Pick Up Sticks - Chapter 2

Chapter 2 – His Half-Brother

The night was well on its way when the door opening woke Tsume up. He immediately stood up hoping to greet Atsu. He was ready to confess everything and beg for forgiveness. However he didn’t see his dark red haired blue eyed prince walk in.

Standing in the door, soaked with heavy rain behind him, was a young man with nearly the same build as Atsu had, the same hair color and dark red-purple eyes. He was wearing a casual suit jacket, button up shirt and slacks with dress shoes. He had a sweet face structure but it was soured by his expression, which was anything but ‘bitch to be’. He was analytical looking and sever. His eyes, though large and thickly lashed, were scrutinizing as they fell on Tsume. His hair was matted and wet, dripping on the floor.

The first thing that ran through Tsume’s head was oh god they’re here for me now. However the second thing he thought was that he should probably run away, or something. Maybe arm himself? He jumped to his feet, the motion prompting the new comer to speak.

“Where’s Atsumaru?” He demanded in an older teen’s voice. One hand fisted. “Where is he!?” he nearly barked.

Tsume felt his desire to run dying as his rage surfaced. “He’s DEAD!” He found himself screaming hatefully. “He… was murdered.” He regained himself enough to look at the new young man’s reaction.

The wine colored eyes widened with horror. “No…” The new boy’s head fell and he stood there like he didn’t know what to do now. “I’m to late. I… Atsu.” He began to cry. It was the tears of a man trying hard to stand strong in spite of reality.

Suddenly the new guy didn’t seem like he was the enemy. “C’mon in. Take your shoes off n’ let’s talk.” Tsume walked up towards the new boy and took off his own shoes. “And close the door.” He added off handily. “I’ll get the fire going.” He moved over to start a fire in the small Rumford fireplace.

The two sat down on the sofa, neither in high spirits, a few minutes later. The new kid still had on his wet clothing. “Take it off.” Tsume told him as he headed to the back room that was the bedroom. Given the new guy was about the same size as Atsu he could use one of his robes. Walking back in he paused and blushed. He really does look a lot like him down to that cute little way his rump tucks at the top into it’s shape… He shook a finger at himself mentally. I just lost him, how dare I… “Here.” He handed over the robe.

The wet cloths were taken into the bathroom to dry by Tsume before he returned to the sofa and sat back down. “Ok… we were at who you are.” He prompted. He wasn’t going to let this guy just walk in and out of his life, not if he was a link back to Atsu.

“Johan Emeric.” He introduced then added as the attaching factor, “Atsumaru’s half-brother.”

There was a pause of thought and then Tsume broke it with a quite, “Oh…”

Another nice pause between strangers, then Johan asked quietly, “When did…” he choked up a bit.

“Die?” Tsume didn’t sugar coat it.

“Umhum.” Johan nodded as he slumped forwards to bury his face in his hands and listen.

“Last night I think. Or early this morning. He was killed outside the main school building.” Tsume turned to watch Johan with a mix of empathy and self-loathing.

“And you are…?” Johan turned his gaze over to Tsume.

“Tsume. Noruika Tsume. I was his,” Lover, “friend.”

“Nice to meet you… for the most part. I mean conditions as they are…” The half-brother weakly bantered a moment but he was cut off by Tsume and a harsh question:

“Where the hell were you if you were dashing to his rescue?”

Tsume was throwing his anger and guilt over to the next lap. He couldn’t handle it all, not all the blame he was placing on himself. However to staple it to this guy who apparently knew everything going on and took too long to do shit about it, now that looked like a proper grave for the fault to lay. His eyes were narrow and hateful as he waited for his answer.

Turning to glance a moment at Tsume, the guy sighed heavily. “I was on the run too, in Germany.” He rubbed his face for a moment then leaned back into the sofa. “I came when I heard he’d gone into the public to hide. I can’t see how it did him any good.”

“What do you mean?”

“Simply put.” Johan gestured towards the fire reflexively, “He believed that you hid best when pretending to be human. You know going to school and stuff.”

“So…” The moment of truth came, Tsume rubbed his knees nervously. “You’re vampires?”

“He told you?” Johan raised a brow but then sighed dismally, “You were more then friends if that was the case.”

“Lucky guess.” Tsume spat levelly. “And so what if we were?!” Jumping onto the defensive was becoming a knee-jerk reaction as of late. “We were lovers, gotta problem with it?”

For a moment the vampire watched the human as though waiting for a child to finish explaining how to perform simple math. When he saw he was done he impishly shrugged, “Only thing it means is if they know you were that close you’re going to be a target.”

“What exactly was he running from?” Tsume figured if he was going to be going over that Niagara Falls he may as well know what his barrel was made of.

There was a disquieting pause before Johan answered solemnly, “A pact between enemies and a murder.”

“Murder?” That caught Tsume off guard, given his friend was killed he wasn’t sure why it had but it just seemed like it was too much at the moment to be real.

“He witnessed it…” The young man looked over, the fireplace leaving a strange satin glow to his red plum eyes, “with me.”

Great. From one wanted vampire to the next. What’s with my luck? Tsume asked himself as he looked from the eyes, nearly tearing himself from their captivating ability. He’s not human. He’s just ‘pretty’ because he’s not. Like a cat, yeah he’s like a cat.

