Colour Me Blood Red

I'm pretty sure the pool shoving scene was all Yuuki-san ...thank her for putting ideas into my already over-loaded brain. See what happens when you influence me?

I like Atobe, shut up.

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CHAPTER 30

Street lights bounced off the dark windows and reflected the interior of the car back at Tezuka. He had no idea why he was on his way to Atobe’s mansion. He had to bargain with the Master for the entrances to their underworld, but for some reason Atobe refused to do it over the phone.

Unfortunately, Atobe as only half the problem, he still had to bargain with Sanada. He needed both to agree, because if once said yes, while the other said no, he still wouldn’t be able to get the entrances.

He spent the entire drive steeling his nerves; he had no idea what Atobe wanted. Bargaining with Atobe was like bargaining with Fuji, it could go absolutely any way. Even ways a normal person wouldn’t think – it made them impossible to predict, and impossible to prepare for.

He pulled into the dark driveway late at night, or early in the morning, depending on how one looked at it. To a Vampire it was only about noon. He parked in front of the large entrance and a butler scurried out to take his car keys. Eyeing the small hunched man curiously he handed him his keys and followed his pointed finger to the door.

The doors opened before he could get there and the small Shape-shifter that had been with Kikumaru when Atobe was originally attacked peeked around the door. He rubbed his eyes with a knuckle and yawned. When his blurry eyes focused on Tezuka they snapped opened and cleared instantly.

“It’s you! You’re here!” He bounced on his toes and clapped.

Tezuka tried his best to hide his shock; from half asleep to hyper in seconds, he wasn’t sure if that was miraculous or frightening. “Ah, I believe Atobe is expecting me?”

The little Shape-shifter nodded excitedly, “he’s expecting Tezuka-san!”

Tezuka wasn’t sure if he liked being referred to like he wasn’t standing right there.

The blond opened the double doors the whole way and ushered Tezuka inside, “he’s waiting in the library!”

He led Tezuka through a maze of hallways until they found the Vampire outside what Tezuka assumed was the library. Atobe was leaning casually against the wall outside of the library, arms crossed across his stomach with his head back against the dark wallpaper.

Tezuka placed his hand on the Shape-shifters shoulder to get his attention before he scampered off, “sorry, I didn’t get your name?”

“Akutagawa Jirou, just call me Jirou!” His smile was almost blinding.

Tezuka nodded and let him go, Jirou disappeared around a corner down the hall. He approached Atobe and was about to ask him why he was waiting out in the hall when he noticed the cracked door. A loud moan crept from the room and Tezuka looked around Atobe to peer in.

Shishido Ryou looked up and met Tezuka’s eyes from his sprawl over the desk. Otori Choutarou was arched over his back, nails digging into the wood as he thrust into the smaller Hunter. Shishido dropped his gaze before letting out another loud moan, back arching.

Tezuka stepped back from the doorway and frowned at Atobe.

The Master rolled his eyes, “what? They know I’m here!”

Tezuka’s frown deepened.

Atobe rolled his eyes again, “stop looking at me like that Tezuka, you know I’m an Incubus.”

Tezuka’s frown turned into a confused blink.

Atobe sighed in frustration, humans can be so dense, “I’m feeding!”

“I thought you could only feed when it was you having sex …”

Atobe tilted his head, “well, technically yes, but I’m feeding through Otori, and he’s having sex …so …”

Otori pulled Shishido’s hips further away from the desk when he heard the smaller male grunt in pain. He didn’t really want to take him over the desk, but it was getting harder and harder to deny Shishido.

Shishido raked his nails down the desk and rolled his hips. Otori leaned over his back and chuckled into his ear, “your turn.” Keeping Shishido locked to him he hooked his foot into the chair and sat back, bringing the other Hunter with him.

