One and a Half Vampires

8. Escape from the Past

Since Seonghwa had few personal possessions he brought to the tomb, their bags were packed swiftly. Hongjoong helped him retrieve as many coins as they dared steal from the dead - though Seonghwa's tolerance was much higher for that since he regarded them as equals - and they packed their blankets and capes into bundles so they wouldn't freeze during their crossing. Seonghwa had stayed for several months, so he wasn't too depressed to leave this place. He nodded his farewell with respect and thanked the dead for harbouring him. Then he closed the door to the mausoleum behind them and took Hongjoong's hand. In the wintry landscape greeted by the first snow of the year, his smile shimmered like the most precious of jewels. 

"Let's go," he suggested quietly. Though tentative about leaving so abruptly with Hongjoong, he didn't hesitate. His pale hand squeezed Hongjoong's, and he smiled at Hongjoong's breathless grin. The thin blanket of snow crunched under their shoes as they carefully felt their way down the side of the cliff. They never let go of each other and muttered the occasional warning about loose rocks or slippery branches hidden beneath the shining coat of white. Some snowflakes made their way into Seonghwa's inky black hair, decorating him with an innocence that matched the untouched beauty of his features. Hongjoong was almost too timid to be seen with him. Wouldn't onlookers think him too ugly and ungainly for Seonghwa? No, they would probably assume Seonghwa was a rich lord and Hongjoong his personal servant. 

The longer Hongjoong thought about it, the less he loathed that idea. He would like to carry anything Seonghwa demanded and to protect his head from the sky's wrath by guiding an umbrella along.

"Who were you? Before you... you know," Hongjoong asked once they made it onto the street. Seonghwa tugged the wide hood of his coat over his head, masking the unnatural beauty of his features. His every step was elegant like that of a cat, and Hongjoong tried to angle his shoulders to carry himself in a matching manner. He heard the tales of how vampires were turned. Not born from a father and a mother, but the spawn of those already struck with the vile curse. The exchange of blood with a vampire bound a human to their kin, making them a child of the night. Somewhere, some night, Seonghwa died to be reborn under another's hands. Had he wanted it? Or had he screamed and fought until his last breath?

Shuddering, Hongjoong strained his senses to attend to Seonghwa's reply.

"I was once the son of a merchant. We never lived in poverty and my mother cherished me as their sole child. I travelled to many places by my father's side, saw foreign buildings and unique treasures. Just as many rare people, one of which happened to be the vampire lady that took a liking to me." His smile turned wistful, so Hongjoong didn't ask. He could tell it wasn't a joyous story. 

"I forgot everything I ever learned from my father, but I have been trying to catch up on my studies whenever I am not running. Perhaps in our new place, I will find time for such endeavours."

Hongjoong hemmed and hawed but ultimately grunted in displeasure.

"Best you stay home and tend to those studies from there. I will do everything you need me to do, but I can't come home one day and see you gone. It would break my heart," he admitted his fear. Understanding in his solace, Seonghwa inclined his head.

"We will find a way so both of us are safe in our fulfilment. I shall fret the same, meeting you as a hunted man. Once you find work, I will sigh wistfully at the window for your return."

In disbelief that his grandest dreams came true and he got to be with a person he cherished, Hongjoong shirked his fear. He stifled his grin in his cloak and steeled himself as they entered the town. Both men veiled their identities, and the ship waited at the harbour. They had enough money and the resolve to buy their way on board.