“If you’re not involved, then go home.” Johan suddenly told him as he stood up. “Don’t come back here. I’ll have to hide here for now. If they killed him at school then they probably don’t know about this location.”

“Oh so it’s ok if you do it but him doing it wasn’t?” Tsume pointed out as he turned and kicked his feet up to rest them where Johan’s rump once sat. “No thanks. I’ll hide here too. School and cops can just wait.”

“Cops? They’re involving you?” Johan asked as he moved around the sofa to tilt it forwards and dump the human off of it. “That’s not good. In that case the assassins will probably think you’re as close as you said you were to him. I mean c’mon cops only bug lovers and family about murder suspicions.”

As he was dumped, Tsume glared up to Johan, “And apparently best friends.” He told him as he got onto his feet. “I can’t go back, what if they think I told my parents? I haven’t had more then this morning’s drive to school and back to do that, so if they’re not jumpy they’ll realize the fat chance that is.” He put his hands on his hips. “So I’m staying too! I’ll go to school if you want, for some reason they never found this place so I guess they don’t follow then.” He shrugged then realized how odd that was.

“Good point…” The vampire gained a look of realization. “They’re staying at the school, they were going to pick him off as soon as he was alone there! No need to trail him if he was always present at school! Perfect! I’ll just tail you and if they don’t recognize me right away maybe I’ll get lucky and they attack you. If not I’m the next best thing.” He was convicted, and worse, he wasn’t asking for volunteers.

Slack jawed and half horrified while half numb all Tsume could get out was, “Idiot.” That stated he continued to try and get the rest of the gears involved in this revolt.

Pacing as he thought, the taller, perhaps a year old, vampire continued. “That way I can catch them in the act and maybe make them cough up any information before I gracefully drain their bodies dry as revenge for my brother.”

“Pause.” Tsume said and raised his hands up in the air. “You’re not listening to yourself. Are you?” he doubted it very seriously. “You’re suggesting you make the exact same mistake that Atsu did, and dragging me into it as he wasn’t trying to do.” He put his hands on his hips and demanded, “What the hell do you think you can do he can’t?! And besides these guys are psychotics! For no reason they drove huge nails through his hands and feet!”

The once almost jovial and plotting Johan lost his glow of energy and icly looked to Tsume, “They did that to stop him from using his abilities and from being immortal.”

“Wh-ah?” Tsume couldn’t even begin to describe how left field that was.

“All vampires have abilities. They stem from the same energy and power that makes us immortal. You see a vampire can be chopped into pieces but so long as our stigmata points aren’t destroyed we can always recollect and come back to life. However if our stigmata points are destroyed by the suffering of Christ, nails made of either iron or wood, then we lose all our power. We’re just ‘better looking’ humans.”

And if Tsume wasn’t so serious at the moment he’d been slightly jilted by that comment. “Is that it… But wait!” Tsume shook his head and focused again. “What are you going to do differently? Or is this one of those if we all die they stop coming? Pointless really, for me, given I’m not suicidal.”

The icy look and tone changed to a mature conniving, “My half brother wasn’t combative at all. I’m used to dealing with street violence and besting our best in the family. I live for combat.” He summarized rather briefly.

“So… you’ll kick the shit out of them? Oh goodie.” Tsume wasn’t feeling much safer. “How about you have fun doing that and I’m going to play the reclusive in my house unless they show up there then I’ll be running my ass off to here.” He turned and headed over to his shoes. He didn’t want to leave but he was done talking to the crazy half-brother who clearly direly wanted to join his sibling in the land beyond. Tsume, distraught as he was, had yet to hear voices telling him to slit his wrists or other wise expedite his demise.

“It’s for him I’m going to do it.” Johan’s voice came from behind Tsume as he opened the door to the rain. “I’ll be doing it with or without your help, you know. “

“Figured.” Tsume looked over his shoulder to the strange guy. “For him, huh? You gonna tell him that when you see him?” He found the whole situation ridiculous.

***

Opening his home’s door his mother and father both stood up from where they were waiting at the kitchen table. “Dear…” His mother started.

“Where the hell have you been? Cops have been here twice!” His father insisted angrily as he walked over to stand between the boy and the stairs to his sanctuary.

Tsume’s eyes narrowed at the larger man who was twice his age. His hands balled into fists and he glared. “I was blowing off steam. My best friend was murdered. I think I got the right.”

“The right?!” His father fumed. “You’re mother is to gentle on you, you don’t realize how this looks for our family! The cops coming here to talk to you about a murder and you’re not home? We thought you’d run away from something! Good god you’ve been gone all day and half the damn night!”

“I’d say sorry but…” Tsume gave an irritated sigh. “It’s useless with you. When the cops come back tell them I’m home. I’m not going to school for a while so that should please ya.”

“It should?” His father looked livid but didn’t raise a hand to him. Rather he let his son walk around him and up the stairs. “You know… we have pride, this family. Stop ignoring that.” He told his son as he turned and headed to the sofa to throw himself on it like a potato. His wife watched her son walk up the stairs and then joined her husband.

***

The wind was blowing as rain started to drizzle down. Standing on the very top of the school as dawn breeched the horizon was Johan. He’d just finished hypnotizing the secretary and having her add him to the roster. He had a scowl and put his hands into his pockets. “Now I wait.” He told himself.

