Chapter 5

Kyohei continued to glare at Sunako throughout their meal. Sunako ignored him with skill developed from ignoring Ranmaru's aggressive flirtations.

Speak of the devil.

Sunako prepared herself when she noticed Ranmaru's attention had been diverted from his meal to her. This had unfortunately become routine.

"So, my dear Sunako when will you allow me a sip of your blood?" Ranmaru finished his inquiry with a wink that admittedly may have seduced a weaker women. To Ranmaru's credit, Sunako had years of experience deflecting interested parties and was completely tired of it and unlikely to fall for his charm.

"When I take one step for myself one giant leap over your decimated body for womankind." Sunako returned with an intimidatingly blank expression.

Ranmaru however was made of tougher stuff than most men or perhaps he was just so unfamiliar with rejection that he had simply no idea how to accept it because he persevered.

"Perhaps I was too bold in mentioning bodily fluids, especially at the table of the delicious meal you've prepared for me. How about I take you out to a wonderful restaurant so you can be pampered as you deserve?"

I can't be sure but I think he just sent a wave of pheromones in my direction. Maybe I'm just allergic to something?

Kyohei couldn't remain quiet at Ranmaru's remark. Quiet in this case of course meaning couldn't continue stuffing his face at a speed that didn't allow for speech.

"She already has a date. Narashi, right? What's up with that Sunako you like being the stronger one in the relationship?"

I think I preferred it when he was pretending I didn't exist.

"I don't think that's any of your business-"

"Of course, it's my business you're my co-"

"Well you didn't think it was your business when you left -"

"I did that for you. You're new to this so you don't realize but if I had stayed…" Kyohei's yelling broke of immediately as if he was afraid to utter the words.

"What, what would have happened?"

"Nothing, I'm done." Kyohei stood and exited the table the screech of the chair receiving unnecessary force backwards was the only sound as Kyohei left the apartment.

"Sunako, Kyohei's just going through a tough time right now." Yuki attempted to comfort Sunako she wasn't really in the mood to hear about how rough Kyohei had it.

"It's fine, I think I'll also excuse myself I have some reading to do." Sunako figured she could just add that one to the pile of lies she had been building recently.

Is it even still a pile at this point? Maybe a mountain? A mountain I can drop on Kyohei.

The thought of the blonde vampire destroyed even the cynically humorous mood she attempted to create. If she was being honest with herself Sunako could rationalize that everything was not Kyohei's fault and it was really possible that having a conduit was tough for Kyohei especially considering he had previously decided to never have one.

Great now I'm sympathizing with him? Ugh, whatever I still say he probably sparkles.

The next day was one of Sunako's busiest she had to stay late for a group project, rush to finish a reading because she had accidently read the one for the next week instead, and she had a tiring shift at work.

Sunako used the thought of a hot shower and ice cream as motivation for climbing the stairs.

Maybe Noi is evil. Who would put the human on the top floor in a building with no elevator?

Sunako was celebrating her victory over what she had accepted to be her eminent death by stairs when she noticed Kyohei watching her from her doorway.

"Hello." Sunako decided to be the bigger person, in what was a decidedly awkward stare-off.

But of course, Kyohei chose the path less traveled, unsurprising considering his vampirism an what not, and continued to stare at Sunako without greeting.

Good chat.

Sunako rolled her eyes as she searched for her skull key ring.

"A conduit-vampire relationship is more complicated than you think." Sunako thought Kyohei's non sequitur was odd but she still turned to face him and demonstrate her superior listening skills.

After a moment of silence in which Sunako realized Kyohei wasn't going to add anything more she added.

"How so?"

Kyohei didn't respond instead he retreated into his apartment leaving the door open in what Sunako assumed was an invitation.

"Will you walk into my parlor" said the spider to the fly or however it goes.

Despite some misgivings Sunako followed Kyohei into his living room. Kyohei sitted himself in a large comfy looking leather chair and Sunako chose the couch near it.

Sunako waited for Kyohei to begin the conversation, understanding that in this case he had all the cards. Sunako didn't enjoy not having all the information and rarely found herself in such situations.

"A conduit is meant to be a partner to a vampire, a secret holder or confidant. The vampires you read about in books in see in movies are very far from the truth." Kyohei sighed and considered his phrasing.

"We are similar to humans in that we do not have this super speed or ability to shift into bats or mind control-"

"Then what did you do to Takuma."

"You are correct that Narashi's memories were tampered. Some vampires, very few have some psychic abilities as do some humans and other creatures."

