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"Neh, Subaru-*kun, please attend to the ladies there."

Sighing irritably, the boy stopped wiping the cups he was cleaning earlier. His glowing red eyes glanced at the end of the bar table where his boss indicated. He was met with smiles and not the amicable kind. The kind it supposedly leads to sheets wherein pleasure abounds. Not that Subaru ever fell for it. He knew what they wanted, but he wasn't a prostitute.

It was Saturday night, the busiest night of the week. Visiting the bar is a common choice for a break from work, and the one the boy worked at was a popular one. Jazz music played for the souls of those who went there, the lights were dim but the color depended on the theme the owner wanted that night. Tonight was the "Devil's Night," so green neon lights interchange with red ones, but slowly because the transition was supposed to ignite some kind of bond. At least that's what the boss said.

Subaru cleared his throat, readying himself to attend to these ladies. He straightened out his silver-striped maroon vest and before the boy pulled down his sleeves, he checked the time. His gold Rolex indicated quarter to two, which was nearly the end of his shift. Unlike most bars, Helter Skelter allows several bartenders to tend the bar in short shifts. Subaru and his partner Urie, attend the 12 am to 2:30 am shift, then other pairs attend the few hours before that. Once the clock strikes 2:30 am, another pair will take over. Like most bars, the bartenders are dressed up for presentation's sake--it brings the name of the bar. To pair with his maroon best, the bartender either wore white or black shirts underneath. For tonight, it was black. Then maroon slacks and black leather shoes. 

Very stylish compared to the black and white standard.

"It's almost over," the boy irritably muttered. He dragged himself before the two ladies, who both wore skimpy dresses. "What can I get for you?" His deep voice clearly displayed annoyance, even if he tried to hide it. Usually, people would take a step back from his growl, but as it turns out, some people have a kink for it.

"Aw, Subaru-kun, you don't have to be so rude all the time," the Blond Bitch cooed. "Being nice for once wouldn't hurt."

"Is it normal for a bartender to be like this?" Her brunette friend asked, confusedly.

The blonde let out a small chuckle and patted her companion. Unlike the brunette, the Blonde Bitch was a regular. She'd often come when it's Subaru's shift, quite unfortunate for the boy. She had tried to introduce herself on several occasions, but the white-haired boy never cared to remember her name.

"Subaru-kun is pretty hard to get. You don't often come across young men like him. Every single guy I've drunk from couldn't wait to get into my panties, but dearest Subaru-kun here is definitely interesting," said Blonde Bitch.

A smile grew on the brunette's face. "Oh? That's something, Yua-chan."

"Right??"

Angrily the boy slams his hand on the counter, just enough to surprise them. He wouldn't want his boss to fire him for damages. "If you're not getting anything I'll transfer myself to the human section of the bar," Subaru snapped with a low growl.

Yes, one of the reasons why Helter Skelter has many bartenders is because they attend to both humans and vampires. It's the first bar of its kind, usually, there are special bars exclusively for humans or vampires. Vampires would come to human bars to hunt, never exactly to relax. Thus, Helter Skelter is popular amongst the masses. But, of course, humans didn't know about the vampires who lurked in the shadows.

The woman before him curled her blood-red lips, leaning closer towards the counter. Her breasts press gently, letting more of what's hidden into the green light. Across her breast, a mole grasped Subaru's eye. It was close to the center of her chest, complimenting her bosom. She was beautiful, that part was true. But ignorant men wouldn't be able to sense the demon lying dormant inside of her. Subaru wasn't one of them, nor was he foolish enough to let himself entertain her like some good dog.

"I'll have Angel's Kiss then," said Yua aka Blonde Bitch, disappointment rising in her face. "God, Subaru-kun, you could be so boring."

The boy merely replied with a huff. "And you, miss?" His attention diverting to the brunette.

"Just a martini is good enough for me."

"Alright."

The pretty face Subaru had was only one of the reasons why Yua was attracted to him. The main reason was his talent in mixing drinks. His slender wrists were in total control of his cocktail shaker, he never slipped—never making unnecessary mixes. Other bartenders would try to be elegant or make some variety of said elegance. A from mixing the drink with the steel spoon to lighting the drink on fire, Subaru was a master of his craft. The art of watching his hands create drinks was a whole other tier. Even his co-workers would watch.