As the first bell rang to alert the students that it was five minutes to the start of class, Johan walked down the hall. He had used his name; he wasn’t hiding who he was. He was calling them out.

The students watched the new guy, some who had the same homeroom as Atsu recognized him as being familiar. “Who do you think he is?” One of the girls whispered as he walked down the hall. “Some new transfer, I guess… but so soon after a murder?” her friend shrugged and the two girls watched him. The eventually degraded to talking about his good features since the murder was still spooking the students.

“Hey, new kid. You know where you’re going?” One of the local bullies asked as he and his posse walked up behind him. “We could give you some directions and n’ escort with the right amount of incentive.”

Students in the hall cleared the way and slowed their walk to see if there’d be a fight.

“Oh could you?” Johan smirked devilishly as he turned slightly to regard the speaker and his group with murderous blood hued eyes. “I’ll take that up, but my idea of incentive can’t be spent in a store.” He grinned, a fang showing.

“Ohh… think he’s the cool kind of guy?” One of the girls asked.

“Kyaa probably.” Her shorter friend gave a little squeal.

“Well what kind is it?” The leader asked with a chuckle, “You doing our homework?”

“Naw… the kind where you get free gum money,” Johan’s eyes narrowed and his tone went from mock friendly to down right murderous, “from the tooth-fairy. Touch me and loose em, bud.” He threatened.

“Why you little shit…” The leader reached for him and grabbed him up by the collar, lifting his feet off the ground. He pulled back his hand to punch his face.

This will get attention… the sooner the better. I hate this human game. Johan thought and then immediately used his feet to push out of the bully’s grip. He flipped and landed on his feet, one hand down to steady himself. “Doesn’t look like you can touch me for long, bad form.” He goaded the guy.

“Someone thinks they’re a funny kung fu master!” The leader dove for him but a larger man got in the way and grabbed him up by the scruff of his uniform.

“Mr. Kosamasu… this goes against school conduct. You deserve a detention… keep it up, I’ve been dying to practice my Japanese writing.” The man said with a strong American accent. He was about six foot tall with platinum blonde hair that was cut short, professionally, and his bangs broke the trend here and there, falling in to his angular face. He had light green eyes and slightly tanned skin. He was wearing a nice black suit that fit his form. Putting down the thug he waited to see if he’d get in any extra practice.

Disappointing as it was, the bully turned, “Tsk, later then, loser.” He and his gang of followers walked away down the hall.

Johan felt a little vexed his big scene had been ruined. He looked at the American teacher and then sighed, bowing he said in English, “Thank you. I don’t mind teaching them a lesson myself, though.” He stood straight again and ran his hands though his hair.

“Oh and that would earn you your own detention.” The American man gave him a playful smirk. “You know English well.” He said as the two spoke in it. “You look somewhat Caucasian as well. Half and half?”

Hoping this was a lead, Johan nodded. “That’s right. I’m Johan Emeric. I just transferred here with my half-brother Atsumaru Emeric…” he didn’t have to hide the anger as he said that.

The English teacher’s jaw dropped a little and when he did so he said sympathetically, “Oh… I see. I’m so sorry. What happened to him the other day…” he paused and added, “Are you sure you should be going to classes?” he blanched.

The bell rang. “Shit. Now I’m late.” Johan instinctively cursed and then sighed and turned to leave, “Your name?” He paused and half turned to the teacher behind him now.

“Kyle Summit.” The man waved his hand as a good-bye and then headed quickly for his own class.

Summit… he’s Caucasian but it would be intelligent to send assassins that blend in. The chances he’s one of them is pretty damn low. Johan decided and then put his hands into his pockets and headed for the first classroom he’d have ever stepped foot in.

***

“Like I said, we were best friends.” It was lunchtime and if Tsume were at school he’d have been sitting on the roof drinking himself half dead. As it was he had about ten cans empty under his bed at the moment from last night alone. The cops were back and they were surrounding him in his own kitchen. “What else can I say? We hung out. We went to small time places like dinners. Our biggest haunt was Nugget.” He gave a shrug.

“You seem awfully content, a day after your best friend’s murder.” One of the cops said leaning in on him. The guy was the big strong military-take-no-shit type.

The sort who thinks they shit bombs and piss gold. I hate these bastards. Tsume thought to himself as he took in a breath and sighed it out. “I’ve been crying my eyes out like he was my freakin’ lover all night. Pardon me if I’m a little tired right now. Reality hit me in the ass about eight hours ago, it’ll probably do so again in a few more,” he glared at the guy, “if you wanna stick around with a camera to take a photo as evidence.”

“Little…” The cop began however a policewoman standing behind him put her hand down on his shoulder. “What’s with that attitude? You’re already the primary suspect.”

“Yeah I figured.” Tsume sighed out heavily.

“Korun!” The woman lowered her brows in disgust, “He’s a child for one and for another, there is no evidence to point to him. Further he was home the night of the murder and his parents collaborate that. Now stop trying to scare the boy. We’re not here to point blame at him, we’re here fishing for information that may help the case.”

“Women shouldn’t be allowed on the force.” The man dismally grunted and then continued, “So, best friends… those were your haunts. Where did he live?”

Tsume shrugged.

