Chapter Text
The day was dreary, much like every day before it. The air felt chilled as if a storm would approach yet he knew it was far off. He could feel the gravel beneath his knee as he trimmed the stem of one of his prized roses. Crimson petals the color of blood looked vibrant against his pale skin. The stark difference between life and death. Yet the rose would soon perish, while it’s beholder would last forever.
Park Seonghwa stood from his spot and brushed long, delicate fingers along the black fabric of his pants to clear away any clinging dirt. He disliked being dirty but found it worth it when tending to his gardens. It had been a long, long time since Seonghwa had any visitors and most he wasn’t fond of regardless. If any of those like him stopped by, they often would leave him annoyed and wishing for solace once more. While living in this place could be quite lonely, Seonghwa found that he much preferred it. Human life was too fleeting. Immortals lasted far too long. None quite touched his still heart over the decades that passed.
Seonghwa wasn’t the oldest of his kind. Not at all, but he’d lived long enough to watch everyone he’d ever known pass on, as well as their grandchildren. There were times he’d wished he hadn’t been given this turn of fate, but he’d loved the man with all his heart. Yet fate would be so cruel as to take his Sire from him a mere half century ago. They’d spent nearly one hundred years together. Seonghwa was nurtured and taught how to care for himself. How to feed without killing should he desire. How to exist like a ghost even when humans ventured too close. And when his Sire met his untimely end, Seonghwa had longed to join him. Yet something kept him frozen. As if whispers on the wind urged him to remain on the Earth. Telling him that he was necessary.
Seonghwa’s chest ached with melancholy as he carried his small bundle of roses toward a stone bench nestled nearby. His garden was quite expansive and he’d decorated it numerous times over his years living in the mansion. He kept his time caring for the various plants and flowers throughout the lush expanse. Even having a greenhouse to keep some vibrancy during the winter months. He smiled to himself as he settled on the bench and set the thorny stems in his lap. A small bucket was placed beside him as Seonghwa started to pluck the thorns from the stems. While any injury he received would heal quickly, he still wasn’t eager to prick himself on the beautiful roses. His sharp strength easily removed the offending thorns and the tiny sounds of the pieces hitting the bottom of the bucket reached Seonghwa’s ears. He hummed softly to himself as he worked. The task monotonous but not too boring.
Seonghwa had just reached for the last of his roses when he smelled something new in the air. He lifted his head quickly and glanced about the garden. The sharp, metallic scent of blood tickled his nostrils as his eyes narrowed. The scent wasn’t human, not quite. Its unfamiliarity mixed with that of an animal. Something had entered his garden.
Seonghwa set the roses down on the bench beside his bucket and stood from the bench. He reached down to pick up his cloak that he’d left there, clasping it about his throat with the golden ornament. He closed his eyes a moment then followed the scent. Seonghwa ventured passed the stone walls surrounding his inner garden and through the iron gate. The mansion property expanded further beyond until it reached the woods. But Seonghwa didn’t need to go that far. Tucked inside a circle of wild rose bushes, Seonghwa found the source of his disturbance.
A man was crouched down in the center, feverishly trying to coax a meal from the small rabbit he’d managed to catch in his hands. Blood dripped from his fingers and to the soil beneath him. Soft growls and whimpers of desperation escaped his lips. Seonghwa could sense the newness to him. The way his body jerked and trembled with his movements. The scent of blood both human and animal clinging to his skin and clothes. The poor thing seemed to be starving and didn’t notice Seonghwa approach while he gorged himself on his tiny meal.
Seonghwa tsked softly to himself and stepped into the small area. He cooed at the wretched creature, looking upon him with pity. The man stopped his movements for a second. His fingers tightened possessively around his prey, digging into the fur and flesh of the long dead animal. He looked up at who had approached behind him. His dark eyes flashed with hunger and fear. He snapped his teeth once then quickly turned to put distance between them. He cried out when his balance failed and he tumbled backward into one of the unforgiving rose bushes. The thorns tore at his silk shirt and porcelain skin. Yet he didn’t release his catch.
Seonghwa watched the poor boy as he tried to regain himself. He knew the stinging sensation of rose thorns wasn’t pleasant, but he didn’t want to further spook the fragile creature in his midst. The boy balanced himself again, small dots of crimson on his skin and left cheek. He quickly tried to suck the last remnants of his rabbit and whined pitifully when it gave no more. Pleadingly, he looked up at Seonghwa.
The vampire gasped lightly at the sight of him. His black hair framed his delicate face like a gilded frame. His features seemed to have been carved from stone, just like the sculptures that Seonghwa liked to keep in his garden. He seemed so soft, yet sharp in the perfect places. His lips, bright red from the tiny rabbit he’d been feeding from. To see someone so beautiful, surrounded by the garden Seonghwa loved so much, he felt as though he’d been granted the thing which his heart yearned for. Seonghwa stepped one foot closer and paused. The boy tilted his head up just a little more and exposed the pale column of his neck. His bare skin marred by dried blood around the tell-tale puncture scars of a fresh turning.