Shortly after, the boy sets the ladies' drinks in front of them. And when Subaru saw the satisfaction on their faces, he turned and left. He wasn't going to wait for another hoot from the Blonde Bitch. His shift was over in the next thirty minutes; there were other customers to tend to and glasses to clean.

"Always the apple of the eye of the ladies, eh, Subaru-kun?" Urie teased the boy with a lofty voice. Like some actor in a stage drama, Urie threw his arms in the air with a small cry. "I wish I was the same! God why?!" 

"Idiot, I'm not interested," growled the boy. "Never again."

When Subaru gets smug like this, the green-haired vampire knew teasing is a button he can't touch. He could tease the boy that they're twins in actuality since they both have bangs that cover one side of their face. Though Urie had green hair and tiny braids framed the other side of his face with small bells hanging from them. Subaru wasn't vain like he was: Urie had several silver piercings on his ears. The white-haired boy only had one on his left ear. Urie was a boy of the same height as Subaru, but the boy kept his eyes closed the whole time. Even the white-haired vampire would wonder how he could see.

"You two better be careful when you go home," an aristocratic voice broke the awkward atmosphere with Urie and Subaru. The two turned to see the small boss in their midst. Memine was a petite woman who donned a more casual uniform than the bartenders had. Usually, her lavender eyes would be bright with pride, but tonight they were solemn. Very unusual for her.

"What's going on?" Urie asked worriedly.

"It happened again," she told them in a lower tone. "This time a vampire was killed. You," Memine turned her stern eyes towards Subaru who gulped nervously, "should especially be careful. Don't go in dark alleys or dark roads downtown. I know you haven't been drinking human blood."

Subaru tightened his fists at this. Myths say vampires would die from human blood scarcity. The only reason that's true is because they won't have the strength a normal vampire would have. But vampires are capable of human food, thus they won't die from starvation. But if a vampire is killed by a vampire hunter, it's only because he's weak. Any vampire would know this.

"I have blood pills," Subaru defended himself.

Memine scoffed. "That's nothing compared to an actual drink. Well, I won't judge you. But I don't want one of my best bartenders to die."

"How bout me, how bout me?" Urie cried like a puppy. But he only received a smack on the head and a scolding. Of course, the idiot would. Who corners their boss and acts familiarly like that? It was beyond Subaru's comprehension.

Despite what Memine said, a lot of vampires were drinking at the bar like an ordinary Saturday. Guests drank merrily on polished wooden tables, while some drank at the bar. They would joke about the naked marionettes hanging by the ceiling or gaze at the crystal chandelier hanging at the center of the bar. Other guests made acquaintances as time seemed to allow it. Perhaps they weren't worried about the killings, Subaru thought. Because they can fend for themselves. While he. . cannot.

The clock ticked and tocked, and before the boy knew it, his shift was over. Both he and Urie thanked the boss for the night as two other vampires took over. They both went over to the locker rooms that were nearly as fancy as the actual bar. As they were both undressing and dressing into their normal casual clothing, Urie went over to Subaru and handed him an orange plastic bottle.

"My sister made extra, so I'm giving you this--free of charge," he said with a small smile.

The other vampire frowned. "Thanks, but I don't need your charity."

Urie simply shrugged. "Aight. I won't push it. Subaru-kun, sorry that I'm saying this, but I don't understand why you won't drink human blood. Now that I think about it, I don't think I ever asked. You didn't fall for a human did you?"

A rough hand grabbed Urie by the collar, slamming him against the lockers with a loud bang. Was it a mistake to ask? Maybe. Anger was seething from Subaru, his fangs bared like a snake to his prey, while his other hand raised to pummel the other boy. Even through his tough charade, Subaru could feel his hands shaking while he pinned Urie. Whereas the other boy was calm, completely opposite to him. He stood motionless, simply waiting for Subaru to act.

If Subaru was the same boy as he was before, he would have acted entirely on impulse. But he was different, so he dropped his fist and released Urie from his grip. He doesn't need to explain anything, falling in love with livestock was foolishness. No one needs to know. Especially not his fellow coworkers.

With a loud grunt, the boy grabbed his coat and bag and went into the night.

* * * * * * * *

Loneliness is a dangerous emotion. It isn't instant, its gradual aspect is what makes it poisonous. It would choke you to death before you could even realize it. A heavy weight would hang on one's heart, an ounce would be added by the passing day. Sleep gets deprived and inspiration becomes a vague notion. Desire is amplified until one desperate and delusional. Memories become vague and they turn into the distant past.