“What you never went to his place? Some ‘best friends’.” Officer Korun scrutinized him.

Tsume gave another shrug, “When I asked he said he didn’t want to. I didn’t care. We had more fun just hanging out at places like clubs and stuff where you do something.” He gave a snorted chuckle as if something ironic hit him in the head, “Shit before the other day when the principal told me, I didn’t know his home and parents were forgeries. Of course he never really talked about either topic.”

“You sure don’t know this guy well for being ‘best friends’.” Korun glanced up and over to the woman, “Making a note of that?”

“Yes.” She said as though dealing with a tantruming child.

Giving a yawn, Tsume slouched a bit, “What can I say, I didn’t need to know every hair on his ass to call him my best friend. I took him at face value.”

“Filthy mouthed little shit…” Korun’s hands flexed as though he were imagining punching the kid.

“One to talk.” Tsume’s features didn’t change. “I can tell you he has a half-brother. I met this guy anyways and he said he was his half-brother. His name is Johan. If what he said is true he’ll be at the school today.”

“What?” both cops immediately began to excuse themselves with promises of being back later.

Sold Johan out for some piece and quite. A fair trade. Tsume stood up and headed to the fridge to see if there was anything to eat. As he did his thoughts turned towards concern. Maybe that guy is biting off more then he can deal with. He said he was a fighter but I really don’t buy he’s so good he can take out trained killers. After a moment of those thoughts and his snagging a few beers for himself he headed back upstairs. Not my business, he continued but then his conscience and memory of Atsu kicked in a reminder, but he’s all I have that ties me to Atsu. We didn’t even exchange gifts, not once. Just words and memories. For some reason, he felt hollow for admitting this to himself, words and memories seem pretty useless to me.

***

The police officers on the case walked up to the school. “Now be nice. Kids respond well to it.” The woman told Officer Korun. “And you’ll get much farther with them if you do what makes them respond.”

“As I said. Women shouldn’t be in the force.” The officer snorted hatefully.


Sitting in his desk, after introductions and half an hour into class, Johan was bored out of his mind. He didn’t have a window seat; rather he was in the dead middle of the room. He leaned forwards and rested his chin into his upright palm. These things are terribly uncomfortable. This lecture is dry and who cares about some war that took place hundreds of years ago? Further half of the kids here aren’t even paying attention. He turned his attention to one of the more demure looking girls who was looking over at him. When their eyes met she blushed and looked away. This is stupid. They’re more interested in MY history then the lesson.

The loudspeaker turned on, “Emeric Johan, please report to the principal’s office immediately.”

The students all looked at their new classmate, sitting in Atsu’s seat. Standing up, Johan gave a huff, “Day one and I’m already getting pulled out.” He tisked with annoyance as he headed out of the room, putting one hand into his hand as he exited in a mellow and uncaring manner.

“What do you suppose that’s about?” One of the students muttered to another.

“He’s the brother to that boy who was murdered the other day.” One of the know it all girls answered.


Sitting in the principal’s office were the two officers. Johan made his way in and closed the door behind him. His eyes leveled on the cops with a slight bit of distain and interest. “So you’re what passes for law enforcement here, huh?” He commented as he took a seat without permission.

The two officers were immediately shocked at the rude behavior. “You’re from Germany, correct?” The woman asked and then added, “I don’t know the customs of Germany well but you really should consider how rude you come off to those of this country while you blindingly ignore our ways.”

“Eh?” Johan looked up at her with a brow raised. “Sorry then.” He looked over to the principal’s desk. ‘Where’s the boss?”

“He has left this room for our use at the moment.” The woman explained. “I’m officer Naichan, Takara. This is officer Korun, Yagani. We’re the ones on your half-brother’s case. Please, we’d like to ask you some questions.”

Giving a slight nod, Johan said, “I’ll answer them if you’ll answer some of mine. A fair trade.”

“Trade? We’re not here to ‘trade’ information, boy. We’re here to get to the bottom of the case and catch a murderer! You’re just a stepping block in that case, until you become a suspect. We’ll be doing the questioning.”

“In that case then I suppose I won’t be answering to much.” Johan closed his eyes and sat back in the seat he’d taken. “After all we still have rights in this country, right? Or I could even decide to not be helpful.”

Before the hostile man could explode the officer Naichan took the stage, “We’ll answer what we can. Usually, to limit personal civilian involvement we don’t give information out. Revenge is a very controlling feeling that victim families often are compelled by.”

A slight smirk creased along Johan’s lips, “Of course. It’s only natural to want to satisfy our anger and sate our need for security. Ask yours first.” That way I can figure out what you don’t know just yet. He thought to himself as he opened his eyes to look at the woman, “Oh and I’ll only answer questions she asks.” He pointed out.

“What?” Korun seethed. “What’s with the boys today!” he hissed under his breath. “First that punk at his home and now this? Did that Atsumaru kid just surround himself with little bastards?”

“My half-brother was a kind person, as magnetic as it is, he seemed to inspire others to be stronger, more self-assured. He had a gentle way of assuring everyone they had worth and power.” He opened his eyes and put his gaze onto the woman and gave her a flirtatious smile. “We all need one of those once in a while.”

She gave a nod and ignored the look. “Where were you as of late? The records show that you came to the school at the same time your brother did but you didn’t attend any classes for a full month, in fact this is your first day at class.”