“Help me—” The boy’s voice cracked and he whimpered to himself in despair. He stared down at his meager prey and sniffled.
Seonghwa’s heart ached for the pitiful creature. How awful it must have been for him to wake in such a state. The human mind was fragile and needed gentle care to properly adjust to the change of immortality. Seonghwa had been blessed to have his loving Sire, but this boy seemed to have been abandoned. And by the sight of the blood tracks on his throat, it couldn’t have been more than a few days at most. The pain and fear in the boy’s voice and eyes gripped the older man tightly. How dare another turn such a beautiful creature only to abandon him to suffering? Seonghwa’s pity turned to anger.
Despite the raging turmoil in his chest, Seonghwa smiled gently and moved closer once more. The boy flinched back, holding his prize to his chest, even though it had nothing left to give him. By the sight, Seonghwa guessed he got no more than a couple of swallows at best.
“Hush, precious thing. I won’t harm you. My name is Seonghwa, will you let me close?” Seonghwa’s soft voice reached out as if to caress the boy. He spoke to himself or hummed quiet melodies enough that it never sounded disused. He carefully reached out a hand to help the fledging from the bushes that continued to tear at him. When the younger stared at him with widened eyes yet remained frozen, Seonghwa bit the corner of his lower lip in thought.
“Here, let me help.” Seonghwa coaxed as he unbuttoned the cuff of his sleeve. He rolled it up with practiced ease then offered his wrist out once more. The boy looked at his wrist then up at Seonghwa again with apprehension and fear. “Ah…” Seonghwa nodded in understanding. He settled himself on his knees and lifted his wrist to his own mouth. He pricked the skin with his fangs and shivered at the taste of his own blood on his tongue. Beads of crimson formed on the surface of his pale skin. Seonghwa looked up and saw the flash of hunger in the young fledgling’s eyes. He smiled gently and stretched out his now bleeding wrist to him.
“Go on, you need to feed. It will ease your suffering.” Seonghwa urged him. He lifted his thumb to his lips and wiped the droplet of blood that collected there before he licked it away.
The fledgling dropped his prey to the ground and moved forward with awkward coordination. Seonghwa had to steady him as the boy gripped his wrist and messily brought it to his lips. The scrape of tiny, blunt fangs sent a shiver down Seonghwa’s spine. The poor thing couldn’t even properly puncture flesh, it was no wonder he was starving. The boy fell against Seonghwa, his stomach resting against Seonghwa’s thighs while he held onto his arm with both hands. Seonghwa gently stroked his back as he watched the fledgling try to suckle his blood. He could feel him lapping at it and knew he was struggling. Precious drops spilled to the soil and stained his clothes. The boy whined high in the back of his throat like a small child. A pitiful sound that flared Seonghwa’s instincts to life. He removed his wrist from the younger’s mouth only to be surprised by sharp nails digging in. Desperate to keep his meal from escaping.
“Now, now, I’m only going to help you.” Seonghwa chided softly. He reached his other hand around and carefully grasped the boy’s throat in his hand. The struggling baby vampire stilled in his hold. His chest rose and fell from the habit of breathing, even if he didn’t need it any longer. His voice sounded rough in his throat as he whimpered once more.
“Come, sit up.” Seonghwa guided him, hand still on his throat until the fledgling faced him, seated on the ground with his legs bent to one side. “Good boy.” His thumb caressed the side of the smaller’s throat, flaking away some of the dried blood from the moment he died. Seonghwa watched his eyes as he lifted his wrist back to his own mouth. He tore the wound open a little more before he moved around to be behind him. He could feel the bob of his adams apple and gently cooed before he guided his wrist to the boy’s lips once more.
“There, now try.” Seonghwa released his throat and slid his hand down to the boy’s chest. He could feel the shaped of his collar bones under his fingers before he met the cool metal of chains adorning his blouse. The boy’s mouth latched on properly this time and Seonghwa’s eyes fluttered at the sensation. He’d missed this feeling. The ecstasy of sharing one’s blood with another. Seonghwa felt warmth in his chest that he’d forgotten existed. The winds had whispered to him that he was needed and until this moment, Seonghwa had been convinced that they were only toying with him. But holding this precious baby in his arms, Seonghwa was glad he hadn’t joined his Sire in eternal rest.
