Blood. Lust. Family. Chapter 9
Apr. 29th, 2021 08:08 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
learashiPairing: Sakumoto
Genre: Vampire AU, fantasy, drama, mpreg
Rating: NC-17
Warning: Contains violence, gore, blood.
Summary: Jun gives his Sho his verdict on the new house.
Previously: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8
“Before you leave, please sit down and eat the meal I’ve prepared for you.”
Sho and Jun sported matching expressions of disbelief on their faces as the source of the noises emerged from the kitchen. Nino was wearing his usual all black ensemble, but with the addition of a frilly floral apron in the same shade of yellow as his running shoes, to shield his clothes.
It took a moment for Sho to relax his protective stance, as Jun peered around his shoulder and looked Nino up and down. Jun’s eyes bulged and he almost choked, as he unsuccessfully attempted to smother a fit of the giggles at the incongruous sight.
“You’re not laughing, I hope?” Nino asked in an offended tone.
“No. Absolutely not,” Jun spluttered.
“Shun rang me when he couldn't get hold of Jun today. I explained that you were at the cottage and probably too busy to answer the phone. He is occupied with the imminent delivery of twins, and only had a few moments to spare, so instead he asked me to make sure that I gave you this as soon as possible.” Nino handed Jun a sealed manila envelope. “Those are the results of the tests he ran on you at your last appointment. It’s not my business to know what’s in that envelope, but he told me to make sure that you are eating properly. Since Aiba is still on holiday, I told Shun that I would prepare dinner for you, to make sure that his wishes were carried out. He was very particular about the ingredients, and I presume that it is related to these test results. But he also said not to worry.”
Sho frowned. It was easy for Oguri-sensei to tell them not to worry, but how could he not? He needed to see the test results and the reason for Oguri-sensei’s desire to get them to Jun as soon as possible. It was unfortunate that there was little phone reception on the way back from the cottage, which must have been when the doctor had attempted to contact Jun. But first he must deal with Nino. “I have two questions. Firstly, how did you know that we would be here?”
“Because two of my best agents have been watching over you for the past two weeks,” Nino replied without a trace of remorse.
That was only to be expected, and Sho realized that he would have been disappointed in Nino if there hadn't been agents watching over them. “Second question. How is it possible for someone to know how to cook, if they don't even eat human food?”
Nino shrugged. “I don't see the connection between the two. Cooking can be learned the same way as any other skill.”
While they were bickering, Jun opened the envelope with a shaking hand, fearful for his youngling. As he tried to read the words printed on the page, they blurred and danced before his eyes. His legs threatened to fold up beneath him, when a strong arm wrapped around his waist.
“I’ve got you Pet,” Sho said as he supported Jun until the dizzy spell passed.
“There are chairs and a table in the formal dining room, apparently left behind by the previous owners.” Nino hastily slid open the door to make it easier for Sho, who practically carried Jun into the room.
Once seated, Jun closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. Now he understood the reason behind him feeling that the world was off-kilter. Without opening his eyes he handed the envelope to Sho. “Can you read it for me?”
Nino came back from the kitchen carrying a tall glass of synthetic blood and placed it in front of Jun. “This is a new formula, specially selected by Shun-sensei for you.”
Jun pulled a face, but took a sip anyway, and waited to see how his body reacted. It was important that he find a synthetic blood which he could tolerate better. He couldn't keep relying solely on Sho for his nourishment; he had no wish to weaken his mate. After a few moments he took another sip and relaxed as he had no noticeable reaction.
Sho frowned as he read through the papers. “This report says that you have anaemia caused by an iron deficiency. Oguri-sensei will make a house call as soon as he is finished with the delivery of the twins, but has said not to worry in the meantime.”
Jun had trouble focusing on Sho’s words; he was distracted by the thought of twin vamplings. They were very rare, as the twin foetuses tended to compete against each other in their sacs and often one would perish. He absently placed his hand on his belly to connect with his own youngling, as he imagined the anguish of the birth parent as they hoped for a safe delivery.
“Jun, did you hear me?” Sho was worried by Jun’s blank gaze. He stroked Jun’s cheek in an attempt to bring him back to himself. “Pet?”
Jun blinked and saw that Sho and Nino were looking at him expectantly. “I’m sorry, Sho. My brain feels scrambled right now, and I’m so very tired.”
“Did you hear anything that I just said?” Sho repeated slowly. “About you suffering from anaemia?”
“Anaemia?” Jun snapped back into full awareness, and his heart fluttered again. “Will it harm our youngling?”
“Shun told me that if you drink at least one litre of the new enriched synthetic blood per day, and eat the foods on the list he gave me, it will greatly benefit you,” Nino said calmly. “You two stay here while I fetch the food for you.”