Shishido cried out in shock when he was pulled off of the desk, causing Otori to drive into him at a different angle. When his partner hit the chair he was driven in even deeper, screaming in a mixture of shock and pleasure. Using the desk as leverage he started to ride the taller male. He looked up in time to catch Tezuka watching them again.

“That must mean …” Tezuka glanced over his shoulder to the Vampire

“Yes, Otori shares my blood.” Atobe nodded. “Shishido came to me a few years ago because his boyfriend was dying. The only way to save him was my blood, and in return, I could have his life. When Otori woke up and heard the bargain Shishido and I had struck, he countered with one of his own. Not wanting to live without Shishido he bargained his life for both of their servitude.” Atobe shrugged, “two Hunters in my service is better than a dead one.”

Tezuka sighed, so that was why Shishido and Otori left the Organization without warning. Shishido was as stubborn and bullheaded as the best; it wasn’t in his character to work for a Vampire, especially not one like Atobe. When it came to a loved one, even a Hunter like Shishido would sacrifice his pride.

Otori wrapped his hand around Shishido’s waist and gripped his erection. The Hunter cried out, hands clutching the desk until his knuckles turned white. He collapsed against the wood when Otori’s large hand started to pump him. Panting heavily, he spread his legs as wide as he could and leaned back against Otori’s chest. Otori’s opposite hand weaved under his shirt to caress his stomach and chest. His thin hips swiveled in Otori’s lap as moans and whimpers fell from his lips.

With a final squeeze Shishido threw himself over the desk and came. His internal muscles clenched as he bucked his hips, bringing the other Hunter off. Otori’s fingers dug into his thighs and he threw his head back, silver curls matted to his forehead with sweat.

Atobe let out a gasp as he was trying to finish his explanation, hands flying to the wall to keep his balance. Dark eyes widened in shock, pale lips parted. A flush grew on his porcelain skin.

It took a few moments for the Master to compose himself. “Oh my,” he cleared his throat and straightened his immaculate clothing. “That caught me off guard, I apologize for that.” Atobe gestured for Tezuka to follow him, “I believe you are here to bargain for the entrances.” He cleared his throat again and fanned himself while rustling his shirt.

It was about time. “That is correct.” Now what was his problem?

“And why should I give them to you?” Atobe crossed his arms, his sharp eyes snapping to Tezuka. “I thought there were already some who knew how to get in there?”

“There are, but there are too many places and not enough of their team. He can also only get in so far.” He followed a few paces behind Atobe, wondering where the Vampire was leading him.

“And you absolutely need to go here? You have exhausted all other methods?”

“We have. Every time we start to find something out, it either dries up or we lose it. We need to find what these Vampires are doing, and it’s not exactly like I can ask the humans if they’ve heard anything.”

Atobe nodded, “true, but that doesn’t tell me why you need into our underworld.” He pushed open the double glass patio doors that led into the large backyard.

Tezuka paused at the doors before following, why the hell did Atobe want to go outside? “They have been spotted in the dance clubs and bars, but never out in the open where my Hunters can go without being out of place. I need to get my Hunters around the Vampires to know if anyone is talking about these strangers. Hell, even to have the chance of crossing one themselves. If they are planning something, we won’t find out hiding in the offices. Shiraishi has tried, as have the Shape-shifters and Were’s, but they can’t cover as much as all my Hunters could. If I could pair a few of my Hunters with your Vampires and Sanada’s Vampires, I could get them in without anyone getting suspicious. We could get information on Akutsu and his crew, perhaps talk to someone who knows who he is working with.”

“So not only do you need my cooperation with finding the entrances, but you also need my Vampires.” Atobe continued through the backyard, following a white brick pathway to a large swimming pool.

The pool reflected the sliver of the moon, crystalline waters rippling in the breeze. Trees were clustered around one edge of the pool, blocking its view from the fence surrounding the property. Paparazzi were a bitch this time of the year.

“…Correct.” Tezuka hated to admit it, but he really needed the Vampires for this. “What is it that you want? You said you would not give me the entrances for nothing.”