Several minutes passed and Seonghwa could feel the boy tiring of his feeding. He let him suck one more mouthful before he removed his wrist. This time, without complaint from the fledgling. He licked his wound, grimacing at the mess but knew it would be easy to take care of. He stroked the boy’s head once more, cooing praises to him for being obedient. Some new fledglings, especially those who are abandoned, become easily feral and without thought. Blinded by the desperate need to feed. Seonghwa thought that something guided this precious creature to his garden at just the right time. He felt the need to care for and protect him. To take him as his own.
Seonghwa shifted his body so he could pull the fledgling to his feet. He could see the haze in his eyes. The dull crimson ring about his honey-colored irises. Seonghwa clicked his tongue at the trails of blood that dripped down his chin and neck. “Look at the mess you’ve made. Let’s get you cleaned up.” He shook his head with a small smile.
The fledgling tilted his head, clearly trying to understand his words. Seonghwa smiled again and moved him toward a bench that sat just under a tree. He sat down and guided the boy to straddle his lap, facing him. He tucked the boy’s knees up next to his hips and cupped his cheeks with his hands. He stared into his eyes a moment then pulled his face closer. For creatures such as themselves, they knew what warmth was, but only really felt it in the presence of each other. Seonghwa gently licked the crimson stains on the boy’s throat and chin. Cleaning every drop he’d spilt as he went. He could hear soft moans escaping the younger’s lips and felt a familiar feeling stirring in his belly. One hand slipped around to the younger’s nape and held him possessively as he continued. He could taste the dried droplets of rabbit blood as he cleaned the boy’s cheeks. The taste of his own on his chin and the heavenly taste of the fledgling himself near the puncture scars on his skin where his throat almost met his shoulder. Seonghwa knew he had already become addicted, just from the taste.
The boy shivered on his lap. Delicate hands clinging desperately to Seonghwa’s shoulders. At first he tried to pull away, unsure of what the alluring man was doing. But the warmth of his tongue on his skin was electrifying. He gasped then swallowed down a moan as the vampire’s fangs gently traced the hollow of his throat. His fingers dug in deeper into the man’s shoulders to steady himself. His knees squeezed Seonghwa’s hips. The grip on the back of his neck was firm, but not painful. It felt almost grounding to have someone in control. To not fear and allow the man to hold him as he pleased. Seonghwa's other arm snaked around his waist and pulled him impossibly closer. The fledgling's hardening cock pressed into the man’s stomach and sent a fire through his abdomen. The fledgling gasped again and felt a heat rise to his cheeks as the man below him chuckled against his sensitive neck.
“Have I excited you, precious?” Seonghwa breathed out, kissing his neck adoringly. While oxygen wasn’t required, it was a habit he never desired to be rid of. He then pulled his face away and looked up into the boy’s dazed eyes. He smiled, fangs on display as he licked his lips at the sight. The boy was even more beautiful like this. Having been well fed and nourished with physical care. Seonghwa’s fingernails scraped lightly against his head as he watched him. “Tell me your name, hmm?”
The fledgling tilted his head a little. His lips parted to answer but nothing came out except for a small whine. He looked upset that he couldn’t answer and his brows furrowed. Seonghwa cooed at him and kissed his throat one more time. He smiled as the boy shivered again in response. “That’s a good boy, you can do it.” He encouraged.
“Ye—” The boy tried again. Seonghwa rubbed circles into the small of his back where his other hand laid against him. He enjoyed holding him close. Feeling the pressure between their bodies at their proximity. The carnal desire of humanity that transformed with them into immortality. One of the few physical joys they could still indulge in. Seonghwa watched him with adoring eyes, knowing that this boy had already become his everything.
“Yeo— Yeosang.” The fledgling finally managed to say. A small smile shaped his lips and his tiny, baby fangs peeked out before the rest of his perfect and small teeth.
“Good boy, Yeosang. You’ve done well.” Seonghwa removed his hand from his neck and pushed some of Yeosang’s black hair from his face. He tucked a few strands behind his ear then cupped his jaw. Long fingers slipped under Yeosang’s ear and into his hair. “Shall I reward you?”
Yeosang nodded eagerly. His entire face lit up at the praise despite his struggles. His mind was still hazy and a mess from his transition. Having gone through it alone, surrounded by the darkness of the forest in which he had been abandoned. He didn’t yet understand fully what had happened to him. Perhaps he was merely in a dream. But if this was how it was going to be, he wished he wouldn’t wake up. After all of his agony and terror, such a beautiful man was waiting for him. Caring for him and touching him with a softness that Yeosang had only ever dreamed of. His back arched when Seonghwa pulled him closer again. His cock rubbed against the man’s stomach once more. Yeosang tried not to whine but Seonghwa didn’t seem to mind.
“Ah…hng…” Yeosang trembled in his grasp just before soft, warm lips pressed against his own. Yeosang felt as though a taught string had been cut and his body sagged against Seonghwa. Easily held up in his strong embrace as the vampire kissed the remnants of blood from his swollen lips. Seonghwa’s arms slowly encircled his body, trapping Yeosang’s arms against his sides and caging him in.