This slightly evasive answer wasn't sufficient for Jun. He jumped to his feet and turned to Sho and looked at him beseechingly. “Sho?”
Sho eased Jun back down onto the chair. “I’m sure that if there was any immediate danger to our youngling, Oguri-sensei would have ordered your immediate admission to his hospital.”
Jun remained unconvinced, and his distress was palpable as Sho pressed the glass of blood into his hand and encouraged him to drink. As he forced down another mouthful his phone rang.
When Sho caught sight of Satsohi’s name on the screen, he braced himself for the inevitable. Despite their weakened bond, Jun’s older brother had clearly sensed that all was not well with Jun. Sho just hoped that this time, Satoshi would not see him as the cause of this distress and act accordingly.
****
It appeared though that Sho’s fears were unfounded. After Sho had told him the code to open the gate, Satoshi had parked next to Sho’s car and calmly entered the house. Jun had clung to him like a limpet for a few moments before Satoshi had gently disentangled himself and encouraged him to finish the glass of blood.
Nino came through with a platter of food and began placing the various dishes down on the table. He took particular care that a large plate of barely seared liver was directly in front of Jun. “You should start with that. It is a particular recommendation of Shun’s.”
As he turned to go and bring the rest of the food, he glared at Satoshi and Sho and said, “You two, keep your hands off that. It is just for Jun.”
The menace in his stance was greatly reduced by his frilly apron, but still strong enough to make Satoshi snatch his hand away from the dish and help himself to some rice instead.
Once the rest of the food had been distributed, Nino took a seat and placed a glass of synthetic blood in front of himself. “Eat before it gets cold.”
Satoshi and Sho didn’t need to be told twice; they happily munched on the surprisingly tasty food prepared by Nino. All of the foods were high in iron, including a rather delicious beef and spinach stir fry.
Jun looked down at the plate in front of him which contained the liver. It was almost completely raw, and leaking red juices onto the plate. Sho and Satoshi held their breath and watched out of the corner of their eyes as they waited to see if he would eat. Since he had been bred Jun had constantly struggled to find foods which he could stomach even after his morning sickness abated, and they worried that he would reject the iron rich food which he so desperately needed.
Determined to follow Shun’s instructions, Nino felt no need to be subtle. “Eat up, your Royal Highness. If you would prefer not to chew it, I can always toss it in the blender for you and make it into a smoothie.”
To everyone's surprise, Jun actually looked as if was considering the offer for a moment, before shaking his head. “Actually, that sounds delicious, but since you’ve cooked it so beautifully, I’d rather eat it as is.”
The ferrous odour of the beef liver made Jun’s mouth water, and his fangs drop down. As he picked up a slice of liver and placed it on his tongue, his eyes closed and he hummed with pleasure and savoured the taste. His fangs gleamed as he rapidly gulped down the entire plateful, darting out his tongue to catch any stray morsels.
Even Nino sat in stunned silence as they watched Jun devour the liver. When the plate was empty, Jun helped himself to a bowl of rice and topped it with some of the beef and spinach dish. He looked over at Nino and held out the empty plate which had contained the liver. “Is there more?”
“Definitely,” Nino replied with a grin.
****
Jun yawned widely and his eyelids drooped as he struggled to stay awake. He put down his chopsticks and pushed away the empty plate which had contained his second helping of beef liver.
“I need to get you back to the apartment and into bed,” Sho said as he brushed his fingers across the back of Jun’s neck.
Jun nodded sleepily and leaned his head back against Sho’s palm, before a thought struck him. “Do we even have a bed? Are you sure that it isn't in a moving van somewhere?”
That was something which Sho hadn't considered, but perhaps Jun was right; the chances were high that their furniture was in limbo somewhere. “In that case I will book us into a hotel.”
“I can't permit that. There isn't enough time to arrange the appropriate security coverage,” Nino said firmly.
Satoshi rose from his place at the table and held out his hand to Jun. “In that case, you will return home with me. You can sleep in your old room until the furniture has been delivered. There is nowhere more secure.”
“But what about Sho? Are you inviting him too?” Jun was instantly wide awake as he braced himself for the inevitable argument.
But Satoshi merely hesitated for the briefest of moments before acquiescing to Jun’s demands. “Of course I meant the two of you. It is bad for the health of a breeding vampire to be separated from their mate for any length of time.”
As Jun accepted Satoshi’s hand to assist him out of the chair, he could see that Nino and Sho looked apprehensive about the arrangement, but he was far too exhausted to care.
****
Sho closed the bedroom door and stepped out to where Satoshi was waiting. “He was asleep before his head hit the pillow.”
“I know that the sun has already risen, but would you have a drink with me? I have a bottle of whiskey I’ve been wanting to try, and cake,” Satoshi offered.
