insurmountable | we'll try again // when we're not so different

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we'll try again // when we're not so different

[Ah, it's a boring day at work today.

But Thoma doesn't mind. In between customers, he's been tidying the place up. It always seems to be a mess when he comes back from a day off, at least in his eyes. The boba shop sparkles now, garnering praise from Ayato, the man who owns the business, and he really couldn't be happier for the praise. Though he hopes that his boss doesn't come back the next day with a "reward", which usually comes in the form of free lunch for Thoma, but somehow Ayato manages to find the strangest food for him to try.

And of course, he's far too nice to decline. It would be rude after all, to not eat the lunch that he's brought for Thoma, eating it and trying not to pull a face at some of the flavors that hit his tongue.

But despite that small inconvenience, Thoma likes his job, and it's even better from a certain someone who frequents the shop. His ears perk up when the door opens, a small bell ringing from the momentum of the door when it closes. A familiar head of golden hair enters, and Thoma's face brightens at the sight.]

Hey! I almost thought you weren't going to stop by today!

[Grinning, he quickly takes his place at the counter.]

What'll it be? The usual? Or do you want to try one of our new specialties today?

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[Thoma's hand comes up to his chest, feeling the warmth that he normally exudes. He doesn't feel cold at all, just shocked and scared, for more reasons than he could possibly explain right now. So it's not like the movies, he just was bit and lost blood for Aether to feed on, almost as if he were donating blood at a blood drive...somewhat unwillingly.

He takes another deep breath, collecting his thoughts and forcing himself to calm down. He takes a moment- it must of just happened. Aether was fine before the weekend. And what he just told him, that's a lot.]

Okay, so you're a vampire now, and I'm guessing that you haven't really gotten to uh...feed much since the incident.

[The anxiety is still in his voice, and he's speaking a little quickly, but there's empathy there. It's hard to imagine Aether as "dead" right now when he's standing in front of him, speaking with him.]

L-Let's get cleaned up first. My neck is still bleeding, after all, and I need to get something over it so it doesn't get infected. You can get yourself cleaned up in the kitchen sink, and I'll lend you some of my clothes so you don't have to walk around in bloody clothing anymore. I'll be out soon, okay?

[It comes as a surprise to him that Thoma would want to keep him around, but he doesn't want to argue. Not now, when Thoma is still bleeding and really needs something for that wound. Aether gives him a look both guilty and worried, before nodding.]

Alright...

[He tries to retreat as fast as possible, to give his friend some time to process all of this. Aether also needs time and again, everything in him screams to just run away the moment he gets a chance. He's scared that he'll hurt Thoma once more eventually.

Taking a quick look around, he locates the kitchen and hurries there. He washes the blood away from his hands and face, and seeing the red mixed with water makes him feel even more sick than before. His body trembles as he leans over the sink, but what he can do? It doesn't seem like he'll be waking up from this nightmare.

Once he cleans himself, Aether sighs deeply and sits down on the floor, too worried that his dirty clothes will stain Thoma's furniture. He looks around, looking for a window and almost considering jumping through it. Would he die if he did that? Would he... finally wake up?

Somehow it feels like not the best course of action. Thoma would worry about him, he realizes. Or at least he would be scared that Aether would go out and hurt someone.

...But then what should he do? Is it really okay to stay here?]

[Thoma turns to head to the bathroom first, to clean his neck up and put some gauze on it. The holes left there aren't as large as he thought they'd be, cleaning it up quickly. That's good, though he's sure he might get a comment or two when he has to go to work with it bandaged up. He'll quickly go to his room too, changing his clothes and finding something fresh for Aether as well.

He wonders how his friend is doing. He's the one who's had to go through the terrifying experience of being transformed into a monster. He may of not believed it if he hadn't saw his fangs for himself, hadn't been under the powerful influence of Aether's newfound powers. Experiencing it all firsthand made him a believer immediately, and Thoma can feel his hands shaking as he picks up the spare t-shirt and shorts. He's got to keep it together, for Aether.

He knows that his friend really didn't mean to get him into this mess. And despite what just happened, he still wants to help.

Thoma enters the kitchen to find Aether on the ground, giving him a small smile and handing the clothes over.]

Here. The shorts might be a little long on you, but they'll do for now. Can you tell me more about what happened? And what about that guy you mentioned earlier?

[There's a lot to piece together...best to start from the beginning.]

[He stays unmoving for what feels like eternity and only Thoma's steps bring him back to reality. Again, Aether realizes that he can hear his friend's heartbeat. There's still fear in him, but it doesn't seem he's afraid of Aether anymore. He even offers him a kind smile and a set of fresh clothes. Aether accepts them, holding them carefully in his hands.]