Atobe stopped at the edge of the pool, looking down into the waters. “That is correct.” He turned slowly to face Tezuka, dark eyes no more than slits as his gaze slid over the Hunter. “What do you think it is that I want?”

Fucking games. “More Hunters?”

“I have enough guards.”

“I have no territory to give you …”

“I have enough territory.”

Tezuka frowned; he was running out of ideas, what would please Atobe?

The Vampire stalked closer, hips swaying. He circled Tezuka, close enough to reach out and touch. “You know what you can bargain with …I want neither money, nor property …” he circled around to Tezuka’s opposite side, fingertips trailing up Tezuka’s arm, “not warriors, nor blood …”

Realization dawned on Tezuka, Atobe was forcing him to use himself as a bargaining tool. “Sex.”

A wide grin broke across the Masters face, “how much are you willing to sacrifice for your men?” He slipped his hands under the collar of Tezuka’s jacket and slipped it down his arms. He tossed it onto a patio chair behind him and continued to circle the Hunter. “Your pride?” His shoulder holster was slipped off next and tossed back with his jacket. “Your life?”

Tezuka grabbed Atobe’s wrist when it went for his belt, “I would die for them, but not until I know they are safe.”

Atobe licked his lips, “what if I wanted to make you one of us? I ask again, how much are you willing to sacrifice for them?” He leaned in close and let his breath trail over Tezuka’s neck. He was the same height as the Hunter so getting to his neck took a mere tilt of the head. Tezuka’s pulse fluttered under his pale skin and Atobe pressed his mouth to the curve of his throat.

Would he go that far for them? Would he become what he hated?

No.

“No, that would help neither them nor you. We both know I am far too powerful as is, as a Vampire I could take over both your and Sanada’s territory.”

Atobe chuckled darkly, “arrogant brat aren’t you.”

“You’re not denying it.” Tezuka watched Atobe out of the corner of his eye. He wasn't one hundred percent sure he would be that powerful as a Vampire, but if it could distract Atobe out of sex, he'd bluff a little bit.

Atobe stepped back and glared at the Hunter, “we’d be stupid to make you a Vampire, I’m not denying that, but I highly doubt you’d be able to take both Sanada and myself!”

“And I’m arrogant?” As soon as the words left his mouth Tezuka found himself falling backwards. The cold water of the pool hit his back before he realized that Atobe had shoved him.

Atobe had shoved him into the pool?

What was he? Four?

The cold water enveloped him and when his feet hit the bottom he straightened, the water was shallow enough that he could stand and keep his head above it. He coughed and spluttered water, trying to catch his breath. He had inhaled on impact out of shock and swallowed about half the pool. “You pushed me!” He wiped water out of his eyes and realized his glasses were gone. “Shit! Where are my glasses!?”

He wasn’t sure, but it looked like Atobe was squatting at the edge of the pool dangling something out to him. He swam to where he assumed the edge was, and after patting around cautiously he found the rim.

“You really are blind!” Atobe laughed.

Nice of him to find it so funny.

“It’s heated, you won’t get hypothermia.”

The water was warm after you got over the initial shock. Tezuka reached up for his glasses and bumped Atobe’s hand by accident, well, at least he knew where he was now.

The Vampire chuckled and waved his hand, making his glasses sway in his grip.

Getting really sick of the Master’s smug chuckle Tezuka bumped his hand again in a ruse of grabbing his glasses and twisted his hand to grab his wrist. With a quick tug he knocked Atobe off balance, causing him to fall into the pool.

Atobe cried out in shock before he found himself spluttering water beside Tezuka. Pushing his glasses back into place Tezuka grinned down at the Vampire who was now treading water.

“That wasn’t funny.” Atobe pouted.