“I’d like that. I don’t think I can sleep anyway; I am too worried about Jun.”
Satoshi nodded and led Sho down the hallway to his suite of rooms. “I can sense that he isn't feeling well, and it disturbs me; I can only imagine as his mate how much pain it causes you.”
For the first time, Satoshi led Sho through his office and into his bedroom where he spent most of his time. As well as the bed, there was a desk and swivel chair in the corner, and two comfortable chairs with a low table in between. What surprised Sho the most about the space was the colourful abstract painting which took up almost the entire wall opposite the bed. The swirls of blue fascinated Sho, and after a few minutes he realized that the painting gave him the impression that he was floating on a calm blue ocean looking up at a sky filled with fluffy white clouds. The artwork didn't fit into his impression of Satoshi. It seemed as if he didn't know him at all.
Satoshi handed Sho a cut crystal glass half filled with a deep amber liquid, and followed Sho’s line of sight. “After a day spent dealing with my father, I need to look at something calming.”
Jun had told Sho of his life as a young vampling, and the harshness of King Matsumoto, but he had not expected Satoshi, as the heir to the Royal Family, to be treated with similar disdain. “Dare I say, your father makes mine seem like an angel?”
“I think that he somehow blames Jun and I for the condition of our mother, especially Jun, since his birth weakened her considerably,” Satoshi said with a sigh. “But if anyone is to blame, then it is our father; he is the type of dominant vampire who barely permits his mate to breathe without his express permission.”
For the first time, Sho felt as if he was gaining an insight into the true depth of Jun and Satoshi’s relationship; it was obvious that without his older brother’s protection, Jun’s vamplinghood would have been unbearable.
After taking a sip of the excellent whiskey, Satoshi continued, “That is why I was so apprehensive about Jun’s mating. After seeing what it did to our mother, I feared that Jun would suffer the same fate. Our mother is like a ghost who haunts the dark corners of the house; rarely seen except from the corner of your eye.”
“So it wasn’t because you hate me in particular?” Sho asked with a slight smile.
A matching smile slowly spread across Satoshi’s usually impassive face. “As much as would like to blame you, I suppose I would have hated anyone who took my brother away from me.”
Feeling emboldened by the delicious whiskey, Sho asked, “Is your parent’s mateship the reason why you have never considered taking a mate yourself?”
“Partly, but it is mostly because I haven’t yet met the one whom I can see myself spending an eternity. You and Jun are lucky in that respect.” Satoshi stood up and went over to the small refrigerator in the corner. He took out a cake box and cut two slices from the rectangular cake which was coated with a glossy dark chocolate ganache. “I suppose that my mother’s mental state led me to assume that Jun is much weaker than he actually is.”
“I know the feeling,” Sho replied. “Even after the incident with Matsuoka where he fought so hard to protect us, I still see his fragility first. I try hard not to smother him, but it is a struggle, especially while he carries my youngling.”
After placing the cake onto two small plates, Satoshi handed one to Sho along with a fork, and resumed his seat. He took a thoughtful sip of his drink as Sho admired his piece of ultra-dark chocolate cake. “When you told me that Jun had been bred, I said some truly inexcusable things to him, and yet he forgave me. I think that is when I realized that he was much stronger than I had always believed him to be. I now know that it was your love for each other which gave him that strength and belief in himself.”
“You’re talking like an old man again. Exactly how much of that whiskey have you drunk?”
Sho and Satoshi swivelled their heads around and saw Jun standing in the doorway. His face was pale and still tinged with yellow, but he was smiling.
Satoshi opened his mouth with the intention of chastising Jun for being out of bed, but at the last second he filled it with a forkful of cake. Even though he would have to constantly remind himself to bite his tongue, he resolved to stop treating Jun like a vampling and to allow him to make his own decisions, even if he thought they were unwise.
As Jun’s mate Sho had no such qualms, and he half rose from the armchair with the intention of ushering Jun back to bed. But before he could do so, Jun spotted the cake and immediately shuffled over and plopped himself down on Sho’s lap, effectively pinning him in place.
“I swear that I could smell that cake in my sleep.” Jun wriggled around to make himself comfortable and picked up Sho’s slice of cake and gave a deep sniff.
“Are you sure that you should be eating cake?” Sho looked sadly at the cake he hadn’t even had a chance to taste yet, being appropriated by his mate.
Jun cut the corner off the slice with the edge of the fork and waggled it under Sho’s nose. “It is made from dark chocolate, and according to Shun’s notes, dark chocolate contains iron so it is practically medicinal.”
Satoshi laughed and went to fetch Sho another piece of cake.
Jun leaned back against his chest and Satoshi handed him a new plate, and for the very first time, Sho felt like part of their family.