Seonghwa pulled away far too soon and Yeosang whimpered at the loss. He was quietly hushed before he felt fangs pierce his skin again. In the same place as his attacker. At first, Yeosang went rigid with fear. He squirmed and cried out to try and escape. His mind torn by the terror-filled memory of being taken from his bedroom balcony. Dragged away into the forest for miles upon miles before his attacker finally feasted upon him. The pain and burning as he writhed upon the floor, completely unsure of where he was. The chill that settled into his bones as his body transitioned from human to creature of the night. Yet all these memories and thoughts lasted only a few seconds before the strength and warmth of Seonghwa’s arms holding him tightly reminded him that he was safe. The strange sensation of the vampire feeding from him left him feeling light and in awe of the pleasure. His body responded to the effect of Seonghwa’s teeth against his throat and hands pressed to his body. The feeling of care and safety. Of vulnerability and submission. Yeosang felt he could trust this man he’d only met short time ago.
Seonghwa licked at his wound, allowing it to heal before he came back and met Yeosang’s eyes. He reached his hand down and untied the sash that held Yeosang’s waistband tight. He watched the boy’s hazed reaction as he slipped his hand inside. The way his eyes fluttered and his head tilted back with a moan as Seonghwa rubbed him. Pre-cum had already beaded and dripped from the tip and Seonghwa used it to help ease the slide of skin against skin. He knew the boy was already worked up and chose not to tease him further for now. There would be plenty of time for such things later.
“You’ve been such a good boy for me, Yeosang.” Seonghwa praised him and smiled as the boy’s hips canted forward into his hand. He stroked him with more purpose. Squeezing the shaft and rubbing the slit at his tip in just the right ways. “My perfect baby vampire.”
Yeosang stuttered a moan as the tight coil in his abdomen suddenly burst. His body arched further, held up only by Seonghwa’s palm flat against his back. His lips parted in a beautiful moan as he came undone into Seonghwa’s hand. Endeared by him, Seonghwa coaxed him through his orgasm and carefully removed his hand. He pulled Yeosang to his chest and held him as he thoughtfully licked the boy’s cum from his long fingers. Even this tasted as wonderful as his blood. Seonghwa had truly been blessed.
Yeosang panted slightly against Seonghwa’s throat as he came down from his high. He felt spent both physically and emotionally. His body had been through the most agonizing pain and blissful pleasure he’d had before. Exhausted but satisfied. He nipped slightly at Seonghwa’s throat, kissing his pale skin. Seonghwa chuckled and carefully stood up, setting Yeosang on his feet just long enough to scoop him up into his arms. He cradled him against his chest and allowed Yeosang’s face to tuck into his shoulder.
“You’re safe with me now, Yeosang.” Seonghwa carried him back through the iron gate and into the inner garden. He walked through the maze of roses and other flowers, passing his snipped roses on their bench. When he reached the mansion, he stepped inside with ease. He could feel Yeosang starting to fall asleep in his arms and couldn’t help but smile. He’d been so lonely the last few decades, yet no one had managed to fill the emptiness. Not until this poor, abandoned boy found his way into his garden. This precious creature that needed someone to care for him. Seonghwa felt as though his life had found its purpose once more.
Seonghwa took him to his large bedroom. He laid the boy on the couch and quickly cleaned and dressed himself in fresh clothes. He then bent over Yeosang on the couch and slowly undressed him. Yeosang’s body had gone limp with exhaustion but Seonghwa didn’t mind it. He watched as Yeosang’s milky skin healed all of the tiny cuts and bruises that littered his body. The fresh feeding having helped him start to heal. As a baby vampire, it would take time, but it was progress. Seonghwa retrieved a warm cloth and water from his bathroom and gently cleaned the boy. Spending precious time making sure he would be fully cleansed and comfortable. Once every speck of dirt was gone, Seonghwa dressed him in a loose, white blouse with ruffled collar and sleeves. It was long enough to drape to his mid-thighs and Seonghwa deemed it enough for proper rest. He then carefully carried the sleeping boy to the large bed and placed him down into the plush comfort. Yeosang whimpered a little, his fingers having found themselves locked into Seonghwa’s shirt.
“It’s alright, little baby vampire. I’m not leaving you.” Seonghwa kissed his forehead then pried his fingers away to lay down beside him. He pulled the boy closer and his heart seemed to spur to life as Yeosang nuzzled against his chest. Seonghwa closed his eyes against the moisture that formed there. This sweet, innocent creature clung to him for safety and Seonghwa couldn’t feel happier. He wrapped his arms around Yeosang and kissed the crown of his head in gratitude.
“I promise to always protect you. My perfect, precious little angel in this dark world.”