“It was funny when I was the only one here …”

Atobe pouted again, wiping his hair back out of his face. Tezuka tilted his head, he never really noticed how pretty the Vampire actually was. The water clung to his pale skin and dark hair, catching the light from the flood lights to illuminate each individual drop. Atobe was anything but feminine; the lines of his face were too sharp, but he somehow managed to look elegant. He was beautiful in a strangely masculine way.

“You’re staring at me,” Atobe ran his fingers through his hair again. Apparently the first time wasn’t good enough.

“I never realized how beautiful you were before.” The personality’s kind of a turn off though.

Atobe’s eyes widened in shock, “oh!” He regained his composure immediately, slipping back into his Master of the City arrogance, “it’s about time you noticed.”

It was a slip, a quick view into another side of the Vampire. Was he like that before he became a Vampire, before he became a Master? An almost childlike innocence was hidden behind his arrogance, it made him almost endearing. Almost.

Atobe pushed through the water to stand in front of Tezuka, “you’re thinking too hard.”

Tezuka chuckled, so he was. He shifted uncomfortably, clothing never felt heavy until it was wet. Atobe noticed his shift and grinned.

“Clothes are quite uncomfortable to wear in the water, here.” He unbuttoned the Hunters shirt and helped peel it off his shoulders; his under shirt was the next to go. Tezuka lifted his arms so Atobe could pull the soaked shirt over his head, the material clinging. Both garments were tossed onto the deck behind them.

Tezuka returned the favor and helped Atobe out of his shirt; it was only fair after all. The collar of the shirt was laced up, as were the wrists. The white material had become transparent in the water, the pale tone of Atobe’s skin showing through where it clung to his chest. His shirt was tossed over Tezuka’s shoulder, landing in a heap with the rest.

Atobe’s hands slid down Tezuka’s chest to disappear under the water that lapped around mid-chest. He found his belt and quickly un-looped it, letting the weight of the jeans pull themselves down.

“I’ll get that,” He whispered, bending over to dip under the water.

He disappeared under the clear water and Tezuka started to feel just a little uncomfortable. Vampires didn’t need to breathe to survive, only to talk. Breathing was more of a habit from when they were alive. That meant Atobe could stay under the water for as long as he liked, and the way his hands slowly drifted up Tezuka’s bare thighs, he would probably be under for a while. Thin fingers hooked into his boxers, and like his pants, were dropped to his ankles.

Atobe surfaced and threw the remaining clothing onto the deck. Tezuka noticed a second pair of pants in the heap that went past his shoulder and realized Atobe had stripped himself while under the water.

The Vampire pressed against his front, mouth seeking out the droplets of water trailing down his neck. Tezuka ran his hands up Atobe’s back as the Vampire rolled his hips against him. He wasn’t too keen on having sex in the pool, so if Atobe was going to take him he was going to try and lure him onto the deck instead. He’d never bottomed to another man before and didn’t really want this to be his first try …but for his Hunters he’d swallow his pride.

Atobe’s mouth followed the curve of his collar bone to the hollow of his throat. Sharp teeth pressed against the soft skin of his neck and Tezuka hissed in surprise.

“Don’t bite me,” he tightened his grip on Atobe’s hips.

The Vampire chuckled, “I don’t like the taste of Hunters anyway.” He leaned away from Tezuka, arching his back to press his hips forward more.

Tezuka let his hands travel as far down Atobe’s thighs as he could reach and then trailed them back up to grip his backside. The Vampire’s breath came out in a sigh, his eyes fluttering closed. Dark brows arched as a thought struck Tezuka; was Atobe offering to bottom? Testing his theory he spread him and slid a finger inside. Atobe moaned deep in his throat, hands running up Tezuka’s arms to wrap around his neck.

Tezuka couldn’t keep the surprise out of his face.

Atobe chuckled, “it’s been a long time since I’ve found a man strong enough to dominate me.” He rolled his hips suggestively.

Oh …OH. Tezuka pressed in a second finger and Atobe threw his head back. “Right here?”

It was Atobe’s turn to raise an eyebrow.