****
Jun was still in bed when Shun-sensei made his house call at eight o’clock the next evening, only waking when the doctor gently touched his wrist to take his pulse. There was only one thought in his head, as he sat up abruptly. “Did you deliver the twins? Did everything work out well?”
Shun smiled and pulled out his phone. He turned the screen towards Jun, showing him a photograph of two vamplings laying together in a tangle of tiny limbs. “As expected of twins they are a little smaller than average, but they don't appear to have competed with each other in their sacs. In fact, they are pretty much inseparable. I pity their future mates.”
Blinking back a tear at the sight of the twins, Jun relaxed back against his pillow, and looked around the room, searching for Sho. “Sho and Satoshi are permitting you to examine me without either of them hovering in the background?”
After looking over his shoulder, to confirm that they were indeed alone, Shun grinned and nodded. “They both looked desperate to be here, but then they exchanged a look and mumbled something about chocolate cake and disappeared down the corridor.”
Jun felt as if a weight was lifted from his shoulders as he burst into relieved laughter. His wish for Satoshi and Sho becoming friends was finally coming true. The laughter stopped abruptly as his chest began to hurt and he had trouble catching his breath.
Immediately Shun moved closer and assisted him to sit up straighter. “Take a couple of nice deep breaths.”
Closing his eyes helped to stop the room from spinning and soon Jun was able to breathe normally. “Is this because of the anaemia?”
Shun nodded. “I was just about to explain the symptoms to you and check if you have been experiencing any of them.”
He picked up his tablet computer and brought up Jun’s records, before handed him a leaflet listing potential indicators of iron deficient anaemia.
Jun looked at the list with dismay:
Fatigue.
Weakness.
Pale or yellowish skin.
Irregular heartbeats.
Shortness of breath.
Dizziness or light headedness.
Chest pain.
Cold hands and feet.
“You don’t have to explain them to me,” Jun said tiredly. “Do I win some sort of prize if I have them all?”
Shun’s face creased up in sympathy. “Unfortunately it is quite common in vampire pregnancies, due to our reliance on blood, and the particular requirements of unborn vamplings. Humans are simply administered iron supplements to correct the levels, but they are toxic to vampires.”
“Please tell me that I won’t have to be on bed rest,” Jun pleaded.
“Of course not. Although you will have to adjust your diet, as per the instructions I left with Nino. I must warn you however, until your iron levels increase, you will lack the energy to do too much anyway. Regular intercourse with Sho-sama is still essential though.”
Jun gathered his courage and asked a question he had been too afraid to ask. “Will it affect my youngling? Is there a chance of miscarriage?”
Before Shun could answer, loud hisses came from the other side of the bedroom door, and Sho and Satoshi rushed into the room.
They took a guarding stance on either side of the bed and glared at the doctor, who hid a smile behind his tablet.
Jun gratefully clutched their hands and waited for Shun’s reply. To everyone's great relief, he shook his head before he replied. “At this time your vampling is in no danger.”
Satoshi relaxed and carefully released his hand from Jun’s grip, while looking slightly ashamed. “I apologise for barging in like that.”
“I’m glad that you did. I was terrified that the news was going to be bad.” Rather than being angry, Jun looked gratefully at his brother. “Giving me space doesn’t mean that you aren’t allowed to care.”
Satoshi nodded and headed towards the door. As he drew level with Shun, he turned and said, “I have cake and some rather excellent coffee, if you have a few minutes to spare.”
“Sounds like just the pick-me-up that I need to get me through my shift at the hospital,” Shun replied happily. “I will visit you again in a week, but please ring me before then if you have any concerns.”
“Thank you Sensei, for always taking such good care of Jun,” Sho replied formally. “Hopefully we will be in our new house by then. I will text you the address once we relocate.”
****
“I take it that you heard everything while you were lurking behind the door, so there is no need for me to repeat anything.” Jun fixed his mate with a steely glare.
Sho smirked back at him. “Yes, thank you.”
Jun was too relieved about the wellbeing of his youngling to be properly annoyed with his mate. He patted the mattress, and invited Sho to join him. “I was impressed that the two of you were able to restrain yourselves for as long as you did. It seems as if you are finally learning. However, by way of apology I expect you to bring me another piece of that dark chocolate cake.”
“I drew blood from biting my lip so hard in an effort to remain quiet,” Sho replied with a small pout.
“My poor mate,” Jun crooned. He kissed Sho’s lip tenderly, before nipping at his mouth hard enough to draw blood.
Sho growled, and his eyes flared as he pinned Jun down to the mattress. “I also heard the part about the importance of intercourse.”
“Fine,” Jun said with an exaggerated sigh. “First we have sex and then you bring me the cake.”
Genre: Vampire AU, fantasy, drama, mpreg
Rating: NC-17
Warning: Contains violence, gore, blood.