“I was busy finishing arrangements with our family for the transfer.” Giving a knowing smirk he continued. “We lied on where we lived, yes. It wasn’t solidified but our family wanted us to get into the school system as soon as possible. We don’t like spinning our wheels and getting nowhere. We stayed here and there as we prepared for a place to stay.”

“And where are you staying?” The woman asked as she wrote down notes.

“Various hotels, never in one long since I can’t seem to get comfortable in their over done beds.”

“You want us to believe that? Fine, give us the receipts of the last few you and him were staying at, or their names.” Korun insisted as he leaned forwards, “But frankly kid I don’t believe you.”

“That’s all right. I don’t believe you either.” Johan stood up and put his hands on his hips. “After all with all the suspicious shit going on between me and my brother shouldn’t you have put two and two together by now? We’re not going to tell anyone where we come from or who we are. You’re moles for Rambard, and frankly very bad ones.”

“Rambard… who?” The woman officer asked and glanced down to her companion.

“So… are you carrying nails, Mr. Korun? Maybe four of them?”

“Stop it!” Naichan insisted. “He’s an officer of the law and my partner. He’s not the murderer! Now I will have to ask you to give me the names and locations of the hotels you were staying in.” She demanded.

Looking up at her eyes and locking onto them, Johan immediately hypnotized her. She stood like a doll as though frozen in time. Korun jumped to his feet and pulled out his gun, “What the hell did you do to her?!” he demanded.

“Gave us some private time, officer.” Johan said with a smile up to him. “I noticed the cent of iron on you.” He gave a snicker, “I’m not a fairy so unless you plan to try and put those through my hands and feet they’ll do you no good.”

“Eh...!?” Korun backed up. “I was told you weren’t human… I was given them as a safety measure…!” The man just came to realize what he’d done was been set up as the murderer and a scapegoat. “T-they’ll pay top price for information regarding you and that kid.”

“They?” He seemed to take on an aura of dread. The once shit-bombs-piss-gold minded manly man was reduced to stammers as he backed up against the wall.

“M-monster… you’re a monster?!” The officer tried to aim his gun but in the end he just let it drop as he stared in horror.

“I could be.” The vampire gave a grin, showing off his fangs as his eyes seemed to shift and the pupil vanished, leaving bright scornful dark red-purple eyes daring the officer to do something. “I could be far worse then them. They’ll cut you. They’ll pin you down and they’ll pull out your eyes, they’ll cut off your ears.” His eyes narrowed a little more, “I’ll make you do it to yourself, in public, naked. Or maybe I’ll have you rape that woman and leave you to your ‘justice’?”

“I…” The man stuttered as he felt sweat pouring down him. “They’re two people! A woman with short straight black hair and a boy with shoulder length white hair, he’s a tall, blue eyes… he’s got the aura of a murderer! He wears a weird western styled hat! I swear they just wanted information!! I didn’t kill your brother!”

“…Carrie and Violet.” Johan put his hands through his hair. “Where were they going to meet you?”

“H-here!” The cop pointed to a window. “O-over there.” Johan casually walked over to the window and looked down. “The courtyard? You are kidding…?” He turned to see the door slam closed and the man run. “And he left the girl?” He sighed and walked over to her, “Guess I’ll have to make something up.”

***

The rain fell softly on the ground and made hypnotic ripples in the puddles. Johan walked beside the woman cop as they left the school building. “Sorry for the interview taking so long, and for Officer Korun’s other engagement. I didn’t know he had an office meeting when we arranged this time.” She said giving the young vampire a slight smile. “Since those hotels checked out alright all I can say to you is you should get a real residence soon or they’ll probably expel you.”

“Thank you for your concern. I am working on that diligently at the moment.” Johan gave a nod and looked down at the ground where his brother’s body was found. The rain hadn’t managed to wipe away the bloodstains deep within the cement. Sobriety dropped him into a sullen state. “His murder has pushed that back but I’ll get on it.” He walked away from her, “Please, have a good day, Ms.Naichan.”

She watched the young man walk to the scene of the crime and crouch down. She couldn’t offer him any words or alternatives to his feelings. She decided it was best to not get to friendly anyways, and left.

Reaching a hand out, Johan felt the rugged cement and tried to put together some pieces. He had all four nailed in… probably after they caught up to him.

***

Sitting at on his bed, half naked, with a beer can in his hand Tsume watched the rain come down. “Is this all life has to give…?” he muttered to himself. His mind was wandering from knowing he had to finish school, then get work, and then die some day after a hard terrifying struggle of social survival. He didn’t like the ‘machine’ too much but when people thought about it who did? I wonder what that guy is doing right now? Classes are out. I bet he’s gone home to Atsu’s place. He took a drink of the can.

“Honey… you in here?” His mother asked as she opened his door.

Immediately Tsume put the can on the windowsill where his body would block it from sight. “Hey mom.” He didn’t sound thrilled to see her. Rather he turned his head back to the window. “I’m alright. I’m just thinking.”

“We wanted to let you know there was not going to be funeral.” She told him somberly. “I’m sorry, dear. From what I heard the family doesn’t want one.”