“Right here? In the pool?”

Confusion turned into a wicked grin as Atobe nodded, “it doesn’t really matter if chlorine gets inside of me …”

He did have a point …

Atobe gripped his arms and spun them both around, putting his own back against the rim of the pool. He was getting impatient and made it clear with a tight squeeze between Tezuka’s legs.

Tezuka frowned at the Vampire, pushy bastard. The water made it easier for him to lift Atobe; the Vampire braced his elbows on the deck and wrapped his legs around Tezuka’s waist. The Hunter roughly pressed his fingers back inside of him and Atobe threw his head back and moaned. Tezuka leaned forward and latched his mouth to the curve of Atobe’s throat, teeth grazing his adam’s apple. With a gasp the Vampire thrust his hips forward, deep voice high as he keened impatiently.

Tezuka couldn’t disguise his chuckle, with noises like that he was more inclined to tease the Vampire for the rest of the night.

Atobe’s head snapped forward and he glared at Tezuka, “make it worth my time, or I won’t agree to giving you the entrances.”

Tezuka frowned and in the blink of an eye he lined himself up with Atobe’s entrance and slammed in. The Vampire threw himself back and screamed, hands scrambling at the wet tiles. His knees rose out of the water, feet pressing to the backs of Tezuka’s thighs.

“Was that worth your time?” Tezuka growled into his ear.

Atobe shivered, he was right in assuming Tezuka was dominating enough, “we’ll see …” he teased.

Tightening his grip on Atobe’s backside he spread him further and pulled out, thrusting his hips forward to slam back in. The jolt from his body splashed water around them, wetting the tiles further. Atobe’s arms slipped as he tried to stay propped up on the deck. This wasn’t working.

“Wait!” He gasped, hand on Tezuka’s chest. “Let me down.”

Tezuka slowly pulled out and let Atobe unhook his legs to stand. Atobe turned around and leaned over the edge of the pool, he was getting tired of having his spine smacked against the rim. Tezuka took the hint and spread him with one hand while the other guided himself back in. He transferred his hands back to Atobe’s hips and resumed his pace.

Atobe cried out every time Tezuka slammed into him, they both rocked their hips trying to get comfortable. Tezuka managed the right angle when Atobe snapped his hips back and a piercing scream was ripped from his throat.

Tezuka leaned over his back and chuckled, rocking his hips up to repeatedly hit the same spot. Atobe squirmed and thrashed under the press of his body. The Hunter braced himself on the rim with one hand, the other reaching around Atobe’s waist. The Master batted his hand away so Tezuka braced both hands on either side of him instead, using the power in his shoulders as well as his legs to drive himself forward.

Atobe’s cries were frantic, punctuated by either a curse or an exclamation of pleasure. He was thankful for his Vampire blood; if he had been human Tezuka might have broken something.

Atobe twisted enough to push Tezuka away again.

“What now?” Tezuka growled, trying to pull Atobe back to himself.

The Vampire laughed, hopping out of the pool. He laid down on the deck and spread his legs, crooking his finger to Tezuka. The Hunter need no more encouragement and hopped out of the pool after Atobe. He dropped to his knees between his parted legs, lifting Atobe’s hips. The Vampire sat up to wrap his arms around his neck, pulling him down for their first kiss. Tezuka pushed back into Atobe’s body while their mouths worked together, moans whispered against lips. Atobe’s hands raked down his back and continued to his backside where he gripped tightly. His fingers drove into skin as Tezuka's muscles flexed with each thrust.

The tiles were hard on his knees; he could only imagine how hard they were on Atobe’s back. He tilted the Vampire’s hips up higher to change their angle. Atobe arched, nails scratching back up to his shoulders. Feet ran up the backs of Tezuka’s thighs as he raised his knees, spreading himself further. He palmed Tezuka’s chest to put space between them so he could look down the length of their bodies to watch Tezuka sliding into him. The Hunter’s hazel eyes followed his and they both watched as he was penetrated. With a thin finger to his chin, Atobe tilted Tezuka’s face back up and captured him in another kiss. He purposely pricked his tongue on one of his fangs, spreading his blood between the two of them.