Summary: Jun gives his Sho his verdict on the new house.
Previously: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8
“Before you leave, please sit down and eat the meal I’ve prepared for you.”
Sho and Jun sported matching expressions of disbelief on their faces as the source of the noises emerged from the kitchen. Nino was wearing his usual all black ensemble, but with the addition of a frilly floral apron in the same shade of yellow as his running shoes, to shield his clothes.
It took a moment for Sho to relax his protective stance, as Jun peered around his shoulder and looked Nino up and down. Jun’s eyes bulged and he almost choked, as he unsuccessfully attempted to smother a fit of the giggles at the incongruous sight.
“You’re not laughing, I hope?” Nino asked in an offended tone.
“No. Absolutely not,” Jun spluttered.
“Shun rang me when he couldn't get hold of Jun today. I explained that you were at the cottage and probably too busy to answer the phone. He is occupied with the imminent delivery of twins, and only had a few moments to spare, so instead he asked me to make sure that I gave you this as soon as possible.” Nino handed Jun a sealed manila envelope. “Those are the results of the tests he ran on you at your last appointment. It’s not my business to know what’s in that envelope, but he told me to make sure that you are eating properly. Since Aiba is still on holiday, I told Shun that I would prepare dinner for you, to make sure that his wishes were carried out. He was very particular about the ingredients, and I presume that it is related to these test results. But he also said not to worry.”
Sho frowned. It was easy for Oguri-sensei to tell them not to worry, but how could he not? He needed to see the test results and the reason for Oguri-sensei’s desire to get them to Jun as soon as possible. It was unfortunate that there was little phone reception on the way back from the cottage, which must have been when the doctor had attempted to contact Jun. But first he must deal with Nino. “I have two questions. Firstly, how did you know that we would be here?”
“Because two of my best agents have been watching over you for the past two weeks,” Nino replied without a trace of remorse.
That was only to be expected, and Sho realized that he would have been disappointed in Nino if there hadn't been agents watching over them. “Second question. How is it possible for someone to know how to cook, if they don't even eat human food?”
Nino shrugged. “I don't see the connection between the two. Cooking can be learned the same way as any other skill.”
While they were bickering, Jun opened the envelope with a shaking hand, fearful for his youngling. As he tried to read the words printed on the page, they blurred and danced before his eyes. His legs threatened to fold up beneath him, when a strong arm wrapped around his waist.
“I’ve got you Pet,” Sho said as he supported Jun until the dizzy spell passed.
“There are chairs and a table in the formal dining room, apparently left behind by the previous owners.” Nino hastily slid open the door to make it easier for Sho, who practically carried Jun into the room.
Once seated, Jun closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. Now he understood the reason behind him feeling that the world was off-kilter. Without opening his eyes he handed the envelope to Sho. “Can you read it for me?”
Nino came back from the kitchen carrying a tall glass of synthetic blood and placed it in front of Jun. “This is a new formula, specially selected by Shun-sensei for you.”
Jun pulled a face, but took a sip anyway, and waited to see how his body reacted. It was important that he find a synthetic blood which he could tolerate better. He couldn't keep relying solely on Sho for his nourishment; he had no wish to weaken his mate. After a few moments he took another sip and relaxed as he had no noticeable reaction.
Sho frowned as he read through the papers. “This report says that you have anaemia caused by an iron deficiency. Oguri-sensei will make a house call as soon as he is finished with the delivery of the twins, but has said not to worry in the meantime.”
Jun had trouble focusing on Sho’s words; he was distracted by the thought of twin vamplings. They were very rare, as the twin foetuses tended to compete against each other in their sacs and often one would perish. He absently placed his hand on his belly to connect with his own youngling, as he imagined the anguish of the birth parent as they hoped for a safe delivery.
“Jun, did you hear me?” Sho was worried by Jun’s blank gaze. He stroked Jun’s cheek in an attempt to bring him back to himself. “Pet?”
Jun blinked and saw that Sho and Nino were looking at him expectantly. “I’m sorry, Sho. My brain feels scrambled right now, and I’m so very tired.”
“Did you hear anything that I just said?” Sho repeated slowly. “About you suffering from anaemia?”
“Anaemia?” Jun snapped back into full awareness, and his heart fluttered again. “Will it harm our youngling?”
“Shun told me that if you drink at least one litre of the new enriched synthetic blood per day, and eat the foods on the list he gave me, it will greatly benefit you,” Nino said calmly. “You two stay here while I fetch the food for you.”
This slightly evasive answer wasn't sufficient for Jun. He jumped to his feet and turned to Sho and looked at him beseechingly. “Sho?”
Sho eased Jun back down onto the chair. “I’m sure that if there was any immediate danger to our youngling, Oguri-sensei would have ordered your immediate admission to his hospital.”