“What?!” Tsume turned around; feeling like Johan had betrayed the memory and life of Atsumaru. “You’re kidding me…?” He glared death at her. His turn knocked his can over and it fell on his bed. The beer spilled out and the title Budweiser gleamed in the dim light of the rainy day.

“… You’re drinking?!” His mother asked heart broken. “Tsume-chan you can’t drink you’re not old--!”

“You don’t know anything about me.” Tsume sliced in with a hateful tone. “You just noticed? Don’t I smell like it all the time? I can’t believe it took this to get you to see…” he stood up and grabbed the can with one hand and his coat with another. Pushing past his mother he looked up to her and said in a dismally disappointed tone, “You just didn’t pay that much attention, did you? Dad has all your attention, all the time.”

“I…” She started to defend herself.

He shoved the beer can into her hand. “Deal with it, I’m going out to find Emeric.” Pulling on the coat he headed down the stairs. “I might not come back tonight.” He informed as he hit the bottom of the staircase.

His father turned from his place at the kitchen table looking over papers and raised a brow. “Going out?”

“Yeah.” He pulled his slip on Vans shoes rather then his tied up tennis shoes and went through the main door.

His mother walked into the kitchen with the can in her hand. “Uchi-chan…” She said holding up the can meekly. “He’s the one drinking your beers… you believe it wasn’t me now?” She asked hopefully. His father looked up at her with disbelief on his face.

***

Standing outside of the old church, in the muddy forest path that lead to it, Tsume had water dripping off of him. He had no umbrella and given his mood he felt it was appropriate to be soaked and chilled to the bone.

He finally headed to the door and opened it. Inside no one was present. He sighed heavily and left. Maybe he’s still at the school? If I can’t find him there I can just wait for him here at the church. Heading back to the bus stop, he looked the forest. All the times he’d come with Atsu he’d never once been interested in what nature had to offer around there.

The woods was peaceful as though every animal in it was content to watch the rain fall, to smell the strangely calming sent of it hitting the grass, dirt and bark. The sky above was overlapping gray clouds. The rain fell down as though trying to ease his internal suffering with cool empathic tears. You’d have loved today.

***

Two weeks and thee days ago:

“It rains a lot here.” Atsu said with a little smile over to Tsume as they stood at the local park and over looked the mountains where the church was hidden in. Other people walked sparingly through the park with umbrellas. They were in a hurry to get out of the rain. The two of them stood side by side, drenched. Tsume wasn’t to thrilled with it but the smile and bright eyed look that Atsu got while in the weather was enough to pay for his misery.

Whenever he looks like that he’s the best in bed. Tsume thought in a tender and loving way. He put an arm over Atsu and moved in closer. “Yeah. It’s that season. Here it rains like it’s trying to turn the city into a rainforest.” He snickered a bit. His eyes moved over Atsu’s sweet face. “You know you’re adorable when you’re in the rain.”

“Well I love it.” Atsu snuggled into the embrace. “For one thing there’s not a lot of people willing to stop and watch us.” He pointed out and then gave Tsume a kiss on the lips, a small brief one. “I don’t like hiding we’re together. I think the world is ready to at least accept us without violence, at least here in this city.” He said as he leaned his head against Tsume’s cheek.

The smell and heat of Atsu lifted around Tsume and he felt his heart pick up. His body yearned to take the taller slender young man home and ravage him. He could just imagine the wet chilled body being warmed by the fireplace as they made love on the floor in the main room. What we do in a church is damn ironic. He smirked to himself as he closed his eyes and squeezed his lover closer.

“You’re so innocent at times, Atsu, I can read you so easily, it makes me feel like I can trust you.” Tsume muttered out loud.

***

The memory faded as Tsume came to the main road and turned up it to walk the two miles to the bus area. He paused as he saw Johan walking towards him. For a moment Tsume’s heart had stopped, he thought he saw Atsu walking up. However he quickly scolded himself and his puppy dog hopeful expression died as he picked up his pace. “I have something to talk to you about.” He informed him firmly.

Johan lifted his eyes to see Tsume coming towards him. “Humph, clearly.” Johan pointed out as he came to a stop to let Tsume do the rest of the effort. He looked at the other high school boy as though he were suspicious of him. “What is it?”

“The funeral. Why not?” Tsume cut to the point as he moved into Johan’s personal space.

Johan’s casual and scrutinizing look shifted to annoyed as he walked around Tsume to head home. “The body went missing.” He told him with a heavy gravity. Tsume was stunned and as soon as anger started to take over once more the vampire added, “Our family probably already picked it up and has moved it back to be buried into his homeland’s earth.”

“Does it matter what dirt you put a body in a box in?!” Tsume snapped as he followed him. “I have a right to say good-bye, too!”

“Goodbye?” Johan asked curiously and then gave a little sigh, “You couldn’t even afford to go see the funeral, it’s in Germany.”

Tsume fumed behind him. He felt numb. His brows came pinched together angrily. He’s right. I can’t afford to go to Germany, besides, it’s kinda scary to leave this country. He pushed away those thoughts. Is that the most Atsu meant to me?! The boy who played on other guys found himself angry with himself, not for the first time in the past few days. He… meant more then that. Feeling his eyes well up he pushed the tears back. He’d cried a lot lately.