The warm copper filled his mouth and unknown to every party involved, tendrils of Kirihara’s rage had remained trapped to him. The blood enticed that rage and his own blood lust and he pierced his own tongue on Atobe’s teeth. His fingers broke skin as his hands tensed, an inner strength seemed to give him a second wind and he increased his pace and speed.

Atobe cried out and clung to him, it was all he could do. He could almost taste the rage like a perfume in the air. What was going on?

Teeth sank into his collar, nearly tearing straight through to bone and Atobe screamed. His scream seemed to fuel Tezuka more and the Hunter pulled out and pushed him to his side. Atobe spread his legs eagerly, knee against Tezuka’s chest as the Hunter drove back into him. The angle was completely different and Atobe cried out. Tezuka moved his leg to hook over his shoulder as he swung his hips forward, with this angle he couldn’t get his mouth to Atobe. Somehow it felt wrong, almost like his mouth was lonely, missing something.

Atobe was close, too close, he never came first! “Tezuka!” He keened.

The Hunter growled, leaning forward enough to force Atobe’s legs further apart. The Vampire’s shoulder was rubbed raw from the grout between the tiles, as was his hip.

He was going to come! But Tezuka wasn’t even close. He couldn’t have that! How dare an Incubus become victim to his own game!

Atobe clenched tight around Tezuka and the Hunter cried out, hips spasming. He then reached out with his powers, his energy, he felt Tezuka twitch inside of him and soon they were both screaming their climax.

With his energy reaching out he caught glimpses of what he had been looking for for weeks, but couldn’t figure out how to get past Tezuka’s shields to find. Tezuka had been more withdrawn than usual; a dark cloud seemed to follow him wherever he went. Atobe was tired of waiting for the Hunter to either weaken his shields, or swallow his pride and just tell him. No one ever said he was a patient man.

Mixed images of his Hunters; he knew what was happening at the Organization, that wasn’t new. He flipped through his memories like files in a cabinet, trying to locate what he needed before Tezuka’s shields snapped back into place.

Fear. Blood. Rage.

He found it.

Through Tezuka’s own eyes he saw the Hunter Kirihara Akaya pinned to the ground as he thrust into him. His mind was screaming that he was abusing, raping, one of his Hunters yet neither could stop what was happening. The little Hunter screamed and thrashed, his fighting only turned him on more. Kirihara screamed in frustration, it wasn’t fast enough, hard enough.

“Tezuka-san, I seem to remember taking off my own pants. Neither of us know what the fuck just happened, so as far as I’m concerned, we’re both victims …I’m just the one that got the short end of the stick.”

What?

Tezuka’s shields flew back into place, effectively knocking him out. The Hunter pulled out of him so quickly it caught him off guard. Atobe cried out, body spasming.

“What the fuck was that about?!” Tezuka rocked back on his heels, hatred burning in his eyes.

Atobe sighed, propping his head in his hand, “something’s been bothering you but you won’t tell me and I can’t get past your shields.”

“So you seduce me to get my shields down and then mind-fuck me?” Tezuka climbed to his feet, staggering as his legs cramped. He was getting too old for this shit. He tried to untangle his wet clothing from the pile but Atobe threw a robe at him. The terry-cloth smacked into his face, knocking his glasses askew. Pulling it off of his head he turned and threw the full force of his glare at the Vampire.

“Wear that while your clothing is dried.” Atobe shrugged into his own robe.

“I’m not waiting,” he spat.

Atobe rolled his eyes, “stop being a child!”

“You had no right to invade my mind like that!” Atobe had seen what he did to Kirihara. “There’s a reason why I shield so tightly!”