Jun remained unconvinced, and his distress was palpable as Sho pressed the glass of blood into his hand and encouraged him to drink. As he forced down another mouthful his phone rang.
When Sho caught sight of Satsohi’s name on the screen, he braced himself for the inevitable. Despite their weakened bond, Jun’s older brother had clearly sensed that all was not well with Jun. Sho just hoped that this time, Satoshi would not see him as the cause of this distress and act accordingly.
****
It appeared though that Sho’s fears were unfounded. After Sho had told him the code to open the gate, Satoshi had parked next to Sho’s car and calmly entered the house. Jun had clung to him like a limpet for a few moments before Satoshi had gently disentangled himself and encouraged him to finish the glass of blood.
Nino came through with a platter of food and began placing the various dishes down on the table. He took particular care that a large plate of barely seared liver was directly in front of Jun. “You should start with that. It is a particular recommendation of Shun’s.”
As he turned to go and bring the rest of the food, he glared at Satoshi and Sho and said, “You two, keep your hands off that. It is just for Jun.”
The menace in his stance was greatly reduced by his frilly apron, but still strong enough to make Satoshi snatch his hand away from the dish and help himself to some rice instead.
Once the rest of the food had been distributed, Nino took a seat and placed a glass of synthetic blood in front of himself. “Eat before it gets cold.”
Satoshi and Sho didn’t need to be told twice; they happily munched on the surprisingly tasty food prepared by Nino. All of the foods were high in iron, including a rather delicious beef and spinach stir fry.
Jun looked down at the plate in front of him which contained the liver. It was almost completely raw, and leaking red juices onto the plate. Sho and Satoshi held their breath and watched out of the corner of their eyes as they waited to see if he would eat. Since he had been bred Jun had constantly struggled to find foods which he could stomach even after his morning sickness abated, and they worried that he would reject the iron rich food which he so desperately needed.
Determined to follow Shun’s instructions, Nino felt no need to be subtle. “Eat up, your Royal Highness. If you would prefer not to chew it, I can always toss it in the blender for you and make it into a smoothie.”
To everyone's surprise, Jun actually looked as if was considering the offer for a moment, before shaking his head. “Actually, that sounds delicious, but since you’ve cooked it so beautifully, I’d rather eat it as is.”
The ferrous odour of the beef liver made Jun’s mouth water, and his fangs drop down. As he picked up a slice of liver and placed it on his tongue, his eyes closed and he hummed with pleasure and savoured the taste. His fangs gleamed as he rapidly gulped down the entire plateful, darting out his tongue to catch any stray morsels.
Even Nino sat in stunned silence as they watched Jun devour the liver. When the plate was empty, Jun helped himself to a bowl of rice and topped it with some of the beef and spinach dish. He looked over at Nino and held out the empty plate which had contained the liver. “Is there more?”
“Definitely,” Nino replied with a grin.
****
Jun yawned widely and his eyelids drooped as he struggled to stay awake. He put down his chopsticks and pushed away the empty plate which had contained his second helping of beef liver.
“I need to get you back to the apartment and into bed,” Sho said as he brushed his fingers across the back of Jun’s neck.
Jun nodded sleepily and leaned his head back against Sho’s palm, before a thought struck him. “Do we even have a bed? Are you sure that it isn't in a moving van somewhere?”
That was something which Sho hadn't considered, but perhaps Jun was right; the chances were high that their furniture was in limbo somewhere. “In that case I will book us into a hotel.”
“I can't permit that. There isn't enough time to arrange the appropriate security coverage,” Nino said firmly.
Satoshi rose from his place at the table and held out his hand to Jun. “In that case, you will return home with me. You can sleep in your old room until the furniture has been delivered. There is nowhere more secure.”
“But what about Sho? Are you inviting him too?” Jun was instantly wide awake as he braced himself for the inevitable argument.
But Satoshi merely hesitated for the briefest of moments before acquiescing to Jun’s demands. “Of course I meant the two of you. It is bad for the health of a breeding vampire to be separated from their mate for any length of time.”
As Jun accepted Satoshi’s hand to assist him out of the chair, he could see that Nino and Sho looked apprehensive about the arrangement, but he was far too exhausted to care.
****
Sho closed the bedroom door and stepped out to where Satoshi was waiting. “He was asleep before his head hit the pillow.”
“I know that the sun has already risen, but would you have a drink with me? I have a bottle of whiskey I’ve been wanting to try, and cake,” Satoshi offered.
“I’d like that. I don’t think I can sleep anyway; I am too worried about Jun.”
Satoshi nodded and led Sho down the hallway to his suite of rooms. “I can sense that he isn't feeling well, and it disturbs me; I can only imagine as his mate how much pain it causes you.”