This emotion lived in Subaru's eyes. Not enough of sighing could measure the loneliness he felt; no one could possibly understand it either. Not his brothers. . not his coworkers. Absolutely no one could possibly know what he's feeling. 

The boy snuggled himself into his leather jacket, burying himself into its fibers. Should he wonder more? Remember? Maybe he should stop thinking, it's more tiring than walking home. And his apartment was still neighbors, streets away. There won't be any trains at this time to quicken things up. Subaru could only curse as he travels from one end to the other. His walk was steady, yet dragging as if there were something heavy on his shoulders. Instead of keeping his eyes ahead of him, Subaru watched his feet tread along the pavement instead. 

There was barely anyone around, practically empty since it was nearing 3 am in the morning. No cars, no people. Shibuya would probably be the only place alive and kicking, but Subaru was nowhere near there. The dead silence was unnerving to anyone new to it, fortunately, the vampire was used to it. Silence, after all, was a part of his lifestyle. But since when was it ever noisy?

". . he. . lp. . !"

Instantly, Subaru stopped at his tracks. 

What was that? The boy shuts his eyes to focus. He may be blood deprived, but that doesn't mean his senses have dulled.

"Somebody! Please help me!" The voice called out from somewhere even more clearly.  

Once more, the white-haired boy consentrated--running. . chasing. . somewhere the backstreets. A girl. But behind her. . Subaru couldn't figure it out. He'll have to check. His heels turn to the direction it came from, and the boy was already certain from what he heard. 

But he stops.

"What are you doing?" The boy asked himself aloud. "Why should I care? She's probably just someone else's meal. ."

"Neh, Subaru-kun, you may not know it. . but you're very kind."

"She's livestock!"

"You saved me. . why?"

"Never mind that. I just did, so what?" Subaru heard his own voice reply in his head.

"Don't hate yourself. . you're a very warm-hearted boy."

Without any more hesitation, Subaru flew through the air. His feet barely tapped on the surfaces of fences and railings. Wired fences rattled under his sudden weight, and cats snarled at his presence. Subaru heard dogs bark behind him as he leaped through their territory. He hid under the shadows of buildings and under the trainways. He was like a cat thief on its way to steal someone else's prey. Tonight, no one is gonna die.

That girl Subaru was hoping to save was stupid to run into lone and dark alleys. She could only see shadows of them creeping closer and closer behind her, and lamp posts didn't help confirm what they were. The only thing she knew was whoever was behind her was definitely not human. The girl felt sharp stings on her soles, so she knelt down and took them off. The presence was suddenly closer, right under the light.

Standing motionlessly, a scream got trapped in the girl's throat. It ran dry while tears began streaming down her cheeks. The sight of a monster practically tore her heart out of her chest, her entire body running cold. Before her a something similar to a man stood in front of her, salivating like a mad dog. His skin was an ashen pallor with purple hue, his veins a deep blue. They were located all over his body, from his hands to his pulsating neck. He had large claws at the end of his fingertips, ready to tear out her flesh. The girl could see his bones sticking out of his humanoid frame. Three others like him stood under the light, and they came at her before her scream could.

"Get away from her!" Subaru yelled out of nowhere and kicked one off the girl.

He quickly took out his knife, putting distance between himself and the monsters. His eyes were as menacing as the beasts before him, who just snarled and gnashes their teeth at him. Subaru could see their massive fangs, a single bite could kill. Roughly he held the girl's arm, and pulled her closer to him.

"Everything is going to be fine," he said without looking at her.

"W-What are they?" The girl managed to stammer.

"I don't know," Subaru replied as he slowly stepped back. "We can't wait to find out."

In a flash he took off with her in his arms, but that wasn't enough to escape from them. Whatever these monsters were, they were faster than him.

Pain tore through Subaru and forced out a grunt from him. The boy reached out for the edge of the train way for higher ground, hoping this could help them escape. But he couldn't reach it and found himself falling down with the girl still in his arms. Subaru tried to cushion their fall, but only barely. The girl screamed as gravity pulled them down. Skin gashed against the asphalt road, creating new wounds.

