MIX-UP (JossGawin)

Chapter 12

Tong lay sprawled on the couch, feeling weak and drained. The recent feedings had taken a toll on him. He groaned, rubbing his temples. "Joe, where's the food? I'm starving."

Joe glanced up from his book, rolling his eyes. "You look like death warmed over. Hold on." He got up and started preparing some food in the kitchen.

Tong watched, barely able to keep his eyes open. "Hurry up, will you? I feel like I'm about to faint."

"Calm down, drama queen," Joe muttered, tossing some noodles into a pot. "I'm moving as fast as I can."

Tong dragged himself to the table as Joe set down a steaming bowl of noodles. Without waiting, Tong dove in, eating greedily. But even after finishing, he still felt empty. "That's not enough," he grumbled, clutching his stomach.

Joe sighed. "Fine, I'll order some more. Jeez, you're like a bottomless pit." He picked up his phone, placing an order for a delivery feast. 

As an afterthought, he also ordered some blood-boosting supplements for Tong.

When the food arrived, Tong tore into it like a starving man. Joe watched with a mixture of amusement and concern. "You're gonna give yourself a stomach ache at this rate," he said, shaking his head.

Tong paused long enough to glare at him. "Don't care. I need it."

Joe's thoughts wandered as he watched his friend devour the food. 

Is it really okay to let Mark feed off Tong like this? It can't be good for him. 

Shortly after, the supplements arrived. Joe handed them to Tong with a smirk. "Here, take these. Maybe they'll help you survive your vampire mate."

Tong eyed the bottles suspiciously. "What's this crap?"

"Blood-boosting supplements. Just take them, and stop whining," Joe replied, heading towards his room.

Tong popped one of the pills into his mouth, grimacing at the taste. "God, these are awful. You better hope they work, Joe, or I'm gonna bite you instead."

Joe laughed, waving him off. "Good luck with that. Try not to pass out, okay?" He disappeared into his room, leaving Tong to grumble to himself.

In his room, Joe collapsed onto his bed, feeling the weight of the day settle on him, trying to maintain his own sanity.

Something had to give.

Meanwhile, Tong lay back on the couch, feeling slightly better after the food and the supplement. 

"You better be right about these, Joe," he muttered, closing his eyes. "Or I'm gonna haunt you."

As sleep finally claimed him, he couldn't help but wonder how much longer he could keep this up. The bond with Mark was intense and draining, but somehow, it was also something he couldn't bring himself to break.