Thanks...

[He pauses, staring at the clothing for a moment, before looking up at his friend.]

Are you sure about this? What if... What if I try to hurt you again...?

[His voice grows quieter but there's real worry in his eyes. He doesn't move from his spot on the ground either. It feels safer like this.]

Well...

[Thoma takes a moment to think about it. He has to see this from Aether's perspective, or else there won't be any real good way to deal with it. He's got a real, live vampire in his hands in the form of his friend. What needs to be done to help him immediately?]

What we could do is keep you from getting that hungry again.

[It's a scary prospect, that much he won't deny. But when Thoma calms himself and thinks about it, he can pinpoint what exactly happened.]

I don't mean to upset you by telling you this, but when you bit me, I was under some sort of power. The way I felt was that I would do everything to protect you and make sure you were taken care of- and in this case, it was because you were hungry. So I think if we give you the opportunity to get blood to drink, you won't attack anyone like that.

[At least, he thinks that stands to reason. Thoma ponders for a moment more.]

And, well, the bite on my neck actually isn't that bad, even if it did hurt a little. Maybe we can figure out a way that you can have some of my blood that doesn't involve you biting my neck again, haha.

[It's surreal to hear all of this. And to think that Thoma tries to stay so calm, help him, even offers his own blood. Aether stands up from the ground, free hand reaching out to his friend, but he withdraws it fast, as if burned. He shouldn't. He shouldn't touch Thoma or stay too close to him. He's a monster, the situation is difficult, he doesn't want to scare someone who's doing so much for him.]

You... really are too kind...

[He breathes out, then turns around.]

You know... before all of this happened I really wanted to call you, meet you outside of your work... just hang out. But I never did. I ended up in hospital first and then when I barely got out, I collapsed in that alleyway.

[He pauses.]

That man that found me... I think, maybe he tried to help me, but the only way he knew how to do it was turning me into a monster. [He laughs, it's a hollow, pained sound.] Or maybe he wanted to give me a lesson. "Be careful what you wish for"... that kind of thing.

[He shakes his head, then suddenly he remembers something else and his eyes widen.]

...He told me that we will talk later. [He realizes, but now that Aether is here, will that vampire show at Thoma's footsteps? Would he hurt Thoma? Suddenly dread makes Aether's stomach curl.]

[It's not as if Thoma didn't know that all this was something Aether was coping with at the same time. How unfortunate was it that he'd happened to discover his friend almost immediately after he'd been turned into a vampire- or maybe, how lucky it was Thoma of all people who found him instead of someone else. There's a measure of understanding that Thoma has as Aether speaks, figuring something had happened and that's why Aether never called him. He'd always figured he was a nice guy, not one to just ghost on him as if he'd given him some bad vibes or anything.

And admittedly, it's terrible to hear that this was the reason why he never called. Thoma feels his chest tighten with dread and sadness all at the same time. It sounded like...like Aether was going to die, if that man hadn't helped him. That realization hits him hard, as if someone had taken a solid brick and thrown it right at him. Aether almost died. And now...]

Did he leave you a phone number, or any way of contacting him?

[He asks, wondering how that would all work. Even if it's another vampire, that's a lead to figuring out this whole mess...though it scares him too. That means there's even more of them out there. Maybe even a whole civilization of vampires that live right here in the city.]

Cheer up, Aether. If there's anything that'll help us deal with your situation, it's having more information about it. Let's just look at the bright side of things for now, and deal with the rest as we come to it. Everything'll work out, I'm sure of that.

[To Aether, all of this still feels like a bad dream and he continues to pray in his head that maybe soon he'll wake up and he'll be human, he'll be able to hang out with Thoma just like he planned...

He breathes in at the question.]

No... He just left after telling me that. [He doesn't even hide how much it worries him.] Maybe... he knows how to find other vampires? Or just me?

[It's so hard to tell and frankly, Aether is scared of the answer. But then Thoma stays so positive, despite the fear that Aether can so clearly sense in him. It makes a tiny smile finally bloom on his face.]

...You really are amazing.

[He's always known that. Maybe it was a bit of a crush, but Aether always thought that Thoma was amazing. So positive, calm no matter the situation. And now, even when facing this crazy mess, the other still tries his best, still searches for ways to help Aether.]

Thank you.

[He's touched, so much so that he feels like crying a little.]

[The compliment sends a blush across Thoma's face, smiling back at Aether. He doesn't feel like he's amazing or anything special at all, and it's clear he's flattered by it. That and it's nice to see Aether smile, and that's really what he cares about right now out of all of this.]

Hey, it's nothing, I just want to help is all.