"Other creatures? What sort of abilities? Wait why did you feed Takuma your blood?"

"If you would give me a moment to answer I could explain."

"Of course oh great and special vampire one. I'm am but a mere human here to serve you. Please continue I'll try not to interrupt."

"I don't think you are. Anyway, yes there are supernatural beings other than vampires, abilities such as memory altering although the mind has to be weak enough to allow for the vampires influence, some mind suggestion not control but ideas being placed in ones head, some have greater strength or speed, and there are other abilities. Finally, I fed Takuma my blood to heal him."

Sunako took a moment to observe all of this information. Her inner horror fan was screeching with joy while her more analytical side wanted to study and understand more of what was occurring around her, assuming that Kyohei was telling the truth.

"Okay, so assuming what you say is the truth how do you get victims if you are not controlling them."

"Well, first I would not call everyone that is fed from victims. There are some who feed from animals this usually leaves them weaker and more likely to experience the True Death sooner. Others have arrangements with humans or other creatures and an exchange is made some of the more wealthy vampires have made the careers of the socialites and celebrities you see today. For example, his family created the fame for Starshine."

At Sunako's blank look at the name Kyohei elaborated.

"She won the Teen Choice Award for best pop artist last year." Sunako's blank look continued and her eyes appeared to glaze over.

"Well, yeah, I don't follow any of that stuff either but a surprising amount of the talentless or talented celebrities you see are either connected to an influential vampire or they are creatures themselves."

"I see so what type of supernaturals are there and also could you tell me more about the conduit bond."

Kyohei grimaced slightly at the mention of the conduit bond but continued.

"There are many different types of supers, fae, shifters, goblins, witches and many more."

Sunako decided to ignore his introspective look at her when he mentioned witches so that she could learn more about the bond.

"The conduit bond is something special I know you're angry with me for leaving but it was for the best. If I had stayed we probably would have entered into a romantic relationship, it is one of the ways of ensuring a strong partnership."

Three weeks of mental anguish or a relationship with broody vampire forever. Okay, I think I can forgive him for leaving me.

"I see."

"There was a chance of you being too affected and doing something drastic or becoming insane from the separation, but I took the chance."

Remember you just forgave him don't go backwards Sunako strangling the vampire for leaving your future to chance would be bad. Noi, Takenaga, Ranmaru, and Yuki would be upset, you like most of them.

"I can see that you're still angry for whatever reason. You should understand that I was also affected the bond is not one-sided I felt what you were feeling to a degree. I felt a constant desire to be near you, a possessive need to have you for my own, and an instinct to protect and comfort you. It was hell."

Tell me about it bucko.

"Anyway I was right about you being different. It usually takes years for a conduit bond to be bearable without the contact and partnership."

Yes, hate is a great deterrent of partnerships.

"Right, well you've given me a lot to think on so I think I'll go now. Do you have any reading material or something I could look at?" Sunako looked pointedly at his filled bookshelves.

"Fine, I'll lend you a few books but you have to make more fried shrimp."

"Yeah, whatever sounds like a deal."

Sunako returned to her apartment with her loot, her mind full of everything she just learned. She spent the rest of the night reading the sometimes dark and gory writing of lore. It was actually not too different from some of the books she usually read.

"This place has the best sweets! I promise Sunako and look they're so cute." Sunako stared at the cupcakes and cookies through the glass case. The bright colors and childish decorations were offputting but her sweet tooth and Noi had been the deciding factors.

After both ladies picked out a few treats they chose a table near the large window of the frilly café. The walls were painted in shades of pink, the tables were covered in frilly tulle tablecloths and a mix off kittens, tiny teacups, and bows, and the floor was a pink and hot pink tile.

Maybe I'll drop Kyohei off here and tell all his crazy fangirls where he is. No, that might just be too evil I'll save it for Plan B.

"Isn't it so cute, Sunako?" Sunako stared at Noi knowing that even her girly friend couldn't really like this place. Something was bothering Noi but she didn't know what.

"Are you feeling okay, Noi?"

"Yes, of course everything is great."

"Noi, we only met recently but you've grown to be one of my closest friends. It doesn't take a genius to see that something is bothering you."

"I consider you to be one of my closest friends as well. You know I actually haven't had many close friends, I always have to wonder if they are trying to use me to get closer to the guys or trying to use my influence, but with you it's different. Sunako, I think Takenaga is hiding something from me, something dangerous."

Thank you for reading. I'm working on the next chapter and trying to work out exactly where I want this fic to go. I also appreciate suggestions for improvement.