|| Chapter 1.11 || Reunion

Crimson drops fell on Cedric's white shirt. The red stains on the cloth pricked his eyes. Coldness gripped his heart in an ice-cold fist. A knife stabbing his chest, ants crawling and gnawing on his flesh, his soul burning in inferno. He could list a hundred things to describe how he felt but none of them seemed to compare from the pain in his heart.

Rationality kicked in and Cedric was quick to rip his jacket off his body and stuff them against Cadel's lips. The vampire blinked in surprise. Before he could even speak, Cedric rose from the ground and carried him away hurriedly. He moved so fast, everything appeared in a blur. What was this unimaginable speed?

Cadel clenched his bloodied fingers around the jacket on his chest as the other's rapid heartbeats entered his ears. He felt strong muscles curl around him tightly as if he was a fragile treasure. Cadel couldn't help but feel a bit giddy. Ah, so this is how it feels to be whisked away like a distressed damsel. Fortunately, he was conscious this time to savor the feeling.

'I feel quite special...' Cadel was embarrassed at his own thoughts but the pleasantness didn't fade away. He treasured it dearly.

Kerpuffle: (●__●)

In no time, Cedric had arrived before the manor's walls. It was hard to believe how this young man was so fast that it looked as if he was traveling at the speed of light. Cadel was awestruck. Cedric bursts through the gates, effortlessly avoiding all the traps Mary had carefully planted. Then he didn't waste any time as he ran towards the manor's entrance.

Mary who was standing at the steps of the porch dropped the flower pot in her hands. It shattered before her feet but she didn't even move an inch. Her eyes are wide, gaping in shock.

Cedric stopped a distance before her, tightly holding Cadel in his arms. Desperation and Impatience flashed through his eyes. Meanwhile, Cadel bit his lips hesitantly hiding behind Cedric's jacket until only his bright round eyes were visible.

"Hey..." Cadel mumbled softly.

Mary's eyes flashed as she snapped away from her daze. The red stains on the youth's fingers holding the folds of the dark jacket filled her vision. She hastily went and dragged the two into the house, slammed the door, and pushed Cadel into the bedroom for treatment. Cadel blacked out after exhaustion wore him out. The last thing he saw was Cedric's pale face staring at him at the doorway.

... ... ... ...

Cadel woke up with a groan. His head pounded and he felt as if he would vomit out his insides in the next second. Rising from the bed, he looked around and noticed that the room was empty. The system immediately informed him that Mary and Cedric were at each other's throats in the living room.

"Already?" Cadel groaned. He just woke up...

He pulled himself off the bed and raced towards the living room. He had Kerpuffle observe the two as he hurried through the hallways. Meanwhile, within the dreadful confines of the living room, Cedric Grey stood unwavering, facing the ferocious eyes of the female caretaker before him. The air seemed to sizzle with murderous intent but he faced the woman fearlessly.

"Whenever you appear, the young master always comes back sick and bloodied. He was doing better during these two years and you just had to come back. You're a curse." Mary snapped, glowering at the young man before him. Her fingers were sharpening into points, itching to puncture Cedric's unreadable eyes.

"I... only came to visit."

Mary scoffed, "After two years?"

"Would you prefer that I come earlier?"

Seething, Mary snapped. "I prefer you never come back at all! Get lost, you filthy swine-"

"Language, Mary..."

A smooth voice spoke, diminishing the heaviness of the atmosphere. With soft footsteps, Cadel entered the room, catching his breath. His presence abruptly interrupted the two people's discussion.

"Young master! Were you running?" Concern immediately replaced Mary's furious expression. She hurriedly approached to assess him. "You shouldn't be running in your condition! You are still recovering! Come and sit, I will bring you some water."

"Thank you, Mary." Cadel smiled before watching her leave the room.

Silence descended between Cadel and the taller youth before him. This time, he took in the young man's full stature, his dashing appearance, and well... striking masculinity. Two years... Cedric was two years younger than him and yet... he was so tall, more manly, and extremely good-looking. His golden eyes looked like the silvery gleam of a knife's sharp edge. Beautiful and captivating. Youthfulness remained evident from his features. Perhaps, in a few more years, he would become manlier and look more mature. Cadel was somehow looking forward to it.

Cedric's breath stuttered. Now, he was able to fully take in the appearance of the person plaguing his mind. Those gorgeous ruby eyes hooked his soul like catching a wriggling fish in a river. His fair unblemished skin looked so soft to the touch. Although he looked a bit pale, the serene aura enveloping would calm even the wildest of beasts.

"You're back..." Cadel revealed a soft smile. "I thought you already forgot about me. Or perhaps, you're here for... something else?"

"No..." Cedric replied, shaking his head. He nervously faced Cadel. "I... only came to visit you. But if... If I am indeed disturbing you and making you uncomfortable, I apologize. I will leave at once. It wasn't my intention to cause problems for you."

Cedric turned around mentally cursing himself for his foolishness. He understood why Cedric didn't want to see him. He's been gone for two years and didn't try to show his face even once. Perhaps, Cadel felt used, realizing his kindness was easily forgotten. Cedric wouldn't blame him if Cadel truly felt like that. During those two years, Cedric had been accumulating his power within the clan, surviving countless assassinations and betrayals. He felt guilty and his heart ached when he thought about Cadel's growing disappointment for him throughout the years.

Seeing as Cedric was heading towards the doors, Cadel sighed. "Cedric, stop."