For the first time, Satoshi led Sho through his office and into his bedroom where he spent most of his time. As well as the bed, there was a desk and swivel chair in the corner, and two comfortable chairs with a low table in between. What surprised Sho the most about the space was the colourful abstract painting which took up almost the entire wall opposite the bed. The swirls of blue fascinated Sho, and after a few minutes he realized that the painting gave him the impression that he was floating on a calm blue ocean looking up at a sky filled with fluffy white clouds. The artwork didn't fit into his impression of Satoshi. It seemed as if he didn't know him at all.
Satoshi handed Sho a cut crystal glass half filled with a deep amber liquid, and followed Sho’s line of sight. “After a day spent dealing with my father, I need to look at something calming.”
Jun had told Sho of his life as a young vampling, and the harshness of King Matsumoto, but he had not expected Satoshi, as the heir to the Royal Family, to be treated with similar disdain. “Dare I say, your father makes mine seem like an angel?”
“I think that he somehow blames Jun and I for the condition of our mother, especially Jun, since his birth weakened her considerably,” Satoshi said with a sigh. “But if anyone is to blame, then it is our father; he is the type of dominant vampire who barely permits his mate to breathe without his express permission.”
For the first time, Sho felt as if he was gaining an insight into the true depth of Jun and Satoshi’s relationship; it was obvious that without his older brother’s protection, Jun’s vamplinghood would have been unbearable.
After taking a sip of the excellent whiskey, Satoshi continued, “That is why I was so apprehensive about Jun’s mating. After seeing what it did to our mother, I feared that Jun would suffer the same fate. Our mother is like a ghost who haunts the dark corners of the house; rarely seen except from the corner of your eye.”
“So it wasn’t because you hate me in particular?” Sho asked with a slight smile.
A matching smile slowly spread across Satoshi’s usually impassive face. “As much as would like to blame you, I suppose I would have hated anyone who took my brother away from me.”
Feeling emboldened by the delicious whiskey, Sho asked, “Is your parent’s mateship the reason why you have never considered taking a mate yourself?”
“Partly, but it is mostly because I haven’t yet met the one whom I can see myself spending an eternity. You and Jun are lucky in that respect.” Satoshi stood up and went over to the small refrigerator in the corner. He took out a cake box and cut two slices from the rectangular cake which was coated with a glossy dark chocolate ganache. “I suppose that my mother’s mental state led me to assume that Jun is much weaker than he actually is.”
“I know the feeling,” Sho replied. “Even after the incident with Matsuoka where he fought so hard to protect us, I still see his fragility first. I try hard not to smother him, but it is a struggle, especially while he carries my youngling.”
After placing the cake onto two small plates, Satoshi handed one to Sho along with a fork, and resumed his seat. He took a thoughtful sip of his drink as Sho admired his piece of ultra-dark chocolate cake. “When you told me that Jun had been bred, I said some truly inexcusable things to him, and yet he forgave me. I think that is when I realized that he was much stronger than I had always believed him to be. I now know that it was your love for each other which gave him that strength and belief in himself.”
“You’re talking like an old man again. Exactly how much of that whiskey have you drunk?”
Sho and Satoshi swivelled their heads around and saw Jun standing in the doorway. His face was pale and still tinged with yellow, but he was smiling.
Satoshi opened his mouth with the intention of chastising Jun for being out of bed, but at the last second he filled it with a forkful of cake. Even though he would have to constantly remind himself to bite his tongue, he resolved to stop treating Jun like a vampling and to allow him to make his own decisions, even if he thought they were unwise.
As Jun’s mate Sho had no such qualms, and he half rose from the armchair with the intention of ushering Jun back to bed. But before he could do so, Jun spotted the cake and immediately shuffled over and plopped himself down on Sho’s lap, effectively pinning him in place.
“I swear that I could smell that cake in my sleep.” Jun wriggled around to make himself comfortable and picked up Sho’s slice of cake and gave a deep sniff.
“Are you sure that you should be eating cake?” Sho looked sadly at the cake he hadn’t even had a chance to taste yet, being appropriated by his mate.
Jun cut the corner off the slice with the edge of the fork and waggled it under Sho’s nose. “It is made from dark chocolate, and according to Shun’s notes, dark chocolate contains iron so it is practically medicinal.”
Satoshi laughed and went to fetch Sho another piece of cake.
Jun leaned back against his chest and Satoshi handed him a new plate, and for the very first time, Sho felt like part of their family.
****
Jun was still in bed when Shun-sensei made his house call at eight o’clock the next evening, only waking when the doctor gently touched his wrist to take his pulse. There was only one thought in his head, as he sat up abruptly. “Did you deliver the twins? Did everything work out well?”
