Vampire Heart 28

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Scroll 29: Called Out
"Get Jaden settled in," Naoko called as she and Vicente stepped out of the house.
"No problem. Just come back soon," Claude said simply.
"You're the greatest," Vicente said as he took Naoko's hand.
"You're just saying that because you're thirsty," Naoko said meekly.
"No, I mean it," Vicente grinned. "I am grateful, though."
"So, how do you hunt?" Naoko asked as they reached the woods.
Vicente bit his lower lip, "I really wish you didn't have to go and have to see this..."
"Why? I've seen you and Dameon kill other vampires by biting their necks. How is it any different?"
"If I get caught I can just run out of the house before they can catch a glimpse of me. If you get caught, I'll have to protect you," Vicente replied.
"What's really bothering you?" Naoko asked. She stopped walking and grasped his hand tightly.
Vicente stopped and using his free hand stroked his hair nervously. He let out a sigh before turning to Naoko, "It's just a weird complex."
"Talk to me, sweetie," Naoko encouraged him.
"Look, I can't talk to anybody about this kind of stuff..." Vicente said stubbornly.
"I'm not moving until you at least give me the gist of it," Naoko sat on the hard ground, crossed her arms before staring up at him expectantly.
"Gah...I need to feed badly..." Vicente begged.
"There's only one way out of it, then," Naoko said firmly.
"Fine, but I'll tell you on the way," Vicente said calmly.
"Alright," Naoko stood up and dusted herself off before turning to Vicente.
"I think of vampires as monsters, and that's why I don't want you to see this," Vicente admitted.
"What? Do you think I'd stop adoring you because I see proof that you're a vampire?" Naoko asked.
Vicente blushed, "No, I just...it's nothing."
"You can tell me anything," Naoko assured him.
"I came up with an analogy for it earlier," Vicente started. "It's stupid, really."
"Why is it stupid? Other than throwing yourself in a crowd of ravenous vampires, you haven't had any stupid ideas," Naoko caressed his hand with her thumb.
Vicente smiled, "I thought I'm the dragon that trapped the princess."
"You think I'm a princess?" Naoko blushed.
"Well, you are similar to how they portray the princesses. You're single, young, smart, understanding, compassionate, beautiful...perfect..."
"Perfect?" Naoko asked shyly.
"Well, to me you're perfect," Vicente admitted, abashed.
"And why are you a dragon?" Naoko asked.
"Monstrous, wicked, hated, should be slain, feared...a mistake," Vicente muttered.
Naoko frowned when she heard the evenness of his silk voice as he spoke. She tried to bite back her tears, but a few drops glistened in her eyes, "You're not a monster." She stopped him and rested her head against his chest as she cried.
"I should be the sad one, not you," Vicente whispered.
"But, Vicente..." Naoko stared up at him, "It's my fault that you think you're a monster."
"You didn't turn me into a vampire," Vicente replied flatly.
"I don't think vampires are monsters. I can see that they all have different personalities and abilities that make them more human than anything," Naoko said simply.
"It's still not your fault that I hate what I am. You're just making me have mixed feelings about it," Vicente said as he wiped the tears from her eyes.
"What do you mean?" Naoko asked as she started on her way again.
"I've always hated being a vampire," Vicente shrugged. "But the other night when you told me that you're glad I was changed into a vampire, it made me wonder about myself."
"I still mean that," Naoko said firmly. "Out of all of the people in the world, you're my pet and I'd never change that."
"I just..." Vicente shook his head, "I can't see myself as a hero. I feed on humans like a no good parasite. I'm no better than a tick, a flea, a leech..."
"You're much better," Naoko defended him.
"Huh?"
"You protect me. That matters to me..." Naoko was almost in tears. "It's hurting me to see you like this."
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything," Vicente sighed.
"Why?"
"I've upset you. Only a monster could do that," Vicente whispered.
"You think you trapped me when you saved me from that vampire and you became my pet?" Naoko asked. "That's what this is about?"
"H-how did you deduce that from this conversation?" Vicente asked, appalled.
"You've always thought so," Naoko muttered. "You think that I'd be happier being normal?"
"Damn, you're great at reading me..." Vicente blinked in disbelief.
"I'm happy being your mistress, Vicente. I love being with you all of the time. You're not a monster, so get over that," Naoko said sharply.
"How are you so good at deducing things?" Vicente asked, still shocked.
"I know you," Naoko shrugged. "I guess we have a strong bond."
Vicente smiled, "You don't mind the blood frenzy side of me?"
"I'd never mind you being who you are. I like you for you," Naoko replied.
"Thanks...I needed that," Vicente admitted reluctantly.
"I also have a fascination with watching you," Naoko admitted.
"Huh? What do you mean?" Vicente asked.
"You're a tough guy in front of everybody, but when it's just us, you're sweet and caring," Naoko shrugged.
"I have different sides to me," Vicente shrugged. "And I always care about you no matter what."
"I adore you, my sweet pet," Naoko started through the woods again.
Vicente blushed and shuffled behind her. She fascinates me...
"I'm not that good at reading you," Naoko whispered. Vicente caught up to her and looked at her expectantly. "Dameon told me what was bothering you."
"What? That little..." Vicente clenched his fist angrily.
"Does it really bother you so much to know that I know you have problems?" Naoko asked. Vicente gritted his teeth and stared at the ground in silence. "Why?"
"You're not supposed to know that I'm weak," Vicente replied reluctantly.
"Knowing yourself isn't a weakness, and neither is being unsure," Naoko replied soothingly.
Vicente smiled at her before kissing her cheek lightly. "I'm getting thirstier by the second." Vicente started walking again with Naoko following close behind him.

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Vampire Heart 30