Within a second, the hunter paused completely. He turned around with an expectant look.

"Come and follow me..." Cadel smiled as he gestured the hunter to follow him.

Silently, the two walked through the hallways and finally exited the manor. The warm sun greeted them and the birds in the trees watched as a taller person trailed behind a smaller one towards a particularly familiar hedge. The comfortable warm air caressed their skin as they stopped before the cluster of plants.

Cedric froze, taking in the familiarity of the place. His heart drummed within his ribcage as he slowly met Cadel's soft gaze.

"Well? Come in."

An amused chuckle left Cadel's lips as he entered the hedge. The leaves and soft branches tickled his skin. Cedric blinked and he eagerly followed behind the youth. He felt as if he went back in time when he and the youth were hiding from Mary's calls, sneaking into their secret hideout. His heart swelled significantly.

The moment he emerged from the walls of leaves and branches, a wonderful scent filled his nose. His feet stopped and he gaped at the sight before him.

The wondrous sight of yellow and gold filled his vision. It was as though a halo of light enveloped every delicate flower, looking as if they were glowing brightly. Healthy green vines now decorated the dome's walls and the old shelves filled with books. The ground was like a flowering field of gold, truly breathtaking. However, not only were there yellow flowers but there were also red and orange flowers and plants scattered at the sides of the large circular garden. It looked like a fairy's home.

"What do you think? Hasn't it improved a bit?" Cadel said with a bit of pride. His crimson eyes glittered with a touch of yellow from the warm sun rays beaming down from the opening of the dome.

Cedric was mesmerized. Not only from the sight before him but at the dazzling smile the youth gave him. His fiercely drumming heart sounded as if it was at the brink of bursting. The young man before him was still the bright glowing dandelion that befriended him two years ago, opening his eyes to the world even if they were within the constricting walls of the mansion.

"Yes..." Cedric finally replied. His eyes softened as he gazed at the little vampire beside him.

Sweet and dazzling like a burst of golden sparks. A glittering pearl underneath the dark and deep ocean. His mind screamed of want and greed boiled within his chest. It was almost unbearable.

'Ah, that look.' Cadel thought in excitement. How wonderful...

Kerpuffle: Cough! Cough! Host, please restrain yourself.

Cadel: Shh, let me enjoy myself.

... ... ... ...

Soon after, the two boys returned inside the mansion, and Cadel had Mary set up the guest room for their 'guest'. The caretaker complained in a low voice but was helpless against the pleading eyes of her dear young master. Cedric was keen on repairing the distance between him and Cadel. Perhaps, there was a rift between them now and he wanted nothing more than to sew it shut.

"You... brought these for me?" Cadel's eyes glowed as he stared at the objects Cedric took out from his bag one by one. He marveled at the sight before him and plopped himself right beside Cedric to get a closer look.

Cedric smiled and handed him a round circular object. "Yes."

Cadel's eyes brightened as he held the snowglobe within his palms. The little fluttering white dust within appeared like twinkling stars raining down on the tiny city within. With a chuckle, he gave it another shake and watched giddily. "Fascinating..."

Cadel took the things Cadel handed to him one by one and his cheeks were already starting to hurt from smiling. When he held the packets of flower seeds, he felt as if an explosion occurred within his chest and he couldn't help but laugh joyfully. Cedric watched the vampire's grateful and joyous expression as he collected the things he'd brought for him. Ah, when he goes out again, he was sure to bring more things for Cadel to enjoy.

Cadel was bursting with joy as he dragged Cedric to his attic and began chattering about even the most trivial things of his day. Cedric inhaled the pleasant wooden and soothing scent of the room and his heart sighed in content. A year ago, he attempted to recreate the comforting feeling of the attic but he never succeeded. There was always something missing.

Cedric stared at Cadel, nestled in his blankets,  carefully lifting a cup to his lips. He took a sip from his chocolate drink and gave Cedric a happy smile when their eyes met.

After dinner, Cadel brought Cedric to the rooftop. He laid down on an elevated part of the roof, gazing at the dark skies. He turned to the person beside him who shared the serenity with him.

"Tell me about the outside world. Is it wonderful?" Cadel started as he sighed blissfully. He glanced at the little snowglobe on his chest, watching the white dust flutter downwards within the glass.

Cedric furrowed his brows. "It is... dangerous."

"You sound just like Mary." Cadel snorted. "Come on, be serious with me. I want to know..."

The hunter sitting beside him slowly turned his head towards the stars. After a while, he finally spoke.

"Although it is dangerous, it is breathtaking as well."

"How so?" Cadel slowly sat up, intrigued.

"The seas, the skies, the mountains, the deserts, all of it is beautiful." Cedric's voice soothingly enters Cadel's ears.

Cadel blinked. "Is there snow?"

"Mountains of it in the northern and southern countries."

A yearning look bloomed within the youth's crimson pupils. Cedric easily noticed it. This country was located near the equator. Thus, it was too hot to create snow. Recalling that Cadel had spent all his life within the walls of this mansion, Cedric understood his inquisitiveness about the world far from his reach. Deep inside him, Cedric wanted to free him and take him to see all the breathtaking offerings of nature and man. However, as much as Cedric desires to do it, he couldn't. The frequent murders of vampires were growing.

It was simply too dangerous for the sickly vampire.

But perhaps, when all is done and taken care of, Cedric will accompany Cadel to step out of the gates. One day...