Atobe sighed dramatically, “will you shut up for a second!”

Tezuka shut his mouth but continued to glare.

“I know what happened between you and Kirihara …I know what caused it,” Atobe quietly explained.

Tezuka’s eyes widened in shock, what!? “How?"

Atobe snorted, “I’ve been around for a while Tezuka, I’ve seen a lot. You’re not the first one this has happened to.”

Tezuka’s eyes narrowed, “explain.”

“Your blood recognized Kirihara, when he threw his rage at you it sparked your similar blood. That is why you both blacked out yet your bodies continued to act on their own. It would have continued to build, and without some way to release it you both could have been in physical danger. The sex part was a little new, but I guess that was just how it decided to come through. Your bodies needed to release that pent up energy, and,” Atobe waved his hands, “that’s how it let it out. I’ve seen people turn into murderers because of their blood.”

That explained a lot, but, “similar blood? The one that bit me was old, extremely old.”

“He was the one that made Yukimura, actually.”

Tezuka’s eyes widened in shock, “what? How?” he was starting to repeat himself, his eyes were getting tired from widening and narrowing repeatedly.

“The council knows everyone’s …family tree, so to speak. They follow their lines to keep track of us. He made Yukimura, Yukimura made Sanada, and Sanada shared blood with Kirihara …in a round about way you two share the same blood.” Atobe shrugged “the Ancient is still around apparently, but he has disappeared. The council is pretty sure he isn’t dead, but no one really knows.”

A butler had collected their wet clothing while they were talking, leaving the things in Tezuka’s pockets on a cast iron glass table.

Tezuka checked his wallet, everything was soaked. “After everything, I hope you have decided if you’re going to tell me where the entrances are or not?” He just wanted to get his stuff and get the hell out of there.

Atobe nodded, “I will. But you have to discuss that with Sanada before I am able to or not. If he agrees, then we’ll be able to give you the directions to the entrances and lend you the help of my Vampires.”

Tomorrow, tomorrow he would talk to Sanada. Now, he just wanted to go home. First thing in the morning he was going to the police station to figure out what to do about the leak. Someone he was supposed to trust leaked information that got some of his Hunters killed. That was unforgivable.

Atobe had the butler bring his freshly dried and pressed clothing back so he could leave. It would be light in a few hours; that only gave him a very short amount of time to get some sleep. Not that he actually slept anymore. Every time he closed his eyes he saw bodies, bodies of his Hunters, his friends, his family. Why hadn’t he saved them? Why couldn’t he protect them?

The doctor said he had post traumatic stress disorder. Inui just told him he was the head of an organization that exterminated man-eating monsters so of course he had nightmares. Made sense. Any other doctor would have locked him away if they knew what he did for a living.

He pulled into the small driveway of his two story house. Security lights flicked on when he stepped out of the car. It was a small red brick house, white door, white trim, he was only missing the white picket fence and 2.5 kids. He liked the house because it was far from other people. No casualties when you haven no neighbors. He unlocked the front door and pushed it open slowly, something didn’t feel right. His wards would keep out most manner of supernatural, and he could still feel them working, so what was in his house?

Down the hall the television flickered off the wall of the living room. He toed off his boots and closed the door quietly behind him. He lowered his shields enough to be able to pick up the energy from whoever was in his house. It cast out; down the hall, through the doorway, over the floor, over the arm chair, over the couch- found him. When he felt the familiar prickle he sighed in frustration and slammed his shields back in place.

Tezuka turned on the hall light and locked his front door. “What are you doing here Echizen?”

“Waiting for you,” Ryoma called back.

He wasn’t really surprised that a Hunter broke into his house; they had a tendency to do that anyway.

The television turned off and Ryoma hopped over the arm of the couch to meet him in the doorway. He brushed past Tezuka and headed up the stairs.

“Now where are you going?” Tezuka sighed and followed Ryoma up the stairs.

“To your bedroom, where else?”