They walked down to the path that lead to the church, Tsume following like a stalker with knife. Johan paused at the door and put his hands up to feel the rain. “It’s beautiful… feeling the rain, right now it makes me feel clam, sad but calm.” He told Tsume and gave him a little smile. “You look like you feel the same.”

“Uh?” Tsume had been so deep in his usual self-wallowing that he didn’t noticed Johan pause at the door. He didn’t even realize he’d unconsciously stopped himself when the other kid did. “… Yeah it’s nice.” He said after some hesitation. “Atsu…”

“Loved the rain more then anyone I know.” Johan gave a little nod. “I was born in the rain? My mother went into labor as she was going across country with a five year old Atsu. They were in the middle of nowhere and she did the birthing all by herself. He was pretty useless then being only five n’ all. She got out of the car and found a river near by… when I was born I was submerged into the river, she pulled me out quick, or so I was told. Either way it was pouring that day.” He looked up to the sky and finished the little story, “Atsumaru said he loved the rain because I was born in it. His little brother…” He turned and entered the church.

Standing outside as he took in that little story, Tsume mentally conceded, he’s was closer to Atsu then I gave him credit for. He walked into the church as well and closed the door behind him. “Hey… Johan, you have different mothers?”

“Yeah.” Johan kicked off his shoes and pulled off his clothing, stripping right then and there.

Tsume felt his cheeks go hot and his eyes watch the slowly peeling to nudity young man before him. He didn’t stop himself this time. He had no one else who understood how much he missed Atsu. No one else had even a clue what Atsu was to him! He bolted forwards and grabbed onto Johan, pulling him closer to him. He felt like such a girl at the moment but he had to hold someone! He felt so lonely for the first time, like he was some freak, not some playboy on the top of life. He buried his face into Johan’s chest as he cried, “Please… take me to Germany… I… need to say good-bye.” He pleaded.

Dazed by the sudden grab and the pathetic short plead that was asked of him, Johan dropped the shirt he was holding onto the floor and wrapped his arms around him. “Atsu said he’d found someone that he trusted… someone he wanted to protect from our family.” He told him as he rested his head on Tsume’s, leaning into it given he wasn’t tall enough to rest his chin on the shorter man’s head. “He really thought a lot of you, Tsume-kun.” He looked over at fire that was barely burning anymore in the fireplace. He listened to the rain hitting the roof of the church and the shallow breaths between sobs. “I’ll take you to Germany, then.”

Tsume closed his eyes tightly and shuddered out a weak, “Thank you.”

***

It was a day later, the rain had let up a little into a drizzle. Tsume walked down the city street heading for home. His time with Johan had been distant but pleasant. He couldn’t bring himself to dislike the guy now that he found a soft spot in his heart. I just thought he was some loser that was on a suicide trip or revenge kick. Maybe the revenge kick wasn’t to far from the truth but he really seems to be doing it for Atsu. He looked up and his heart stopped. Getting on a bus ahead of him was a young man who looked exactly like Atsu!

No… no way it could be. He told himself as he stared wide-eyed. The person took a window seat and Tsume could see the face was in fact Atsu’s! He immediately bolted into a run but the bus doors closed and it pulled away from the curb. “ATSU-CHAN!?!” He cried out reaching a hand out as though he’d be able to grab the vehicle and stop it.

He chased it until horns were honking around him angrily as he was in the middle of the street and the bus far out reach. He was out of breath and his heart was beating so hard he felt it in his ears. I know… that was Atsu!! He turned around and started to head back towards the bus stop that would take him to the road near the church’s path but then paused. What’s the point of going back now? He wasn’t on a bus that headed there… what was the bus number?! I didn’t even look! IDIOT!

“Noruika?” A man’s voice asked. It was Kyle Summit. He was walking by with an umbrella over him. “Aren’t you freezing like that?” He tilted his head to the side and noticed that the young man didn’t have a shirt under his coat. “You’re soaked.” He pointed out and held his umbrella out a bit. “Are you heading home? I haven’t seen you at school lately.”

Tsume looked over his shoulder to the older American. It’s that English teacher that transferred here. He told himself as he walked over. He couldn’t speak English well so he stuck to Japanese, “I’m fine. I… was just heading home.” He almost said he was chasing after Atsu but realized how that might come across.

Kyle looked over the Japanese boy’s soaked form and then gave a little sigh. “Mind if I walk you there?”

Giving a shrug, Tsume walked by him. “No thanks. I can get there alone.” He assured him.

“Noruika, there was another murder at on the school grounds.” Kyle told him as the boy passed him. “It’s not safe to go to that school right now. You should avoid it at all costs. Play distraught or something.”

Giving the man a glare and pausing in his steps, Tsume wasn’t sure if that was a threat or a warning. Either way why him? “Not hard. Who died this time?”

Kyle turned around and gave a little smile, “A woman with straight short black hair. She had the same MO, hands and feet were nailed.”

Tsume’s eyes went wide and then narrowed. “You seem alright with that.” He observed suspiciously.

“Not ‘alright’ but what am I going to do? Stop going to work? I just don’t want any more students dying.” That said Kyle walked away, he not interested in continuing the conversation with the young Japanese boy.

Tsume watched him leave and took in a heavy breath. “This guy has to get a cell phone.” He muttered in anger as he headed back to the church. ‘This guy’ being Johan that he was referring to.

