a 'closed for the season' sign hang on the door. Marluxia was standing by the kitchen window, waiting for him to arrive. A small vial stood sealed on the counter.
"Finished already?" Vexen asked softly as not to startle the pharmacist.
"Yes… Take it and leave me alone…"
Vexen moved over to the other's side, snatching with him the remedy in one elegant gesture.
"What is wrong?"
"You lied to me about that too…" Marluxia said, still not turning to face him. His eyes were fastened on a little sparrow in a tree outside. How he wished he could just fly away from all of this, just like a bird.
"I did… and I am truly sorry… If I wanted to I would be fully capable of making it myself."
"Why do you lie to me all the time?" Marluxia cried, tears in his eyes as he turned to meet the other's gaze.
Vexen gave a troubled sigh before he sat down by the table.
"Sit down, and I will tell you exactly what I have lied to you about."
Marluxia's eyes narrowed before he poured himself a cup of tea from the kettle on the stove and sat down, crossing his arms.
"Mainly I have only lied to you about three things," Vexen began. "Firstly I speak French very well. I have lived in the country for many years of my life."
"I kind of understood that…"
"Secondly, I did not need you for guide, I simply needed a reason for you to join me without waking suspicions."
"And what about the fact that you're a vampire?" Marluxia scoffed. "You never said anything about that."
"I never said anything against it either. Not to tell is not the same as lying," Vexen pointed out. Marluxia simply arched an eyebrow.
"And lastly?"
"It was I who wrote that note requesting the remedy, and it was not meant for me."
Marluxia went silent. Who else could it be?
"All I want to know now," Vexen said. "Is if sugar ruins the effect of it."
"I… No, why…"
Marluxia looked down at his half-empty teacup.
"B-bastard," was all he managed to say before his eyes slid shut and his head tipped forwards. He was fast asleep within seconds.
Is this the end:O No it's not! This will be continued when I get a satisfying amount of reviews. This is about one third of what I have already written to the story, and I have been writing this since…. Around Christmas I think. So, It's been MUCH work! And I would be delighted if someone would care to submit some long reviews! Thank you, thank you all for giving this story some of your time. This fanfiction means a lot to me, however odd and cracky it might be.