[Really, that's the truth, he could never let someone in need go without help. And he considers Aether a good friend, someone who he's always wanted to get to know better for one reason or another. He's a cute, kind, honest person that he's always been at least a little attracted to.]

Let's just stay here for a while and relax a bit. I've got the next few days off of work, and maybe tomorrow we can work on figuring out more. I got a feeling that guy is going to show up soon. I was the reason he fled so quickly, right? He didn't want to be discovered.

[But if Aether stays with him, he can't hide forever, right?]

[It's nerve-wrecking to think that you may bring chaos into someone else's life, even put that person in danger, especially when said person has shown you nothing but kindness. But when Thoma talks like this, his optimism seeps into Aether and makes him want to believe that tomorrow will be better.

He gives the other a firm nod, before glancing down at the clothes in his hands.]

I'll... go change, okay? Can I use the bathroom?

[He should probably get himself properly cleaned. He can still smell blood on himself.]

And... I can sleep on the couch? Or the floor... it's fine either way.

[Do vampires even sleep? He's not sure.

Aether sighs, trying to smile.]

I really owe you so much...

[Maybe he will find a way to make it up to Thoma.]

Please! Go clean up in the bathroom. If you need to take a shower, you can go ahead and use it. I'll take care of sleeping arrangements for you while you're in there, okay?

[With that out of the way, Thoma relaxes. He can distract himself with being a good host and cleaning up the place to give Aether somewhere to rest. It's a good first step forward to figuring out this entire mess, and where to go from here. He's just got the nagging feeling that this isn't over, and it's going to get more complicated than just Aether returning to his normal life.]

I'll be waiting out here, take your time. You really don't have to feel like you owe me anything, I'm just doing what any friend would do.

[Sort of. Not everyone has a vampire friend, but mentioning that won't help.]

Alright! Thanks...

[With that said, Aether makes his way to the bathroom. It's the first time he's here, in Thoma's apartment so he can't shake off the feeling of unfamiliarity, but at the same time everything seems strange and different now. To refresh himself, Aether decides to take a shower and having the warm water hit his skin feels relaxing. He closes his eyes, just standing there for a while, before he starts cleaning himself.

Putting on the fresh set of clothing as well as drying his hair with a towel, gives Aether some sense of normalcy. Maybe if he tried hard enough, he could imagine that he's just staying over at the friend's house and nothing else.

Once he's out of the bathroom, he seems to be in a much better mood. The clothes that Thoma gave him are a bit too big for him, but they're comfortable and warm. His hair is still damp and it freely cascades down his shoulders.]

I feel much better now.

[Thoma looks up from what he was doing in the living room, preparing the couch to at least be an acceptable place to sleep for a little bit. He grins at Aether, happy to see that his spirits might be lifted a little bit.]

You look better too. I've got the couch all set up for you, so you can crash here for as long as you like.

[Since that's all taken care of, he steps away from the couch, dusting his hands.]

It's probably best to lay low for a while anyway. You'll have to let me make some food for you, I've been excited about a few new recipes I picked up recently. I guess I should ask what you like first...we've never really had much of an opportunity outside of the boba shop to really get to know each other. Why don't we talk about that and get you settled in for now?

[Again, he's grateful for what Thoma has done for him, for his endless hospitality and kindness. But then the topic of food comes up and Aether presses his hands against his own stomach.]

Thanks, but I... don't know if I can eat anything.

[He doesn't feel hungry and he guesses it's good actually. He's a vampire now. Hunger to him would mean the need for blood and because of that Aether wonders if he can even eat normal food like before. He's read many stories where people turned into vampires or monsters could no longer enjoy the same meals they had when they were human.

Regardless which is it, it saddens him that he doesn't really feel any desire for food. Maybe he could force himself, just to make Thoma happy.]

It's alright, don't worry about it.

[He can more than understand that Aether wouldn't want to eat. He sort of did just eat, in a way...though Thoma tries to push that thought out of his mind for now. He'd rather focus on things that make his friend happy and not the shocking reality of his new life.]

Let's hang out here and just...watch movies or something instead. Something to get your mind off things.

[He nods quickly.]

Right... a movie sounds great!

[But then he still worries about Thoma. The small wound on the other's neck is still there.]

But you should get something to eat... and rest. And if you need to get something done around the house, I'll help, too!

[If he's supposed to stay here for a while, then he can't be doing nothing.]

Oh, I know. I... can't bring myself to eat anything, but I can definitely cook. Maybe I'll cook for you? That would definitely take my mind off things.

[Aether showering him like this is really nice, but the host in him simply can't let him do all that for Thoma in his own house. But he also knows Aether really needs something to let him step back into the realm of normalcy, given that only several minutes ago he was biting into his neck and drinking his blood in a hunger-induced haze.