***

Entering back into the old building that was becoming his home more then his bedroom was, Tsume found Johan drinking something thick and red from an ornate glass bottle. When the boy walked in the vampire jumped with a start and capped the bottle, putting it down next to the sofa. “I thought you were going to go home?”

“Yeah but then I saw and heard something disturbing.” Tsume told him with an icy glare. “There was another murder at the school… vampire was killed. Do you know what’s going on, Johan-¬kun?” his eyes narrowed on the vampire, “And what the hell is that you’re drinking?”

“I’m a vampire… it’s blood.” Johan smirked a little; the red of the blood was all over his mouth and teeth like some cherry otter pop from hell. “Now you said they reported another murderer, huh? Took them a awhile.”

“What?!” Tsume felt his body shaking a little. Have I been played?! Did he kill Atsu? Did I see Atsu? And that reminded him: “I saw Atsu today, on a bus!”

“That’s impossible, you know that.” Johan told him levelly as he looked from him to the fireplace. “We’re going to funeral in a few days, remember?”

“I saw him! And then…” Tsume suddenly found it very odd Kyle was at the bus stop and even odder he told him about the murder. “That Summit guy, an English teacher at our school, he said that there had been another murder. Some woman with short black hair.” He took off his wet coat, his soaked skin under it glistened from the fire as he walked over to look down at Johan. “You did it didn’t you?”

Johan took in a breath and then sat back. “She was one of Atsu’s killers.” He explained himself. “Her name was Violet. She is from our family and was one of the assassins involved.”

“You mean she killed Atsu-chan herself?”

“Probably.” Johan nodded.

Tsume quieted from that news. His mind put together what that meant. “So… after the funeral, you’re not coming back here… are you?” That thought saddened the angsting teen. He’d become used to Johan, granted he only knew him for a few days so far. However with the amount of emotional tension they’d shared it seemed like a week or more.

Johan picked back up the bottle and started to drink more of it, “Naw, I didn’t kill them both and until I’m dead, your dead or they’re dead there’s no point in staying at home. As it is the funeral should be a nice little piece of pandemonium.”

“Hum?” Tsume glanced over to the blood drinker curiously. Suddenly he got it. “Oh right.” He gave nod. “We’ll be there with huge targets painted on our… oh that’s right!” he turned and with wide childish eyes proclaimed, “I saw Atsu on a bus and I’m not crazy! I was four feet from his face, it was his eyes! It was him!! First things first we have to share cell phone numbers. Then we have to find him!”

Giving an aggravated grunt, Johan finished off the blood in the bottle and wiped his mouth. “We have the most interesting conversations on this couch.” He observed before leaning back from Tsume, one arm over the armrest and the other over the backrest. He fixed the young man with a cold look that was at the same time hopeful. “We’re going to his funeral, he’s dead. Ok, I’m done?”

“The body disappeared. You said it was probably your family. What if the body was taken? What if he wasn’t dead?” Tsume fumbled for reasons on how THAT would be accomplished and with all his might he came up with: “You’re vampires after all!”

At first there was nothing commented on that then Johan broke into a grin and then laughed. Tsume didn’t know what the joke was and was put out by the reaction. “I’m not kidding!! I saw him!” He insisted, grabbing up Johan by the shirt collar and pulling him close to him. He paused and noticed that a side of Johan’s head, under the hairline along side of his face, was burned. The young vampire opened his eyes and smiled at him. “W-what?” He asked, not realizing how sensually close they were.

Johan bent forwards and brushed Tsume’s lips with his own, “You’re eyes are like fire when you’re passionate.” He told him and then gently licked Tsume’s lips. “You’re gorgeous in a strictly human way.”

“I’m…” Tsume let go of Johan’s shirt and pulled himself back from him a little. “That’s got nothing to do with Atsu!!”

Taking the moment, Johan pulled his hand through his hair and his grin fell. “I thought it was just funny that you thought being a vampire made us so different.” He explained and then looked over at Tsume with a smirk. “I’m still hungry, I’m not fully healed yet, sorry for the come on.” He shrugged a little as he got up.

Johan moved over to one of the windows and looked out it, his hands on his hips. “It’s possible that Atsu faked his own death, but he’d have had to really planned it out. It’s more likely he’s really dead. Though I can ask my family directly if they took the body. However if you said you saw him, and I’ll believe you if you’re that certain, then it’s time we started to look for him.”

“That’s what I’m talking about!” Tsume stood up and walked over behind Johan. “Let’s exchange phone numbers, keep the phones on us…”

“Eh... I don’t have one.” The vampire admitted. “Either way go home and get pack so you can stay here for a while. I’m using Atsumaru’s stuff and he actually doesn’t have a lot so I can’t share. Besides you’re not the same size.”

“While I’m at it I’m grabbing my bike. I can cut the time between coming and going.” Tsume suggested as he turned and headed to the door. He grabbed up his freezing cold and soaking wet jacket, pulling it on. He felt his skin crawl and nipples harden in revolt.

“You should wait for tomorrow. Dry your clothing, idiot. They were damp this morning and they’ll wet now from your first attempt at ‘going home’.” Johan turned around and heaved a sigh. “I’ll go grab you something to eat. Get the couch ready for yourself.”

Tsume watched him go and gave a slight nod. He’s right… but tomorrow we’re starting this!