The smell of blood excited the beasts—their eyes glowed into a horrific scarlet. Something like a cackle escaped their lips, but it seemed gurgled at the same time. In lightning speeds they dashed at Subaru and clawed at him. Their swift movements were barely traceable, even Subaru could barely keep up. Each time they passed him, the monsters made sure he was bleeding from deep wounds. The blood's aroma turned them erratic, and practically sadistic.

Even if Subaru stabbed his attackers in multiple places, striking the non fatal spots mean nothing, just as how a vampire would. Meanwhile, he was soaking red at this point with his own blood. Red liquid dripped from his arm which had grown numb. Subaru could barely stand and was practically limping, his defense useless. Like any helpless victim, the girl behind him was just crying hopelessly. Speech was gone from her lips, her throat sore from screaming. She was on her knees clinging to a bloody Subaru. If the boy drank human blood regularly, he could've beaten them. He would've easily cut their throats out. His wounds would've healed at an impossible level.

If only he did.

Gritting his teeth, he waited for them to come. Sorry, Memine. Seems like your favorite bartender is gonna stop coming. Urie. . you may have been an asshole, but I wish I could've become friends with you. Shuu. . Yui . . sorry I can't avenge you. I—

"Pathetic."

A shadow suddenly leaped over him, running the boy speechless. A girl's figure flaunted boldly in a tight suit, colored like midnight. A hood was pulled over their head and daggers glinted under the lampposts. Subaru didn't know whether he should be ashamed or relieved, but all he could do was watch her strike the four monsters seamlessly. Each attack she made was done without unnecessary movements. When the first went down, it crumbled into dust instantly. It disappeared before it even struck the ground.

Now the other three knew that instant that she couldn't be let off, so they all attacked her at once. But that was their mistake. The stranger let them close and ended them in a few strikes: swift and silent. They all crumbled before Subaru could even blink. He crumpled to his knees. This stranger killed the monsters in mere seconds, and he barely hurt them.

Move to kill. 

That's all she did.

Before the stranger went over to him, she snapped her fingers and said, "sleep" and immediately the girl behind Subaru fell unconscious.

"Subaru Sakamaki is it?" She asked, her tone condescending. The boy arched his face towards her. But she turned out to be busy with something else.

The boy wanted to yell at her, tell her to stop. But he couldn't. Subaru could only watch the stranger have her fill: the familiar gulps reminded him of the past. How his victim would be helpless in his claws, feeling the warm blood trickle down his throat.

He gulped, feeling thirsty.

"Still not healed yet?" The stranger suddenly asked, turning to him. 

The bold bitch even stooped to his line of sight, letting him have a closer look at her. He noticed red marks at the outer corner of her eyes. Her pupils were a glowing gold.

Roughly her hands examined his face, turning them right and left. Subaru would have yelled, but he couldn't find his voice. Her boldness didn't stop at her tone. She leaned forward enough to feel her breath against his skin.

The next moment Subaru will remember forever. In one moment she disappeared from his sight, and the next he felt her lips pressed against his. Her tongue forced his mouth open and blood immediately began flowing down his throat. The burning sensation revived his strength, and the vampire knew his wounds were healing faster. But this act broke his oath. Rage fueled Subaru just as blood flowed through him. He had sworn to never again. But his efforts were all for naught.

"You're a weak piece of shit, Subaru of the Sakamaki household," Subaru heard the girl's voice again. "What vampire cries over a human?"

~~~

Number of words: 3466

*kun (君，くん) is a less formal title with a lower level of politeness. In fact the symbol or kanji is the same as that of "kimi", like "you" in its familiar form or the French "tu" (especially between couples). "Kun" is used with a friend, a classmate, a little brother or a younger boy.

This chapter is dedicated to sleepynusrat who fervently supported this book, especially the previous one. I hope you enjoyed this new beginning ♥️

Aight, so after I took down the previous one, I knew in my heart I didn't like it. The OC was a pain in the ass because she was a damsel in distress, the mystery was eh, and the plot was loose. After a lot of thinking, I finally came up with this xD

Okay, so we started with Subaru working at a bar made for both vampires and humans. I dumped a lot of info to make the setting of this new piece ehehehe, and our poor boy got kicked in the ass to ultimately get saved and shamed at the same time.

As always, I want to dedicate chapters to my readers. So please tell me what you guys think! :3 I want to thank everyone though for supporting this book. I wouldn't it have put it back up otherwise x3

- Raita

P.S. I'll try to make the chapters shorter.