So Thoma believes it's a good idea to compromise here, at least right now.]

I'm not used to people making food for me, so that would actually be really nice. As for the rest, please, let me take care of things. I can't have you doing chores while you're a guest here. But I am tempted to try your cooking! Maybe you can teach me a thing or two in the kitchen, I'm always looking to improve my culinary skills.

[Aether nods. It's a good compromise and really, he can't exactly argue with someone who is showing him kindness and allowing him to stay here. Especially considering the circumstances. So he smiles, his mind drifting to the recipes he really liked.]

Sure! I like learning recipes from all over the world so there has to be something that I can make and you'd like.

[It already feels nice to focus on something as mundane as cooking.]

How does... rice cake soup sound like?

[He looks over to Aether, almost as if he read his mind or something. Don't tell him his vampire powers include psychic powers too ~~they do poor Thoma~~]

Did I tell you that's my favorite soup? I didn't know you knew how to make it.

[It sounds delicious and he'd love some.]

Make sure you grab some for yourself before serving it to me, I might eat all of it otherwise.

Huh?

[Aether looks just as surprised! Is this some part of his new powers?!]

No... you didn't. It's probably a coincidence that I named it.

[He sure hopes so. He's scared of what he's become as is.

But Thoma seems happy with the idea, so maybe there's no need to worry.]

Don't worry, you can eat it all if you like. I probably still won't be able to eat much anyway...

[If he can eat anything at all.]

Do you have enough ingredients to make it though?

[Since... this isn't his house. He's not sure how well Thoma's kitchen is stocked up.]

Of course! I always make sure to keep a well stocked kitchen. Feel free to raid it as you please! ...Actually, keeping up on housework and being a good chef is sort of what I like to do in my spare time outside of work anyway.

[He rubs the back of his head a little nervously, it's not like most people like doing housekeeping. And honestly, neither did he, until he got really good at it.]

I was sort of hoping to open my own business one day, actually. Or, I was hoping that I could get a good gig at some rich person's mansion one day doing it.

[That would be the life, wouldn't it?]

Thoma's housekeeping business...

[Aether smiles at that, before nodding sagely.]

You can definitely count on me for support. [Even if he can't do much for the moment... but maybe, eventually there will be a way for Aether to repay Thoma for his kindness and truly support him!]

Alright, then just wait here and I'll prepare a nice soup for you.

Thanks a lot, Aether. It means a lot coming from you.

[Thoma relaxes as he nods to Aether, so he can go to the kitchen and work on making the soup. But his mind will still wander to what they need to do next, or maybe it's more apt to say what they have to wait for to come to them. He wants to not worry about it for now, there's nothing they can really do about it in the meantime, but it nags at the back of his mind.]

I'm really looking forward to trying your cooking, but don't feel the need to rush it. I'm sure it's going to be great.

[The cooking goes relatively smoothly, although, just as Aether suspected he feels no desire for human food anymore and he accepts this fact with a heavy weight on his heart. Regardless, he hopes Thoma will enjoy the dish and the mundane moments they spend afterwards.

When the night comes, the boy settles on the couch prepared for him, says a small "goodnight" to Thoma and hopes that when he wakes tomorrow everything will be better, more... normal. But it's hard to fall asleep when your own body is slowly growing cold and when there's no sound to be heard, except for a faraway heartbeat that does not belong to him.

Then suddenly, in a midst of the night a dark shadow appears outside the window, alarming Aether with footsteps that he recognizes.

And so the next morning there is no sight of the boy. All that is left on the bed is just a hastily written note that reads:

"Meet me at the park in the noon"]

[Thoma is glad for Aether's company the rest of the night, appreciating the dish cooked for him as they spend a little time together before saying goodnight. Thoma slips into bed, the stress of the day finally coming to weigh down on him more than he'd expected it to. It's tired him out more than he realizes, and within moments of settling down completely to sleep, he's passed out.

Not once does he hear anything that occurs during the night, and sunlight is streaming through his windows when he wakes. For a moment, he panics wondering if he's overslept and kept his guest waiting for him to wake up, but he soon discovers it's too early for that. Yawning and walking out of his room, he finds that Aether has disappeared save for a note that he picks up, feeling his stomach drop.

Meet me in the park at noon.

Thoma wonders what happened, why Aether had left the way he did. It can't be good, not with what happened yesterday. But there's not much they can do about it, especially since his friend has already gone. Breakfast is now out of the question, his appetite gone because of the worry that begins to plague his mind. Thoma tries to stay positive about it, but everything about this is worrisome.

At noon, he arrives, looking around for Aether, not knowing if he should be ready to grab his friend and run or if this is something good and they'll be able to make more sense of the situation.]

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we'll try again // when we're not so different

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