Shun smiled and pulled out his phone. He turned the screen towards Jun, showing him a photograph of two vamplings laying together in a tangle of tiny limbs. “As expected of twins they are a little smaller than average, but they don't appear to have competed with each other in their sacs. In fact, they are pretty much inseparable. I pity their future mates.”
Blinking back a tear at the sight of the twins, Jun relaxed back against his pillow, and looked around the room, searching for Sho. “Sho and Satoshi are permitting you to examine me without either of them hovering in the background?”
After looking over his shoulder, to confirm that they were indeed alone, Shun grinned and nodded. “They both looked desperate to be here, but then they exchanged a look and mumbled something about chocolate cake and disappeared down the corridor.”
Jun felt as if a weight was lifted from his shoulders as he burst into relieved laughter. His wish for Satoshi and Sho becoming friends was finally coming true. The laughter stopped abruptly as his chest began to hurt and he had trouble catching his breath.
Immediately Shun moved closer and assisted him to sit up straighter. “Take a couple of nice deep breaths.”
Closing his eyes helped to stop the room from spinning and soon Jun was able to breathe normally. “Is this because of the anaemia?”
Shun nodded. “I was just about to explain the symptoms to you and check if you have been experiencing any of them.”
He picked up his tablet computer and brought up Jun’s records, before handed him a leaflet listing potential indicators of iron deficient anaemia.
Jun looked at the list with dismay:
Fatigue.
Weakness.
Pale or yellowish skin.
Irregular heartbeats.
Shortness of breath.
Dizziness or light headedness.
Chest pain.
Cold hands and feet.
“You don’t have to explain them to me,” Jun said tiredly. “Do I win some sort of prize if I have them all?”
Shun’s face creased up in sympathy. “Unfortunately it is quite common in vampire pregnancies, due to our reliance on blood, and the particular requirements of unborn vamplings. Humans are simply administered iron supplements to correct the levels, but they are toxic to vampires.”
“Please tell me that I won’t have to be on bed rest,” Jun pleaded.
“Of course not. Although you will have to adjust your diet, as per the instructions I left with Nino. I must warn you however, until your iron levels increase, you will lack the energy to do too much anyway. Regular intercourse with Sho-sama is still essential though.”
Jun gathered his courage and asked a question he had been too afraid to ask. “Will it affect my youngling? Is there a chance of miscarriage?”
Before Shun could answer, loud hisses came from the other side of the bedroom door, and Sho and Satoshi rushed into the room.
They took a guarding stance on either side of the bed and glared at the doctor, who hid a smile behind his tablet.
Jun gratefully clutched their hands and waited for Shun’s reply. To everyone's great relief, he shook his head before he replied. “At this time your vampling is in no danger.”
Satoshi relaxed and carefully released his hand from Jun’s grip, while looking slightly ashamed. “I apologise for barging in like that.”
“I’m glad that you did. I was terrified that the news was going to be bad.” Rather than being angry, Jun looked gratefully at his brother. “Giving me space doesn’t mean that you aren’t allowed to care.”
Satoshi nodded and headed towards the door. As he drew level with Shun, he turned and said, “I have cake and some rather excellent coffee, if you have a few minutes to spare.”
“Sounds like just the pick-me-up that I need to get me through my shift at the hospital,” Shun replied happily. “I will visit you again in a week, but please ring me before then if you have any concerns.”
“Thank you Sensei, for always taking such good care of Jun,” Sho replied formally. “Hopefully we will be in our new house by then. I will text you the address once we relocate.”
****
“I take it that you heard everything while you were lurking behind the door, so there is no need for me to repeat anything.” Jun fixed his mate with a steely glare.
Sho smirked back at him. “Yes, thank you.”
Jun was too relieved about the wellbeing of his youngling to be properly annoyed with his mate. He patted the mattress, and invited Sho to join him. “I was impressed that the two of you were able to restrain yourselves for as long as you did. It seems as if you are finally learning. However, by way of apology I expect you to bring me another piece of that dark chocolate cake.”
“I drew blood from biting my lip so hard in an effort to remain quiet,” Sho replied with a small pout.
“My poor mate,” Jun crooned. He kissed Sho’s lip tenderly, before nipping at his mouth hard enough to draw blood.
Sho growled, and his eyes flared as he pinned Jun down to the mattress. “I also heard the part about the importance of intercourse.”
“Fine,” Jun said with an exaggerated sigh. “First we have sex and then you bring me the cake.”
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Date: 2021-04-29 08:29 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-04-29 09:11 am (UTC)And while Nino undertakes dangerous duties, he wouldn't risk taking a mate, although there is a certain vampire who he gets along with rather well.
no subject
Date: 2021-04-29 09:34 am (UTC)And Nino does? He seems to be only around Satoshi and Jun XD